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.
The second qualifying group looks to be a fairly open affair, with Belgium the favourites, but Switzerland, Sweden and Peru all capable of challenging. And after Italy struggled with a much easier group, nothing can be taken for granted. Northern Ireland and South Asia might find it difficult to get near qualification to the Draft World Cup, but they can certainly hope to take a few scalps on the way.
The second qualifying group looks to be a fairly open affair, with Belgium the favourites, but Switzerland, Sweden and Peru all capable of challenging. And after Italy struggled with a much easier group, nothing can be taken for granted. Northern Ireland and South Asia might find it difficult to get near qualification to the Draft World Cup, but they can certainly hope to take a few scalps on the way.
Each team can spend up to £200m on their squad, so let’s see how each team used their budget:
Belgium
Belgium
Despite being favourites for the group, Belgium’s club scene isn’t as strong as many of the other top seeds, so they can’t take this group for granted. However, their squad still totalled £200m, meaning that in theory they are as strong as any team can be at this stage.
Eva Belgique is playing a cautious 4-3-3, with two defensive midfielders. The most valuable players in the squad are goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic and winger Jose Izquierdo. The team is spearheaded by former Middlesbrough striker, and punchline to a million wobble-related jokes, Jelle Vossen. The bench contains Timmy Simons, with 94 caps for Belgium, Youri Tielemans, who is little-known in real life, but is currently one of the hottest prospects on FM17, and Ari Skulason, a left-back who started in all of Iceland’s Euro 2016 matches.
Switzerland
Eva Belgique is playing a cautious 4-3-3, with two defensive midfielders. The most valuable players in the squad are goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic and winger Jose Izquierdo. The team is spearheaded by former Middlesbrough striker, and punchline to a million wobble-related jokes, Jelle Vossen. The bench contains Timmy Simons, with 94 caps for Belgium, Youri Tielemans, who is little-known in real life, but is currently one of the hottest prospects on FM17, and Ari Skulason, a left-back who started in all of Iceland’s Euro 2016 matches.
Switzerland
Despite only being second seeds in this group, the Swiss side has used up its entire £200m budget, making it just as strong on paper as Belgium’s.
Switzerland are playing a standard 4-2-3-1, which is surely the modern-day 4-4-2. The star is undoubtedly former Leverkusen playmaker Tranquillo Barnetta, whilst Guillaume Hoarau will be a handful for any centre backs. Former Spurs left-back Reto Zeigler keeps 44-times capped Bosnian Sejad Salihovic out of the side, where he is joined on the bench by Granit Xhaka’s elder brother Taulant. Eder Alvarez Balanta developed in a top CB on previous versions on FM, although his recent move to Basel suggests he hasn’t lived up to that yet in real life.
Sweden
Switzerland are playing a standard 4-2-3-1, which is surely the modern-day 4-4-2. The star is undoubtedly former Leverkusen playmaker Tranquillo Barnetta, whilst Guillaume Hoarau will be a handful for any centre backs. Former Spurs left-back Reto Zeigler keeps 44-times capped Bosnian Sejad Salihovic out of the side, where he is joined on the bench by Granit Xhaka’s elder brother Taulant. Eder Alvarez Balanta developed in a top CB on previous versions on FM, although his recent move to Basel suggests he hasn’t lived up to that yet in real life.
Sweden
Like many of European’s leagues outside the elite, the Allsvenskan has few players at the peak of their career, but plenty of hot prospects who get plenty of first-team action, as well as a smattering of older hands with plenty of experience at a higher level. The squad’s value is £89m, which suggests Sweden should certainly be able to compete with the other teams in this group.
Greta Sverige is playing a simple 4-4-2, focusing on getting the ball up the field quickly. Andreas Isaksson, once kept out of the Man City team by Nicky Weaver, is a vastly experience presence in goal, with 133 caps. Thomas Rogne was once a hot prospect when winning the Scottish Premier League with Celtic, but moved to IFK Goteborg via Wigan. Rasmus Elm is a quality playmaker in the middle of the pitch, whilst up front Markus Rosenborg has plenty of experience, with 121 career goals.
Peru
Greta Sverige is playing a simple 4-4-2, focusing on getting the ball up the field quickly. Andreas Isaksson, once kept out of the Man City team by Nicky Weaver, is a vastly experience presence in goal, with 133 caps. Thomas Rogne was once a hot prospect when winning the Scottish Premier League with Celtic, but moved to IFK Goteborg via Wigan. Rasmus Elm is a quality playmaker in the middle of the pitch, whilst up front Markus Rosenborg has plenty of experience, with 121 career goals.
