Our recent episodes have seen a number of qualification stages reach their end – last time we saw the final teams to get through Asia’s first round. After ages we’re back in Europe for another update which will see someone qualify automatically. We’ve already had Poland, Spain, Turkey and England get through – with the likes of France and Italy drop into the play-offs. This is how the draw looks:
So today we follow Group E. Greece are the top seeds, which they earned after reaching the quarter-finals in the 2017 Draft World Cup. They qualified unbeaten and won their group before beating Spain. However, their journey was ended by surprise package Uruguay, just when Greece were threatening to repeat 2004’s heroics.
Looking to challenge Greece are Scotland and Croatia. Scotland automatically qualified for the 2017 DWC, and nearly got through the group stage, only to be denied by North Africa. Croatia, meanwhile, were disappointing as they finished fourth in their group, missing out on even the play-offs. Ireland and Finland also were eliminated in the group stage last year, although that is less of a surprise. Finland were involved in a shock when they beat Poland in the final match to eliminate their opponents. Andorra, meanwhile, were part of the Central Europe side that struggled, and it’s hard to see any different outcome for Andorra here.
If this goes as expected, Scotland and Croatia will have a tough battle for 2nd place in this group, and so it’s a juicy encounter when the two sides meet at Murrayfield. Scotland generally have the better of the game, but lose when Hilal Soudani runs around a static defence to poke in the only goal. Greece also win 1-0, a slightly unconvincing start away to Ireland. This leaves Finland and Andorra to provide the entertainment, which they do with an exciting 3-3 draw. One of Andorra’s goals came from the boot of (the actual) Javier Saviola, who basically carried Central Europe last year, and might end up doing the same this time.
Scotland travelled to Athens next, not really the tie they’d have wanted, particularly when Emmanuel Emenike scored within 30 seconds. However, Scott Sinclair’s penalty ensured an honourable 1-1 draw, getting Scotland off the mark. Ireland also got their first points as they overcame Andorra 1-0, whilst Croatia continued their good start with a 3-1 win over Finland.
Looking to challenge Greece are Scotland and Croatia. Scotland automatically qualified for the 2017 DWC, and nearly got through the group stage, only to be denied by North Africa. Croatia, meanwhile, were disappointing as they finished fourth in their group, missing out on even the play-offs. Ireland and Finland also were eliminated in the group stage last year, although that is less of a surprise. Finland were involved in a shock when they beat Poland in the final match to eliminate their opponents. Andorra, meanwhile, were part of the Central Europe side that struggled, and it’s hard to see any different outcome for Andorra here.
If this goes as expected, Scotland and Croatia will have a tough battle for 2nd place in this group, and so it’s a juicy encounter when the two sides meet at Murrayfield. Scotland generally have the better of the game, but lose when Hilal Soudani runs around a static defence to poke in the only goal. Greece also win 1-0, a slightly unconvincing start away to Ireland. This leaves Finland and Andorra to provide the entertainment, which they do with an exciting 3-3 draw. One of Andorra’s goals came from the boot of (the actual) Javier Saviola, who basically carried Central Europe last year, and might end up doing the same this time.
Scotland travelled to Athens next, not really the tie they’d have wanted, particularly when Emmanuel Emenike scored within 30 seconds. However, Scott Sinclair’s penalty ensured an honourable 1-1 draw, getting Scotland off the mark. Ireland also got their first points as they overcame Andorra 1-0, whilst Croatia continued their good start with a 3-1 win over Finland.
Croatia made it three wins from three by beating Andorra 2-0. Greece were given a test by Finland, but came through 2-1 victors. However, the most impressive performed of the round was by Scotland, who thumped Ireland 4-0 at home, with Sinclair bagging a hat-trick. FYI: Scotland vs. Ireland is the only senior international football match I’ve seen in person.
The two unbeaten sides met next, and it was Croatia’s run that was ended as Greece prevailed 2-1, thanks to Kostas Fortounis’ late winner. This meant Scotland could keep up the pressure, which they only just did with a 1-0 win away to Andorra. Elsewhere, Ireland and Finland traded penalties to draw 1-1.
Andorra have been proving stubborn opponents so far, but that resolve dissolved when Greece visited. Fortounis bagged four goals as his side triumphed 7-0. Croatia and Scotland just about avoided dropping key points, beating Ireland 1-0 and Finland 3-2 respectively.
The two unbeaten sides met next, and it was Croatia’s run that was ended as Greece prevailed 2-1, thanks to Kostas Fortounis’ late winner. This meant Scotland could keep up the pressure, which they only just did with a 1-0 win away to Andorra. Elsewhere, Ireland and Finland traded penalties to draw 1-1.
