European qualifying is definitely the glamorous one – maybe alongside South American – as the big names battle it out for automatic qualification. The biggest names have had a mixed time. Spain and England have breezed through, but France and Italy will have to scrap through the play-offs to get to the Draft World Cup finals. This is how European qualifying has gone so far:
Note that the best 2nd-placed side goes into the Intercontinental play-off, whilst the others will have to beat European opposition (which is likely to be much tougher than beating sides from other continents). So we should start paying attention to which 2nd-placed side does have the best record, and currently it’s Italy, who earned 23 points in their group.
Anyway, today we’re following Group F. It’s hard to see there being much impact from Iceland, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg, so we may well see a tough battle between the other three sides. Switzerland go in as top seeds after reaching the 2017 DWC final 16, where they lost on penalties to Peru. Norway and Hungary both finished third in their qualifying groups, getting into the play-offs where they faced each other. It was Norway who prevailed, and a 3-1 first-leg win led them to a 3-2 aggregate victory, so it’ll be Hungary who are gunning for revenge here.
Speaking of the play-offs from last year, Hungary’s side is bolstered by the addition of Tamas Priskin, who was key in getting Slovakia to the finals. He starts well, with two goals and an assist as Hungary beat Azerbaijan 3-0. In the Scandinavian battle Iceland took the lead, but this just served to stir Norway into life, Nicklas Bendtner notching a brace as they won 4-1. Switzerland, however, did not have the same success against one of the group’s minnows, as they were held to a 1-1 home draw with Luxembourg.
Switzerland do find their form away to Azerbaijan, winning 4-0. Remarkably, the game contained a hat-trick for centre back Marek Suchy, whilst his defensive partner Eder Alvarez Balanta got the other goal. Hungary continued to look strong, beating Iceland 3-0. But once again, the story of the round involved Luxembourg, as they held out Norway to record a 1-0 victory.
Anyway, today we’re following Group F. It’s hard to see there being much impact from Iceland, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg, so we may well see a tough battle between the other three sides. Switzerland go in as top seeds after reaching the 2017 DWC final 16, where they lost on penalties to Peru. Norway and Hungary both finished third in their qualifying groups, getting into the play-offs where they faced each other. It was Norway who prevailed, and a 3-1 first-leg win led them to a 3-2 aggregate victory, so it’ll be Hungary who are gunning for revenge here.
Speaking of the play-offs from last year, Hungary’s side is bolstered by the addition of Tamas Priskin, who was key in getting Slovakia to the finals. He starts well, with two goals and an assist as Hungary beat Azerbaijan 3-0. In the Scandinavian battle Iceland took the lead, but this just served to stir Norway into life, Nicklas Bendtner notching a brace as they won 4-1. Switzerland, however, did not have the same success against one of the group’s minnows, as they were held to a 1-1 home draw with Luxembourg.
Switzerland do find their form away to Azerbaijan, winning 4-0. Remarkably, the game contained a hat-trick for centre back Marek Suchy, whilst his defensive partner Eder Alvarez Balanta got the other goal. Hungary continued to look strong, beating Iceland 3-0. But once again, the story of the round involved Luxembourg, as they held out Norway to record a 1-0 victory.
Luxembourg’s early run has marked them out as dangerous opponents, but they can’t do much to stop Hungary beating them 3-1. Norway suffer a second consecutive defeat as they lose 2-1 at home to Switzerland, whilst Azerbaijan get their first points with a 3-0 away win over Iceland.
Even at this early stage, you get the impression that Norway can’t afford to drop any more points in games they are expected to win. Which is why it’s more bad news that they can only get a point away to Azerbaijan, as Tore Reginiussen’s late goal salvaged a 3-3 draw. Luxembourg shook off their defeat to Hungary by beating Iceland 1-0. Hungary lost 3-2 to Switzerland, although to their credit they were 3-1 down with two men sent off and still pulled to within a goal.
Given last year's play-offs, I am sure that Hungary will have enjoyed beating Norway 3-2 to leave their opponents virtually out of the running at the halfway stage. It took Switzerland until the 70th minute to break Iceland down, as they eventually ran out 2-0 winners. And Azerbaijan moved into third by beating Luxembourg 5-1, with two goals for the highly impressive Steeven Joseph-Monrose.
So here is the table halfway in:
Even at this early stage, you get the impression that Norway can’t afford to drop any more points in games they are expected to win. Which is why it’s more bad news that they can only get a point away to Azerbaijan, as Tore Reginiussen’s late goal salvaged a 3-3 draw. Luxembourg shook off their defeat to Hungary by beating Iceland 1-0. Hungary lost 3-2 to Switzerland, although to their credit they were 3-1 down with two men sent off and still pulled to within a goal.
