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.
We are three groups in, and whilst the top seeds have all managed to qualify, we’ve yet to see one win their group. Italy, Belgium and Ukraine have each been bested by Yorkshire, Switzerland and Greece. Today’s group features the strongest team in the tournament, Spain, so will they end this trend? Their main rivals are likely to be Chile and Poland. Finland might find it difficult to stay competitive, whilst Central Africa and Caucasus are unknown quantities.
We are three groups in, and whilst the top seeds have all managed to qualify, we’ve yet to see one win their group. Italy, Belgium and Ukraine have each been bested by Yorkshire, Switzerland and Greece. Today’s group features the strongest team in the tournament, Spain, so will they end this trend? Their main rivals are likely to be Chile and Poland. Finland might find it difficult to stay competitive, whilst Central Africa and Caucasus are unknown quantities.
Each side has a limit of £200m for their squad, so let’s see how they chose to spend their money.
Spain
Spain
Ximena Espana has both Ronaldo and Messi available, however they are worth £68m and £63m respectively, which would mean selecting either would probably lead to an unbalanced squad. Instead, she picks Neymar, a relative bargain at £63m. This allows her to also pick star players Gabi and Alvaro Negredo. The rest of the squad is iffier, containing Bebe (not missed by Man United), Jose Enrique (not missed by Liverpool), Fran Merida (not missed by Arsenal) and Rodri (not missed by Sheffield Wednesday).
The Spanish made the 4-2-3-1 formation well-known, and it is with that the team lines up with. They will aim to play a classic tiki taka gameplan. Swansea and Oviedo icon Michu will play behind Negredo. Ximena will hope that Michu, Neymar and Bebe can provide more chances than Middlesbrough’s midfielders did for the Valencia striker. The defence is a cheap one, but still averages just under £8m per player, so shouldn’t be totally hopeless.
Chile
The Spanish made the 4-2-3-1 formation well-known, and it is with that the team lines up with. They will aim to play a classic tiki taka gameplan. Swansea and Oviedo icon Michu will play behind Negredo. Ximena will hope that Michu, Neymar and Bebe can provide more chances than Middlesbrough’s midfielders did for the Valencia striker. The defence is a cheap one, but still averages just under £8m per player, so shouldn’t be totally hopeless.
Chile
Chile’s clubs may not be the most famous this side of the Atlantic, but with a squad totalling £135m they will hope to be contending for the top spots. The side is set up to play in a Bielsarian 3-3-1-3, an attacking whir that opponents will have to be at their best to defend against.
There are numerous veterans of Chile’s previous World Cups. Jean Beausejour (once of Wigan) and Gonzalo Jara (once of West Brom) reprise familiar wing-back roles either side of Claudio Maldonado. Paredes up front may be 36, but is a lethal force for Colo Colo. He is supported by Mark Gonzalez, who was initially noticed when he moved to Liverpool. Fun fact: I saw one of only two league goals he scored for the club, a fantastic free kick against Fulham. On the bench is the legendary David Pizarro, not a bad player to be able to call upon.
Finland
There are numerous veterans of Chile’s previous World Cups. Jean Beausejour (once of Wigan) and Gonzalo Jara (once of West Brom) reprise familiar wing-back roles either side of Claudio Maldonado. Paredes up front may be 36, but is a lethal force for Colo Colo. He is supported by Mark Gonzalez, who was initially noticed when he moved to Liverpool. Fun fact: I saw one of only two league goals he scored for the club, a fantastic free kick against Fulham. On the bench is the legendary David Pizarro, not a bad player to be able to call upon.
Finland
Finland’s squad has a total value of £19m, which suggests that whilst they aren’t going to be the most feared in this group, they are certainly no push-overs. Milla Suomi has her side playing an organised 4-1-3-2, playing on the counter.
