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.
It is probably optimistic to say that the last instalment of this series brought a high level of quality, but it did produce drama as we had four teams fighting over the play-off space, with the result decided by the finest of margins. Today’s group has top seeds Netherlands looking to do better than they did in real life in 2016 (and currently), and actually qualify for this tournament. They face rivals in the form of Colombia and the USA, with Australia and a combined Former Yugoslavian side posing threats, whilst a North Atlantic side represents the most contrived grouping of sides in this tournament.
It is probably optimistic to say that the last instalment of this series brought a high level of quality, but it did produce drama as we had four teams fighting over the play-off space, with the result decided by the finest of margins. Today’s group has top seeds Netherlands looking to do better than they did in real life in 2016 (and currently), and actually qualify for this tournament. They face rivals in the form of Colombia and the USA, with Australia and a combined Former Yugoslavian side posing threats, whilst a North Atlantic side represents the most contrived grouping of sides in this tournament.
We are starting to learn who automatically qualifies as one of the four best third-placed sides. The relevant ones are shown below, with those already qualified in italics:
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So whoever finishes third in this group would need to better North Africa’s record to automatically qualify.
Netherlands
Netherlands
The Dutch used to be famous at sailing through qualification groups with a virtually-perfect record, but failure to qualify for Euro 2016 (where half of UEFA was there) was a major embarrassment. Luuk Nederland will be looking to do better, and he is going to try and do it in style, with a fluid 3-4-1-2 formation more 1974 than 2010. The Eredivisie is a good league, but not one filled with stars. Still, the entire £200m budget is used up on this squad fairly easily.
Dirk Kuyt, who in real life led Feyenoord to the title with a hat-trick before retiring this year, is on the right flank. He can cover a lot of ground, which will be a huge asset in a formation which may find itself exposed out wide. On the other side Andres Guardado is versatile, and should provide his team with a good dose of creativity. New Everton signing Davy Klaassen will relish his free role, and up front Luuk de Jong and Nicolai Jorgensen will be dangerous.
Colombia
Dirk Kuyt, who in real life led Feyenoord to the title with a hat-trick before retiring this year, is on the right flank. He can cover a lot of ground, which will be a huge asset in a formation which may find itself exposed out wide. On the other side Andres Guardado is versatile, and should provide his team with a good dose of creativity. New Everton signing Davy Klaassen will relish his free role, and up front Luuk de Jong and Nicolai Jorgensen will be dangerous.
Colombia
Colombia were revelations at the 2014 World Cup, and their attacking 4-4-2 formation is used here by Diego Colombia. The squad is worth £80m, not a colossal amount, so they will need to be at their combative best to ensure qualification.
Camilo Vargas and Abel Aguilar were both part of that World Cup squad, and Aguilar in particular is crucial for this Colombian side in the middle of the pitch. The two strikers, Denis Stracqualursi and Luis Carlos Ruiz, have a classic partnership with the former a big target man and the latter a player who is effective at getting in behind defences. Stracqualursi will want to show off his quality, after a failed spell in England brought 1 goal in 21 appearances for Everton.
USA
Camilo Vargas and Abel Aguilar were both part of that World Cup squad, and Aguilar in particular is crucial for this Colombian side in the middle of the pitch. The two strikers, Denis Stracqualursi and Luis Carlos Ruiz, have a classic partnership with the former a big target man and the latter a player who is effective at getting in behind defences. Stracqualursi will want to show off his quality, after a failed spell in England brought 1 goal in 21 appearances for Everton.
USA
The USA are playing a formation similar to the 3-5-2 they used in their successful run at the 2002 World Cup. Thanks to the megastars in the MLS, they are able to spend £188m of their budget.
Admittedly, their side looks an awful lot like the line-up for Soccer Aid 2018, but it’s still exciting to see players like David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Kaka all in the same side. Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard make up a quartet of American legends, but Howard will be tested, partly due to the USA’s attacking formation, and partly because Besler, Ridgewell and Figueroa don’t present the most formidable of defences. On the bench is Irish legend Kevin Doyle, FM legend DaMarcus Beasley and BB gun legend Ashley Cole. The backup goalkeeper is called Zac MacMath, which is just an incredible name.
Australia
Admittedly, their side looks an awful lot like the line-up for Soccer Aid 2018, but it’s still exciting to see players like David Villa, Andrea Pirlo and Kaka all in the same side. Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard make up a quartet of American legends, but Howard will be tested, partly due to the USA’s attacking formation, and partly because Besler, Ridgewell and Figueroa don’t present the most formidable of defences. On the bench is Irish legend Kevin Doyle, FM legend DaMarcus Beasley and BB gun legend Ashley Cole. The backup goalkeeper is called Zac MacMath, which is just an incredible name.
