Our only previous trip to Europe so far saw a major shock, as Poland overcame France in the final game to win the group and become the first side to qualify for the 2018 Draft World Cup, consigning France to the play-offs. This is how European qualifying looks so far:
Surely... surely we don’t see such an upset here, as today’s group contains Spain. With no squad limit, this is a Spanish squad that can contain as many Barcelona & Real Madrid players as it likes – in fact the squad is only comprised of players from those two clubs and Atletico Madrid. Limited to a maximum of £250m last year, Spain chose both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, leaving an unbalanced squad and were dumped out by Greece in the final 16.
Undoubtedly, Ukraine will be expected to finish in second behind Spain, as they too have a number of top players to pick from. Last year Ukraine made the finals, but were knocked out in the group stage after defeats to Peru and Ukraine saw them finish bottom of their group. The remaining four teams Serbia, Belarus, Georgia (as part of the Caucasus team) and Latvia (as part of the Baltic team) didn’t find themselves close to qualifying, as they even failed to make the play-offs.
Spain start in classic Spanish style, with 65% possession against Belarus, and 21 shots to 2. Luis Suarez grabs both goals in a comfortable 2-0 win. Ukraine had a tenser time as they beat Georgia 2-1, their opponents seeing an equaliser ruled out (correctly) for offside. Meanwhile, Richmond Boakye’s precise finish set Serbia on their way to a 2-1 win over Latvia.
Undoubtedly, Ukraine will be expected to finish in second behind Spain, as they too have a number of top players to pick from. Last year Ukraine made the finals, but were knocked out in the group stage after defeats to Peru and Ukraine saw them finish bottom of their group. The remaining four teams Serbia, Belarus, Georgia (as part of the Caucasus team) and Latvia (as part of the Baltic team) didn’t find themselves close to qualifying, as they even failed to make the play-offs.
Spain start in classic Spanish style, with 65% possession against Belarus, and 21 shots to 2. Luis Suarez grabs both goals in a comfortable 2-0 win. Ukraine had a tenser time as they beat Georgia 2-1, their opponents seeing an equaliser ruled out (correctly) for offside. Meanwhile, Richmond Boakye’s precise finish set Serbia on their way to a 2-1 win over Latvia.
Georgia and Latvia shared the spoils of their match, 1-1 the score as Latvia finished with 10 men. Belarus rode their luck in beating Serbia 2-0, as their opponents had plenty of chances to get something from the game. The big match was at the Nou Camp as Spain and Ukraine faced off. With 10 minutes to go, the scores were tied at 2-2, but a dramatic final period saw Spain come out 5-3 victors as Gerard Pique managed to score at both ends.
Spain continued this scoring form as they cruised past Latvia 5-0 in Riga, a hat-trick for Ronaldo. Meanwhile Ukraine continued to struggle to get into gear as they were held 1-1 at home by Belarus, although Bernard did score a scintillating solo goal. Serbia got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Georgia.
Spain continued this scoring form as they cruised past Latvia 5-0 in Riga, a hat-trick for Ronaldo. Meanwhile Ukraine continued to struggle to get into gear as they were held 1-1 at home by Belarus, although Bernard did score a scintillating solo goal. Serbia got back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Georgia.
Serbia have put in three good performances so far, so they posed a serious test for Ukraine. Boakye put the Serbs ahead, but Srna soon had the chance to level things from the spot. He went down the middle and Stojkovic produced a good instinctive save. This proved to be the difference as Serbia claimed a massive 1-0 victory. Spain carried along untroubled as they beat Georgia 3-1, whilst Belarus eased to a 3-0 win over Latvia.
Currently, Serbia appear to be Spain’s biggest threat, and they were competitive when the sides met. However, Isco’s brace and a magical Messi volley were enough to earn Spain a 3-1 win and continue their winning run. It looked like more toil for Ukraine when they fell behind away to Latvia, but Ukraine responded well and Marlos’ fine volley got them a 2-1 win. Belarus played very well in beating Georgia 3-0, moving up to second as a result.
Currently, Serbia appear to be Spain’s biggest threat, and they were competitive when the sides met. However, Isco’s brace and a magical Messi volley were enough to earn Spain a 3-1 win and continue their winning run. It looked like more toil for Ukraine when they fell behind away to Latvia, but Ukraine responded well and Marlos’ fine volley got them a 2-1 win. Belarus played very well in beating Georgia 3-0, moving up to second as a result.
