Remember way back when in time, when it was rare to have someone qualifying for the finals of the Draft World Cup? For example, it was only in the seventh episode that Poland became our first qualifier, and it took another three episodes for them to be joined by Spain. Now the qualifiers are coming thick and fast, and today we see who will be the eighth European side to get through, and the sixteen overall (taking us to 50%). This is how European qualifying looks so far:
Bear in mind that the second-placed side with the best performance will go through to the (probably easier) Intercontinental play-off, rather than the European play-offs. Currently that side is Italy, who amassed 23 points with a goal difference of 19, so whoever finishes second today would have to beat that if they were to avoid European play-offs.
Today’s group features heavy favourites and world number 3 Portugal, who were outstanding in last year’s DWC, blitzing their qualifying group without dropping a point, winning their group in the finals, before holding on to beat England in the last 16 with 10 men. However, we were all shocked when they fell to a tame 2-0 defeat to Peru, arguably the shock of the tournament. With no squad value limit this year, they are stronger than before, and anything other than 1st place would be a disappointment.
Standing in their way are Slovakia, who made last year’s event via the play-offs, where they struggled past Former Yugoslavia – some of who’s players are now playing for Macedonia, so there may be an axe to grind there. Austria were fantastic when they dismantled Brazil to knock the giants out in qualifying and make the play-offs, but they failed to get past Chile. Cyprus, meanwhile, shouldn’t be underestimated as they contributed many players to the Mediterranean side which also ended up in the play-offs, progressing to make the finals. Meanwhile Moldova were not involved last year, and are probably outsiders for this group.
The bottom two-ranked sides met first up, with a great chance to get underway with a win. It was Macedonia who took that chance, claiming a deserved 2-1 win over Moldova, with both sides scoring sweet strikes following free kicks. Jakub Mares (who once played for Dukla Prague, fellow HMHB fans) fired in the only goal as Slovakia got underway with a 1-0 win over Cyprus, whilst that was also the scoreline as Portugal beat Austria thanks to Gelson Martins’ strike.
Today’s group features heavy favourites and world number 3 Portugal, who were outstanding in last year’s DWC, blitzing their qualifying group without dropping a point, winning their group in the finals, before holding on to beat England in the last 16 with 10 men. However, we were all shocked when they fell to a tame 2-0 defeat to Peru, arguably the shock of the tournament. With no squad value limit this year, they are stronger than before, and anything other than 1st place would be a disappointment.
Standing in their way are Slovakia, who made last year’s event via the play-offs, where they struggled past Former Yugoslavia – some of who’s players are now playing for Macedonia, so there may be an axe to grind there. Austria were fantastic when they dismantled Brazil to knock the giants out in qualifying and make the play-offs, but they failed to get past Chile. Cyprus, meanwhile, shouldn’t be underestimated as they contributed many players to the Mediterranean side which also ended up in the play-offs, progressing to make the finals. Meanwhile Moldova were not involved last year, and are probably outsiders for this group.
The bottom two-ranked sides met first up, with a great chance to get underway with a win. It was Macedonia who took that chance, claiming a deserved 2-1 win over Moldova, with both sides scoring sweet strikes following free kicks. Jakub Mares (who once played for Dukla Prague, fellow HMHB fans) fired in the only goal as Slovakia got underway with a 1-0 win over Cyprus, whilst that was also the scoreline as Portugal beat Austria thanks to Gelson Martins’ strike.
Bas Dost is leading the line for Portugal this year, after last year’s star player Andre Silva moved to AC Milan in the summer. Whether that was a result of his DWC performances, who can say (that’s definitely why). Anyway, Bas Dost had misfired against Austria, but he roared back with a hat-trick in his side’s 3-1 win away to Moldova. Austria hosted Slovakia in a key battle between the group’s 2nd and 3rd seeds, and it was the hosts who put down a big marker with a 4-1 victory. Meanwhile, Cyprus also got their first win by beating Macedonia 3-0.