Australia
Australia are a team that should never be written off, and with a squad totalling £72m they are clearly not far away from notional second seeds Colombia. Their 3-1-4-2 formation is another one which may be exposed out wide, but they will hope to nullify teams in the middle of the pitch.
The vastly experienced Tim Cahill, who has matured into a classic target man in his later playing years, is partnered up front with his Melbourne City teammate Bruno Fornaroli. Their back-up is Andy Keogh, who has enjoyed a second career in the southern hemisphere after leaving Blackpool. 40 year-old Thomas Sorensen is comfortably the best goalkeeper in the Australian leagues, and he is understudied by former Liverpool youngster Dean Bouzanis. Brett Holman adds further experience, and Australia will hope his 10 years in the Dutch leagues will give them an advantage when they face the Netherlands.
North Atlantic
The vastly experienced Tim Cahill, who has matured into a classic target man in his later playing years, is partnered up front with his Melbourne City teammate Bruno Fornaroli. Their back-up is Andy Keogh, who has enjoyed a second career in the southern hemisphere after leaving Blackpool. 40 year-old Thomas Sorensen is comfortably the best goalkeeper in the Australian leagues, and he is understudied by former Liverpool youngster Dean Bouzanis. Brett Holman adds further experience, and Australia will hope his 10 years in the Dutch leagues will give them an advantage when they face the Netherlands.
North Atlantic
Basically, Canada and the Faroe Islands were left together when teams were being grouped, so I contrived a North Atlantic side. Bite me. With a total value under £5m, it’s not like they are expecting to challenge for qualification. In fact, their 4-1-4-1 is more a damage limitation exercise than anything.
In midfield Solvi Vatnhamar has a great name, and is rated as the best side in this squad. Alongside him is Kyle Bekker, who has played for Montreal Impact in the MLS and is capped by the Canadian national team. Lone striker Jonas Flindt Rasmussen is basically just a battering ram – he is an “accomplished” centre back and has a finishing stat of 3. If Tony Pulis signs Rasmussen after this has been published, I want a share of his transfer fee.
Former Yugoslavia
In midfield Solvi Vatnhamar has a great name, and is rated as the best side in this squad. Alongside him is Kyle Bekker, who has played for Montreal Impact in the MLS and is capped by the Canadian national team. Lone striker Jonas Flindt Rasmussen is basically just a battering ram – he is an “accomplished” centre back and has a finishing stat of 3. If Tony Pulis signs Rasmussen after this has been published, I want a share of his transfer fee.
Former Yugoslavia
As Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia are each already represented in this tournament, this combined Former Yugoslavia side is made of players from the leagues of Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Montenegro and Kosovo. Whilst that isn’t a fearful-sounding combination, this squad does add up to a respectable £42m.
Goran Popov at LB is the side’s star, with experience of the top flights of England, Netherlands and Ukraine. Debatik Curri and Boban Grncarov help make up a very solid defence. Up front, Ivan Krstanovic is a strong forward with a good goalscoring record in the Croatia leagues before his move to Siroki Brijeg. On the bench Filip Despotovski just sounds like a former dictator in disguise.
Matches 1-5
Colombia get off to a flying start, winning at home 4-0 to an overwhelmed North Atlantic, whilst the Netherlands complete a straightforward 3-1 win over Australia. In Reno the USA dominated their clash with the Former Yugoslavia, but are frustrated when Stojkov’s late goal cancelled out Dempsey’s opener.
Goran Popov at LB is the side’s star, with experience of the top flights of England, Netherlands and Ukraine. Debatik Curri and Boban Grncarov help make up a very solid defence. Up front, Ivan Krstanovic is a strong forward with a good goalscoring record in the Croatia leagues before his move to Siroki Brijeg. On the bench Filip Despotovski just sounds like a former dictator in disguise.
Matches 1-5
Colombia get off to a flying start, winning at home 4-0 to an overwhelmed North Atlantic, whilst the Netherlands complete a straightforward 3-1 win over Australia. In Reno the USA dominated their clash with the Former Yugoslavia, but are frustrated when Stojkov’s late goal cancelled out Dempsey’s opener.
