Slowly but surely, we’re getting towards the end of qualification for the 2018 Draft World Cup. Today we’re back in Europe for the seventh of the nine groups. This is how the draw looks:
So today’s group features local rivals Netherlands and Belgium fighting it out – you’d expect these to make up the top two in the group. The Dutch start as group top seeds after reaching the 2017 DWC last 16, where they lost narrowly to Italy. Belgium never really clicked last year, but qualified for the finals, before going out in the group stage. Both sides are playing fluid, expressive football this year, so they should both be good to watch!
Israel are the most likely side to contend with the big two. They are handy, and last year bloodied a few noses before narrowly missing out on getting into the play-offs. Bosnia & Herzegovina and Kosovo were both in the Former Yugoslavia side which did make the play-offs, although now they are separate sides they are unlikely to reach the same level. Meanwhile, the Faroe Islands are more than likely to prop up the group. Last year they teamed up with Canada to make the North Atlantic side, which didn’t really impress.
The opening round gives us a local derby as Kosovo visit Bosnia. An entertaining battle saw Bosnia lead 3-2, with a hat-trick for Krste Velkoski, going into the final 10 minutes. Unfortunately for Kosovo, they weren’t able to steal a point as Goran Zakaric scored twice in added time to give Bosnia a flattering 5-2 win. Belgium were able to get off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory over Israel, whilst Netherlands utterly dominated their match with Faroe Islands. However, they couldn’t shake off their opponents, and when Hakim Ziyech was penalised for a push in the box in added time, Roaldur Jakobsen held his nerve to score and earn Faroe Islands a shock 2-2 draw.
Netherlands got their first win at the second attempt, beating Israel 2-0 away from home thanks to a Kasper Dolberg brace. Belgium raced into a 2-0 lead over Kosovo, but this was soon 2-2 as Kosovo roared back before half time. This ended up being the final score, although it could have been worse for Belgium had Ahmet Januzi’s second-half goal, that would have sealed his hat-trick, not been ruled out for offside. Elsewhere, Velkoski continued to impress with a second hat-trick as Bosnia beat Faroe Islands 4-2.
Israel are the most likely side to contend with the big two. They are handy, and last year bloodied a few noses before narrowly missing out on getting into the play-offs. Bosnia & Herzegovina and Kosovo were both in the Former Yugoslavia side which did make the play-offs, although now they are separate sides they are unlikely to reach the same level. Meanwhile, the Faroe Islands are more than likely to prop up the group. Last year they teamed up with Canada to make the North Atlantic side, which didn’t really impress.
The opening round gives us a local derby as Kosovo visit Bosnia. An entertaining battle saw Bosnia lead 3-2, with a hat-trick for Krste Velkoski, going into the final 10 minutes. Unfortunately for Kosovo, they weren’t able to steal a point as Goran Zakaric scored twice in added time to give Bosnia a flattering 5-2 win. Belgium were able to get off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory over Israel, whilst Netherlands utterly dominated their match with Faroe Islands. However, they couldn’t shake off their opponents, and when Hakim Ziyech was penalised for a push in the box in added time, Roaldur Jakobsen held his nerve to score and earn Faroe Islands a shock 2-2 draw.
Netherlands got their first win at the second attempt, beating Israel 2-0 away from home thanks to a Kasper Dolberg brace. Belgium raced into a 2-0 lead over Kosovo, but this was soon 2-2 as Kosovo roared back before half time. This ended up being the final score, although it could have been worse for Belgium had Ahmet Januzi’s second-half goal, that would have sealed his hat-trick, not been ruled out for offside. Elsewhere, Velkoski continued to impress with a second hat-trick as Bosnia beat Faroe Islands 4-2.
Israel finally got their first points with a straightforward 2-0 win away to Kosovo. Bosnia recorded their third consecutive win, and their most impressive, as two goals from Luka Menalo gave them a 2-0 home win over Netherlands. However, this was nothing compared to the shock as Belgium lost 2-1 at home to the Faroe Islands - despite going ahead in the 8th minute - thanks to two goals from Joannes Bjartalid.
Belgium visited Amsterdam with both sides desperately needing to get back on track. It was Netherlands who took control of the match with three early goals. Jelle Vossen’s snapshot just before half time gave Belgium a bit of hope, but they collapsed in the second half as they lost 7-1, with a hat-trick for Nicolai Jorgensen. There was another Scandinavian hat-trick as Vidar Orn Kjartansson scored all of Israel’s goals as they ended Bosnia’s hot streak with a 3-2 win. Faroe Islands took a 2-0 lead against Kosovo in the first 14 minutes, but a red card left them hanging on, and Kosovo were able to fight back for a 2-2 draw.
