This series looks at what happens when the FM17 Draft Mode is used to create a World Cup where each nation is represented by players who play in each country. For the full explanation of how this tournament will work, see our Introduction.
Group I was as close as we’ve seen so far, with four teams all fighting for the qualification spots on the final day. Group J looks like it could be a close one as well. Russia are the top seeds and favourites, but Scotland will hope they can remain competitive. A Middle East side has a lot of star players, whilst Belarus will be dangerous opponents. India and Mediterranean might find things difficult, but they should take heart from Malaysia’s performance last time out.
Group I was as close as we’ve seen so far, with four teams all fighting for the qualification spots on the final day. Group J looks like it could be a close one as well. Russia are the top seeds and favourites, but Scotland will hope they can remain competitive. A Middle East side has a lot of star players, whilst Belarus will be dangerous opponents. India and Mediterranean might find things difficult, but they should take heart from Malaysia’s performance last time out.
As this is the antepenultimate qualifying group, we are beginning to learn who will automatically qualify as one of the top four 3rd-placed teams. The current top four are shown below (italics indicating guaranteed qualification).
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So whoever finishes third in today’s group will automatically qualify if they better Peru’s tally, whilst they will be in with a chance if they beat Bulgaria’s.
Anyway, let’s see how each team lines up.
Russia
Anyway, let’s see how each team lines up.
Russia
In a rarity for a top seed, Russia don’t quite spend their entire £200m budget. However, they are only £5m short, so this is still a highly potent side. They are playing an organised 4-2-3-1.
With the huge presence of 194cm-tall Artem Dzubya up front, Russia will be looking to get crosses in to him, and wingers Yuri Zhirkov and Quincy Promes should provide quality deliveries. This is a side with a quality player with international experience in every position, albeit a bit on the aging side, as the majority of the starting XI have passed 30. This theme continues on the bench, with names such as Roman Pavlyuchenko, Alexandr Hleb and Alexey Berezutskiy waiting in the wings.
Scotland
With the huge presence of 194cm-tall Artem Dzubya up front, Russia will be looking to get crosses in to him, and wingers Yuri Zhirkov and Quincy Promes should provide quality deliveries. This is a side with a quality player with international experience in every position, albeit a bit on the aging side, as the majority of the starting XI have passed 30. This theme continues on the bench, with names such as Roman Pavlyuchenko, Alexandr Hleb and Alexey Berezutskiy waiting in the wings.
Scotland
The managers of the national Scotland team haven’t been known for their commitment to attacking football, and Euan Scotland is no different, with a very solid 4-5-1 formation. The side totals to £142m, no paltry sum.
Just like the Scottish Premiership, this is a squad dominated by Celtic. The entire starting XI are part of Rodgers’ unbeaten side, whilst Leigh Griffiths and Nir Bitton are on the bench. Bain (Dundee), MacLean, Swanson, Wotherspoon (St Johnstone), Paterson (Hearts), Reynolds, Shinnie (Aberdeen) and Rossiter (Rangers) are the representatives of other clubs. The star man is clearly Moussa Dembele, but with a lack of support he will have to be at his best.
India
Just like the Scottish Premiership, this is a squad dominated by Celtic. The entire starting XI are part of Rodgers’ unbeaten side, whilst Leigh Griffiths and Nir Bitton are on the bench. Bain (Dundee), MacLean, Swanson, Wotherspoon (St Johnstone), Paterson (Hearts), Reynolds, Shinnie (Aberdeen) and Rossiter (Rangers) are the representatives of other clubs. The star man is clearly Moussa Dembele, but with a lack of support he will have to be at his best.
India
Coming in at just under £6m, India’s squad isn’t exactly going to scare many opposition teams. Their 3-2-3-2 formation is all about holding up their opponents in the centre of the park, but they look vulnerable out on the wings.
Their strongest area is at the back, with all three defenders highly-rated. Juanan was once signed by Real Madrid, Ferreira has experience of the South African top league, whilst Kolunija is very good in the air. They will have to work well together, as Amrinder Singh, apparently the best keeper in the Indian league, is euphemistically rated by the assistant manager as “potentially decent”.