USA’s experience was to be shared by the Netherlands, who could only leave Podgorica with a 1-1 draw. Former Yugoslavia took a 34th-minute lead through Krstanovic, but 45 seconds later de Jong had equalised. Australia claimed a big win over Colombia at the MCG with goals from Castro and McKay. North Atlantic hosted the USA in what could be described as local derby, and it was the visitors who claimed an unconvincing win through Villa’s 48th-minute goal.
The USA looked to continue this run when hosting Australia, but immediately fell into difficulty when Dempsey was forced off in the eighth minute. His replacement Doyle, however, put Australia to the sword with two poacher’s goals. Ridgewell’s late header sealed a solid 3-0 victory. In Bogota the Netherlands found themselves leading 2-0 through de Jong and Klaassen. Colombia came back through Stracqualursi’s powerful finish, but Klaassen double his tally and his side’s lead. Colombia were only able to get one back in the 92nd minute through Valencia, and as they pushed for an equaliser Soto saw red, 3-2 the final score. Meanwhile, North Atlantic claimed their first point with a 0-0 home draw with Former Yugoslavia.
The USA looked to continue this run when hosting Australia, but immediately fell into difficulty when Dempsey was forced off in the eighth minute. His replacement Doyle, however, put Australia to the sword with two poacher’s goals. Ridgewell’s late header sealed a solid 3-0 victory. In Bogota the Netherlands found themselves leading 2-0 through de Jong and Klaassen. Colombia came back through Stracqualursi’s powerful finish, but Klaassen double his tally and his side’s lead. Colombia were only able to get one back in the 92nd minute through Valencia, and as they pushed for an equaliser Soto saw red, 3-2 the final score. Meanwhile, North Atlantic claimed their first point with a 0-0 home draw with Former Yugoslavia.
Former Yugoslavia had the better of their clash with Colombia, but couldn’t put their opponents away, being pegged back twice to draw 2-2. Australia’s 2-0 win over North Atlantic really should have been more, but a win is a win. These matches, however, were a sideshow to the epic entertainment at the Amsterdam ArenA as USA visited the Netherlands. Doyle continued his form by opening the scoring, but the Dutch soon levelled through Klaassen. Andrea Pirlo showed a touch of class in placing the USA back in front with a low shot, but once again the Netherlands came back, this time through a powerful Kuyt finish. In first half injury time Guardado’s shot cannoned back to him off the crossbar, and he rolled the Netherlands into the lead. In the second half de Jong doubled that lead with a neat finish, but the USA weren’t finished, as Villa raced through to pull one back. With six minutes to go the Dutch poured forwards, the USA unable to deal with the numbers as Schone made it 5-3. Just three minutes later Villa had another to pull USA back to within a goal, but the Netherlands held on for a thrilling victory.
Klaassen (from 35 yards) and de Jong were yet again on the scoresheet as the Dutch beat North Atlantic 4-0 to reach the halfway stage unbeaten. More surprising was that Former Yugoslavia managed the same, as a 2-0 home win over Australia ended a sequence of four draws. In Reno the USA came back from 2-1 down to a thumping 5-2 victory over Colombia, Villa taking the match ball and Doyle claiming yet another.
So with half of the campaign over, the table looks like this:
Squad changes
The Dutchmen are flying, playing scintillating football and scoring goals, so they unsurprisingly elect not to make changes.
Dempsey will be missing for a few more weeks, so the USA bring in Bradley Wright-Phillips as cover, and bolster their defence with the additions of Laurent Ciman and Jonathan Spector. Similarly, Australia have lost Castro to injury, so they bring in Marcelo Carrusca and Milos Ninkovic as cover. Colombia add international experience with Edwin Valencia in the hope of resurrecting their campaign.
Matches 6-9
Colombia were just able to get their second win, although their 2-1 success over North Atlantic wasn’t pretty. Stracqualursi came up with both goals, both goals spectacular powerful strikes. The USA found themselves 2-0 down within 6 minutes to Former Yugoslavia, but Villa had appeared to have earned the points with a typically clinical hat-trick. However, an 84th-minute header from Curri shared the spoils in an entertaining 3-3 draw in which both teams probably felt like they could have won. The biggest surprise of the round was at the MCG where Australia beat the Netherlands 1-0 thanks to Rhys Williams’ goal from a corner. Had Guardado put away an early penalty that match would have been very different.
The Dutchmen are flying, playing scintillating football and scoring goals, so they unsurprisingly elect not to make changes.
