Each of the previous episodes so far has detailed some form of preliminary group – the teams are vying to get through to the next stage of qualifying, rather than getting through to the Draft World Cup finals. Well, this time things are different as we start European qualifying! The 54 teams are divided among 9 groups, with the winner of each group going straight through to the finals. The side in second place will go through to some form of play-off. This is how the draw looks:
So we start with Group A today, and this should be a good match-up. France will be strong favourites – with no squad limit they can include the playing riches amassed by their top teams, and so will be hoping to improve on last year's quarter-final place. Russia, however, were impressive in last year’s DWC as they smashed their qualifying group. However, they slipped up against China and Uruguay to go out in the group stages. They have a lot of talented players in their league, and so should expect to secure a top-two position.
Elsewhere, Poland slipped up at the last to miss out on getting through to the play-offs last year, and will be hoping for a better performance this time. Montenegro had players in the Former Yugoslavia side last year which lost out in the play-offs, whilst Estonia and Lithuania were both part of the largely unsuccessful Baltic Nations side.
However, Russia find things very difficult in their opening game against Lithuania as Branislav Ivanovic’s red card hindered them, as they had to come from behind twice to draw 2-2. Fabinho’s early blockbuster of a shot sent France on the way to a 3-1 win over Montenegro – a scoreline which flattered Montenegro much more than it did France. Mirko Vucinic’s goal for Montenegro in that game meant that Poland’s 3-0 win over Estonia put them top of the table.
Elsewhere, Poland slipped up at the last to miss out on getting through to the play-offs last year, and will be hoping for a better performance this time. Montenegro had players in the Former Yugoslavia side last year which lost out in the play-offs, whilst Estonia and Lithuania were both part of the largely unsuccessful Baltic Nations side.
However, Russia find things very difficult in their opening game against Lithuania as Branislav Ivanovic’s red card hindered them, as they had to come from behind twice to draw 2-2. Fabinho’s early blockbuster of a shot sent France on the way to a 3-1 win over Montenegro – a scoreline which flattered Montenegro much more than it did France. Mirko Vucinic’s goal for Montenegro in that game meant that Poland’s 3-0 win over Estonia put them top of the table.
Poland’s spell at the top didn’t last long, as they succumbed 4-1 in Moscow. Montenegro’s 2-1 lead over Lithuania looked in doubt after Raicevic picked up a second yellow card, but Dragan Boskovic’s penalty secured a 3-1 win. The main surprise, however, was in Tallinn as France dominated the match, but couldn’t find a way through as Estonia earned a 0-0 draw.
The group’s top two seeds met next, both having suffered slightly unconvincing starts. France started the match well, Angel Di Maria and another fine strike from Fabinho putting them into a commanding 2-0 lead. However, Quincy Promes immediately pulled one back, and in the second half Roman Eremenko’s volley flew in as the sides shared the spoils. Montenegro showed France how it’s done as Dejan Damjanovic’s free kick secured a 1-0 win away in Estonia, whilst Poland overcame Lithuania 2-0.
The group’s top two seeds met next, both having suffered slightly unconvincing starts. France started the match well, Angel Di Maria and another fine strike from Fabinho putting them into a commanding 2-0 lead. However, Quincy Promes immediately pulled one back, and in the second half Roman Eremenko’s volley flew in as the sides shared the spoils. Montenegro showed France how it’s done as Dejan Damjanovic’s free kick secured a 1-0 win away in Estonia, whilst Poland overcame Lithuania 2-0.
Yury Zhirkov popped up with a hat-trick as Russia cruised to a nerve-settling 4-0 win over Estonia. France didn’t find it anywhere near as easy, as they looked like being frustrated again, this time by Lithuania. However, Vaitkunas’ red card opened up space for France, and Neymar and Edinson Cavani scored in a two-minute burst to compensate for some poor earlier performances. Montenegro and Poland met in a battle to see who would be the most likely challenger to the big two sides. Montenegro looked to have claimed a vital 2-1 victory, but Poland struck twice in the last 10 minutes for a 3-2 win.
France finally cut loose against Poland, their 4-0 win being aided by former Leicester man Marcin Wasielewski’s red card. 2-2 is a fairly unusual score, but Russia got their third from five games as they once again had to battle back, this time against Montenegro. It was also the score in Tallinn as neither Estonia nor Lithuania could claim their first win. This means that at the halfway stage the table looks like this:
France finally cut loose against Poland, their 4-0 win being aided by former Leicester man Marcin Wasielewski’s red card. 2-2 is a fairly unusual score, but Russia got their third from five games as they once again had to battle back, this time against Montenegro. It was also the score in Tallinn as neither Estonia nor Lithuania could claim their first win. This means that at the halfway stage the table looks like this:
So the order looks exactly as you might expect, but the points separating the top four are much closer than France and Russia would be comfortable with. France eased their concerns with a straightforward 3-0 win in Montengro, Cavani shining with two well-taken goals. Russia also appeared to be cruising to a 3-0 win over Lithuania after a brutal spell either side of half time, but Diniyar Bilyaletdinov’s penalty gave Lithuania hope, and a fantastic goal by Jeremy Manzorro gave Russia a real scare, but they held out for a 3-2 win. Poland kept up the tempo with a 1-0 win in Estonia.