That loss to Austria was bad for Slovakia, and it got worse as they were pummelled 5-0 by Macedonia, with Ytalo notching a hat-trick. Austria took an early lead away to Moldova, but by the 10th minute it was 2-1 to the hosts. There was only one more goal in the match, and it went to Austria as they earned a 2-2 draw. This was also the score as Portugal hosted Cyprus, with Ruben Rayos’ penalty for the visitors 12 minutes from time meaning that Portugal had failed to win a DWC qualifying match for the first time ever.
Portugal bounced back from that to win 2-1 away to Slovakia, both goals going to playmaker Oliver, who I have a soft spot for after I bought him on FM16 for £4.5m and sold for £40m. Meanwhile, Austria and Cyprus kept up their pursuits of Portugal with 3-1 wins over Macedonia and Moldova respectively.
That loss to Austria was bad for Slovakia, and it got worse as they were pummelled 5-0 by Macedonia, with Ytalo notching a hat-trick. Austria took an early lead away to Moldova, but by the 10th minute it was 2-1 to the hosts. There was only one more goal in the match, and it went to Austria as they earned a 2-2 draw. This was also the score as Portugal hosted Cyprus, with Ruben Rayos’ penalty for the visitors 12 minutes from time meaning that Portugal had failed to win a DWC qualifying match for the first time ever.
Portugal bounced back from that to win 2-1 away to Slovakia, both goals going to playmaker Oliver, who I have a soft spot for after I bought him on FM16 for £4.5m and sold for £40m. Meanwhile, Austria and Cyprus kept up their pursuits of Portugal with 3-1 wins over Macedonia and Moldova respectively.
Those two met next as Cyprus visited Austria, and it was the visitors who surged in an early 2-0 lead thanks to two goals from Australian international Tommy Oar. However, Austria fought back and were able to share the spoils 2-2. Both of these sides dropping points should have opened the door for Slovakia to get back into the qualification race, but they slipped to a fourth consecutive defeat, this time 2-0 to Moldova, as they replaced their opponents as the bottom side in the table. Meanwhile, Ytalo scored in the 81st minute as Macedonia looked set to shock Portugal with a 2-1 win, but Yacine Brahimi popped up with an equaliser a few minutes later to rescue a point for his side.
Anyway, this is the halfway table:
Anyway, this is the halfway table:
So Portugal are currently struggling to get away from the rest, although a 3-point lead isn’t to be sniffed at. Cyprus will particularly regret their one defeat, given that it was to the otherwise point-less Slovakia. They had the opportunity to avenge that defeat next up, but they were held to a 0-0 draw. However, that was better than Austria’s result, as they were demolished 6-0 by Portugal, with Dost popping up with another hat-trick. He wasn’t the only player with a second match ball, as Ytalo got all his side’s goals as they beat Moldova 3-1, helping Macedonia move into second place.
Macedonia’s time in 2nd didn’t last long, as they lost 1-0 at home to Cyprus to see their opponents replace them in the play-off spot. Austria also claimed a 1-0 win as they inflicted another defeat on Slovakia, whilst Portugal appeared to have lifted off as they comfortably beat Moldova 4-0.
Cyprus had become the first side to draw with Portugal in DWC qualifying, and now they became the first side to beat Portugal in DWC qualifying as they stunned everyone with a 3-0 win to blow the group wide open. Austria beat Moldova 2-1 to stay in the qualification battle, thanks to Duje Caleta-Car’s late header. Meanwhile, Filip Holosko earned Slovakia’s first win since the opening round of fixtures with an added-time tap-in giving them a 2-1 win over Macedonia, who appeared to be Icarus-ing it.