Anthony Annan hasn’t had the most remarkable career, but on previous iterations of FM has occasionally become the linchpin of my side. Atom Tanaka in front of him is the side’s most valuable player, after a long career in the J-League. Right-back Rafinha isn’t the Bayern star, he is a former player for AA Gent in Belgium, where he once won the league. The most famous name in this team is on the bench, and is none other than Julien Faubert, the right-back who Real Madrid inexplicable loaned from West Ham once.
Poland
Anthony Annan hasn’t had the most remarkable career, but on previous iterations of FM has occasionally become the linchpin of my side. Atom Tanaka in front of him is the side’s most valuable player, after a long career in the J-League. Right-back Rafinha isn’t the Bayern star, he is a former player for AA Gent in Belgium, where he once won the league. The most famous name in this team is on the bench, and is none other than Julien Faubert, the right-back who Real Madrid inexplicable loaned from West Ham once.
Poland
The national Polish side is a force to be reckoned with, particularly with Robert Lewandowski. However, this side can’t call on players of that ilk, and this squad totals to £70m, probably not far what Lewandowski would cost on his own. Szymon Polska is playing a solid 4-3-3 formation.
Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe, last seen at Rotherham on loan from Norwich, is rated by the assistant manager as the side’s best player. Adam Hlousek, the side’s left-back, is a veteran of the Bundesliga with Stuttgart and Nurnberg, whilst winger Milos Krasic was once signed by Juventus for £12.275m, but now plays for Lechia Gdansk.
Central Africa
Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe, last seen at Rotherham on loan from Norwich, is rated by the assistant manager as the side’s best player. Adam Hlousek, the side’s left-back, is a veteran of the Bundesliga with Stuttgart and Nurnberg, whilst winger Milos Krasic was once signed by Juventus for £12.275m, but now plays for Lechia Gdansk.
Central Africa
Central Africa will be hard to break down, with a 5-3-2 formation taking inspiration from Cameroon’s famous performance at Italia ’90. Despite this, no-one from the Cameroonian league has made it into this squad, with the vast majority coming from both Congolese nations. There is even one player, Jair Nunes, from Sao Tome & Principe. A total value of £60m means this will be a dangerous side.
The pacey Tresor Mputu is the side’s most threatening player, and he will play alongside Zambia’s Given Singuluma, a classic target man. The side’s most interesting player is Singuluma’s compatriot Rainford Kabala, a member of the 2012 AfCoN-winning Zambian side. Earlier this year there were reports that he had been found dead, luckily these were disproved by his club side, TP Mazembe. As a skilful AMC he can’t find a place in the current formation, but he’s a handy option from the bench.
Caucasus
The pacey Tresor Mputu is the side’s most threatening player, and he will play alongside Zambia’s Given Singuluma, a classic target man. The side’s most interesting player is Singuluma’s compatriot Rainford Kabala, a member of the 2012 AfCoN-winning Zambian side. Earlier this year there were reports that he had been found dead, luckily these were disproved by his club side, TP Mazembe. As a skilful AMC he can’t find a place in the current formation, but he’s a handy option from the bench.
Caucasus
This team encompasses Armenia, Georgia and Azerbaijan, the latter providing the most players. With a total value of £48m, they won’t have ruled out a challenge for qualification. A defensive 5-4-1 diamond formation won’t be fancied by opposition strikers, nor indeed by TV highlights-makers.
South African Dino Ndlovu is the side’s best player by far, although he will have to cope with little support, the main form of which will come from Dani Quintana, a veteran of Spain’s second tier.
Matches 1-5
Caucasus’ 5-4-1 proves effective as they travel to the Nou Camp and keep Spain to a 0-0 draw. However, they can consider themselves lucky after the hosts had 26 shots, with 2 clear-cut chances, including one for Neymar. Finland claimed an impressive 2-0 win over Central Africa, two set pieces yielding two goals for CB Azubuike Egquekwe. A third mildly surprising result occurred as Poland overcame Chile 2-1, Martin Nespor with both Polish goals.
