I don't know about you, but I am really hoping that FM19 or FM20 will include VAR. The entertainment level of last night's Portugal - Iran clash was off the scale - more of this please! Anyway, here in the Draft World Cup we had a shock as Brazil pipped Germany to top spot in Group A, leaving the defending champions with a last-16 clash with Spain - will real-life Germany do the same to end up with Brazil in Russia? South Africa also ensured their progression to the knockout rounds for the second year in a row.
Today it's the finales for Group C and D. Group C sees Mexico and Tunisia aiming to join Netherlands in the next round, whilst Group D sees a battle for top spot between two rivals.
Final matches of Group C
The Netherlands' tight opening victory over Mexico paved the way for them to secure qualification with a win over Tunisia. Defeats to Mexico and Tunisia left Thailand eliminated, and the table looking like this:
Today it's the finales for Group C and D. Group C sees Mexico and Tunisia aiming to join Netherlands in the next round, whilst Group D sees a battle for top spot between two rivals.
Final matches of Group C
The Netherlands' tight opening victory over Mexico paved the way for them to secure qualification with a win over Tunisia. Defeats to Mexico and Tunisia left Thailand eliminated, and the table looking like this:
So the equations is simply that Tunisia have to beat Mexico in their clash today, whilst the Dutch face Thailand in an almost-dead rubber (they will want at least a point to ensure top spot).
Team news: Mexico vs. Tunisia
Mexico were great against Thailand, although they were a touch vulnerable in defence. Regardless, they name the same XI. Tunisia, meanwhile, bring in Jamel for Bejaoui as their only change, despite a dispiriting defeat to the Dutch.
Team news: Mexico vs. Tunisia
Mexico were great against Thailand, although they were a touch vulnerable in defence. Regardless, they name the same XI. Tunisia, meanwhile, bring in Jamel for Bejaoui as their only change, despite a dispiriting defeat to the Dutch.
Team news: Thailand vs. Netherlands
After twice being forced into changing their formation, Thailand learn their lesson and play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Rochela replacing Everton. Heberty also comes back into the side after his goal from the bench, with Coelho making way. Qualification is assured for the Dutch, but not top spot, so their only change is to give teenager Kasper Dolberg a go up front as Jorgensen is a yellow away from suspension.
After twice being forced into changing their formation, Thailand learn their lesson and play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Rochela replacing Everton. Heberty also comes back into the side after his goal from the bench, with Coelho making way. Qualification is assured for the Dutch, but not top spot, so their only change is to give teenager Kasper Dolberg a go up front as Jorgensen is a yellow away from suspension.
Kick-off
[As it stands: NED 7, MEX 4, TUN 4, THA 1]
THAvNED (1 min): The Dutch start with a beautiful flowing move, which culminates in Hakim Ziyech marauding into the box and firing the ball into the top corner. 1-0 inside 40 seconds, and Thailand haven’t touched the ball yet.
[As it stands: NED 7, MEX 4, TUN 4, THA 1]
THAvNED (1 min): The Dutch start with a beautiful flowing move, which culminates in Hakim Ziyech marauding into the box and firing the ball into the top corner. 1-0 inside 40 seconds, and Thailand haven’t touched the ball yet.
[As it stands: NED 9, MEX 4, TUN 4, THA 0]
Thailand kick off, immediately lose the ball and a similar Dutch move ends with Ziyech’s shot going narrowly over. This is a 1974-esque start to the match by the Dutch.
MEXvTUN (4 mins): Mexico burst forwards, and Chumacero feeds Raul Ruidiaz to take aim from range. It’s a good shot, but cannons over via the crossbar. A minute later the same two players combine. Ruidiaz is through on goal again, and this time he makes no mistake, arrowing a low shot home. It’s the perfect start for Mexico, and Tunisia now need at least two goals.
[As it stands: NED 9, MEX 6, TUN 3, THA 0]
Thailand kick off, immediately lose the ball and a similar Dutch move ends with Ziyech’s shot going narrowly over. This is a 1974-esque start to the match by the Dutch.
MEXvTUN (4 mins): Mexico burst forwards, and Chumacero feeds Raul Ruidiaz to take aim from range. It’s a good shot, but cannons over via the crossbar. A minute later the same two players combine. Ruidiaz is through on goal again, and this time he makes no mistake, arrowing a low shot home. It’s the perfect start for Mexico, and Tunisia now need at least two goals.
[As it stands: NED 9, MEX 6, TUN 3, THA 0]
THAvNED (14 mins): Netherlands make it 2-0 in the 7th minute. Dolberg is the scorer, but it’s not a good goal – his header is saved, then he hits the rebound at a prostrate Falkesgaard. Then he is dispossessed by Tunez. The ball is stopped from going in by Falkesgaard, but he can only leave it a yard from the line for Dolberg to finally score.
