Originally posted by ZeruelYeah, that's what I get for doing two things at once.
Defending champ has to qualify.
I think that's already happening. I'm pretty sure Brazil were in the South American qualifying tournament these past two years even though they were the 2002 champs.
The defending champions must qualify rule did lead to a nice bit of irony for the next World Cup, what with the final of the last tournament being Brazil and Germany. I had a little chuckle at that.
Looking at the groups, I'd say the only struggle England face in their group is Sweden. Hopefully, we'll already be through to the next round before we play them, seeing how we ALWAYS seem to struggle against Sweden in major tournaments. I'll be happy with a semi-final finish, to be honest.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-dave-mirra-dies-20160204-story.html I'm in my early 30's right in the demographic of the first X-Games. I mean this as sincerely and as seriously as I can that I hope he didn't shoot himself in the head....