Dempsey will be missing for a few more weeks, so the USA bring in Bradley Wright-Phillips as cover, and bolster their defence with the additions of Laurent Ciman and Jonathan Spector. Similarly, Australia have lost Castro to injury, so they bring in Marcelo Carrusca and Milos Ninkovic as cover. Colombia add international experience with Edwin Valencia in the hope of resurrecting their campaign.
Matches 6-9
Colombia were just able to get their second win, although their 2-1 success over North Atlantic wasn’t pretty. Stracqualursi came up with both goals, both goals spectacular powerful strikes. The USA found themselves 2-0 down within 6 minutes to Former Yugoslavia, but Villa had appeared to have earned the points with a typically clinical hat-trick. However, an 84th-minute header from Curri shared the spoils in an entertaining 3-3 draw in which both teams probably felt like they could have won. The biggest surprise of the round was at the MCG where Australia beat the Netherlands 1-0 thanks to Rhys Williams’ goal from a corner. Had Guardado put away an early penalty that match would have been very different.
The Dutch reacted to losing their unbeaten record by ending the Former Yugoslavia’s, a 1-0 win secured in the 89th minute thanks to Jairo Riedewald’s mighty leap and header. Australia secured a double over Colombia as Wilkinson and Cahill gave them a 2-1 victory. The USA kept up their free-scoring streak with a 4-1 thumping of North Atlantic. Kaka, Pirlo and Villa all found themselves on the scoresheet.
Colombia visited Amsterdam knowing that the Dutch had been looking slightly vulnerable after the break. Twenty minutes into the match, at 4-0 down, they probably thought differently. To their credit, they reached the break 4-2 down, but in the second half the Netherlands pressed on again, eventually winning 6-3. Jorgensen picked up a hat-trick, surprisingly his first goals despite a series of impressive unselfish performances. USA kept up the pace at the top of the table as they claimed a 2-0 victory over Australia, Villa and Lodeiro with the goals. In Podgorica Former Yugoslavia utterly dominated North Atlantic, with 26 shots to 3, but still needed a 91st-minute screamer from Alimi to win 2-1.
USA hosted the Netherlands only two points behind the group leaders. Early goals from Kaka and Villa put the hosts in control, but Klaassen pulled one back just before half time. The USA re-established their two goal lead as a Villa shot deflected in via van Beek, and a technically-perfect volley from Kaka put the game beyond any doubt, even after Jorgensen had pulled one back with 12 minutes to go. The 4-2 result meant the USA move to the top of the table with just one game to go. Colombia hosted Former Yugoslavia needing a win to avoid elimination, and they got it in style, Ruiz scoring twice in a 4-1 win. This result meant Australia could secure the play-off spot with a win in Vancouver (and therefore knocking Former Yugoslavia and Colombia out). However, North Atlantic chose this, the most dramatic moment possible, to pick up their first win as Australia couldn’t find a reply to Rasmussen’s early poked goal.
These results left us with a very tantalising table going into the final round of fixtures:
These results left us with a very tantalising table going into the final round of fixtures:
The USA will secure top spot with a victory, but they will have to overcome a dangerous Colombian side to do so. If the USA do slip up, the Netherlands can regain top spot with an unthreatening match against North America to deal with. Meanwhile, Australia and Former Yugoslavia meet in Melbourne, with the winner taking the play-off spot. If they draw, they could open the door to Colombia.
As the highest tally a third-placed side could finish with is 15 points, North Africa are confirmed as qualified for the Draft World Cup as a best third-placed side.
Netherlands vs. North Atlantic
The Dutch have been very exciting all campaign, and come into this final game with little to lose. This isn’t great news for the group’s whipping boys North Atlantic.
The Netherlands have a squad which is largely playing very well, although van Beek is not fully fit following a knock, so Reidewald comes in. North Atlantic’s side aren’t doing particularly well at the end of a bruising campaign, but their only change is Justinussen in for the suspended Jonsson.
As the highest tally a third-placed side could finish with is 15 points, North Africa are confirmed as qualified for the Draft World Cup as a best third-placed side.
Netherlands vs. North Atlantic
The Dutch have been very exciting all campaign, and come into this final game with little to lose. This isn’t great news for the group’s whipping boys North Atlantic.
The Netherlands have a squad which is largely playing very well, although van Beek is not fully fit following a knock, so Reidewald comes in. North Atlantic’s side aren’t doing particularly well at the end of a bruising campaign, but their only change is Justinussen in for the suspended Jonsson.