Andorra have been proving stubborn opponents so far, but that resolve dissolved when Greece visited. Fortounis bagged four goals as his side triumphed 7-0. Croatia and Scotland just about avoided dropping key points, beating Ireland 1-0 and Finland 3-2 respectively.
This leaves us with this table halfway in:
Scotland are hanging on in there, but they could ill-afford to lose away to Croatia when they visited next. Moussa Dembele’s early goal was exactly what Scotland wanted, but they couldn’t hold on, and eventually lost 2-1. Greece only just beat Ireland – 1-0 the final score, the only goal coming in the last few minutes from that man Fortounis after both sides had missed penalties. Meanwhile, Andorra and Finland both missed a chance to get their first win when they shared a goalless draw.
Things were going swimmingly for Croatia, but they inexplicably self-combusted against Finland. Things were started by Sigali’s 2nd-minute red card, and Finland eventually got the opening goal just before the break. In first half added time Croatia were down to 9 men as last man Elez gave away a penalty. However, this was missed, and Filip Brandaric’s long effort levelled matters just after the break. The two sides each scored a goal before Finland got their own red card, before Croatia responded with two more reds of their own (both second yellows). Now playing a 4-2-0 formation, Croatia were unable to stop Finland going ahead again, and this time the match finished 3-2. Great news for Scotland and Greece as the two sides met, and it was Scotland who took advantage with a 1-0 win, Sinclair scoring from the spot. Meanwhile, Ireland beat Andorra 2-1.
Things were going swimmingly for Croatia, but they inexplicably self-combusted against Finland. Things were started by Sigali’s 2nd-minute red card, and Finland eventually got the opening goal just before the break. In first half added time Croatia were down to 9 men as last man Elez gave away a penalty. However, this was missed, and Filip Brandaric’s long effort levelled matters just after the break. The two sides each scored a goal before Finland got their own red card, before Croatia responded with two more reds of their own (both second yellows). Now playing a 4-2-0 formation, Croatia were unable to stop Finland going ahead again, and this time the match finished 3-2. Great news for Scotland and Greece as the two sides met, and it was Scotland who took advantage with a 1-0 win, Sinclair scoring from the spot. Meanwhile, Ireland beat Andorra 2-1.
Luckily for Croatia, their four suspended players were only missing their clash with Andorra, and the side was still able to cruise to a 5-0 victory. Greece and Scotland also claimed easy wins, 2-0 vs. Finland and 3-0 vs. Ireland respectively.
Scotland followed this up with a nervy 2-1 win over Andorra, which increased the pressure on Croatia and Greece as the former hosted the latter. We all expected an even clash, and this appeared to be the case as the two sides traded goals in the opening few minutes. However, Croatia lifted off, scoring three goals and missing a penalty to win 4-1 and go top of the group. In the other game, Aaron Greene’s 93rd-minute strike earned Ireland a 3-2 win over Finland.
So here’s the oh-so-tantalising table going into the final round of games:
So here’s the oh-so-tantalising table going into the final round of games:
Croatia will win the group and automatically qualify if they beat Ireland. However, the real battle is between Greece and Scotland, who are playing Andorra and Finland respectively – this appears to be a straight goal-difference shoot-out to get into the play-offs. All three games have something riding on them, so we’ll follow them all in detail.
Ireland vs. Croatia
Despite the odd heavy defeat, Ireland have not been pushovers in this group, and may well cause Croatia to worry. After that superb win over Greece, surely Croatia can’t throw this away now? Ireland name an unchanged XI, whilst Croatia are missing the oustandings Veskovic through injury, and so bring in Fran Tudor.
Ireland vs. Croatia
Despite the odd heavy defeat, Ireland have not been pushovers in this group, and may well cause Croatia to worry. After that superb win over Greece, surely Croatia can’t throw this away now? Ireland name an unchanged XI, whilst Croatia are missing the oustandings Veskovic through injury, and so bring in Fran Tudor.
Croatia start well, forcing Irish goalkeeper Chencinski into two saves in the opening 45 seconds. The second of these results in a corner, and it falls to Tudor who marks his first start by firing in the opening goal. What a start! Ireland’s bad start continues, as Chencinski picks up a knock and has to be replaced by Rogers. Croatia add a second in the 37th minute as a loose ball falls to Alexander Gorgon, who fires past a petrified defence (get it!?). Just before half time Gorgon adds a third Croatian goal from the spot, as their qualification seems assured.
