Last time out we completed African qualifying, and in the process sent the first side through to the Intercontinental play-off. This time we wrap up the main round of qualifying in Europe, which means that not only will another side qualify for the finals, but Europe’s Intercontinental play-off representative will be confirmed. This is how European qualifying has gone so far:
The 2nd-placed side with the best record goes into the Intercontinental play-off, which is likely to be easier than the European play-offs (where all the other 2nd-placed sides end up). So whoever finishes second today has to beat Italy’s impressive haul of 23 points to be that side.
Anyway, today’s group features none other than the inaugural Draft World Cup champions, Germany. The top-ranked side in the world did struggle a bit in qualifying, but came through and were very solid as they progressed through the finals, beating Uruguay 2-1 in the final. With no squad value limit this year, the side is much stronger than before, which can only be bad news for their competitors.
Speaking of which, it’s a re-match for Germany as they face Bulgaria again. In last year’s group stage Bulgaria led Germany 1-0, which would have knocked their opponents out. However, Germany came back to win 2-1, knocking Bulgaria out instead. So there is a score to be settled there. Meanwhile, Sweden will be looking for improvement after last year’s 4th place in qualifying saw them eliminated – although their record of 17 points would have been enough to qualify from most other groups. The remaining three sides in this group – Northern Ireland, Malta and San Marino – are unlikely to get close to qualification, although Malta did contribute players to the Mediterranean side which scraped into the finals via the play-offs.
Germany and Arjen Robben got underway in style as the latter hit a hat-trick in the former’s 5-2 win over San Marino. Meanwhile, Sweden and Bulgaria got underway with slightly less convincing wins, beating Northern Ireland 1-0 and Malta 3-2 respectively.
Bulgaria had scored twice against Malta from corners, and they scored from another in the 14th minute in Dortmund as they got off to the perfect start against Germany. However, Germany roared back with four goals around half time, with another two for Robben, as they eventually ran out 4-2 winners. Incredibly, this was the lowest-scoring match of the round, as Northern Ireland got off the mark with a 5-2 win over San Marino, whilst Malta and Sweden played out a frankly ridiculous match. The first 30 minutes appeared to come directly from a highlights reel as Malta led 4-3, with Markus Rosenberg grabbing all three of Sweden’s goals. In the second half Soren Rieks added two to put Sweden 5-4 up, but Malta’s Carlos Alberto got his third of the match to level the scores. There was still time for a 94th-minute Rosenberg strike to be chalked off for offside as the match finished five apiece.
Not content with one mad draw, Malta followed this up with another, as they trailed 2-0, led 3-2, trailed 4-3 and eventually drew 4-4 with San Marino. Arturo Vidal and Thiago each got a brace as Germany crushed Northern Ireland 6-0, whilst Bulgaria dealt Sweden a huge blow by beating their qualification rivals 3-1 away from home.
Anyway, today’s group features none other than the inaugural Draft World Cup champions, Germany. The top-ranked side in the world did struggle a bit in qualifying, but came through and were very solid as they progressed through the finals, beating Uruguay 2-1 in the final. With no squad value limit this year, the side is much stronger than before, which can only be bad news for their competitors.
Speaking of which, it’s a re-match for Germany as they face Bulgaria again. In last year’s group stage Bulgaria led Germany 1-0, which would have knocked their opponents out. However, Germany came back to win 2-1, knocking Bulgaria out instead. So there is a score to be settled there. Meanwhile, Sweden will be looking for improvement after last year’s 4th place in qualifying saw them eliminated – although their record of 17 points would have been enough to qualify from most other groups. The remaining three sides in this group – Northern Ireland, Malta and San Marino – are unlikely to get close to qualification, although Malta did contribute players to the Mediterranean side which scraped into the finals via the play-offs.
Germany and Arjen Robben got underway in style as the latter hit a hat-trick in the former’s 5-2 win over San Marino. Meanwhile, Sweden and Bulgaria got underway with slightly less convincing wins, beating Northern Ireland 1-0 and Malta 3-2 respectively.