On paper, playing Moldova appeared to be much easier than facing Portugal, but Cyprus made hard work of their trip to Chisinau, winning 1-0 thanks to Dimitris Christofi’s goal. Portugal responded with a comfortable 3-0 win over Slovakia to stay top, with another hat-trick for Dost. Austria needed as much as they could from their match against Macedonia to stay in the fight, but fell behind to another goal by Ytalo. Two quick Austrian goals turned the game around, but Ytalo scored again after the break. In the 77th minute Austria were given a penalty and Holzhauser had the chance to win the match, but his shot was well-saved by Pacovski and Austria were left teetering on the brink of elimination by the 2-2 draw.
For this is the table with one game to go:
Cyprus had become the first side to draw with Portugal in DWC qualifying, and now they became the first side to beat Portugal in DWC qualifying as they stunned everyone with a 3-0 win to blow the group wide open. Austria beat Moldova 2-1 to stay in the qualification battle, thanks to Duje Caleta-Car’s late header. Meanwhile, Filip Holosko earned Slovakia’s first win since the opening round of fixtures with an added-time tap-in giving them a 2-1 win over Macedonia, who appeared to be Icarus-ing it.
On paper, playing Moldova appeared to be much easier than facing Portugal, but Cyprus made hard work of their trip to Chisinau, winning 1-0 thanks to Dimitris Christofi’s goal. Portugal responded with a comfortable 3-0 win over Slovakia to stay top, with another hat-trick for Dost. Austria needed as much as they could from their match against Macedonia to stay in the fight, but fell behind to another goal by Ytalo. Two quick Austrian goals turned the game around, but Ytalo scored again after the break. In the 77th minute Austria were given a penalty and Holzhauser had the chance to win the match, but his shot was well-saved by Pacovski and Austria were left teetering on the brink of elimination by the 2-2 draw.
For this is the table with one game to go:
Austria do visit Cyprus in the last round of fixtures, but they need to win by five goals to overhaul their opponents. Portugal, meanwhile, should seal qualification against Macedonia, whilst Slovakia and Moldova will face off to try and avoid the wooden spoon.
Slovakia vs. Moldova
This is effectively a dead rubber, although Slovakia would want to avoid the embarrassment of finishing bottom of a group they were seeded second for. They do so with a nice 3-0 win, two goals coming from former Man City youngster Vladimir Weiss – one a great free kick, the other a penalty.
Slovakia vs. Moldova
This is effectively a dead rubber, although Slovakia would want to avoid the embarrassment of finishing bottom of a group they were seeded second for. They do so with a nice 3-0 win, two goals coming from former Man City youngster Vladimir Weiss – one a great free kick, the other a penalty.
Cyprus vs. Austria
Cyprus are in one of those tricky positions where they could gain a place with a win, if Portugal were to lose to Macedonia, but could also drop out of the play-off spot if they lose by too much. However, it’s a better position to be in than Austria, who need to beat their opponents by five goals to climb into second. That said, they did beat Brazil by 3 last year to get into the play-offs, so who knows?
Cyprus are missing defender Ekiza and striker Arruabarrena through injury, and so Vyntra and Matt Derbyshire (?!) come into an otherwise-unchanged side. Austria are missing key defender Miranda through injury, and so Netzer comes in. It also means that Miranda’s defensive partner Spendlhofer keeps his place despite a series of poor performances.
Cyprus are in one of those tricky positions where they could gain a place with a win, if Portugal were to lose to Macedonia, but could also drop out of the play-off spot if they lose by too much. However, it’s a better position to be in than Austria, who need to beat their opponents by five goals to climb into second. That said, they did beat Brazil by 3 last year to get into the play-offs, so who knows?
Cyprus are missing defender Ekiza and striker Arruabarrena through injury, and so Vyntra and Matt Derbyshire (?!) come into an otherwise-unchanged side. Austria are missing key defender Miranda through injury, and so Netzer comes in. It also means that Miranda’s defensive partner Spendlhofer keeps his place despite a series of poor performances.