Kjartansson was able to match the achievement of Velkoski by hitting a second hat-trick in a row as Israel emphatically beat Faroe Islands 7-2. Orlando Sa struck after 44 seconds, and it was enough for Belgium to beat Bosnia 1-0, whilst Netherlands won 2-0 against Kosovo – although that match could have been very different have Januzi not missed an early penalty.
Belgium visited Amsterdam with both sides desperately needing to get back on track. It was Netherlands who took control of the match with three early goals. Jelle Vossen’s snapshot just before half time gave Belgium a bit of hope, but they collapsed in the second half as they lost 7-1, with a hat-trick for Nicolai Jorgensen. There was another Scandinavian hat-trick as Vidar Orn Kjartansson scored all of Israel’s goals as they ended Bosnia’s hot streak with a 3-2 win. Faroe Islands took a 2-0 lead against Kosovo in the first 14 minutes, but a red card left them hanging on, and Kosovo were able to fight back for a 2-2 draw.
Kjartansson was able to match the achievement of Velkoski by hitting a second hat-trick in a row as Israel emphatically beat Faroe Islands 7-2. Orlando Sa struck after 44 seconds, and it was enough for Belgium to beat Bosnia 1-0, whilst Netherlands won 2-0 against Kosovo – although that match could have been very different have Januzi not missed an early penalty.
So here is the table with half of the matches played:
So... that’s pretty tight! The group’s top two seeds need to improve if they are to get through to the finals. Netherlands have got that memo, as Dolberg and Jorgensen both notch four goals as their side hammer Faroe Islands 9-0. Meanwhile, Belgium travelled to Israel needing a positive result. The visitors started badly, going 2-0 down early on, but they were able to fight back to level just after half time. Israel took the lead again, and Belgium equalised again. However, Israel were finally able to find a winning goal, as Belgium failed to reply to Kjartansson’s late strike. Elsewhere, Kosovo got their first win with a 2-0 victory over Bosnia, badly damaging their neighbour’s chances of progression in the process.
The group’s two minnows put up good performances away from home, but both suffered 1-0 defeats – Kosovo away to Belgium and Faroe Islands away to Bosnia. Netherlands moved four points clear at the top with a convincing 4-1 win over Israel.
The Dutch hot streak continued as they rolled Bosnia over 2-0, but criminally the other qualification candidates couldn’t take advantage of Bosnia’s misfortune as they both drew – Belgium 1-1 away to Faroe Islands and Israel 3-3 at home to Kosovo.
This left Netherlands one point from qualification, and they secured it stylishly by embarrassing their neighbours Belgium with a 3-0 away win. This result also left Belgium teetering on the edge – if either Bosnia or Israel won their clash, then the Belgians would be eliminated. John Ogu’s thunderous strike put Israel ahead, but it was soon level after Israeli goalkeeper Rajkovic hit a clearance into his defender Vitor, resulting in the ball flying into the net. Israel pushed hardest for a win, and they missed a penalty and had a goal disallowed as the match somehow finished 1-1, saving Belgium (for now). Kosovo effectively secured 5th place with a 2-0 win over Faroe Islands.
The group’s two minnows put up good performances away from home, but both suffered 1-0 defeats – Kosovo away to Belgium and Faroe Islands away to Bosnia. Netherlands moved four points clear at the top with a convincing 4-1 win over Israel.
The Dutch hot streak continued as they rolled Bosnia over 2-0, but criminally the other qualification candidates couldn’t take advantage of Bosnia’s misfortune as they both drew – Belgium 1-1 away to Faroe Islands and Israel 3-3 at home to Kosovo.
This left Netherlands one point from qualification, and they secured it stylishly by embarrassing their neighbours Belgium with a 3-0 away win. This result also left Belgium teetering on the edge – if either Bosnia or Israel won their clash, then the Belgians would be eliminated. John Ogu’s thunderous strike put Israel ahead, but it was soon level after Israeli goalkeeper Rajkovic hit a clearance into his defender Vitor, resulting in the ball flying into the net. Israel pushed hardest for a win, and they missed a penalty and had a goal disallowed as the match somehow finished 1-1, saving Belgium (for now). Kosovo effectively secured 5th place with a 2-0 win over Faroe Islands.
This leaves this table going into the final round of games:
Netherlands finish against Kosovo looking for their seventh straight win. But the real drama is in the other matches. Israel host Faroe Islands knowing a win will secure a play-off spot for them. If they slip up, then the winner of Bosnia and Belgium could get in there. However, with Belgium needing an 11-goal swing against Israel, they are in fact effectively eliminated.