Bulgaria had scored twice against Malta from corners, and they scored from another in the 14th minute in Dortmund as they got off to the perfect start against Germany. However, Germany roared back with four goals around half time, with another two for Robben, as they eventually ran out 4-2 winners. Incredibly, this was the lowest-scoring match of the round, as Northern Ireland got off the mark with a 5-2 win over San Marino, whilst Malta and Sweden played out a frankly ridiculous match. The first 30 minutes appeared to come directly from a highlights reel as Malta led 4-3, with Markus Rosenberg grabbing all three of Sweden’s goals. In the second half Soren Rieks added two to put Sweden 5-4 up, but Malta’s Carlos Alberto got his third of the match to level the scores. There was still time for a 94th-minute Rosenberg strike to be chalked off for offside as the match finished five apiece.
Not content with one mad draw, Malta followed this up with another, as they trailed 2-0, led 3-2, trailed 4-3 and eventually drew 4-4 with San Marino. Arturo Vidal and Thiago each got a brace as Germany crushed Northern Ireland 6-0, whilst Bulgaria dealt Sweden a huge blow by beating their qualification rivals 3-1 away from home.
The last thing Sweden needed after that couple of poor results was a trip to Germany, but Rosenberg’s late goal salvaged a creditable 1-1 draw to cause Germany their first dropped points of the campaign. San Marino lost two players to red cards against Bulgaria, although they can’t blame this for their 7-0 defeat, given that six goals were scored against 11 men. Malta looked set to get their first win as they led Northern Ireland 2-1, with a chance to get another from the spot in the 81st minute. However, Cadu’s effort cannoned into the crossbar and two minutes later Curtis Allen headed in his second of the afternoon to rescue a point for Northern Ireland.
Given Malta’s record so far of 14 goals conceded in 4 matches, it’s little surprise they fell to a 6-0 defeat against Germany. Bulgaria kept up the pressure at the top with a 3-0 win away to Northern Ireland, whilst Sweden kept in it with a nervy 1-0 win against San Marino.
This is how things look halfway in:
This is how things look halfway in:
So whilst Germany have performed well so far, they only lead Bulgaria by a point and still have a lot of work to do to secure their qualification.
They get that work underway with a simple 7-0 battering of San Marino, with Robert Lewandowski delivering a hat-trick. Germany were further aided by Bulgaria’s defeat to Malta, the 3-2 scoreline marking Malta’s first win of the campaign. Sweden failed to take advantage of this slip-up, as Rosenberg’s 5th-minute red card precipitated a 3-1 loss to Northern Ireland. This isn’t the first time Northern Ireland have stunned Sweden, as the sides drew 1-1 in last year’s qualifying group.
They get that work underway with a simple 7-0 battering of San Marino, with Robert Lewandowski delivering a hat-trick. Germany were further aided by Bulgaria’s defeat to Malta, the 3-2 scoreline marking Malta’s first win of the campaign. Sweden failed to take advantage of this slip-up, as Rosenberg’s 5th-minute red card precipitated a 3-1 loss to Northern Ireland. This isn’t the first time Northern Ireland have stunned Sweden, as the sides drew 1-1 in last year’s qualifying group.
Northern Ireland had been without veteran goalkeeper Roy Carroll for a few matches, but he was able to return against San Marino. Unfortunately for him, his own goal was the only goal of the match as San Marino picked up their first win of the campaign. Northern Ireland held on to 4th spot though as Malta went down 3-0 away to Sweden, with a brace for Henok Goitom, in for the suspended Rosenberg. Meanwhile, Germany increased their lead in the table to 7 points by beating Bulgaria 4-0 away from home, despite a red card for Alaba.
This put Germany a win away from qualification, and they secured it easily as they recorded a 6-2 win over Northern Ireland. Bulgaria’s lead over Sweden had been cut to 1 point, so their clash in Sofia was crucial. The hosts scored early on through Claudio Keseru, but Sweden hit back with a goal from Chinedu Obasi. The key moment came when Bulgaria’s Goralski launched into an entirely unnecessary lunging tackle, earning a red card. Sweden were then able to push on to score through Andreas Johansson and Goitom, both from corners, to seal a massive 3-1 victory.