Poland and Russia, both tied on 12 points, met next in Warsaw. It was a game with few chances, but enough were scored for yet another Russian 2-2 draw, who once again came from behind twice. This meant that France extended their lead to 5 points with an easy 5-1 win over Estonia, Cavani shining with a hat-trick and two assists. Meanwhile, Montenegro let a 2-0 lead slip in Lithuania, as a 2-2 draw significantly reduced their hopes of sneaking into a top-two place.
The last thing Russia needed now was the visit of France, who had won every match well since the two sides drew earlier in the campaign, and it only took 3 minutes for Cavani to punish a horrendous mistake from Ivanovic to open the scoring. However, Ivanovic made amends by nodding an equaliser in from a corner, and despite France’s control of the match, the game finished 1-1. So, not a bad result for Russia, but Poland’s 3-2 win over Lithuania allowed them to go 2 points clear in second place. Estonia’s discipline cost them dear as they suffered a red card and gave away three penalties against Montengro, who scored two of them to win 2-0.
Estonia failed to get a single shot away against Russia as they were trounced 3-0, one of the goals coming from a spectacular Zhirkov volley. This increased the pressure on Poland as they hosted Montenegro, and at 1-1 Russian hopes were raised. But in the 73rd minute a great pass from Miroslav Radovic put Christian Gytkaer through, and he slid the ball home for a massive 2-1 win. This meant Poland would go top if France lost to Lithuania, but that unlikely scenario never looked like happening, and Cavani and Joao Moutinho got the goals in a 2-0 win. France will be disappointed, however, that Thiago Silva picked up a red card in injury time.
The last thing Russia needed now was the visit of France, who had won every match well since the two sides drew earlier in the campaign, and it only took 3 minutes for Cavani to punish a horrendous mistake from Ivanovic to open the scoring. However, Ivanovic made amends by nodding an equaliser in from a corner, and despite France’s control of the match, the game finished 1-1. So, not a bad result for Russia, but Poland’s 3-2 win over Lithuania allowed them to go 2 points clear in second place. Estonia’s discipline cost them dear as they suffered a red card and gave away three penalties against Montengro, who scored two of them to win 2-0.
Estonia failed to get a single shot away against Russia as they were trounced 3-0, one of the goals coming from a spectacular Zhirkov volley. This increased the pressure on Poland as they hosted Montenegro, and at 1-1 Russian hopes were raised. But in the 73rd minute a great pass from Miroslav Radovic put Christian Gytkaer through, and he slid the ball home for a massive 2-1 win. This meant Poland would go top if France lost to Lithuania, but that unlikely scenario never looked like happening, and Cavani and Joao Moutinho got the goals in a 2-0 win. France will be disappointed, however, that Thiago Silva picked up a red card in injury time.
With one round of matches left, the table looks like this:
So Poland have somehow kept up with France, and could steal top spot with a win as the two sides meet in the final game. However, if they lose, or even draw, then a Russian win over Montenegro will see them eliminated. Lithuania and Estonia will each have one final chance to claim a win when they meet. We’re going to go through each of these matches individually, starting in Vilnius.
Lithuania vs. Estonia
Lithuania had been struggling with defensive injuries this campaign, and another – this time to Mbodj – didn’t help as they limped to a 2-0 defeat to Estonia. An own goal from Choco set the tone before Joel Lindpere wrapped up a good campaign for him with a goal.
Russia vs. Montenegro
This has been a disappointing campaign for Russia - their defensive qualify has helped them avoid any defeats, but they have looked limited in attack, and this sees them in a very tricky position. Meanwhile, Montenegro started well, but faded away to end up comfortably the group's fourth-best side.
Russia are able to call upon Promes again, after he had been missing through injury, whilst Montenegro are missing LB Martinovic through injury as Pejovic comes in.
Lithuania vs. Estonia
Lithuania had been struggling with defensive injuries this campaign, and another – this time to Mbodj – didn’t help as they limped to a 2-0 defeat to Estonia. An own goal from Choco set the tone before Joel Lindpere wrapped up a good campaign for him with a goal.