The two group favourites met next, as Spain travelled to Santiago, and the match didn’t disappoint. Paredes gave Chile the lead from the spot, before playing in Gonzalez to double the lead. Neymar showed his class by turning away from two defenders and firing home, and soon after he broke though again. His shot was saved, but Michu rolled the rebound in to level. However, Chile retook the lead through a point-blank Paredes shot for a 3-2 half-time lead. He got his hat-trick shortly after the break, and despite another Neymar goal Chile held on to a thrilling win. A close game saw Central Africa overcome Poland 3-1, whilst Ndlovu scored the only game in a 1-0 win for Caucasus over Finland.
South African Dino Ndlovu is the side’s best player by far, although he will have to cope with little support, the main form of which will come from Dani Quintana, a veteran of Spain’s second tier.
Matches 1-5
Caucasus’ 5-4-1 proves effective as they travel to the Nou Camp and keep Spain to a 0-0 draw. However, they can consider themselves lucky after the hosts had 26 shots, with 2 clear-cut chances, including one for Neymar. Finland claimed an impressive 2-0 win over Central Africa, two set pieces yielding two goals for CB Azubuike Egquekwe. A third mildly surprising result occurred as Poland overcame Chile 2-1, Martin Nespor with both Polish goals.
The two group favourites met next, as Spain travelled to Santiago, and the match didn’t disappoint. Paredes gave Chile the lead from the spot, before playing in Gonzalez to double the lead. Neymar showed his class by turning away from two defenders and firing home, and soon after he broke though again. His shot was saved, but Michu rolled the rebound in to level. However, Chile retook the lead through a point-blank Paredes shot for a 3-2 half-time lead. He got his hat-trick shortly after the break, and despite another Neymar goal Chile held on to a thrilling win. A close game saw Central Africa overcome Poland 3-1, whilst Ndlovu scored the only game in a 1-0 win for Caucasus over Finland.
With one point from two matches, Spain had reason to be alarmed, and whilst a win in Helsinki improved their points tally, the manner wasn’t inspiring; a 2-1 victory sealed thanks to an own goal from Faith Friday Obilor. Central Africa dominated their clash with Chile, but had to rely on a 94th-minute winner from Singuluma to earn a 2-1 win. Much more straightforward was Poland’s 4-1 win over Caucasus.
Caucasus were much improved in their next match, having the majority of the chances against Central Africa, but luck wasn’t with them as suffered a 2-1 defeat. Similarly, Finland would have been delighted to travel to Santiago and have 23 shots to their opponent’s 10, but another goal from Paredes was enough for Chile to prevail 1-0. Despite carrying a knock from the previous fixture, Alvaro Negredo scored both goals as Spain won 2-0 at home to Poland.
Just when Spain looked to have got into a groove, they travelled to the Caucasus, had 27 shots to their opponent’s 4, and lost 2-1, only scoring from the spot. Dino Ndlovu’s winning goal, a beautiful chip over Lux, was an act of brilliance. Poland had the better of their match with Chile, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw, whilst Finland stopped a run of three defeats by holding Central Africa to a 0-0 draw; this also marked the end of a three-match winning run for their opponents.
Caucasus were much improved in their next match, having the majority of the chances against Central Africa, but luck wasn’t with them as suffered a 2-1 defeat. Similarly, Finland would have been delighted to travel to Santiago and have 23 shots to their opponent’s 10, but another goal from Paredes was enough for Chile to prevail 1-0. Despite carrying a knock from the previous fixture, Alvaro Negredo scored both goals as Spain won 2-0 at home to Poland.
Just when Spain looked to have got into a groove, they travelled to the Caucasus, had 27 shots to their opponent’s 4, and lost 2-1, only scoring from the spot. Dino Ndlovu’s winning goal, a beautiful chip over Lux, was an act of brilliance. Poland had the better of their match with Chile, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw, whilst Finland stopped a run of three defeats by holding Central Africa to a 0-0 draw; this also marked the end of a three-match winning run for their opponents.