Belarus
Their strongest area is at the back, with all three defenders highly-rated. Juanan was once signed by Real Madrid, Ferreira has experience of the South African top league, whilst Kolunija is very good in the air. They will have to work well together, as Amrinder Singh, apparently the best keeper in the Indian league, is euphemistically rated by the assistant manager as “potentially decent”.
Belarus
Artem Bielarus doesn’t have a huge array of talent at his disposal, with a squad worth £43m. His Mourinho-esque 4-3-3 is designed to hit opponents on the break. However, we've seen squads of similar value have a good go at qualifying, so Belarus may be up there by the end of the group.
Serb international Nemanja Milunovic is the side’s best player in the heart of their defence, whilst Mikhail Gordeychuk of Kazakhstan and Igor Stasevich of Belarus are wingers opposition full-backs shouldn’t take lightly. Up front Vitaliy Rodionov has 46 caps and 10 goals for the Belarus national side, and will be expected to score the majority of his side’s goals here.
Middle East
Serb international Nemanja Milunovic is the side’s best player in the heart of their defence, whilst Mikhail Gordeychuk of Kazakhstan and Igor Stasevich of Belarus are wingers opposition full-backs shouldn’t take lightly. Up front Vitaliy Rodionov has 46 caps and 10 goals for the Belarus national side, and will be expected to score the majority of his side’s goals here.
Middle East
The only nation in the Middle East to have its own side in this competition is Israel, meaning that this squad can draw from well-funded leagues from Qatar and the UAE, whilst players from Saudi Arabia and Iran are also included. A total squad value of £190m puts this side firmly among the group favourites.
This side is built around Spanish legend Xavi, and so they are playing a Barcelona-inspired 4-3-3, with patient build-up play and a focus on retaining possession – which is also aided by having Seydou Keita in midfield. Moussa Sow up front is a lethal finisher, whilst Omar Abdulrahman is a playmaker with fantastic vision. In defence Chico has experience of La Liga, Serie A and the Premier League, whilst Hungarian Balazs Dzsudzsak is one of his country’s best players of recent years. On the bench are Vladimir Weiss (6 years on Man City’s books) and Modibo Maiga (3 years on West Ham’s).
Mediterranean
This side is built around Spanish legend Xavi, and so they are playing a Barcelona-inspired 4-3-3, with patient build-up play and a focus on retaining possession – which is also aided by having Seydou Keita in midfield. Moussa Sow up front is a lethal finisher, whilst Omar Abdulrahman is a playmaker with fantastic vision. In defence Chico has experience of La Liga, Serie A and the Premier League, whilst Hungarian Balazs Dzsudzsak is one of his country’s best players of recent years. On the bench are Vladimir Weiss (6 years on Man City’s books) and Modibo Maiga (3 years on West Ham’s).
Mediterranean
This squad contains players from the leagues of Cyprus, Malta and Albania, and they will be playing an organised 4-4-1-1. They total to a surprisingly high value of £140m, although £35m of that is for Albanian target man Hamdi Salihi – a decent forward who has had spells with Rapid Wien and DC United, but someone who is more likely worth around £3.5m.
He doesn’t make the starting XI, as experienced Spanish striker David Barral leads the line. Playing just behind him is APOEL’s Facundo Bertoglio, a creative player who scored two goals in one appearance for Argentina (against Haiti in 2010). In defence is former Man City and Norwich LB Javi Garrido, as well as Iceland’s Kari Arnason and experienced Greek defender Loukas Vyntra. On the bench is former Coventry striker Michael Mifsud.
Also, before we get started, I need to admit that I have misspelled the name of the Mediterranean side in the game. Soz.
Matches 1-5
Russia started their campaign by heading to the group’s weakest team, India, and recorded a powerful 5-0 victory, Quincy Promes netting a first-half hat-trick. Scotland hosted the Middle East at Hampden Park, and looked set to be held to a draw after Abdulrahman cancelled out Dembele’s opener in a match with few chances. However, left-back Tierney popped up to slide home the winner in a match between two even teams. The Mediterranean and Belarus played out a dull 0-0 with as many yellows as shots on goal.