Netherlands vs. Kosovo
The Dutch have pulled away to qualify from this group, but they fell behind early on as Januzi volleyed Kosovo ahead. Netherlands eventually found a way through courtesy of Hirving Lozano’s powerful shot, and this opened the floodgates as they added three more before the break. In the second half 17 year-old CB Matthijs de Ligt got his second goal, and was allowed to complete his hat-trick from the spot. Januzi added a late consolation as the match finished 6-2.
Netherlands vs. Kosovo
The Dutch have pulled away to qualify from this group, but they fell behind early on as Januzi volleyed Kosovo ahead. Netherlands eventually found a way through courtesy of Hirving Lozano’s powerful shot, and this opened the floodgates as they added three more before the break. In the second half 17 year-old CB Matthijs de Ligt got his second goal, and was allowed to complete his hat-trick from the spot. Januzi added a late consolation as the match finished 6-2.
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs. Belgium
Bosnia’s only change is replacing the injured Menalo with Zakaric. Pocognoli is suspended for Belgium, although his form would have probably seen him dropped anyway. In comes Asare, whilst van Rhijn and Pina are replaced by Najar and Mera as Belgium switch from a narrow diamond to a 5-2-1-2 formation.
Bosnia’s only change is replacing the injured Menalo with Zakaric. Pocognoli is suspended for Belgium, although his form would have probably seen him dropped anyway. In comes Asare, whilst van Rhijn and Pina are replaced by Najar and Mera as Belgium switch from a narrow diamond to a 5-2-1-2 formation.
Crnkic goes on a mazy run down the right and finds Velkoski, whose header thunders off the underside of the bar and away. However, Belgium have generally been the better side, and take the lead when Najar’s cross is powered in by Vossen’s noggin. Bosnia’s day gets worse when they have to replace Zeba with Jamak due to injury, followed by an injured to Zakaric. With no obvious candidates available to play on the left wing, full back Stojkic has to fill in. Half time and Belgium lead 1-0, whilst Bosnia look dishevelled.
Standard Liege (my team on FIFA18 at the moment, by the way) duo Carlinhos and Sa haven’t been great so far, so they are replaced by Hanni and Rafaelov as Belgium switch to a 5-2-3 formation. Bosnia, meanwhile, bring on Koljic and change to a 4-4-2. It has little effect though, as the half progresses with Belgium in control. With 12 minutes to go Coric is penalised for a trip in the box, and Kums has the chance to seal the win. His shot is powerful and down the middle, but Piric stands tall to push it away. Koljic has a big chance in the final few minutes as a long ball releases him, but his shot is well wide. A couple of minutes later and Belgium have another penalty, once again for a Coric trip. This time Hanni steps up... but once again Piric saves! It’s the last action of the match, the 1-0 result confirms Bosnia’s elimination.
Israel vs. Faroe Islands
That result means that Israel just need to avoid losing by 10 goals to secure a play-off spot. There was, of course, no danger of that happening, as Israel spent the entire match laying siege to the Faroese goal. Maor Buzaglo got Israel off to the perfect start, and Itay Shechter doubled the lead before half time. Shechter added another after the break and Kjartansson wrapped up a simple 4-0 win. So Israel stay alive, but the play-offs will be a much tougher task.
Israel vs. Faroe Islands
That result means that Israel just need to avoid losing by 10 goals to secure a play-off spot. There was, of course, no danger of that happening, as Israel spent the entire match laying siege to the Faroese goal. Maor Buzaglo got Israel off to the perfect start, and Itay Shechter doubled the lead before half time. Shechter added another after the break and Kjartansson wrapped up a simple 4-0 win. So Israel stay alive, but the play-offs will be a much tougher task.
Final standings
Top scorers: Vidar Orn Kjartansson (ISR) 13 goals; Jorgensen (NED) 12 goals; Dolberg (NED) 11 goals
Highest average ratings: Nicolai Jorgensen (NED) 8.21; El Ahmadi (NED) 7.95; Dolberg (NED) 7.93
Next time
I would probably say that that was one of the weaker groups in European qualifying. The Dutch won’t mind, though, as they sail through impressively to the finals. Next time we’re in Africa to see who will qualify out of South Africa, Gabon, Algeria and Sierra Leone. Anything other than an easy triumph for South Africa will be a surprise.
Highest average ratings: Nicolai Jorgensen (NED) 8.21; El Ahmadi (NED) 7.95; Dolberg (NED) 7.93
Next time
I would probably say that that was one of the weaker groups in European qualifying. The Dutch won’t mind, though, as they sail through impressively to the finals. Next time we’re in Africa to see who will qualify out of South Africa, Gabon, Algeria and Sierra Leone. Anything other than an easy triumph for South Africa will be a surprise.