MEXvTUN (14 mins): Mexico also go 2-0, and this is very embarrassing for Tunisia’s Hichri. With the ball near his own corner flag, he pisses about for ages, eventually allowing Raul Ruidiaz to steal in and cross it to an unmarked Andre-Pierre Gignac to put away.
MEXvTUN (14 mins): Mexico also go 2-0, and this is very embarrassing for Tunisia’s Hichri. With the ball near his own corner flag, he pisses about for ages, eventually allowing Raul Ruidiaz to steal in and cross it to an unmarked Andre-Pierre Gignac to put away.
THAvNED (14 mins): This is relentless. A trip by Rochela gives the Dutch a penalty, and Dolberg belts it high into the top corner for 3-0. And virtually straight afterwards he has his hat-trick, as another beautiful move finishes with Berghuis rolling the ball across the box for Dolberg to put away.
MEXvTUN (18 mins): What a ridiculously goal-filled start to today’s games we have! There’s another one here, but this time it’s Tunisia who get themselves back into it. Wajdi Bouazzi reacts well to divert a clearance to Bilal Ben Messaoud, whose shot beats Marchesin at his near post.
THAvNED (half time): Surprisingly, the game suddenly calmed down after the fourth Dutch goal. So we reach the break with no further damage done to Thai pride. At the break Thailand take off wingers Heberty and Robson for defensive alternatives Cleiton Silva and Vander.
MEXvTUN (half time): Since going only one behind, Tunisia have been the better team, and Ben-Hatira and Konate both go very close to levelling matters. However, it’s still 2-1 when the teams go in for their oranges. At the break Tunisia replace Khalifa with Amine Chermiti, who was key in qualification – for Kuwait. Unfortunately for them, it takes Mexico just three minutes to restore their two-goal lead, Javier Aquino rising to float a looping header beyond Kasraoui. But Tunisia strike back within 10 minutes, with a fantastic rising shot from Bouazzi.
THAvNED (half time): Surprisingly, the game suddenly calmed down after the fourth Dutch goal. So we reach the break with no further damage done to Thai pride. At the break Thailand take off wingers Heberty and Robson for defensive alternatives Cleiton Silva and Vander.
MEXvTUN (half time): Since going only one behind, Tunisia have been the better team, and Ben-Hatira and Konate both go very close to levelling matters. However, it’s still 2-1 when the teams go in for their oranges. At the break Tunisia replace Khalifa with Amine Chermiti, who was key in qualification – for Kuwait. Unfortunately for them, it takes Mexico just three minutes to restore their two-goal lead, Javier Aquino rising to float a looping header beyond Kasraoui. But Tunisia strike back within 10 minutes, with a fantastic rising shot from Bouazzi.
One step forwards, two steps back... Tunisia switch off from a corner, and allow Nestor Aruajo to poke in for 4-2 – completing a hat-trick of assists for Chumacero, to go with his hat-trick of goals against Thailand.
THAvNED (79 mins): The defensive changes by Thailand have done the trick, as the second half flies by with little happening. Diogo nearly gets a consolation with a low shot, but it’s well-held by Zoet.
MEXvTUN (80 mins): Bouazzi has been having a great game, and he gets his second following Ben Messaoud’s pass to make it 4-3.
THAvNED (90+2 mins): There are no more big chances, and the game ends with both sides settling for 4-0.
MEXvTUN (90+5 mins): Tunisia cannot muster up the energy to haul themselves level, and the sand eventually runs through the hourglass and the final score is 4-3. An epic game that Mexico somehow always seemed in control of.
Analysis: Mexico 4-3 Tunisia
What a batshit game. Whoever Mexico play in the second round will note how many goals Mexico have conceded so far (9 in three games), and not all opponents will be as accommodating as Tunisia were. Below you can see the mistakes made by Tunisian players, there were few too many near their own goal.
THAvNED (79 mins): The defensive changes by Thailand have done the trick, as the second half flies by with little happening. Diogo nearly gets a consolation with a low shot, but it’s well-held by Zoet.
MEXvTUN (80 mins): Bouazzi has been having a great game, and he gets his second following Ben Messaoud’s pass to make it 4-3.
THAvNED (90+2 mins): There are no more big chances, and the game ends with both sides settling for 4-0.
MEXvTUN (90+5 mins): Tunisia cannot muster up the energy to haul themselves level, and the sand eventually runs through the hourglass and the final score is 4-3. An epic game that Mexico somehow always seemed in control of.