He doesn’t make the starting XI, as experienced Spanish striker David Barral leads the line. Playing just behind him is APOEL’s Facundo Bertoglio, a creative player who scored two goals in one appearance for Argentina (against Haiti in 2010). In defence is former Man City and Norwich LB Javi Garrido, as well as Iceland’s Kari Arnason and experienced Greek defender Loukas Vyntra. On the bench is former Coventry striker Michael Mifsud.
Also, before we get started, I need to admit that I have misspelled the name of the Mediterranean side in the game. Soz.
Matches 1-5
Russia started their campaign by heading to the group’s weakest team, India, and recorded a powerful 5-0 victory, Quincy Promes netting a first-half hat-trick. Scotland hosted the Middle East at Hampden Park, and looked set to be held to a draw after Abdulrahman cancelled out Dembele’s opener in a match with few chances. However, left-back Tierney popped up to slide home the winner in a match between two even teams. The Mediterranean and Belarus played out a dull 0-0 with as many yellows as shots on goal.
The Mediterranean claimed an early reputation as an unexciting team to watch as they recorded another 0-0 draw, this time away to the Middle East. Belarus were able to get their first win against India, a 2-0 win courtesy of some helpful goalkeeping. Meanwhile in Moscow the group’s top two seeds met, Russia triumphing 3-1 over Scotland with some degree of comfort.
In fact, Russia were beginning to take an early stranglehold on this group, as they thumped the Middle East 5-1, with the score 5-0 at half time. With 1 point from 3 matches, the Middle East would have been expecting more from their expensive squad. Scottish hearts would have been in their mouths as Dembele was forced off at half time against Belarus. However, this proved to be useful as his replacement Griffiths netted a hat-trick in a 3-0 win. India got close to their first point, but a huge deflection from a Lilaj shot gave the Mediterranean the only goal in Kolkata.
In fact, Russia were beginning to take an early stranglehold on this group, as they thumped the Middle East 5-1, with the score 5-0 at half time. With 1 point from 3 matches, the Middle East would have been expecting more from their expensive squad. Scottish hearts would have been in their mouths as Dembele was forced off at half time against Belarus. However, this proved to be useful as his replacement Griffiths netted a hat-trick in a 3-0 win. India got close to their first point, but a huge deflection from a Lilaj shot gave the Mediterranean the only goal in Kolkata.
Given India’s poor run, the Middle East would have expected their visit to Tehran the perfect chance to get their first win. However, the sides were tied 2-2 at half time, India twice coming back after well-taken goals from Dzsudzsak and Sow. After the break Ayala’s shot crept into the far corner to restore the Middle East lead. Chico had been caught in possession for India’s second equaliser, but he redeemed himself when he scored his side’s fourth, tapping in a rebound to secure a nervy 4-3 win. Scotland carried little threat as they visited the Mediterranean, going down 2-0 to goals from Rayos and £35m man Salihi. Meanwhile in Minsk Belarus matched Russia, arguably shading the match, but could never get back in the game after Dzubya’s early goal and lost 1-0.
Russia had the chance to get to the halfway stage with a perfect record as they faced the Mediterranean in Moscow, where Zhirkov’s goal gave them an early lead. However, when Song handled from a corner the Mediterranean had a chance to level, but Akinfeev parried Barral’s penalty. Two minutes later the salt was well and truly in the wound as Corluka sealed a 2-0 win. This allowed Scotland to move into second place with a simple 3-0 home win over India, Swanson scoring their first non-Celtic goal. The Middle East hosted Belarus with both teams having a chance to close the gap to the top three, but a 0-0 draw was much worse on the hosts, who had 16 shots to their opponent’s 2, whilst Belarus had had to play the last 6 minutes with 10 men after a second yellow for Khachaturyan.