This means that at the halfway stage, the table is incredibly tight. In fact, if (for example) Caucasus had beaten Central Africa and lost to Finland (rather than the other way around), all teams would have had exactly seven points.
Squad changes
Spain suffer from the curse of the top seed, and are in a spot of trouble halfway in. With a squad of only 19 players, it is difficult to cull a few to bring in a top-quality replacement. The temptation would be to trade in Neymar for greater quality around the side. Instead, squad options Rodri, Pacheco, Manu and David Garcia are traded for cheaper alternatives (Clement Lenglet, Khalifa Sankare, Giorgos Samaras and Alex Barrera), allowing Bebe to be replaced with Susaeta, an obvious upgrade.
None of the other teams need to cull players to free up cash. Chile have CMs Pizarro and Reyes on the treatment table, so bring in Braulio Leal and Guzman Pereira. Similarly, Finland and Poland bring in Andre Clennon and Iliyan Mitsanski respectively as cover for the injured Salami and Nespor.
After the draw, it appears that Central Africa’s Bedi Mbenza is unavailable – has he retired? No word on this, what a mystery. Kalaba comes in and the team slightly changes shape to a 5-2-1-2.
Matches 6-9
Spain’s changes seemed to do the trick – just – as they travelled to Central Africa, and took away a hard-fought 2-1 victory sealed by Gabi’s 78th-minute penalty. Even closer was Poland’s 1-0 win at home to Finland, Miroslav Radovic’s low drive in the 89th minute winning the game. Elsewhere Caucasus fought back twice to draw 2-2 in Chile. Worse news for the hosts came in the form of an injury for Esteban Parades, who has 6 goals in 6 games.
Spain suffer from the curse of the top seed, and are in a spot of trouble halfway in. With a squad of only 19 players, it is difficult to cull a few to bring in a top-quality replacement. The temptation would be to trade in Neymar for greater quality around the side. Instead, squad options Rodri, Pacheco, Manu and David Garcia are traded for cheaper alternatives (Clement Lenglet, Khalifa Sankare, Giorgos Samaras and Alex Barrera), allowing Bebe to be replaced with Susaeta, an obvious upgrade.
None of the other teams need to cull players to free up cash. Chile have CMs Pizarro and Reyes on the treatment table, so bring in Braulio Leal and Guzman Pereira. Similarly, Finland and Poland bring in Andre Clennon and Iliyan Mitsanski respectively as cover for the injured Salami and Nespor.
After the draw, it appears that Central Africa’s Bedi Mbenza is unavailable – has he retired? No word on this, what a mystery. Kalaba comes in and the team slightly changes shape to a 5-2-1-2.
Matches 6-9
Spain’s changes seemed to do the trick – just – as they travelled to Central Africa, and took away a hard-fought 2-1 victory sealed by Gabi’s 78th-minute penalty. Even closer was Poland’s 1-0 win at home to Finland, Miroslav Radovic’s low drive in the 89th minute winning the game. Elsewhere Caucasus fought back twice to draw 2-2 in Chile. Worse news for the hosts came in the form of an injury for Esteban Parades, who has 6 goals in 6 games.
Three of those goals came in the 4-3 win over Spain, and Chile missed him here as they went down 4-1, Negredo starring with one goal and two assists. Tied with Spain at the top of the table before this round were Poland and Central Africa, and these two faced each other in Warsaw – the visitors edging a tight game 2-1. A yellow card isn’t usually notable, but when it’s for mystery man Bedi Mbenza it is. I don’t know why he’s playing and why he’s not available on the tactics page. Finland continued to drift towards last place with another 1-0 defeat to Caucasus, another goal for Ndlovu. 27 shots should have yielded more goals for Finland, but Morelos and Clennon both remain goalless for the campaign.
