
Ireland scored a late equalizer through Shane Long against Poland to keep alive their fading hopes of qualification. The result maintained the legendary status of Martin O'Neil for now. In truth, Ireland were poor for half the match and look like they have made little progress with Saint Martin in charge.
Harry Kane is a good Premier League player, but he is not the player the Spurs star is being made out to be. The English media is desperate to create the next superstar who they can eventually tear down on the front and back pages. Kane scored a goal on his debut against Lithuania and the media went into hyperbolic overdrive. Give the player a chance to develop his game before anointing him as the heir to Alan Shearer. A penny for the thoughts of Martin O'Neill, who missed out on having the son of a Galway man, play in the green of Ireland.

Pressure is mounting on Jurgen Klinsmann following the latest pair of poor performances by the USA versus Denmark and Switzerland respectively. The German has had a major influence on the changes in philosophy being undertaken by US Soccer. However, despite a lot of progress at all levels of the game in America, he will be judged on the success of the senior team. Klinsmann is now under pressure to deliver a Gold Cup championship this summer, or questions will be asked about his reign.

Another team that continues to sell its soul to the highest bidder is Argentina. They played two games in the USA with the lure of watching Lionel Messi to draw in spectators. Unfortunately for the neutral American soccer fan, the little maestro was injured and did not play in either game. I am sure refunds are in the mail.
Iran coach Carlos Queiroz and his American assistant, Dan Gaspar stepped down after the recent loss to Sweden. Queiroz usually has another role lined up when making such decisions. What are the odds on him becoming the head coach of Qatar and leading them in preparations for the 2022 World Cup to be held in that country?