Ireland change to a 4-4-1-1, bringing on Benson for Douglas. The half progresses with few chances, until Croatian substitute Hugo Almeida adds a fourth with a low shot. He adds another with a strong header, and the 5-0 final score confirms Croatia as the 2018 DWC’s fifth qualifiers!
Scotland vs. Finland
Scotland can now at best qualify for the play-offs, but they have to outscore not only Finland, but also Greece. With that in mind, they change from their usual 4-4-1-1 to a 4-2-3-1, but make no personnel changes, whilst Finland are missing Furuholm through injury, so in comes Demba Savage.
Scotland vs. Finland
Scotland can now at best qualify for the play-offs, but they have to outscore not only Finland, but also Greece. With that in mind, they change from their usual 4-4-1-1 to a 4-2-3-1, but make no personnel changes, whilst Finland are missing Furuholm through injury, so in comes Demba Savage.
Scotland start with intent, and Dembele’s header is cleared off the line in the 7th minute. However, this start fades away, and Finland look composed in defence, and are getting shots away themselves. Alves has a big chance from a corner, but heads over, before Sinclair fires over when in front of goal. Half time, and with the match scoreless, Scotland are in big trouble.
Armstrong has been poor, and is replaced by Leigh Griffiths for the second half. Forrest is taken off with a pulled hamstring, as Finland’s Morrissey is denied by a good stop from Lewis. Finland make their own changes, including bringing on ex-Real loanee Julien Faubert. As the game enters its final stages Scotland appear to have lost all fight, as Finland are the ones looking more likely to find a winner. But in the 88th minute a long ball from Rogic finds sub Moult, who chips across goal for Griffiths to head home what has to be the winner! Indeed, there are no more chances, and it finishes 1-0. Almost-certainly not enough for Scotland, but they have at least ensured that Greece need to win.
Armstrong has been poor, and is replaced by Leigh Griffiths for the second half. Forrest is taken off with a pulled hamstring, as Finland’s Morrissey is denied by a good stop from Lewis. Finland make their own changes, including bringing on ex-Real loanee Julien Faubert. As the game enters its final stages Scotland appear to have lost all fight, as Finland are the ones looking more likely to find a winner. But in the 88th minute a long ball from Rogic finds sub Moult, who chips across goal for Griffiths to head home what has to be the winner! Indeed, there are no more chances, and it finishes 1-0. Almost-certainly not enough for Scotland, but they have at least ensured that Greece need to win.
Greece vs. Andorra
So, any win will see the Greeks through to the play-offs. Andorra have only picked up points against 5th-placed Finland, so surely we’re not going to see one final twist? Greece are unchanged, whilst Andorra take out a few under-performing players.
So, any win will see the Greeks through to the play-offs. Andorra have only picked up points against 5th-placed Finland, so surely we’re not going to see one final twist? Greece are unchanged, whilst Andorra take out a few under-performing players.
Despite appearances, Greece’s formation is 4-3-2-1, with Fortounis and Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe close behind Emenike. It’s the lone striker who nearly opened the scoring, hitting the post from a tight angle. However, it doesn’t take long for that all-important opening goal, as Engels heads a corner over to his defensive partner Dmytro Chygrynskyi to nod in. On the half hour mark Andre Simoes doubles the score with a relatively tame long shot that is allowed in by Ratti. Odjidja-Ofoe slides in another, and 3-0 is the halfway score.
There’s little at stake in the second half, and this is reflected by the complete lack of chances. In the 78th minute Odjidja-Ofoe adds a fourth Greek goal, and Simoes also gets his second with a low shot. They’re the only moments of note in the second half, as Greece sail into the play-offs with a 5-0 win.
Final standings
Final standings
Top scorers: Steven Morrissey (FIN), Kostas Fortounis (GRE) 8 goals; Sinclair (SCO) 7 goals
Highest average ratings: Filip Bradaric (CRO) 7.84; Fortounis 7.71; Sinclair 7.53
Next time
That group was entirely decided by matches between the top three – in fact it might as well have been two separate groups of three. Scotland miss out on goal difference, losing key clashes with Croatia was the difference. Anyway, next time we see the start of the final round of qualifying in Africa, meaning we'll get our first non-European qualifers. DR Congo will be favourites, but we’ve seen all sorts happen so far!
Highest average ratings: Filip Bradaric (CRO) 7.84; Fortounis 7.71; Sinclair 7.53
Next time
That group was entirely decided by matches between the top three – in fact it might as well have been two separate groups of three. Scotland miss out on goal difference, losing key clashes with Croatia was the difference. Anyway, next time we see the start of the final round of qualifying in Africa, meaning we'll get our first non-European qualifers. DR Congo will be favourites, but we’ve seen all sorts happen so far!