Peru
As Group A featured four European teams and two Asian teams, Peru are the first South Americans to take part in qualifying for the Draft World Cup. The Peruvian league isn’t one of the continent’s most famous, but with a total squad value of £98m, they certainly have plenty of quality.
Peru are playing a 4-2-2-2, with the front four encouraged to express themselves. With attacking fullbacks, this Peruvian side are certainly going to have a good go at their opponents. Speaking of whom, left back Juan Manuel Vargas is the side’s outstanding player, with Champions League experience with Fiorentina. The majority of the side have played most of the careers domestically, relatively unusual for many South American leagues. Luis Tejada, with 75 caps for Panama, will be a physical presence up front, where he’ll be partnered with Irven Avila, who is more accustomed to playing on the wing.
Northern Ireland
Peru are playing a 4-2-2-2, with the front four encouraged to express themselves. With attacking fullbacks, this Peruvian side are certainly going to have a good go at their opponents. Speaking of whom, left back Juan Manuel Vargas is the side’s outstanding player, with Champions League experience with Fiorentina. The majority of the side have played most of the careers domestically, relatively unusual for many South American leagues. Luis Tejada, with 75 caps for Panama, will be a physical presence up front, where he’ll be partnered with Irven Avila, who is more accustomed to playing on the wing.
Northern Ireland
It’s hard to imagine even Michael O’Neill would have much success with this Northern Irish side, given that no-one who has played for Northern Ireland in the past year are from the domestic league. This squad totals £6.7m, demonstrating why they were placed in the lowest pot for the draw.
Ruby Northern Ireland has realised their underdog status, and her unadventurous 4-5-1 suggests they will be trying to contain their opponents more than trying to score themselves. The key players in the team are Sammy Clingan, who played in the Championship with Coventry City, and Paddy McCourt, who used to play alongside Rogne at Celtic. Jonny Tuffey of Glenavon takes the gloves, but there is experienced back-up in the form a 38-year old Roy Carroll.
South Asia
Ruby Northern Ireland has realised their underdog status, and her unadventurous 4-5-1 suggests they will be trying to contain their opponents more than trying to score themselves. The key players in the team are Sammy Clingan, who played in the Championship with Coventry City, and Paddy McCourt, who used to play alongside Rogne at Celtic. Jonny Tuffey of Glenavon takes the gloves, but there is experienced back-up in the form a 38-year old Roy Carroll.
South Asia
The strongest nation in South Asia is probably India, but they have their own team in the tournament, so the South Asian side is made up of players from the Maldives and Bangladesh leagues. There are only three players actually from these nations. In fact, the most represented nation is Nigeria (seven players). The total value of this squad is £3m, so there’ll be a closely-fought battle with Northern Ireland for 5th place, one suspects.
South Asia are playing with a 3-1-4-2, with instructions to hit long balls up to the strikers, whilst the midfield and defence will try and smother the opposition. Jonathan Quartey is a relative superstar in this team, with his nine caps for Ghana. He is joined at the back by the team’s best player, Andrei Cordos. They have the classic big-quick combo up front with Patrick Okoro and Mouchid Ly.
Matches 1-5
The group starts with a bang as Belgium overcome South Asia 5-3, a scoreline which the minnows will be delighted with, particularly after going 3-0 down inside 40 minutes. Izquierdo scores a hat-trick to help his side put down an early marker. Northern Ireland surprise everyone with a solid 1-1 at Windsor Park against Sweden, McCourt scoring a lovely goal from the edge of the box. In the other opening match, Switzerland shackled Peru’s attacking side to take a 1-0 victory.
South Asia are playing with a 3-1-4-2, with instructions to hit long balls up to the strikers, whilst the midfield and defence will try and smother the opposition. Jonathan Quartey is a relative superstar in this team, with his nine caps for Ghana. He is joined at the back by the team’s best player, Andrei Cordos. They have the classic big-quick combo up front with Patrick Okoro and Mouchid Ly.
Matches 1-5
The group starts with a bang as Belgium overcome South Asia 5-3, a scoreline which the minnows will be delighted with, particularly after going 3-0 down inside 40 minutes. Izquierdo scores a hat-trick to help his side put down an early marker. Northern Ireland surprise everyone with a solid 1-1 at Windsor Park against Sweden, McCourt scoring a lovely goal from the edge of the box. In the other opening match, Switzerland shackled Peru’s attacking side to take a 1-0 victory.
