To be honest, I have no idea. With Russia out and Ukraine on hold, I'm not sure even FIFA knows, though I'm sure they're gagging to get their greasy hands back on Putin's kleptocratic cash. Infantino hasn't met a murderous dictator he doesn't love as long as they're lining his pocket...
With all the drama around Italy, I missed that Wales won with two beauties by Bale (take that Real Madrid!) If they can get in it would be incredible. My Dad's side is Italian, but my Mum is mostly Welsh, so she'll have bragging rights for the first time in forever.
I wasn't able to watch the game, but I saw the yellow on replay and while it was terrible, Kaye didn't do himself (and the team) any favours. Having luckily escaped a red and already on a yellow, he had no business playing into the Costa Rican gamesmanship.
Refs can already give yellows for 'simulation', but it's very difficult to do live. I think there should be a rule that if you go down without contact, it's a minimum three game suspension. They could review the dive later at their leisure, and if there's an obvious example that's irrefutable, then bring the hammer down. It won't eliminate the marginal stuff, but it would get rid of the egregious stuff pretty quick.
I played hockey as a kid and rugby in high school, so used to have the same 'tough guy' obsession with diving that most Canadians have (those pu**ies should just play!) But having become more familiar with the sport, it doesn't bother me nearly as much in the English/German/Italian leagues. It happens, but rarely, and doesn't ruin the game. I even understand the need sometimes to make sure the ref sees a foul by going down, as not all punishable fouls knock a player over. But the Spanish league is on the edge of too much for me (especially clubs like Atletico) and Central and South American teams are usually too much. Add refs who encourage that sort of garbage in CONCACAF, and it can be infuriating.
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