Russia had the chance to get to the halfway stage with a perfect record as they faced the Mediterranean in Moscow, where Zhirkov’s goal gave them an early lead. However, when Song handled from a corner the Mediterranean had a chance to level, but Akinfeev parried Barral’s penalty. Two minutes later the salt was well and truly in the wound as Corluka sealed a 2-0 win. This allowed Scotland to move into second place with a simple 3-0 home win over India, Swanson scoring their first non-Celtic goal. The Middle East hosted Belarus with both teams having a chance to close the gap to the top three, but a 0-0 draw was much worse on the hosts, who had 16 shots to their opponent’s 2, whilst Belarus had had to play the last 6 minutes with 10 men after a second yellow for Khachaturyan.
So at the halfway stage we have the following table:
Squad changes
Scotland will miss Scott Sinclair for up to four weeks, and so they draft in Gary Mackay-Steven as cover. India add to their squad depth by adding Zohib Islam Amiri and Sony Norde, whilst Russia do the same with the addition of Magomed Ozdoev.
The Middle East have the second-most valuable squad, and so fifth place really isn’t good enough. Therefore, they axe bench options Digao and Maiga, allowing them to bring in Wanderley, Bayal Sall and Mark Milligan.
Matches 6-9
Russia continued where they left off, a 6-0 demolition of India including a Zhirkov hat-trick and a blinding Song strike. Despite the Middle East’s changes, it was Scotland’s new recruit who proved the difference when the two sides met, as Mackay-Steven scored the only goal in the 76th minute. Meanwhile, Belarus leapt into the play-off places as they secured a comfortable 3-0 win over the Mediterranean. Bagaric had been brought into the starting XI to replace the misfiring Rodionov, and his two goals were very well-taken.
Scotland will miss Scott Sinclair for up to four weeks, and so they draft in Gary Mackay-Steven as cover. India add to their squad depth by adding Zohib Islam Amiri and Sony Norde, whilst Russia do the same with the addition of Magomed Ozdoev.
The Middle East have the second-most valuable squad, and so fifth place really isn’t good enough. Therefore, they axe bench options Digao and Maiga, allowing them to bring in Wanderley, Bayal Sall and Mark Milligan.
Matches 6-9
Russia continued where they left off, a 6-0 demolition of India including a Zhirkov hat-trick and a blinding Song strike. Despite the Middle East’s changes, it was Scotland’s new recruit who proved the difference when the two sides met, as Mackay-Steven scored the only goal in the 76th minute. Meanwhile, Belarus leapt into the play-off places as they secured a comfortable 3-0 win over the Mediterranean. Bagaric had been brought into the starting XI to replace the misfiring Rodionov, and his two goals were very well-taken.
Xavi’s second half penalty looked to have given the Middle East a huge win over the Mediterranean, but with three minutes remaining Vyntra stabbed home from a corner to share the spoils. There was more late drama at Hampden as Russia were handed their first defeat as Sviatchenko was left unmarked at a 90th-minute corner and wellied the ball home. There was another surprise in Kolkata as India secured their first win, beating Belarus 2-1. Khachuturyan had received his second red card of the campaign in the 22nd minute, but Belarus had managed to hang on to be 1-1 in injury time, until Kolunija’s sweet volley won India the points.
India secured an even more impressive victory in their next fixture, as they travelled to Nicosia and beat the Mediterranean 2-0 through Joseph and Chhetri. The Middle East continued their disastrous campaign by losing 4-1 to Russia, although in reality the match was closer than the score suggested. Scotland lost a bit of ground on the leaders as they drew 1-1 in Minsk, but the point was enough to secure a top-two spot, and qualification for the Draft World Cup. This also means that Russia have secured their qualification as well.