This gives us the following table at the halfway stage:
Ukraine appear in need of a helping hand, and they get it when Georgia’s Dauchvili got sent off early on when the sides met, allowing Ukraine to canter to a much-needed 3-0 victory. They weren’t able to overtake Serbia, though, as they picked up an easy 2-0 win over Latvia. This moved Serbia up to second in the table thanks to Spain’s 2-0 win over Belarus, which should have been much more given Spain’s dominance.
Latvia and Georgia, clearly the group’s two weakest sides, faced off in each team’s best chance to pick up their first win. Davit Targamadze’s early finish was the difference as Georgia prevailed 1-0. Spain’s perfect campaign was in danger when Ukraine led them through Victor Kovalenko. However, Spain came back through Suarez and Ivan Rakitic to win a tight match 2-1. Both teams were happy to see Belarus and Serbia play out a dour 0-0 draw in Minsk.
This left Spain one win away from securing qualification, and they did so comprehensively by beating Latvia 5-0. Ukraine faced a crunch match with Belarus, and two Srna penalties saw them through to a 3-1 win. There was even more celebrations in Kiev when Serbia imploded against Georgia, losing 4-0 and having Everton Luiz sent off in injury time for a tackle so wild it felled one of his own teammates.
Georgia’s back-to-back wins meant they were a little bit more of a banana skin for Spain, who struggled to break them down. However, Messi scored the only goal with an uncharacteristic strong header to extend Spain’s perfect run. Ukraine had the chance to get one over their other qualification rival as they hosted Serbia, and great attacking play saw them 4-1 up. Serbia came back well, but the final score was 4-3 to Ukraine. This meant Belarus had to win to stay in the race, but they struggled away in Riga, and fell to a shock 1-0 defeat when former QPR man Kaspars Gorkks walloped the ball into the top corner following a free kick.
Georgia’s back-to-back wins meant they were a little bit more of a banana skin for Spain, who struggled to break them down. However, Messi scored the only goal with an uncharacteristic strong header to extend Spain’s perfect run. Ukraine had the chance to get one over their other qualification rival as they hosted Serbia, and great attacking play saw them 4-1 up. Serbia came back well, but the final score was 4-3 to Ukraine. This meant Belarus had to win to stay in the race, but they struggled away in Riga, and fell to a shock 1-0 defeat when former QPR man Kaspars Gorkks walloped the ball into the top corner following a free kick.
Those last two rounds couldn’t have gone better for Ukraine, who are now almost-certain to take the play-off space behind Spain. Here is the table with one game remaining:
Ukraine’s job is made even more straightforward as their remaining game is Latvia at home, whilst Serbia travel to Spain. We’ll follow that latter game in detail to see if Spain can complete a perfect run. If Serbia somehow come away with a win, we’ll also follow Ukraine’s match.
Spain vs. Serbia
Isco has been a little quiet lately, so Antione Griezmann is given a chance to show what he can do. Not a shabby player to be able to bring into the side. Serbia have no selection issues, as Everton Luiz is available again after being suspended for (surprisingly) only one match.
Spain vs. Serbia
Isco has been a little quiet lately, so Antione Griezmann is given a chance to show what he can do. Not a shabby player to be able to bring into the side. Serbia have no selection issues, as Everton Luiz is available again after being suspended for (surprisingly) only one match.
Soumah breaks through a gap in the Spanish defence, but his shot is easily held by Oblak. Spain have seven players looking complacent, and it’s reflected in their underwhelming performance so far. Just before half time Griezmann picks up a knock, and so Iniesta is brought on to add more creativity. Soon after, Ramos is tripped in the box by Ninkov following a corner. Ronaldo hits the penalty down the middle, and Stojkovic is there to parry it! Serbia live on as we reach the break scoreless.
