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14 Oct, 6 tweets, 2 min read
Huge win for Scotland tonight over Czech Republic, they now need two points from their last two games (away to Slovakia and Israel) to with their League B group.

Scotland a great example of why taking the Nations League seriously can take you forward.
If Scotland do win their group, they will be firm favourites to take one of the two World Cup playoff spots reserved for Nations League teams (if needed).

Added to that, their results in the Nations League have pushed them up to Pot 3 in next month's World Cup qualifying draw.
Denmark's win over England cements their place in pot 1 for the World Cup qualifying draw.

And with Switzerland getting a draw in Germany, and Netherlands drawing with Italy, it's going to very tight for the last places in pot 1.

The Dutch could face a group of death.
Further note on Scotland.

If they win their group, they will be promoted to League A. Obviously, this will be tough. But it will make a playoff for Euro 2024 almost certain.

For 2020, only 1 (of 12) A teams needed a playoff. So it's likely if you're in A, you'll get one.
The qualifying process for Euro 2024 hasn't been published yet. But we can assume it will be a similar process to Euro 2020 with the Nations League paths supplying teams for playoff routes.

League A path this year Iceland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria - so not markedly tougher.
To clarify, the best two UEFA Nations League group winners not to have a World Cup path get a playoff.

There is virtually no chance a League A winner will finish third in their World Cup qualifying group, so winning a League B group for a team like Scotland is so important.

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More from @DaleJohnsonESPN

Dale Johnson Profile picture
17 Oct
Virgil van Dijk offside by the new point of handball on the arm, rather than the armpit.

Last season, this would have been onside.

Note the red line doesn't go to the elbow. It carries through and that's the calculation point.
#EVELIV ImageImage
Clarification on Pickford/Van Dijk.... we all get one wrong now and then.

Pickford could have been sent off (probably should have been).

Had it confirmed that the VAR, David Coote, did NOT check for a red card. Appears he was too concerned with the offside. #EVELIV
The VAR, David Coote, should have checked there was a genuine attempt to play the ball by Jordan Pickford.

But after the offside was cleared, the check was complete and play restarted. There was no review for a possible red card against the keeper for the challenge. 🙄 #EVELIV
Read 4 tweets
Dale Johnson Profile picture
16 Oct
Six months ago I started cycling to football grounds close by me.

Let's say it go out of hand, and recently I decided it was worth raising some money, for #TeamDementiaUK in memory of my father - who would have been 82 at the end of October.

3,750 miles later....
...and I'm 193 grounds down, 9 to go to complete every one within a 40-mile cycling radius of where I live.

3,750: miles cycled
182: football stadiums (every ground from Premier League to Level 11)
6: Racecourses of the south east
5: other grounds
9: to go

#TeamDementiaUK
If anyone is wondering what a 203-ground map of the south east looks like, here is it (coded by level).

North to @Harpenden_Town and @Ware_FC
South to @HorshamFC
East to @TheGillsFC and @Bowerspitseafc
West to @HartleyFC

google.com/maps/d/edit?mi…
Read 5 tweets
Dale Johnson Profile picture
14 Oct
Premier League Statement

All 20 Premier League clubs today unanimously agreed that Project Big Picture will not be endorsed or pursued by the Premier League, or The FA.

Shareholders agreed to work together as a 20-club collective on a strategic plan for the future. (cont)
The strategic plan is for the future structures and financing of English football, consulting with all stakeholders to ensure a vibrant, competitive and sustainable football pyramid. Clubs will work collaboratively, in an open and transparent process.
It will focus on competition structure, calendar, governance and financial sustainability. This project has the full support of The FA and will include engagement with all relevant stakeholders including fans, Government and, of course, the EFL.
Read 6 tweets
Dale Johnson Profile picture
28 Sep
Ok, for the VAR thread this week I am going to fully explain the interpretation of defensive handball, as imposed this season.

DISCLAIMER: It doesn't mean I don't think some of these decisions are crackers, but this IS how referees AT ALL LEVELS have been told to apply the law.
I fully understand the frustration of highly experienced and respected former refs.

But the fact here is the application FIFA/the IFAB demands is not as it may seem in the written Laws of the Game.

Here's why. It comes down solely to the definition of "unnaturally bigger".
We all in our own minds, understandably, consider a "natural" arm position to have a direct correlation to how a player may be moving: jumping, running etc.

However, the handball law, as altered by IFAB boss David Elleray, does not take this into account whatsoever.
Read 23 tweets
Dale Johnson Profile picture
26 Sep
I'm not sure what the Brighton players are complaining about. It's handball. It's a penalty. And Maupay knew it.

And another VAR first in the Premier League with the penalty given after the final whistle had been blown! #BRIMUN
Here is the section of the VAR protocol that sets out a penalty can be given after the final whistle has been blown. #BRIMUN Image
Excellent to see the tweak to the attacking handball law, which now must lead immediately to a chance, in action for the first time.

As the Kai Havertz handball led to an attempted clearance by a defender, not straight to Mount for the shot, no offence. #WBACHE
Read 5 tweets
Dale Johnson Profile picture
24 Sep
CONFIRMED

Additional international treble headers for UEFA in March and September to catch up and to fit in all World Cup qualifiers.

Five subs for all UEFA club and international tournaments for rest of 2020-21.
22-31 March, 2021 - 3 dates
31 May-8 June - Euro 2020 warm-ups
30 Aug-8 Sept - 3 dates
4-12 Oct - 2 dates
8-16 Nov - 2 dates
21-29 March 2022 - 2 dates (World Cup playoffs)

UEFA Nations League finals will be on 6-7 October with the final and third-place on 10 October.
UEFA also confirms COVID rules for the UCL and UEL group stage.

1) If a match cannot be staged by the home team, a suitable alternative venue must be proposed. If the match cannot go ahead/reschedule, the home team will forfeit 3-0
Read 13 tweets

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