Northern Ireland had slipped behind Malta in the table, but had the chance to go back into fourth with a win when the two sides met. They led through Aaron Burns’ incredible chip, but Garrett’s red card preceded Jorge Elias’ equaliser as the spoils were shared. Wanderson hit all three goals as Bulgaria beat San Marino 3-0 to increase the pressure on Sweden, who had to host Germany. Jerome Boateng’s close-range volley put Germany ahead, but Sweden fought back and led 3-1 with three headers. Robben headed one of his own in to reduce the deficit, but Saman Ghoddos restored the two-goal lead in the 78th minute. Germany exerted pressure on Sweden, but were only able to pull one back through Lewandowski’s injury-time strike as they suffered their first defeat since becoming champions, 4-3.
This put Germany a win away from qualification, and they secured it easily as they recorded a 6-2 win over Northern Ireland. Bulgaria’s lead over Sweden had been cut to 1 point, so their clash in Sofia was crucial. The hosts scored early on through Claudio Keseru, but Sweden hit back with a goal from Chinedu Obasi. The key moment came when Bulgaria’s Goralski launched into an entirely unnecessary lunging tackle, earning a red card. Sweden were then able to push on to score through Andreas Johansson and Goitom, both from corners, to seal a massive 3-1 victory.
Northern Ireland had slipped behind Malta in the table, but had the chance to go back into fourth with a win when the two sides met. They led through Aaron Burns’ incredible chip, but Garrett’s red card preceded Jorge Elias’ equaliser as the spoils were shared. Wanderson hit all three goals as Bulgaria beat San Marino 3-0 to increase the pressure on Sweden, who had to host Germany. Jerome Boateng’s close-range volley put Germany ahead, but Sweden fought back and led 3-1 with three headers. Robben headed one of his own in to reduce the deficit, but Saman Ghoddos restored the two-goal lead in the 78th minute. Germany exerted pressure on Sweden, but were only able to pull one back through Lewandowski’s injury-time strike as they suffered their first defeat since becoming champions, 4-3.
That win proved crucial, for here is the table with one game to go:
To get into the play-offs, Sweden just need to beat San Marino. Should they fail to win, Bulgaria will steal the spot with a win over Northern Ireland. Meanwhile, Germany and Malta play out a dead rubber.
Malta vs. Germany
Malta have been thoroughly entertaining this campaign, as they have committed to attack and will probably be rewarded with fourth spot in the group. Germany, meanwhile, will have seen the difficulties that the likes of Italy and France have endured, and will just be pleased to secure qualification and a chance to retain their title. Germany seal a good campaign with a 5-0 win, with a hat-trick for Marco Reus, whilst Robben’s injury-time missed penalty denies him the chance of a triple as well.
Malta vs. Germany
Malta have been thoroughly entertaining this campaign, as they have committed to attack and will probably be rewarded with fourth spot in the group. Germany, meanwhile, will have seen the difficulties that the likes of Italy and France have endured, and will just be pleased to secure qualification and a chance to retain their title. Germany seal a good campaign with a 5-0 win, with a hat-trick for Marco Reus, whilst Robben’s injury-time missed penalty denies him the chance of a triple as well.
Bulgaria vs. Northern Ireland
Bulgaria’s bad run of three defeats after the halfway point may well have caused their elimination. They need Sweden to drop points to San Marino, but first they have to beat Northern Ireland.
Bulgaria are missing midfield star Marcelinho to injury, so former Wigan man Jordi Gomez comes in. Northern Ireland not only miss Garrett through suspension, but also Coates and Allen, so in come McChrystal, Clingan and Gormley.
Bulgaria’s bad run of three defeats after the halfway point may well have caused their elimination. They need Sweden to drop points to San Marino, but first they have to beat Northern Ireland.
Bulgaria are missing midfield star Marcelinho to injury, so former Wigan man Jordi Gomez comes in. Northern Ireland not only miss Garrett through suspension, but also Coates and Allen, so in come McChrystal, Clingan and Gormley.
The game starts in a lively fashion as both sides have shots fly wide. Bulgaria take the lead in the 18th minute as Gomez’s free kick is volleyed home by Anicet. This allows Bulgaria to settle and control the game, with the second goal coming two minutes later as Keseru puts away a penalty. 2-0 at the break, and Bulgaria are doing all they can.