It felt like groundhog day in Helsinki a week later, as Finland had 20 shots to Chile’s 7, but lost 2-0. Singuluma got his fifth goal to decide Central Africa’s tie with Caucasus, and they were matched at the top of the table by Spain, who had Neymar to thank as he scored both in a 2-1 win over Poland. The first was utterly walloped into the top corner from the edge of the box, whilst the second was poked home after a beautiful pass from Merida. Tomasz Kedziora had missed a 4th-minute penalty which would have made Spain’s job even more difficult.
It felt like groundhog day in Helsinki a week later, as Finland had 20 shots to Chile’s 7, but lost 2-0. Singuluma got his fifth goal to decide Central Africa’s tie with Caucasus, and they were matched at the top of the table by Spain, who had Neymar to thank as he scored both in a 2-1 win over Poland. The first was utterly walloped into the top corner from the edge of the box, whilst the second was poked home after a beautiful pass from Merida. Tomasz Kedziora had missed a 4th-minute penalty which would have made Spain’s job even more difficult.
Spain got their fourth consecutive win with a 2-0 stroll against a now-demoralised Finnish side, Michu and Mandi on the scoresheet securing their qualification in the Draft World Cup. They will be joined there by Central Africa, whose 1-1 draw with Chile was enough to secure a top-two spot. This draw meant that the winner of Caucasus vs. Poland would leapfrog Chile into the play-off space. Odjidja-Ofoe was the outstanding player, scoring Poland’s opening goal and settling up Pawlowski’s winner after Ndlovu’s equaliser.
So with one match left to go, we are left with the table looking like this:
So with one match left to go, we are left with the table looking like this:
Spain will host Central Africa in the final match, the winner taking top spot in the group (with a draw enough for Spain). Caucasus host Chile, and the winner of this match, if there is one, will have to hope that Poland slip up against Finland. So with no further ado, let’s see what happens in these three crucial matches.
Spain vs. Central Africa
What better way to start this final round of games with a title decider? Spain took the spoils earlier in the campaign with a 2-1 win in an even game, and they have home advantage, as well as knowledge that a draw will be enough.
However, Spain do have injury problems, as Susaeta and Piccini miss out, Yeray and Juli coming in. Thanks to another injury, this time to Barrera, Spain can only name five substitutes. The only change for Central Africa is enforced by suspension, Daniel Nii Adjei replaced by Jean-Patrick Abouna. Also suspended is Bedi Mbenza, so we aren’t able to observe this potentially-mythical man in action. It also means Central Africa can only name one substitute more than Spain.
Spain vs. Central Africa
What better way to start this final round of games with a title decider? Spain took the spoils earlier in the campaign with a 2-1 win in an even game, and they have home advantage, as well as knowledge that a draw will be enough.
However, Spain do have injury problems, as Susaeta and Piccini miss out, Yeray and Juli coming in. Thanks to another injury, this time to Barrera, Spain can only name five substitutes. The only change for Central Africa is enforced by suspension, Daniel Nii Adjei replaced by Jean-Patrick Abouna. Also suspended is Bedi Mbenza, so we aren’t able to observe this potentially-mythical man in action. It also means Central Africa can only name one substitute more than Spain.
Spain dominate the first half, with 60% possession, and make the breakthrough when Negredo nods in Enrique’s cross. Just before half time the Spanish defence switches off and Singuluma is played through. However, his shot drifts over with Lux beaten and the half finishes 1-0.
Central Africa continue to be penned back, but get another chance on the counter, Mputu hitting the post this time. Neymar takes a knock and is replaced by Samaras, a switch in quality which encourages Central Africa to push forwards more. They are eventually rewarded when Mputu, withdrawn into a creative role, plays Bhebey-Ndey in and he slides home the equaliser. Four minutes later and the same two players repeat the trick, and with ten minutes to go Central Africa are set for a famous win. This is sealed five minutes later when Idrissa Traore slots home, and it could even have been four as Mputu hits the post in injury time. Central Africa take a fantastic 3-1 win to top the group, whilst Spain will rue their lack of depth beyond Neymar.