It takes Cyprus under two minutes to open the scoring, as Christofi feeds Derbyshire to fire home with his first shot of qualifying. Austria’s calamitous start continues as Ulmer is penalised in the box four minutes later. However, despite Rayos’ penalty being on target towards the top corner, Almer produces a stunning dive to keep the score 1-0. Can this be the start of an Austrian fairytale? Not really, as Cyprus continue to dominate the match. Oar hits the post when through on goal, whilst Derbyshire has a few long efforts fly wide. However, just before the break former Bayern man Pranjic suffers a complete brain-fart and passes the ball to Hwang Hee-Chan, who runs through to level the score with a nice finish. But that’s the last action of the half and Austria are where they were before kick-off, but with 45 minutes less.
With five second-half goals needed, Austria switch to the maverick 2-3-2-1-2 formation they used last year, with players encouraged to roam from their positions to try and create chances. It should have an immediate effect as Yabo’s perfect cross finds Dabbur inches from goal, but the forward somehow heads over. A few minutes later and another cross towards Dabbur this time is rewarded with a spot kick as Vyntra pushes the Israeli striker. It’s Holzhauser who steps up, despite his crucial miss in the last match, and he sends Waterman the wrong way to put Austria ahead. Just the four needed now! In the 66th minute it becomes three as Hwang and Dabbur exchange passes, putting the former through on goal for him to score his second of the match. However, Austria cannot keep up the momentum and Cyprus make defensive changes to ensure they hold out. In the final few minutes Dabbur’s long shot hits the bar, and there are no more chances as Austria’s 3-1 win isn’t enough to prevent their elimination and send Cyprus through to the play-offs.
Macedonia vs. Portugal
That dramatic comeback by Austria may have fallen short at the last, but it has confirmed Portugal’s qualification for the DWC finals. This is a relief, as they fall behind early on to Ferhan Hasani’s belter from range. Portugal fire back, and goals from Brahimi and Martins (twice) see them go 3-1 up before the half-hour mark. But Macedonia aren’t finished, and that man Ytalo pounces on to a loose ball by Pereira to pull one back with ten minutes to go, and five minutes later Aco Stojkov’s deflected strike earns Macedonia an impressive 3-3 draw.
Macedonia vs. Portugal
That dramatic comeback by Austria may have fallen short at the last, but it has confirmed Portugal’s qualification for the DWC finals. This is a relief, as they fall behind early on to Ferhan Hasani’s belter from range. Portugal fire back, and goals from Brahimi and Martins (twice) see them go 3-1 up before the half-hour mark. But Macedonia aren’t finished, and that man Ytalo pounces on to a loose ball by Pereira to pull one back with ten minutes to go, and five minutes later Aco Stojkov’s deflected strike earns Macedonia an impressive 3-3 draw.
Final standings
Top scorers: Ytalo (MKD), Bas Dost (POR) 12 goals; Hwang (AUT), Martins (POR) 6 goals
Highest average ratings: Gelson Martins (POR) 8.11; Dost (POR) 7.72; Oar (CYP) 7.69
Next time
It may not have been as convincing as last year, but Portugal have found their way to the DWC finals again, where only a fool would write them off. Cyprus, meanwhile, will be delighted to make the play-offs, although getting through them will be another matter altogether. Next time Africa becomes the first continent to complete their qualification run, as we see how the final Round 3 group goes. Egypt, Mali, Senegal and Togo appear set to contest a difficult group.
Highest average ratings: Gelson Martins (POR) 8.11; Dost (POR) 7.72; Oar (CYP) 7.69
Next time
It may not have been as convincing as last year, but Portugal have found their way to the DWC finals again, where only a fool would write them off. Cyprus, meanwhile, will be delighted to make the play-offs, although getting through them will be another matter altogether. Next time Africa becomes the first continent to complete their qualification run, as we see how the final Round 3 group goes. Egypt, Mali, Senegal and Togo appear set to contest a difficult group.