Given last year's play-offs, I am sure that Hungary will have enjoyed beating Norway 3-2 to leave their opponents virtually out of the running at the halfway stage. It took Switzerland until the 70th minute to break Iceland down, as they eventually ran out 2-0 winners. And Azerbaijan moved into third by beating Luxembourg 5-1, with two goals for the highly impressive Steeven Joseph-Monrose.
So here is the table halfway in:
This group has the feel of a two-horse race for the top spot, although the next round of fixtures saw neither of those horses win. Switzerland were once again held to a 1-1 draw by Luxembourg, whilst Hungary started terribly – a goal and a man down within 4 minutes – against Azerbaijan, going on to lose 3-1. Incredibly, Benes’ 4th-minute red card was for a second yellow. Norway’s free-fall knows no limits, as they complete the set by losing 2-1 to Iceland. The winning goal came from an Owen-esque dribble by Steven Lennon that no screenshot can do justice to.
Finally, after five straight defeats Norway pick up a point. However, a 3-3 draw at home to Luxembourg is hardly anything to celebrate. Giusepe Rossini’s 90th-minute penalty rescued a point, although there was still time for Luxembourg to go down to 10 men after Vandenbroeck’s second yellow. Azerbaijan have been improving rapidly, and a 2-0 away win over Switzerland was confirmation of that. This meant Hungary moved into first with a 2-0 win of their own against Iceland.
Switzerland had lost front man Guillame Hoarau to injury against Azerbaijan, meaning that former Norwich flop Ricky van Wolfswinkel led the line against Norway. He justified his selection, opening the scoring with a thunderbolt as Switzerland won 2-1. Hungary stayed top of the table with a smooth 3-0 win over Luxembourg, whilst 3 goals in 4 minutes helped Azerbaijan to a 3-1 win over Iceland.
Switzerland had the chance to move back into 1st as they visited Hungary. However, two goals from Daniel Bode were key as Hungary prevailed 4-1. This meant that Azerbaijan could stun us all and move into second place if they beat Norway. Luckily for Switzerland, Norway showed a rare display of resolve, and the spoils were shared 1-1, although this was enough to move Azerbaijan above Switzerland on goal difference. This result meant Hungary secured top spot in the group, and automatic qualification! Meanwhile, Luxembourg beat Iceland 3-1 to ensure they would finish in 4th ahead of Norway.
Here is the table going into the final round of matches:
Here is the table going into the final round of matches:
So with top spot sorted, we are now just concerned with the battle between Azerbaijan and Switzerland. Both sides will expect to win as they face Luxembourg and Iceland respectively, meaning we might see this come down to a goal difference shoot-out. Firstly, we’ll start with the dead rubber.
Norway vs. Hungary
These two sides appeared at a very similar level before the tournament begun, so it’s amazing that this match is meaningless. Hungary will be delighted to win the group with a game to spare, and they would love to further embarrass Norway, who have unbelievably failed to win a single match since the opening day. They can’t end that run, although they avoid another defeat, as the match finishes 1-1.
Luxembourg vs. Azerbaijan
Both of these teams have done brilliantly to get involved in the play-off conversation, and if Azerbaijan can match Switzerland’s result and stay within one goal, they will find themselves remarkably into the play-offs. Schnell had picked up a late red card in Luxembourg’s previous match, and so Stelvio returns to the side. Despite a whopping eight Azeri players on a yellow card, none are actually suspended and so Azerbaijan can name an unchanged XI.
Norway vs. Hungary
These two sides appeared at a very similar level before the tournament begun, so it’s amazing that this match is meaningless. Hungary will be delighted to win the group with a game to spare, and they would love to further embarrass Norway, who have unbelievably failed to win a single match since the opening day. They can’t end that run, although they avoid another defeat, as the match finishes 1-1.
Luxembourg vs. Azerbaijan
Both of these teams have done brilliantly to get involved in the play-off conversation, and if Azerbaijan can match Switzerland’s result and stay within one goal, they will find themselves remarkably into the play-offs. Schnell had picked up a late red card in Luxembourg’s previous match, and so Stelvio returns to the side. Despite a whopping eight Azeri players on a yellow card, none are actually suspended and so Azerbaijan can name an unchanged XI.
In the fifth minute a huge ball forward from Stelvio catches Azerbaijan’s defence off-guard, and Rossini is able to control it and blast it into the roof of the net for a Luxembourg lead. Kanibolotskyi has to produce a good save to deny Pokar making it two, and this looks to be crucial as moments later Azerbaijan equalise when Rzezniczak lets Ndlovu run through, and he calmly puts it away. This is a very stodgy game, which suits Switzerland most of all as we reach the break at 1-1.