The Peruvians managed to recover in their next fixture, beating Belgium in a thoroughly entertaining 3-2 win. Dendoncker twice gave Belgium the lead, but they eventually fell to Irven Avila’s 81st-minute snapshot. This allowed Switzerland to move to the top of the group with a 3-1 win against Sweden, in a match far closer than the scoreline suggested. Paulinho’s 25-yard free kick was exceptional, but little consolation for the Swedes. In the battle of the underdogs, South Asia scored the only goal in the 95th minute to beat Northern Ireland.
South Asia were to have no such fortune against Switzerland, being thrashed 5-1, four of those from Hoarau, who had already terrorised Sweden. Meanwhile, Windsor Park witnesses a serious mugging. Northern Ireland vastly outplayed an extremely lethargic Belgian side, with 16 shots to their opponent’s 3 and 59% possession. However, one of those three Belgian shots was a goal from Jelle Vossen that turned out to be the only goal of the match. The other match this round saw Sweden host Peru. The visitors raced to a 2-0 lead by the 11th minute, but Sweden hit back twice, levelling in the 62nd minute. Once again, though, Peru found the vital fifth goal, a colossal deflection saw Lobaton’s 89th-minute long strike fly past Isaksson.
Sweden were finally able to get their first win of the campaign at the fourth time of asking when they recorded a simple 3-0 win away at South Asia. Belgium stopped Switzerland’s momentum with the only goal in a close encounter. Finally, in Lima Peru managed their third successive 3-2 win, this time against Northern Ireland. At 3-1 up on 80 minutes the match seemed safe for Peru, even more so when Josh Carson was sent off a minute later. However, in the 87th minute Burns scored from the spot to halve the deficit, and two minutes later the ref pointed to the Peruvian spot again, as Ballon was caught pushing in the box. For reasons unknown, Burns didn’t take this one. Instead, Paul Heatley stepped up, and hit the underside of the bar. A third successive agonising defeat for Northern Ireland, who have been performing far above the level expected.
Sweden were finally able to get their first win of the campaign at the fourth time of asking when they recorded a simple 3-0 win away at South Asia. Belgium stopped Switzerland’s momentum with the only goal in a close encounter. Finally, in Lima Peru managed their third successive 3-2 win, this time against Northern Ireland. At 3-1 up on 80 minutes the match seemed safe for Peru, even more so when Josh Carson was sent off a minute later. However, in the 87th minute Burns scored from the spot to halve the deficit, and two minutes later the ref pointed to the Peruvian spot again, as Ballon was caught pushing in the box. For reasons unknown, Burns didn’t take this one. Instead, Paul Heatley stepped up, and hit the underside of the bar. A third successive agonising defeat for Northern Ireland, who have been performing far above the level expected.
Northern Ireland finally got the luck they deserved in their next fixture, as Miralem Sulejmani missed a 92nd-minute penalty which would have given Switzerland a 2-1 victory. An identical situation arose in Stockholm, as Sweden were given an 88th-minute penalty with the score 1-1 with Belgium. Rosenborg stepped up, and placed it beyond Kalinic to bring Sweden back into the battle for qualification places. These results meant that Peru moved into top spot by recording a scintillating 6-2 win over South Asia, Tejada matching Hoarau’s earlier achievement by netting four times. This meant that at the halfway stage only five points separated first from fourth.
Squad changes
Each team now has the opportunity to re-choose their squad. As South Asia, Northern Ireland, Sweden and Peru had used well under their £200m for their initial squads, they don’t need to release any players to free up funds for new players. Sweden bring in Tobias Hysen (son of former Liverpool player Glenn) as cover for the injured Paulinho, whilst Northern Ireland bring in Robert Garrett, as Clingan is also on the treatment table.
Belgium offload three squad players (Perbet, Trebel and Osaguona) who had one sub appearance between them, and use the money to bring in Nicolae Stanciu and Andy Najar.
Switzerland have a dilemma, as Hoarau, who has an average rating of 7.52, will miss the next three matches. With a value of £13m, they have to decide whether to replace him, or just use their back-up for the next few matches. They decide to keep him, but axe unused squad options Boka, Hoegh and Sporar in order to bring in another striker, Moussa Konate of Sion.
Matches 6-9
The second half of the campaign started with a fascinating 1st vs. 2nd clash as Switzerland travelled to Lima. Barnetta’s low strike gave his side an early lead, but just after half time Avila pounced onto a brilliant cross from Herrera to level. The scores only stayed that way for a few minutes, though, as Eder Alvarez Balanta nodded a corner home to restore the Swiss lead. Despite Peru creating the majority of the chances, Switzerland scored a third from another corner, Steffan stabbing home. Peru couldn’t break Switzerland down, and so couldn’t stop Switzerland leapfrogging them at the top of the table. Sweden continued their improved form with a straightforward 3-1 win over Northern Ireland, Rosenborg with a first-half hat-trick. The final match of this round saw South Asia host Belgium. Everything was going swimmingly for Belgium when they led 2-0 with 5 minutes remaining, but a long ball caught their defence cold, and Fabrice Noel pulled one back. Barely a minute later and Noel’s cross was met by Ly on the edge of the box, and his header flew past Kalinic to level the scores. There was to be a final twist though, and South Asian hearts were broken as Vossen let fly from 25 yards and saw the ball nestle in the top corner.
Each team now has the opportunity to re-choose their squad. As South Asia, Northern Ireland, Sweden and Peru had used well under their £200m for their initial squads, they don’t need to release any players to free up funds for new players. Sweden bring in Tobias Hysen (son of former Liverpool player Glenn) as cover for the injured Paulinho, whilst Northern Ireland bring in Robert Garrett, as Clingan is also on the treatment table.
Belgium offload three squad players (Perbet, Trebel and Osaguona) who had one sub appearance between them, and use the money to bring in Nicolae Stanciu and Andy Najar.
Switzerland have a dilemma, as Hoarau, who has an average rating of 7.52, will miss the next three matches. With a value of £13m, they have to decide whether to replace him, or just use their back-up for the next few matches. They decide to keep him, but axe unused squad options Boka, Hoegh and Sporar in order to bring in another striker, Moussa Konate of Sion.
Matches 6-9
The second half of the campaign started with a fascinating 1st vs. 2nd clash as Switzerland travelled to Lima. Barnetta’s low strike gave his side an early lead, but just after half time Avila pounced onto a brilliant cross from Herrera to level. The scores only stayed that way for a few minutes, though, as Eder Alvarez Balanta nodded a corner home to restore the Swiss lead. Despite Peru creating the majority of the chances, Switzerland scored a third from another corner, Steffan stabbing home. Peru couldn’t break Switzerland down, and so couldn’t stop Switzerland leapfrogging them at the top of the table. Sweden continued their improved form with a straightforward 3-1 win over Northern Ireland, Rosenborg with a first-half hat-trick. The final match of this round saw South Asia host Belgium. Everything was going swimmingly for Belgium when they led 2-0 with 5 minutes remaining, but a long ball caught their defence cold, and Fabrice Noel pulled one back. Barely a minute later and Noel’s cross was met by Ly on the edge of the box, and his header flew past Kalinic to level the scores. There was to be a final twist though, and South Asian hearts were broken as Vossen let fly from 25 yards and saw the ball nestle in the top corner.
Belgium were far more assured in their next match, a comfortable 4-2 win over Peru really signifying their first good performance thus far. Switzerland kept their lead at the top of the table with a dominating 3-0 win over Sweden, as Hoarau and Paulinho both played 45 minutes returning from injury. At Windsor Park Northern Ireland finally got their first win, getting revenge over South Asia with a solid 2-0 victory.
With two successive defeats, Peru appeared to be in freefall. And with fifteen minutes to go at Windsor Park, they trailed Northern Ireland 1-0 thanks to a thunderbolt from Rhys Marshall. However, Northern Ireland’s terrible luck was to continue, as Mulgrew’s clearance from a corner hit Riojas and flew into the net. Ten minutes later and Avila’s initial shot was blocked, but with Tuffey diving to stop it, Avila was able to knock the rebound home and secure a crucial victory. Paulinho scored two goals on his full return from injury as Sweden beat South Asia 3-1, whilst the other match saw top two Belgium and Switzerland play out a tense 1-1 draw. Izquierdo looked to have scored the winner when slotting home from a rapid counter-attack nine minutes before the end, but Hoarau was played through five minutes later and made no mistake.
Belgium and Switzerland kept up their excellent form with simple 3-0 wins over Northern Ireland and South Asia respectively. The draw between the two sides being the only points either had dropped since the break. The other match saw Peru host Sweden, with Peru in third, but only two points ahead of Sweden in fourth. Rosenborg put Sweden ahead in the 19th minute, but the lead lasted 33 seconds, as Peru kicked off, got the ball up to Avila, who fed the overlapping Vargas, and his low strike found the bottom corner. Ten minutes before half time, Rosenborg broke down the left, and his low cross was slid in by Paulinho. The Brazilian doubled his tally just after half time, with a free kick that he seemed to celebrate before even striking the ball. Corzo pulled a goal back in injury time for Peru, but it was too little too late.
With two successive defeats, Peru appeared to be in freefall. And with fifteen minutes to go at Windsor Park, they trailed Northern Ireland 1-0 thanks to a thunderbolt from Rhys Marshall. However, Northern Ireland’s terrible luck was to continue, as Mulgrew’s clearance from a corner hit Riojas and flew into the net. Ten minutes later and Avila’s initial shot was blocked, but with Tuffey diving to stop it, Avila was able to knock the rebound home and secure a crucial victory. Paulinho scored two goals on his full return from injury as Sweden beat South Asia 3-1, whilst the other match saw top two Belgium and Switzerland play out a tense 1-1 draw. Izquierdo looked to have scored the winner when slotting home from a rapid counter-attack nine minutes before the end, but Hoarau was played through five minutes later and made no mistake.
Belgium and Switzerland kept up their excellent form with simple 3-0 wins over Northern Ireland and South Asia respectively. The draw between the two sides being the only points either had dropped since the break. The other match saw Peru host Sweden, with Peru in third, but only two points ahead of Sweden in fourth. Rosenborg put Sweden ahead in the 19th minute, but the lead lasted 33 seconds, as Peru kicked off, got the ball up to Avila, who fed the overlapping Vargas, and his low strike found the bottom corner. Ten minutes before half time, Rosenborg broke down the left, and his low cross was slid in by Paulinho. The Brazilian doubled his tally just after half time, with a free kick that he seemed to celebrate before even striking the ball. Corzo pulled a goal back in injury time for Peru, but it was too little too late.
This means that going into the final round of fixtures, the table looks like this:
Switzerland travel to Northern Ireland knowing a win would secure first place, however they know that they are already safely qualified for the Draft World Cup. If they do slip up, they will have to hope that Belgium fail to beat Sweden at home. The main task for the Belgians is to avoid losing by three or more goals, which will secure a top-two finish for them. As Peru are likely to beat South Asia, Sweden know they need a win just to stay in the play-off positions. Each match has something riding on it, so let’s see how they panned out.
South Asia vs. Peru
Peru led the group halfway in, but their knack of winning matches at the death deserted them, and they lost key matches to rivals to fall out of the qualification places. The equation for them is very simple, they need to win to put the pressure on Sweden. A draw might be enough, but it would require Sweden to lose to Belgium. An unlikely win for South Asia could see them climb off the bottom of the group if Northern Ireland lose to Switzerland.
With the exception of an early victory over Northern Ireland, South Asia have been battered throughout this campaign, and with injuries piling up, they just want this to finish. This is good news for Peru, who finally lose patience with Luis Aguiar, who despite being the best-rated AMC in the squad is only averaging 6.53, as Gustavino comes in.
South Asia vs. Peru
Peru led the group halfway in, but their knack of winning matches at the death deserted them, and they lost key matches to rivals to fall out of the qualification places. The equation for them is very simple, they need to win to put the pressure on Sweden. A draw might be enough, but it would require Sweden to lose to Belgium. An unlikely win for South Asia could see them climb off the bottom of the group if Northern Ireland lose to Switzerland.
With the exception of an early victory over Northern Ireland, South Asia have been battered throughout this campaign, and with injuries piling up, they just want this to finish. This is good news for Peru, who finally lose patience with Luis Aguiar, who despite being the best-rated AMC in the squad is only averaging 6.53, as Gustavino comes in.
South Asia started strongly, not only defending well against Peru, but creating chances of their own. In particular, Priestley missed a golden opportunity twenty minutes in when put through, and followed that by hitting the bar with a long shot ten minutes later. South Asia’s injury woes continued, as Hossein, the only right midfielder left in the squad, was forced off during the first half, but this proved to be a blessing in disguise as his replacement, Femi Orunimi met a hopeful cross to nod South Asia into a shock lead. Peru were back level on the stroke of half time, as a free kick was worked to Avila, who scored his eleventh goal of the campaign with a tidy finish.
Alessa Peru had some stern words for her team during the break, and they responded by taking the lead on the hour mark as Avila set up Tejada for a tap-in. With few chances to either side, Peru were forced into the undignified position of holding out for a narrow win against a team with a -21 goal difference, which they managed without any major scares.