It takes five minutes for the Netherlands to open the scoring thanks to a low shot from Jorgensen. Klaassen nearly adds to his impressive tally with a long shot that narrowly misses. Propper tries the same not long after, and his shot finds the top corner. North Atlantic do a good job of holding the Dutch out after that, and they will be fairly happy to be 2-0 down at the break.
Both sides make changes, the Dutch taking off booked Vlaar for van Beek, whilst North Atlantic take a tired Rasmussen off for Olsen. The half progresses at a sedate pace until a hopefully ball catches Reidewald unawares and Olsen slips in to pull a goal back. However, with the Dutch happy to hold on to the win, and North Atlantic unable to put them under serious pressure, the game drifts on, until substitute van Wolfswinkel plays Jorgensen through to secure the win in injury time.
The Dutch need to hope for the USA to fail to win, and they will have won the group. North Atlantic produced a shock result last time in beating Australia, but overall their campaign has been uninspired.
Colombia vs. USA
Both sides need a win here, the USA to secure top spot and Colombia to give them a small chance of getting into the play-offs.
Despite struggling in fifth place, Colombia’s team all have decent average ratings, with their front two rating 7.86 and 7.61. Therefore, they name their usual XI. The USA also don’t have any reason to change their side, other than that they can’t select Landon Donovan – the game just refuses to put him in the XI. Maybe he’s retired? Anyway, Fernandez is a capable understudy.
The Dutch need to hope for the USA to fail to win, and they will have won the group. North Atlantic produced a shock result last time in beating Australia, but overall their campaign has been uninspired.
Colombia vs. USA
Both sides need a win here, the USA to secure top spot and Colombia to give them a small chance of getting into the play-offs.
Despite struggling in fifth place, Colombia’s team all have decent average ratings, with their front two rating 7.86 and 7.61. Therefore, they name their usual XI. The USA also don’t have any reason to change their side, other than that they can’t select Landon Donovan – the game just refuses to put him in the XI. Maybe he’s retired? Anyway, Fernandez is a capable understudy.
Howard produces a sharp save to deny Ruiz as Colombia start well. USA are forced to play on the break, and quick passing gives Fernandez a half-chance, but he finds the site-netting. We reach half-time scoreless, with the USA slightly having the better of the play thus far.
Neither side is benefitted by this scoreline, so both managers encourage their players to push forward. Ruiz runs through the USA defence, only to be denied by Howard again. On the hour mark Pirlo’s smart free-kick gives Ciman a free header, but he can only find Vargas. The Colombian keeper plays it upfield, finding Ruiz, whose shot is narrowly over. Tiredness forces USA to replace Bradley and Pirlo, whilst Menosse is having a great game for Colombia but appears dead on his feet. With eight minutes to go some neat USA passing allows Lodeiro to slip Villa in, and he ruthlessly opens the scoring. However, things aren’t simple thereafter, as Jones receives a red card for a two-footed tackle. Colombia make the most of the space, finding Balanta in space in the box, but his volley is superbly parried by Howard, and the USA hold on for the win.
Neither side is benefitted by this scoreline, so both managers encourage their players to push forward. Ruiz runs through the USA defence, only to be denied by Howard again. On the hour mark Pirlo’s smart free-kick gives Ciman a free header, but he can only find Vargas. The Colombian keeper plays it upfield, finding Ruiz, whose shot is narrowly over. Tiredness forces USA to replace Bradley and Pirlo, whilst Menosse is having a great game for Colombia but appears dead on his feet. With eight minutes to go some neat USA passing allows Lodeiro to slip Villa in, and he ruthlessly opens the scoring. However, things aren’t simple thereafter, as Jones receives a red card for a two-footed tackle. Colombia make the most of the space, finding Balanta in space in the box, but his volley is superbly parried by Howard, and the USA hold on for the win.
Colombia had never got out of second gear all campaign, and slip out of the tournament without making a lasting impression. The USA will be proud of how they came back to win the group, and it was only fitting that David Villa got the goal that confirmed it.
Australia vs. Former Yugoslavia
Colombia’s defeat means that one of these teams will be in the play-offs. Australia just need to avoid a home defeat to make sure it is them, but Former Yugoslavia have been a solid team who have proved very hard to overcome.
Shiela Australia’s assistant manager appears to have buggered off in mysterious circumstances, so selecting a squad is slightly more difficult without player ratings. She replaces Fornaroli, who only has one goal, with Bobo, whilst the suspended Valeri is replaced by Tommy Oar. Castro returns to the bench. Former Yugoslavia’s only real decision to make is up front, as neither Stojkov nor Krstanovic have shone. As Stojkov is the incumbent, he is preferred since he is marginally fitter.