Russia vs. Montenegro
This has been a disappointing campaign for Russia - their defensive qualify has helped them avoid any defeats, but they have looked limited in attack, and this sees them in a very tricky position. Meanwhile, Montenegro started well, but faded away to end up comfortably the group's fourth-best side.
Russia are able to call upon Promes again, after he had been missing through injury, whilst Montenegro are missing LB Martinovic through injury as Pejovic comes in.
Promes doesn’t connect properly with a volley as Russia get the first chance, but it doesn’t take long for Russia to lead as Paredes finds the top corner with an excellent strike from outside the box. Fernando has a low drive whistle just wide as Russia maintain their dominance of the game at the break.
Zhirkov is denied by a flying Mijatovic as Russia pick up where they left off. However, Montenegro are only one goal away, and they scare Russia when Damjanovic’s long shot is narrowly wide. Russia can settle when Promes pokes in from a Fernandes cross to double the lead, but ten minutes later Montenegro fire back when Vujacic heads home a corner. It only takes Russia two minutes to restore their lead, as Fernando blasts in from the edge of the box, and Promes adds a fourth goal and his second soon after. A 4-1 win is a great result for Russia, but their fate is still out of their hands...
Poland vs. France
Poland have no selection worries and can name a full-strength XI, as they bring Moulin into the usual side as a more defensive option. France are of course missing Silva after his red card, with Glik replacing him. Angel Di Maria is still not fit after an earlier injury, so Lucas Moura is chosen.
Poland vs. France
Poland have no selection worries and can name a full-strength XI, as they bring Moulin into the usual side as a more defensive option. France are of course missing Silva after his red card, with Glik replacing him. Angel Di Maria is still not fit after an earlier injury, so Lucas Moura is chosen.
Neymar has the game’s first chance, as he skips beyond a couple of defenders but hits his shot wide. However, Poland are competing strongly, and in the 26th minute the referee points to the spot when Marquinhos fells Gytkaer in the box. Ivan Runje is the brave soul to face Subasic... his low shot just creeps beyond the goalkeeper for a Polish lead! Bad news for both France and Russia, and there are no more chances before half time.
Lucas meets a Moutinho corner with a powerful header, but Mucha is safely behind the shot. Glik has been poor, and is replaced by Jemerson. France are putting a bit of pressure on Poland, and Cavani should score when one-on-one with Mucha, but finds his effort blocked. Time continues to slip by as France throw on Falcao to join Cavani up front. Falcao immediately gets injured. Whilst he is being treated, Jedrzejczak’s clearance hits Fabinho and flies to Cavani right in front of goal. It’s the easier of chances, and he balloons it wide! It proves to be the last chance, as Poland secure a famous victory that sees them as the first side to qualify for the Draft World Cup!
Lucas meets a Moutinho corner with a powerful header, but Mucha is safely behind the shot. Glik has been poor, and is replaced by Jemerson. France are putting a bit of pressure on Poland, and Cavani should score when one-on-one with Mucha, but finds his effort blocked. Time continues to slip by as France throw on Falcao to join Cavani up front. Falcao immediately gets injured. Whilst he is being treated, Jedrzejczak’s clearance hits Fabinho and flies to Cavani right in front of goal. It’s the easier of chances, and he balloons it wide! It proves to be the last chance, as Poland secure a famous victory that sees them as the first side to qualify for the Draft World Cup!
Final standings
Top scorers: Edinson Cavani (FRA) 11 goals; Zhirkov (RUS), Radovic (POL), Sernas (LTU) 6 goals
Highest average ratings: Quincy Promes (RUS) 8.30; Cavani (FRA) 7.88; Moutinho (FRA) 7.82
Next time
So, incredibly, the likes of Neymar and Cavani will have to play in the play-offs (either European or Intercontinental) following that miserable performance. It also knocks Russia out despite an unbeaten campaign. Poland will have to be respected in the finals, despite their low-key squad. After that bewildering outcome, who knows what else will happen? The only thing I know is that next time we’re going to see qualification begin in our final continent – South America. This qualification group just sees all 10 sides lumped together in the ultimate group of death, so it should be a pretty exciting one!
Highest average ratings: Quincy Promes (RUS) 8.30; Cavani (FRA) 7.88; Moutinho (FRA) 7.82
Next time
So, incredibly, the likes of Neymar and Cavani will have to play in the play-offs (either European or Intercontinental) following that miserable performance. It also knocks Russia out despite an unbeaten campaign. Poland will have to be respected in the finals, despite their low-key squad. After that bewildering outcome, who knows what else will happen? The only thing I know is that next time we’re going to see qualification begin in our final continent – South America. This qualification group just sees all 10 sides lumped together in the ultimate group of death, so it should be a pretty exciting one!