Scotland had a chance to put a bit of pressure on Russia in their fight for top spot as they travelled to Kolkata, but were 2-0 down after 23 minutes through a Scott Brown own goal and a Kolunija header. Sinclair, on his return from injury, pulled a goal back with a neat volley, but Kim’s composed finish restored India’s two-goal lead, and Ferreira knocked in a corner to make the score 4-1 at half time. Goalkeeper Singh had been India’s Achilles heel all group, and he somehow managed to drop the ball into his own net to give Scotland a 76th-minute lifeline. However, they couldn’t take it, and Callum Paterson’s 92nd-minute goal was only a consolation in a surprising 4-3 defeat. This meant that Russia secured top spot despite being held to a 0-0 draw by the Mediterranean. And in Minsk the Middle East secured only their second win as Moussa Sow scored a 85th-minute penalty in a match Belarus arguably should have won.
The top two spots may have been secured, but these results meant we have the following tantalising situation heading into the final round of games:
For the first time in this series, all six teams could qualify as the bottom four teams all could finish in third place and get into the play-offs. Whilst the Mediterranean are in pole position, they have to travel to Hampden Park, hoping Scotland take the foot off the gas. Belarus have an even tougher assignment, as they have to visit group winners Russia. This means that in Kolkata there might be a chance for the winner of India vs. the Middle East to secure the most unlikely of play-off spots.
A side note is that no potential third-place team can get close to 18 points, which means Peru have secured their place in the finals as a best third-placed team. But just being in the play-offs will be enough for any of our teams in this group, so let’s see who makes it!
India vs. Middle East
Thanks to their poor goal differences, a draw does neither of these teams any favours, although it wouldn’t mathematically eliminate the Middle East. Realistically, though, both sides need a win. The difference between the teams’ resources is stark, and should India pull off a win and third place here, it would be the biggest shock of qualification so far. The Middle East are incredibly lucky to be in with a chance of staying in the tournament here, given their woeful underperformance.
Despite their three miraculous wins on the trot, India have a number of players notably out of form. However, their replacements are simply not good enough, so their only change is Chhetri in for Kim. Sergio Garcia (not the golfer) had replaced Sow for the Middle East, but he had been just as ineffectual in front of goal, so the Senegalese international returns. Seydou Keita is suspended, so in comes Park Jong-Woo.
A side note is that no potential third-place team can get close to 18 points, which means Peru have secured their place in the finals as a best third-placed team. But just being in the play-offs will be enough for any of our teams in this group, so let’s see who makes it!
India vs. Middle East
Thanks to their poor goal differences, a draw does neither of these teams any favours, although it wouldn’t mathematically eliminate the Middle East. Realistically, though, both sides need a win. The difference between the teams’ resources is stark, and should India pull off a win and third place here, it would be the biggest shock of qualification so far. The Middle East are incredibly lucky to be in with a chance of staying in the tournament here, given their woeful underperformance.
Despite their three miraculous wins on the trot, India have a number of players notably out of form. However, their replacements are simply not good enough, so their only change is Chhetri in for Kim. Sergio Garcia (not the golfer) had replaced Sow for the Middle East, but he had been just as ineffectual in front of goal, so the Senegalese international returns. Seydou Keita is suspended, so in comes Park Jong-Woo.
India set their stall out to defend deep early on, but they are immediately punished for this as Abdulrahman’s third minute long shot scoots beyond Singh and into the bottom corner. In similar circumstances this is doubled 15 minutes later as Ayala’s speculative effort also flies in. India struggle to create anything and go in 2-0 down at the break.
Sow has done nothing all match, and so the Middle East take him off and bring on Weiss, changing to a 4-3-3-0 formation. India kick the second half off, getting the ball out to Watson, whose cross finds Chhetri, who keeps his cool to score 19 seconds into the half. Norales is hooked for Kim, and with fourteen minutes to go Kim gets on to the end of another excellent Watson cross, and the score is 2-2. The Middle East change to a 4-2-3-1, with Wanderley replacing Park, whilst India also push players forward. However, neither team can force a decent chance and we have a draw that neither team wants.
This eliminates India, who can be very proud of their comeback in a performance which encapsulated their campaign overall. The Middle East put in yet another disappointing performance, but can somehow still scrape through if Belarus lose to Russia and Scotland beat the Mediterranean by at least two goals.