Analysis: Mexico 4-3 Tunisia
What a batshit game. Whoever Mexico play in the second round will note how many goals Mexico have conceded so far (9 in three games), and not all opponents will be as accommodating as Tunisia were. Below you can see the mistakes made by Tunisian players, there were few too many near their own goal.
Analysis: Thailand 0-4 Netherlands
It's not an unexpected win for the Dutch in this dead rubber, but it's still a satisfyingly comprehensive way to prepare for the second round. Dolberg's hat-trick will give Luuk Nederland a pleasant selection dilemma. Looking at both sides’ average positions during that riotous first half, you can see how far back Thailand were penned by the rampant Dutch.
It's not an unexpected win for the Dutch in this dead rubber, but it's still a satisfyingly comprehensive way to prepare for the second round. Dolberg's hat-trick will give Luuk Nederland a pleasant selection dilemma. Looking at both sides’ average positions during that riotous first half, you can see how far back Thailand were penned by the rampant Dutch.
Final Group C table
Final matches of Group D
Greece have claimed two unconvincing wins so far, against Venezuela and Morocco. Turkey have been slightly more fluent, more so in their win over Morocco than their win over Venezuela.
Greece have claimed two unconvincing wins so far, against Venezuela and Morocco. Turkey have been slightly more fluent, more so in their win over Morocco than their win over Venezuela.
Ultimately, this means the group has little resting on it before the final games - Turkey and Greece have already secured qualification. However, with the Dutch in excellent form there is definitely reason to secure 1st in this group, and that's on the line as the two European sides meet. It will just be price at stake between Venezuela and Morocco.
Team news: Venezuela vs. Morocco
Morocco bring in Dayo for Attouchi. Meanwhile, Venezuela are without Pena so bring in Danny Cure on the right wing.
Team news: Venezuela vs. Morocco
Morocco bring in Dayo for Attouchi. Meanwhile, Venezuela are without Pena so bring in Danny Cure on the right wing.
Team news: Turkey vs. Greece
Giuliano was excellent from the bench for Turkey, so he comes in for Yilmaz as they switch to a 4-4-1-1 formation. The other Turkish change is Vida in for the underperforming Skrtel. Vieirinha is unavailable for Greece due to a damaged heel, so Matos returns at right back. Marko Marin has finally gone enough to convince Xandra Hellas to select him, with two goals from the bench so far, as Mantalos makes way.
Giuliano was excellent from the bench for Turkey, so he comes in for Yilmaz as they switch to a 4-4-1-1 formation. The other Turkish change is Vida in for the underperforming Skrtel. Vieirinha is unavailable for Greece due to a damaged heel, so Matos returns at right back. Marko Marin has finally gone enough to convince Xandra Hellas to select him, with two goals from the bench so far, as Mantalos makes way.
Kick-off
[As it stands: TUR 7, GRE 7, VEN 1, MAR 1]
VENvMAR (16 mins): It’s been a miserable tournament for Venezuela’s Juan Falcon, but he opens the scoring thanks to a nice low pass across the goal by Jesus Lugo.
[As it stands: TUR 7, GRE 7, VEN 1, MAR 1]
VENvMAR (16 mins): It’s been a miserable tournament for Venezuela’s Juan Falcon, but he opens the scoring thanks to a nice low pass across the goal by Jesus Lugo.
[As it stands: TUR 7, GRE 7, VEN 3, MAR 0]
It has also been a chastening tournament for Morocco’s Mouhcine Iajour. Unfortunately for him, there’s no goal today, as he is forced off injured.
TURvGRE (27 mins): Turkey have started the better side, with the majority of possession, but all their shots have been from distance and easy for Proto to deal with.
VENvMAR (30 mins): Morocco take a throw-in down the right. It comes to Hafidi, whose low cross cannons into Giovanny Romero and into the Venezuelan goal for an unfortunate own goal.
It has also been a chastening tournament for Morocco’s Mouhcine Iajour. Unfortunately for him, there’s no goal today, as he is forced off injured.
TURvGRE (27 mins): Turkey have started the better side, with the majority of possession, but all their shots have been from distance and easy for Proto to deal with.
VENvMAR (30 mins): Morocco take a throw-in down the right. It comes to Hafidi, whose low cross cannons into Giovanny Romero and into the Venezuelan goal for an unfortunate own goal.
[As it stands: TUR 7, GRE 7, VEN 1, MAR 1]
TURvGRE (half time): In the 39th minute Turkey attack down the right, and Feghouli swings in a cross. However, it’s too hard and Giuliano will do well to reach- OH WHAT A GOAL! The Brazilian launches into a bicycle kick and rockets the ball into the top corner! Turkey are now outright leaders of the group, and Giuliano is now the outright leader for goal of the tournament! And it’s the last real action of the half.