Alessa Peru had some stern words for her team during the break, and they responded by taking the lead on the hour mark as Avila set up Tejada for a tap-in. With few chances to either side, Peru were forced into the undignified position of holding out for a narrow win against a team with a -21 goal difference, which they managed without any major scares.
Belgium vs. Sweden
With Peru winning, Sweden know only a win will keep them in the play-off positions. If they somehow win by three goals, they will leapfrog Belgium to automatically qualify.
Belgium have been in excellent form since moving towards a bolder formation halfway through the campaign, and with no selection worries can name an unchanged team, with the exception of Stanciu coming in for the underperforming Pozuelo. Sweden have also been in good form, so their only change sees the injured Anders Christiansen replaced by Mads Albaek.
With Peru winning, Sweden know only a win will keep them in the play-off positions. If they somehow win by three goals, they will leapfrog Belgium to automatically qualify.
Belgium have been in excellent form since moving towards a bolder formation halfway through the campaign, and with no selection worries can name an unchanged team, with the exception of Stanciu coming in for the underperforming Pozuelo. Sweden have also been in good form, so their only change sees the injured Anders Christiansen replaced by Mads Albaek.
Ten minutes in, and Belgium have to shuffle their back line when Mladenovic receives a head injury. There are no other moments of interest in the first half, until seconds before the whistle Jelle Vossen unleashes a fierce strike into the top corner to give his side the lead at the break.
Increased attacking intent from Sweden is rewarded when Rosenborg levels matters with a thumping header. However, there are few chances after this, and the game peters out into a draw, and Sweden are eliminated. They had recovered from a slow start to surge into the top three, but ultimately had left themselves too much to do.
Northern Ireland vs. Switzerland
Previous results mean that neither team can finish anywhere other than 5th and 1st respectively. With this knowledge, they play out a tame match, settled by a strike from Barnetta from 20 yards which was too good for a match like this. Northern Ireland put in some very plucky performances, and with better luck might have been in with a chance of a play-off position. Switzerland were very consistent throughout the campaign, and deservedly take the top spot.
Final results
Increased attacking intent from Sweden is rewarded when Rosenborg levels matters with a thumping header. However, there are few chances after this, and the game peters out into a draw, and Sweden are eliminated. They had recovered from a slow start to surge into the top three, but ultimately had left themselves too much to do.
Northern Ireland vs. Switzerland
Previous results mean that neither team can finish anywhere other than 5th and 1st respectively. With this knowledge, they play out a tame match, settled by a strike from Barnetta from 20 yards which was too good for a match like this. Northern Ireland put in some very plucky performances, and with better luck might have been in with a chance of a play-off position. Switzerland were very consistent throughout the campaign, and deservedly take the top spot.
Final results
Qualified for the Draft World Cup: Yorkshire, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium
3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Peru, Slovakia
Best average rating: Irven Avila (PER) 7.73; Bjorn Engels (BEL) 7.72; Luca Zuffi (SWT) 7.65
Most goals: Irven Avila (PER) 11; Markus Rosenberg (SWE) 10; Jose Izquierdo (BEL) 7
Team of the group: Vaclik (SWT); Engels (BEL), von Bergen (SWT), Alvarez Balanta (SWT); Steffen (SWT), Barnetta (SWT), Zuffi (SWT), Izquierdo (BEL); Paulinho (SWE), Rosenberg (SWE), Avila (PER)
Match of the group: Peru 3-2 Northern Ireland
Goal of the group
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3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Peru, Slovakia
Best average rating: Irven Avila (PER) 7.73; Bjorn Engels (BEL) 7.72; Luca Zuffi (SWT) 7.65
Most goals: Irven Avila (PER) 11; Markus Rosenberg (SWE) 10; Jose Izquierdo (BEL) 7
Team of the group: Vaclik (SWT); Engels (BEL), von Bergen (SWT), Alvarez Balanta (SWT); Steffen (SWT), Barnetta (SWT), Zuffi (SWT), Izquierdo (BEL); Paulinho (SWE), Rosenberg (SWE), Avila (PER)
Match of the group: Peru 3-2 Northern Ireland
Goal of the group
You can vote for what you believe to be goal of the group by using the tabs below to view the three nominees and view the vote itself.
Next time
Group C is next, where Ukraine should have the quality to see off Greece, North Africa and Slovenia. And can Iceland emulate the exploits of Euro 2016?
Group C is next, where Ukraine should have the quality to see off Greece, North Africa and Slovenia. And can Iceland emulate the exploits of Euro 2016?