Scotland vs. Mediterranean
A win would secure the Mediterranean’s passage through to the next round, but with 2 points from their last five matches, they will have a tough job overcoming Scotland, who will be delighted to have secured qualification from a group with many difficult teams.
Scotland have no selection worries, but choose to bring Dembele back in for Griffiths, who had become the main striker after his hat-trick, but has only added one more goal. The Mediterranean have struggled for goals this campaign, and neither Barral nor Salihi has done anything when selected. For this match they elect to go with Salihi, since he’s in a good mood, unlike the rest of the team.
This eliminates India, who can be very proud of their comeback in a performance which encapsulated their campaign overall. The Middle East put in yet another disappointing performance, but can somehow still scrape through if Belarus lose to Russia and Scotland beat the Mediterranean by at least two goals.
Scotland vs. Mediterranean
A win would secure the Mediterranean’s passage through to the next round, but with 2 points from their last five matches, they will have a tough job overcoming Scotland, who will be delighted to have secured qualification from a group with many difficult teams.
Scotland have no selection worries, but choose to bring Dembele back in for Griffiths, who had become the main striker after his hat-trick, but has only added one more goal. The Mediterranean have struggled for goals this campaign, and neither Barral nor Salihi has done anything when selected. For this match they elect to go with Salihi, since he’s in a good mood, unlike the rest of the team.
Ten minutes in and Sviatchenko trips Salihi on the edge of the Scotland box. Garrido steps up and wallops it into the top corner to put the Mediterranean ahead. However, the celebrations were short-lived as a perfect pass from McGregor puts Sinclair through, the winger cutting back in before placing the ball beyond Kresic. Salihi had the chance to restore his side’s lead, but his close-range header cannons off the post to safety, and we are level at half-time.
Dembele is struggling up front, so Rogic is moved up to support him, meaning both teams are now playing a 4-4-1-1. In the 57th minute Sinclair turns provider, slipping in Dembele to put Scotland ahead. This puts the Mediterranean in a difficult position, as another Scottish goal would see them eliminated, but the status quo would also leave them out if Belarus can pick up a point. They decide to go for it, bringing Barral on and moving to a 4-4-2, and it nearly pays off as Salihi’s hits the post a second time with a snapshot from the edge of the box. However, they are punished as Dembele is played through again, and he finishes with composure. Barral shows a deft touch to play Joao Pedro in, but he wastes a great opportunity by scuffing wide. As Scotland press forward for another goal the Mediterranean clear, and it falls to Barral. He pushes down the wing and finds Salihi, who nods home for a 91st-minute goal, which on the face of it appears like a consolation, but in fact could be the one which keeps his side in the play-off spot. There was still time for Dembele to flash a shot wide, but the final score of 3-2 leaves things perfectly set up for events in Moscow.
Scotland finish with another good home victory, whilst the Mediterranean cling on in there, for now. The result sees the Middle East eliminated, just when they looked to have yet another lifeline.
Russia vs. Belarus
Results couldn’t have gone better for Belarus in this round, but they still need a point against the runaway group winners Russia to squeeze into the play-offs.
There is some hope for Belarus in that Russia are missing Criscito, Dzagoev and Danny through suspension, with Smolnikov, Ozdoev and Fernandes coming in. Belarus have their own problems, though, as their midfield pairing of Butatkin and Ivanic miss out through injury and suspension respectively. This means a return from the doghouse for oft-suspended Khachuturyan, and he is joined in the team by Tupchiy.
Scotland finish with another good home victory, whilst the Mediterranean cling on in there, for now. The result sees the Middle East eliminated, just when they looked to have yet another lifeline.
Russia vs. Belarus
Results couldn’t have gone better for Belarus in this round, but they still need a point against the runaway group winners Russia to squeeze into the play-offs.
There is some hope for Belarus in that Russia are missing Criscito, Dzagoev and Danny through suspension, with Smolnikov, Ozdoev and Fernandes coming in. Belarus have their own problems, though, as their midfield pairing of Butatkin and Ivanic miss out through injury and suspension respectively. This means a return from the doghouse for oft-suspended Khachuturyan, and he is joined in the team by Tupchiy.