Just after the hour mark a push by Stewart gives Bulgaria another penalty, but this time Keseru’s shot is horrible, going high and wide and approximately into Row H. It’s a dull half, but Bulgaria finally add to their lead in the 84th minute when Virgil Misidjan slides home after Northern Ireland fail to clear a cross, and a minute later it’s yet another Bulgaria penalty. Keseru has gone off now, so his replacement Martin Kamburov steps up and buries it for 4-0. Rafael Forster adds another a couple of minutes later, to wrap up a big win. Northern Ireland will be disappointed to have ended a fairly spirited campaign on such a sour note.
Sweden vs. San Marino
Bulgaria complete their expected win, so Sweden know that they have to get three points here in order to secure a play-off spot. On paper, San Marino at home is the easiest tie of the group, so it should be fairly straightforward for Sweden.
Sweden have a few selection issues, as Rogne and Rieks miss out through injury, whilst Safari is suspended. Johansson, Fjoluson and Ghoddos come in, whilst Goitom edges out Rosenberg up front. Locatelli returns to San Marino’s defence after Brolli failed to seal his spot.
Sweden vs. San Marino
Bulgaria complete their expected win, so Sweden know that they have to get three points here in order to secure a play-off spot. On paper, San Marino at home is the easiest tie of the group, so it should be fairly straightforward for Sweden.
Sweden have a few selection issues, as Rogne and Rieks miss out through injury, whilst Safari is suspended. Johansson, Fjoluson and Ghoddos come in, whilst Goitom edges out Rosenberg up front. Locatelli returns to San Marino’s defence after Brolli failed to seal his spot.
In the 4th minute Obasi runs at San Marino, eventually floating an inviting cross over. It’s met by Goitom, flying in to get the goal Sweden needed. The same pair combine again, this time Goitom’s header hits the bar as Sweden look to create a safety net. However, they are stunned when a long ball out from the back releases Marco Bernacci, who stays calm to fire it in and put Bulgaria into second. Sweden appear nervous as they struggle to create chances, but Paulinho restores their lead in the 37th minute with a stinging drive from the edge of the box. Just before half time Goitom hits the woodwork again. It’s 2-1 at the break, but Sweden know they aren’t out of the woods just yet.
Elm picks up a knock early in the second half, so Kallstrom comes on. Sweden continue to struggle to put San Marino away, but they finally go two ahead in the 76th minute when a loose ball from a corner comes to Rosenberg, on for Goitom, and he slams it away to surely seal second spot for Sweden. The win is indeed rubber-stamped just before the end when a free kick is played to Kallstrom on the edge of the box, and he whistles in a low shot into the bottom corner. Full time, 4-1, but that doesn’t tell the story of how difficult Sweden made that win.
Final standings
Final standings
Top scorers: Arjen Robben (GER) 10 goals; Lewandowski (GER) 9 goals; Vidal (GER) 8 goals
Highest average ratings: Arjen Robben (GER) 8.81; Vidal (GER) 8.37; Lewandowski (GER) 8.25
European Qualification summary
Highest average ratings: Arjen Robben (GER) 8.81; Vidal (GER) 8.37; Lewandowski (GER) 8.25
European Qualification summary
Next time
Germany qualify in style and will of course start as one of the favourites when the finals kick off. Sweden failed to match Italy’s points tally, meaning the Italians become Europe’s representatives in the Intercontinental play-off, whilst the other eight 2nd-placed sides will go into the European play-offs. With it being a totally random draw, it could throw up some nasty ties. Next time we go to North America to see how the final stage of qualifying goes. The top six teams are in one group, so it should be quite the battle!
Germany qualify in style and will of course start as one of the favourites when the finals kick off. Sweden failed to match Italy’s points tally, meaning the Italians become Europe’s representatives in the Intercontinental play-off, whilst the other eight 2nd-placed sides will go into the European play-offs. With it being a totally random draw, it could throw up some nasty ties. Next time we go to North America to see how the final stage of qualifying goes. The top six teams are in one group, so it should be quite the battle!