52 seconds into the second half and Ronaldo is clipped in the box by Ninkov, who gives away his second penalty. Ninkov falls further into Stojkovic’s debt as the goalkeeper produces his second spot-stop, pushing away Rakitic’s poor penalty. Unbelievably, Spain have a third penalty immediately! This time it’s Everton Luiz who pushes Iniesta over, and this time it’s Messi’s turn to face Stojkovic. Stojkovic guesses correctly, but this time he can’t reach the ball as Spain finally take the lead. All three penalties occurred between the 44th and 48th minutes. Hilariously, after all that... Serbia equalise immediately, as Godin is caught up by a fine pass releasing Boakye, who lashes home with some venom. Serbia haven’t had the rub of the green in this game, and they fall behind again when Messi’s free kick takes a big deflection, wrong-footing Stojkovic. Planic and Boakye are denied by Oblak as Serbia have to push up, as they bring on former Manchester United youngster Zoran Tosic. In injury time Tosic launches a long ball down the field, Boakye races on to it, and keeps his nerve to poke past Oblak! However, Serbia can’t find a winner, and we end up with a draw that suits neither team.
52 seconds into the second half and Ronaldo is clipped in the box by Ninkov, who gives away his second penalty. Ninkov falls further into Stojkovic’s debt as the goalkeeper produces his second spot-stop, pushing away Rakitic’s poor penalty. Unbelievably, Spain have a third penalty immediately! This time it’s Everton Luiz who pushes Iniesta over, and this time it’s Messi’s turn to face Stojkovic. Stojkovic guesses correctly, but this time he can’t reach the ball as Spain finally take the lead. All three penalties occurred between the 44th and 48th minutes. Hilariously, after all that... Serbia equalise immediately, as Godin is caught up by a fine pass releasing Boakye, who lashes home with some venom. Serbia haven’t had the rub of the green in this game, and they fall behind again when Messi’s free kick takes a big deflection, wrong-footing Stojkovic. Planic and Boakye are denied by Oblak as Serbia have to push up, as they bring on former Manchester United youngster Zoran Tosic. In injury time Tosic launches a long ball down the field, Boakye races on to it, and keeps his nerve to poke past Oblak! However, Serbia can’t find a winner, and we end up with a draw that suits neither team.
Ukraine vs. Latvia
Latvia play valiantly as they try and finish their DWC 2018 campaign on a high note. They peg back Ukraine twice, but cannot finds a third equaliser as Fred tucked away a fine late finish, 3-2 the final score. It’s not, perhaps, the most impressive way for Ukraine to go into the play-offs, but their late run of form was very good, and they will hope they can carry that on to make the finals.
Belarus vs. Georgia
Belarus will be disappointed how they blew a good position at the halfway point to find themselves eliminated with one game remaining, and they end on a sour note as Georgia grab a deserved win, Lasha Salukvadze’s goal the only one.
Final standing
Latvia play valiantly as they try and finish their DWC 2018 campaign on a high note. They peg back Ukraine twice, but cannot finds a third equaliser as Fred tucked away a fine late finish, 3-2 the final score. It’s not, perhaps, the most impressive way for Ukraine to go into the play-offs, but their late run of form was very good, and they will hope they can carry that on to make the finals.
Belarus vs. Georgia
Belarus will be disappointed how they blew a good position at the halfway point to find themselves eliminated with one game remaining, and they end on a sour note as Georgia grab a deserved win, Lasha Salukvadze’s goal the only one.
Final standing
Top scorers: Luis Suarez (ESP), Lionel Messi (ESP) 9 goals; Ronaldo (ESP) 6 goals
Highest average rating: Lionel Messi (ESP) 8.25; Suarez (ESP) 7.91; Ramos (ESP) 7.87
Next time
Interestingly (for me), that I think is the first group I’ve seen in DWC qualifying (2017 & 2018) where the order is exactly the same as the seedings predicted. Anyway, next time we kick off the second round of African qualifying. Like the first, it’s two-legged play-offs, so there’s plenty of scope for drama as the big nations join the first round qualifiers.
Highest average rating: Lionel Messi (ESP) 8.25; Suarez (ESP) 7.91; Ramos (ESP) 7.87
Next time
Interestingly (for me), that I think is the first group I’ve seen in DWC qualifying (2017 & 2018) where the order is exactly the same as the seedings predicted. Anyway, next time we kick off the second round of African qualifying. Like the first, it’s two-legged play-offs, so there’s plenty of scope for drama as the big nations join the first round qualifiers.