Australia vs. Former Yugoslavia
Colombia’s defeat means that one of these teams will be in the play-offs. Australia just need to avoid a home defeat to make sure it is them, but Former Yugoslavia have been a solid team who have proved very hard to overcome.
Shiela Australia’s assistant manager appears to have buggered off in mysterious circumstances, so selecting a squad is slightly more difficult without player ratings. She replaces Fornaroli, who only has one goal, with Bobo, whilst the suspended Valeri is replaced by Tommy Oar. Castro returns to the bench. Former Yugoslavia’s only real decision to make is up front, as neither Stojkov nor Krstanovic have shone. As Stojkov is the incumbent, he is preferred since he is marginally fitter.
Australia start with intent and McKay flashes a shot wide. But in the sixth minute a sucker-punch arrives, as Curri leaps highest to nod a corner into the back of the net. Cahill plays Bobo in, but he can only find the outside of the post, before Jakobsen heads a corner just wide. Former Yugoslavia do a good job of holding Australia out and reach half time in the lead.
Australia have to replace Wilkinson, who has strained his back, as they look to get level in a match they have had the better of. They manage it ten minutes into the half, Ninkovic’s cross meeting the head of Bobo, and the ball flies beyond Pacovski. Former Yugoslavia receive more bad news as Svraska is forced off, with Alimi brought on. Now it was Australia’s time to shut the game down, but it doesn’t work as Duljevic fires Former Yugoslavia back into the lead with ten minutes remaining. Despite Australia pushing as many players as possible forwards they can’t force any more chances, and the 2-1 defeat eliminates them and confirms Former Yugoslavia as the play-off team for the group.
Australia have to replace Wilkinson, who has strained his back, as they look to get level in a match they have had the better of. They manage it ten minutes into the half, Ninkovic’s cross meeting the head of Bobo, and the ball flies beyond Pacovski. Former Yugoslavia receive more bad news as Svraska is forced off, with Alimi brought on. Now it was Australia’s time to shut the game down, but it doesn’t work as Duljevic fires Former Yugoslavia back into the lead with ten minutes remaining. Despite Australia pushing as many players as possible forwards they can’t force any more chances, and the 2-1 defeat eliminates them and confirms Former Yugoslavia as the play-off team for the group.
Australia can only look back at their shock 1-0 defeat to North Atlantic as the moment they blew their qualification chances, whilst Former Yugoslavia will need to improve their threat in front of goal to make sure they qualify for the main tournament.
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, USA, Netherlands
3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Turkey (q), Peru (q), North Africa (q), Bulgaria, Hungary, South Korea, Slovakia, Former Yugoslavia, Norway, Chile, Mediterranean
Best average rating: David Villa (USA) 7.96; Denis Stracqualursi (COL) 7.78; Kevin Doyle (USA) 7.76
Most goals: David Villa (USA) 13; Luis Carlos Ruiz (COL), Davy Klaassen (NED) 8
Team of the group: Howard (USA); Ridgewell (USA), Vlaar (NED), Menosse (COL); Propper (NED), Toornstra (NED), Kaka (USA), Klaassen (NED); Doyle (USA), Stracqualursi (COL), Villa (USA)
Match of the group: Netherlands 5-4 USA
Goal of the group
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3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Turkey (q), Peru (q), North Africa (q), Bulgaria, Hungary, South Korea, Slovakia, Former Yugoslavia, Norway, Chile, Mediterranean
Best average rating: David Villa (USA) 7.96; Denis Stracqualursi (COL) 7.78; Kevin Doyle (USA) 7.76
Most goals: David Villa (USA) 13; Luis Carlos Ruiz (COL), Davy Klaassen (NED) 8
Team of the group: Howard (USA); Ridgewell (USA), Vlaar (NED), Menosse (COL); Propper (NED), Toornstra (NED), Kaka (USA), Klaassen (NED); Doyle (USA), Stracqualursi (COL), Villa (USA)
Match of the group: Netherlands 5-4 USA
Goal of the group
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Next time
It’s the final qualification group! There is a Latin American theme to this group as Brazil, Mexico and Uruguay will fight it out, whilst Austria will hope to disrupt the fiesta.
It’s the final qualification group! There is a Latin American theme to this group as Brazil, Mexico and Uruguay will fight it out, whilst Austria will hope to disrupt the fiesta.