Central Africa continue to be penned back, but get another chance on the counter, Mputu hitting the post this time. Neymar takes a knock and is replaced by Samaras, a switch in quality which encourages Central Africa to push forwards more. They are eventually rewarded when Mputu, withdrawn into a creative role, plays Bhebey-Ndey in and he slides home the equaliser. Four minutes later and the same two players repeat the trick, and with ten minutes to go Central Africa are set for a famous win. This is sealed five minutes later when Idrissa Traore slots home, and it could even have been four as Mputu hits the post in injury time. Central Africa take a fantastic 3-1 win to top the group, whilst Spain will rue their lack of depth beyond Neymar.
Caucasus vs. Chile
All these sides can do is try and win, and hope Finland do them a favour. A winner in this match will qualify for the play-offs as long as Poland don’t win. A draw and Chile might scrape in, but only if Poland lose.
Caucasus have no selection issues. Paredes is available again for Chile, but still carrying a knock and so only fit to be on the bench. He is replaced by Roberto Gutierrez, who has two goals in his two sub appearances.
All these sides can do is try and win, and hope Finland do them a favour. A winner in this match will qualify for the play-offs as long as Poland don’t win. A draw and Chile might scrape in, but only if Poland lose.
Caucasus have no selection issues. Paredes is available again for Chile, but still carrying a knock and so only fit to be on the bench. He is replaced by Roberto Gutierrez, who has two goals in his two sub appearances.
Twelve minutes in and Caucasus work the ball out wide to Ricardinho, whose cross is volleyed in by Ndlovu for his eighth goal of the group. Ten minutes later and Chile nearly worked the ball through to Gutierrez, but one clearance sent Ndlovu through. This time he didn’t punish Chile, as his shot went wide. Little else happens before the break, Caucasus by far the happier of the teams.
Chile decide now is the time to bring Paredes on for Gutierrez. Four minutes into the half they are level as Jaime Valdes’ free kick flies into the top corner. This causes Caucasus to lose a defender for a midfielder, and they nearly retake the lead as Agolli’s shot from the edge of the box hits the side netting. Chile bring on David Pizarro, who picks up a groin strain and is replaced five minutes later. With four minutes remaining a high ball puts Paredes clean through, but he can’t hold his nerve and drags his shot wide. Despite both sides pushing hard for a winner, there are no more chances and the game finishes level. This eliminates Caucasus, whilst Chilean eyes will be glued to the match in Helsinki.
Chile decide now is the time to bring Paredes on for Gutierrez. Four minutes into the half they are level as Jaime Valdes’ free kick flies into the top corner. This causes Caucasus to lose a defender for a midfielder, and they nearly retake the lead as Agolli’s shot from the edge of the box hits the side netting. Chile bring on David Pizarro, who picks up a groin strain and is replaced five minutes later. With four minutes remaining a high ball puts Paredes clean through, but he can’t hold his nerve and drags his shot wide. Despite both sides pushing hard for a winner, there are no more chances and the game finishes level. This eliminates Caucasus, whilst Chilean eyes will be glued to the match in Helsinki.
Finland vs. Poland
With a draw in Baku, Poland only need a point against Finland to qualify for the play-offs. Finland are cut off at the bottom of the table, but have played far better than their four points suggests, meaning that Poland still have a job to get done here.
Finland have no selection issues, other than the complete incompetence of their strikers. Defender Azubuike Egquekwe actually leads the side’s scoring charts, scoring two of their three goals. Poland are able to name a full-strength XI.
With a draw in Baku, Poland only need a point against Finland to qualify for the play-offs. Finland are cut off at the bottom of the table, but have played far better than their four points suggests, meaning that Poland still have a job to get done here.
Finland have no selection issues, other than the complete incompetence of their strikers. Defender Azubuike Egquekwe actually leads the side’s scoring charts, scoring two of their three goals. Poland are able to name a full-strength XI.
The first half flies by with no highlights, Finland having the majority of possession and all shots in the half being hopeful long efforts.