Belarus are given an early scare as Quincy Promes clangs a free kick off the angle in the eighth minute, and three minutes later Promes nods a Zhirkov cross home. Belarus cannot get at their opponents, and we reach half time with no more major chances.
Belarus’ midfield is further depleted as Kendysh is too tired to continue, and they bring on Rodionov and switch to a 4-2-3-1. They nearly fall further behind as Song has a clear header in front of goal, but cannot generate enough power on it. The game progresses to the 87th minute when Belarus free kick is nodded down by Polyakov and Milunovic volleys it home. Belarus celebrate a goal which might just save their qualification, only to see the assistant referee’s flag up. Despite adopting a formation best described as a 3-2-5, Belarus cannot force another major chance, and the final whistle confirms their exit.
Belarus’ midfield is further depleted as Kendysh is too tired to continue, and they bring on Rodionov and switch to a 4-2-3-1. They nearly fall further behind as Song has a clear header in front of goal, but cannot generate enough power on it. The game progresses to the 87th minute when Belarus free kick is nodded down by Polyakov and Milunovic volleys it home. Belarus celebrate a goal which might just save their qualification, only to see the assistant referee’s flag up. Despite adopting a formation best described as a 3-2-5, Belarus cannot force another major chance, and the final whistle confirms their exit.
This means that India’s comeback, Salihi’s late goal and Milunovic’s goal being ruled out combine for an unbelievable Mediterranean escape. They will need to dramatically improve before the play-offs, however.
Final results
Final results
Qualified for the Draft World Cup: Yorkshire, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Greece, Ukraine, Central Africa, Spain, China, France, Germany, Central Asia, Portugal, Romania, England, South America, Argentina, South Africa, Russia, Scotland
3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Turkey (q), Peru (q), North Africa, Bulgaria, Hungary, South Korea, Slovakia, Norway, Chile, Mediterranean
Best average rating: Vasily Berezutskiy (RUS) 7.83; Quincy Promes (RUS) 7.80; Vedran Corluka (RUS) 7.71
Most goals: Yury Zhirkov (RUS), Quincy Promes (RUS) 7; Leigh Griffiths (SCO), Moussa Dembele (SCO) 4
Team of the group: Akinfeev (RUS); Corluka (RUS), V Berezutskiy (RUS), Tierney (SCO); Promes (RUS), Dzagoev (RUS), Theobald (IND), Danny (RUS), Zhirkov (RUS); Sinclair (SCO) Dzubya (RUS)
Match of the group: India 4-3 Scotland
Goal of the group
As in the previous articles, here you can vote for the best goal in this group. The candidates are in the tabs below, as is the vote itself.
3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Turkey (q), Peru (q), North Africa, Bulgaria, Hungary, South Korea, Slovakia, Norway, Chile, Mediterranean
Best average rating: Vasily Berezutskiy (RUS) 7.83; Quincy Promes (RUS) 7.80; Vedran Corluka (RUS) 7.71
Most goals: Yury Zhirkov (RUS), Quincy Promes (RUS) 7; Leigh Griffiths (SCO), Moussa Dembele (SCO) 4
Team of the group: Akinfeev (RUS); Corluka (RUS), V Berezutskiy (RUS), Tierney (SCO); Promes (RUS), Dzagoev (RUS), Theobald (IND), Danny (RUS), Zhirkov (RUS); Sinclair (SCO) Dzubya (RUS)
Match of the group: India 4-3 Scotland
Goal of the group
As in the previous articles, here you can vote for the best goal in this group. The candidates are in the tabs below, as is the vote itself.
Next time
The Dutch will want to avoid becoming the first top seeds to fail to qualify, but they face a stern test from a group containing Colombia, USA and Former Yugoslavia.
The Dutch will want to avoid becoming the first top seeds to fail to qualify, but they face a stern test from a group containing Colombia, USA and Former Yugoslavia.