Hiddink, Anyone?

Russia's failure to qualify for the World Cup is extremely shocking. Having played so well and reached the latter stages of the European Championships only last year, one would have expected them to easily overcome Slovenia.

Furthermore, we have become accustomed to seeing Guus Hiddink leading a different team to the World Cup each time, and exceeding expectations in the process. In 1998, he led his native Holland to the semi-finals. Four years later, he led hosts South Korea to the semi-finals against all odds. In 2006, he led Australia to the knockout stage, where they were defeated by eventual champions Italy after putting up a very good fight. Having already accomplished so much with Russia, one could easily have seen Hiddink leading the country to an impressive World Cup campaign.

The Russians' failure to qualify, however, has led to an interesting situation. One of the world's best managers is up for grabs.

With Real Madrid not on top form, with Liverpool in the midst of their worst run in years, and with Manchester City determined to challenge for the title, Hiddink could well be approached by some of the top clubs on the continent. Bayern Munich also haven't gotten off to the best of starts. AC Milan have looked terrible this season. Given his successful stint at the club earlier this year, Chelsea could well be his destination if Ancelotti isn't successful.

Probably the best coach who's available right now, options are unlikely to be limited. But where will he go?

New Zealand fortunate to qualify for World Cup?

After defeating Bahrain in the playoff, New Zealand are going to make a long-awaited appearance in the World Cup next year. The only reason they have qualified seems to be because Australia have switched to the Asian qualification region.

Australia's squad is way superior than that of New Zealand. If Australia were still participating in the Oceania qualification region, they would have easily finished above the All Whites and entered the playoff instead of them. With Australia now out of the way, New Zealand were presented with this amazing opportunity and have done well to take it.

However, I fear that New Zealand will be humiliated in the World Cup next June. Yes, they were better than the other teams in the region. Yes, they did beat Bahrain. But have any of the teams they have played against been of the quality they will be up against in the World Cup? I can easily see them finishing with zero points and conceding a fair few goals if they are drawn with countries such as Brazil or Spain.

Having said that, New Zealand have done fabulously to have qualified for the World Cup. They were fortunate that a major obstacle in the form of Australia was removed. But credit is due for overcoming Bahrain. The World Cup will be good exposure for their players and a fantastic opportunity for their staff and players to learn and come back stronger in 2014.

Rafa for Real?

This is not the first time Rafa Benitez's job has been on the line at Liverpool. In the past, it was due to his conflict with the club's American owners. This time, however, it is down to poor results. His primary purpose is to get results on the pitch and his position is thus the most precarious presently since joining the club in 2004.

It therefore seems likely that Benitez will soon find his way to the Real Madrid hotseat. This could be in a couple of weeks, a couple of months or even the end of the season. At the moment, this seems likely to happen sooner rather than later.

Benitez has long been Madrid's first choice. Each time the Madrid job has become available over the past few years (there have been many occasions, by the way), Benitez has rejected the temptation. With Madrid currently not on top form, there is every chance their coach could get sacked. And if and when he does, who are Real Madrid going to turn to first? Rafa Benitez.

This time, he is likely to accept their offer. Firstly, he may be out of a job by then, if he cannot improve performances at Anfield. Secondly, if Liverpool's season is ruined in the next few weeks through further defeats in the league and elimination from the Champions League, he may see it as an indication that his time is up.

We all know that it is Benitez's long-term desire to manage Real Madrid. The present circumstances suggest that the time for this may have arrived.