TURvGRE (half time): In the 39th minute Turkey attack down the right, and Feghouli swings in a cross. However, it’s too hard and Giuliano will do well to reach- OH WHAT A GOAL! The Brazilian launches into a bicycle kick and rockets the ball into the top corner! Turkey are now outright leaders of the group, and Giuliano is now the outright leader for goal of the tournament! And it’s the last real action of the half.
[As it stands: TUR 9, GRE 6, VEN 1, MAR 1]
VENvMAR (half time): Morocco should be going in with the lead, as Dayo misses with a free header in the 6-yard box. As it is though, the sides are still level and both on course for their first point of this year’s tournament.
TURvGRE (52 mins): Greece are playing with a bit more urgency, and level early on in the half when Lopes swings in a perfect cross to find Emenike at the far post to notch his first of the tournament.
VENvMAR (half time): Morocco should be going in with the lead, as Dayo misses with a free header in the 6-yard box. As it is though, the sides are still level and both on course for their first point of this year’s tournament.
TURvGRE (52 mins): Greece are playing with a bit more urgency, and level early on in the half when Lopes swings in a perfect cross to find Emenike at the far post to notch his first of the tournament.
[As it stands: TUR 7, GRE 7, VEN 1, MAR 1]
Greece are ahead for less than a minute though, as Turkey kick-off, get it out wide and Feghouli’s cross is precisely headed home by Alvaro Negredo, who gets his sixth goal of the tournament. 54 seconds between the goals.
Greece are ahead for less than a minute though, as Turkey kick-off, get it out wide and Feghouli’s cross is precisely headed home by Alvaro Negredo, who gets his sixth goal of the tournament. 54 seconds between the goals.
[As it stands: TUR 9, GRE 6, VEN 1, MAR 1]
In the 60th minute Greece lose Engels to injury, not what you want from a match that is almost a dead rubber. 12 minutes later Turkey seal the win when Oguzhan Ozayakup’s long free kick takes a huge deflection off the wall and wrong-foots Proto.
VENvMAR (90+3 mins): Very little has happened in this second half, as neither team appears that motivated to grab the winner. Morocco are the more proactive, but Venezuela cope well in defence and the game ends in a fairly dull 1-1.
TURvGRE (90+5 mins): It’s still all Turkey, as Greece know they are best off shutting up shop and protecting their players ahead of the second round. The game ends in a comfortable win for Turkey against their neighbours.
Analysis: Venezuela 1-1 Morocco
Both teams at least finish their debut DWCs with a point. Earlier narrow defeats meant they were already eliminated, and that's disappointing given how tight this group appeared. Man of the match today was Morocco’s Mounir Obbadi, who was everywhere. His passing was excellent, and he was the only Moroccan credited with creating any chances (2).
In the 60th minute Greece lose Engels to injury, not what you want from a match that is almost a dead rubber. 12 minutes later Turkey seal the win when Oguzhan Ozayakup’s long free kick takes a huge deflection off the wall and wrong-foots Proto.
VENvMAR (90+3 mins): Very little has happened in this second half, as neither team appears that motivated to grab the winner. Morocco are the more proactive, but Venezuela cope well in defence and the game ends in a fairly dull 1-1.
TURvGRE (90+5 mins): It’s still all Turkey, as Greece know they are best off shutting up shop and protecting their players ahead of the second round. The game ends in a comfortable win for Turkey against their neighbours.
Analysis: Venezuela 1-1 Morocco
Both teams at least finish their debut DWCs with a point. Earlier narrow defeats meant they were already eliminated, and that's disappointing given how tight this group appeared. Man of the match today was Morocco’s Mounir Obbadi, who was everywhere. His passing was excellent, and he was the only Moroccan credited with creating any chances (2).
Analysis: Turkey 3-1 Greece
With three wins from three, Turkey have exorcised a poor 2017 DWC campaign, and what a satisfying way to secure top spot in the group. Sofiane Feghouli was instrumental for Turkey, assisting the first two goals and creating numerous opportunities for his teammates. His side will face Mexico in the second round, whilst Greece must take on the Dutch – both intriguing and well-matched ties.
With three wins from three, Turkey have exorcised a poor 2017 DWC campaign, and what a satisfying way to secure top spot in the group. Sofiane Feghouli was instrumental for Turkey, assisting the first two goals and creating numerous opportunities for his teammates. His side will face Mexico in the second round, whilst Greece must take on the Dutch – both intriguing and well-matched ties.
Final Group D standings
Tomorrow's schedule
DR Congo vs. England
China vs. Denmark
Ukraine vs. Portugal
Mali vs. Chile
DR Congo vs. England
China vs. Denmark
Ukraine vs. Portugal
Mali vs. Chile