In the second half Poland try and take the game to their opponents more, but it takes two minutes for Finland to take the lead, a beautiful move ending with a ball in which captain Antti Okkonen heads home. Poland respond by bringing on Radovic and switching to a 4-2-3-1, whilst Finland replace striker Morelos with Faubert. It’s Poland’s change which makes the difference, Finland keeper Dahne (who, by the way, goes with the classy option of tracksuit bottoms) misjudging a cross and allowing Radovic to head home. However, with ten minutes later, and against the run of play, Faubert plays fellow substitute Clennon through, and he scores the first goal this campaign by a Finnish striker. Poland try everything to get back level (at this stage they would go out on goals scored), but a Petrovic free kick takes a cruel deflection off the wall and flies in. Finland hold on for their first win since the opening round of fixtures, and one which doubles their goals scored tally.
In the second half Poland try and take the game to their opponents more, but it takes two minutes for Finland to take the lead, a beautiful move ending with a ball in which captain Antti Okkonen heads home. Poland respond by bringing on Radovic and switching to a 4-2-3-1, whilst Finland replace striker Morelos with Faubert. It’s Poland’s change which makes the difference, Finland keeper Dahne (who, by the way, goes with the classy option of tracksuit bottoms) misjudging a cross and allowing Radovic to head home. However, with ten minutes later, and against the run of play, Faubert plays fellow substitute Clennon through, and he scores the first goal this campaign by a Finnish striker. Poland try everything to get back level (at this stage they would go out on goals scored), but a Petrovic free kick takes a cruel deflection off the wall and flies in. Finland hold on for their first win since the opening round of fixtures, and one which doubles their goals scored tally.
This result eliminates Poland, who will be devastated. With one match to go they held the play-off position, and just had to draw with bottom side Finland. Meanwhile, Finland might be frustrated that this performance showed what they could do with better finishing.
Final results
Final results
Qualified for the Draft World Cup: Yorkshire, Italy, Switzerland, Belgium, Greece, Ukraine, Central Africa, Spain
3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Peru, North Africa, Slovakia, Chile
Best average rating: Neymar (ESP) 7.71; Artur Edigarian (CAU) 7.54; Aissa Mandi (ESP) 7.49
Most goals: Dino Ndlovu (CAU) 8; Esteban Paredes (CHI) 6; Szymon Pawlowski (POL), Given Singuluma (CAF), Alvaro Negredo, Neymar (ESP) 5
Team of the group: Lux (ESP); Piccini (ESP), Mandi (ESP), N’Goran (CAF); Gonzalez (CHI), Edigarian (CAU), Petrovic (FIN), Neymar (ESP); Ndlovu (CAU), Negredo (ESP), Singuluma (CAF)
Match of the group: Finland 3-1 Poland
Goal of the group
Once again, you can vote for your goal of the group using the tabs below to view the candidates and to place your vote.
3rd place (either automatic qualification or play-offs): Peru, North Africa, Slovakia, Chile
Best average rating: Neymar (ESP) 7.71; Artur Edigarian (CAU) 7.54; Aissa Mandi (ESP) 7.49
Most goals: Dino Ndlovu (CAU) 8; Esteban Paredes (CHI) 6; Szymon Pawlowski (POL), Given Singuluma (CAF), Alvaro Negredo, Neymar (ESP) 5
Team of the group: Lux (ESP); Piccini (ESP), Mandi (ESP), N’Goran (CAF); Gonzalez (CHI), Edigarian (CAU), Petrovic (FIN), Neymar (ESP); Ndlovu (CAU), Negredo (ESP), Singuluma (CAF)
Match of the group: Finland 3-1 Poland
Goal of the group
Once again, you can vote for your goal of the group using the tabs below to view the candidates and to place your vote.
Next time
France are the top seeds in Group E, but with China’s array of well-paid superstars, this might be a very close battle.
France are the top seeds in Group E, but with China’s array of well-paid superstars, this might be a very close battle.