The second half is no more free-flowing. Djuric goes close following a beautiful Azeri passing move, whilst Joseph-Monrose prods an effort wide. Azerbaijan finally taken the lead in the 65th minute when Joseph-Monrose neatly finishes after Michel’s nice pass. Azerbaijan now need to decide whether they will push to improve their goal difference, or make sure of the 3 points. They elect to push on, and Ndlovu immediately has a chance to double the lead, but Joubert holds his tame shot. Quintana is forced off, with Ozobic replacing him. However, it is another sub – Abdullayev – who looks to have got Azerbaijan’s third when he prods in the rebound after Joseph-Monrose’s vicious volley hit the bar. However, the flag is raised, and the score remains 2-1. In the 89th minute another quick pass releases Ndlovu, and he finishes well. 3-1 the final score, will that late goal be the difference?
Switzerland vs. Iceland
After that result for Azerbaijan, Switzerland simply have to win by 5, as goals scored is also strongly in Azerbaijan’s favour. How Switzerland ended up here from being 5 points safe in the top two is astounding, and if they fail to make the play-offs it would be yet another major shock in this European qualifying campaign. The Swiss make a couple of changes due to form, with Reto Ziegler and Renato Steffen coming in for Benito and Sulejmani. Iceland don’t have many players in good form, nor do they have many decent replacements. Their only change is Vidarsson in for Hedinsson.
Switzerland vs. Iceland
After that result for Azerbaijan, Switzerland simply have to win by 5, as goals scored is also strongly in Azerbaijan’s favour. How Switzerland ended up here from being 5 points safe in the top two is astounding, and if they fail to make the play-offs it would be yet another major shock in this European qualifying campaign. The Swiss make a couple of changes due to form, with Reto Ziegler and Renato Steffen coming in for Benito and Sulejmani. Iceland don’t have many players in good form, nor do they have many decent replacements. Their only change is Vidarsson in for Hedinsson.
Just 76 seconds into the match, Ziegler’s clearance is straight into Palmaso, and it deflects up to Lennon who tucks it away. However, the flag is raised and Switzerland have a lucky escape. Whilst Ziegler may not have made a good start, his fellow newbie into the side does as Steffen races onto Hoarau’s pass and places it into the far corner. Soon after, Tranquillo Barnetta finds space on the edge of the box and finishes well. 2-0 up in 20 minutes is the start Switzerland needed. It’s 3-0 in 30 minutes when a free kick results in a loose ball falling to Hoarau, who tucks it home. Switzerland can’t add any more before the break. So they need two more to get through to the play-offs.
Iceland take off Vidarsson and Baldvinsson for wingers Porsteinsson and Lyng, as they switch to a 4-3-3. They look much better for the change, and Lennon has a chance running through on goal, but Vaclik makes a good block. We reach the hour mark with the pressure beginning to build again on Switzerland. That pressure is hugely relieved when Sekou Sanogo leathers the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box. One needed in 30 minutes. It arrives in the 68th minute when Hoarau places in following a corner. With that crucial goal scored, Switzerland are content to shut the game down, and they secure the 5-0 win to cruelly pip Azerbaijan at the post.
Iceland take off Vidarsson and Baldvinsson for wingers Porsteinsson and Lyng, as they switch to a 4-3-3. They look much better for the change, and Lennon has a chance running through on goal, but Vaclik makes a good block. We reach the hour mark with the pressure beginning to build again on Switzerland. That pressure is hugely relieved when Sekou Sanogo leathers the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box. One needed in 30 minutes. It arrives in the 68th minute when Hoarau places in following a corner. With that crucial goal scored, Switzerland are content to shut the game down, and they secure the 5-0 win to cruelly pip Azerbaijan at the post.
Final standings
Top scorers: Tamas Priskin, Daniel Bode (HUN), Bjorn Bergmann Sigurdarson (NOR), Giuseppe Rossini (LUX), Dino Ndlovu (AZE) 7 goals
Highest average ratings: Fernando Gorrianan (HUN) 7.70; Joseph-Monrose (AZE), Bode (HUN) 7.63
Next time
What a lucky bunch the Swiss are, but they will still have a difficult play-off to navigate. The teams will begin to qualify thick and fast now for the finals, as next time we go to Africa to see who will win out between Tunisia, Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda.
Highest average ratings: Fernando Gorrianan (HUN) 7.70; Joseph-Monrose (AZE), Bode (HUN) 7.63
Next time
What a lucky bunch the Swiss are, but they will still have a difficult play-off to navigate. The teams will begin to qualify thick and fast now for the finals, as next time we go to Africa to see who will win out between Tunisia, Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda.