It’s finally here! Can you tell I’m more exciting for this than the Draft World Cup finals themselves? Sorry, I’ll calm down...
We’ve finished qualification for all six continents. Each one has led to one team being too good to be eliminated but not good enough to qualify, and these purgatory sides have found themselves here, in the Intercontinental play-off. Six sides fighting for the final 3 spaces in the 2018 DWC, it’s gonna be great. It’s a simple league format, just like the European groups. So let’s start by profiling the six teams.
We’ve finished qualification for all six continents. Each one has led to one team being too good to be eliminated but not good enough to qualify, and these purgatory sides have found themselves here, in the Intercontinental play-off. Six sides fighting for the final 3 spaces in the 2018 DWC, it’s gonna be great. It’s a simple league format, just like the European groups. So let’s start by profiling the six teams.
Ghana (Africa)
Ghana have an exciting side, with big names such as Sulley Muntari and Samuel Inkoom. They brushed Cameroon aside in the second round of qualifying, but landed a tough final-round draw as they were put in a group with Morocco and Zambia. They were in third place going into the final round, but a 2-0 win over Zambia saw them steal second space, and it ultimately proved to be the best 2nd-place record of all African teams, earning their spot here.
Indonesia (Asia)
Indonesia weren’t great in trying to qualify for last year’s DWC, but this year’s outfit has the addition of big names Michael Essien, Mohammed Sissoko and Peter Odemwingie. They scraped through a difficult first round group, edging out Malaysia and Jordan to finish behind Qatar. They were much more impressive in the second round, but didn’t stand much chance of catching China and Kuwait. This saw them line up against Uzbekistan in a play-off to get here, and a crazy first leg saw the score finish 4-3 to Indonesia. They saw out their progression with a 1-1 draw in the second leg.
Italy (Europe)
Italy started this campaign as the fourth-ranked side in the world after a run to the 2017 semi-finals, where they were shocked by Uruguay. This time round they played very well in their group, but were pipped at the last by a fine Turkish side. So no major disgrace there, as Italy’s record as the best 2nd-place side in Europe saw them go into this play-off, rather than the brutal European qualifiers. But there’s still a job to do for the group favourites.
Jamaica (North America)
Jay Jamaica’s side were involved in a mighty struggle in their second-round group, edging out Cuba and Guatemala to qualify alongside Trinidad & Tobago. Their fellow Caribbean rivals were one of three teams to finish above Jamaica in the thrilling final stage of North American qualifying, but Jamaica ensured an Intercontinental play-off spot by finishing above El Salvador.
New Zealand (Oceania)
Always expected to cruise this campaign, New Zealand started by easily overcoming Cook Islands, New Caledonia and Micronesia in Round 1 before easing past Papua New Guinea and Fiji to make the final stage of Oceania qualifying. With only half a space for the continent available, they had to play off against Solomon Islands to get here. They did all the work in the first leg with an easy 4-0 triumph, which they extended to a 6-1 aggregate win in the return fixture.
Colombia (South America)
Colombia were desperate to improve on last year’s limp showing. They started well, and led the South American ultra-death group halfway through. They struggled for a while after, however, and slipped out of the qualifying places. A late rally ensured they finished fifth, and thus qualified for the Intercontinental play-off. Given that in both the actual and Draft World Cups, South America is Europe’s closest challengers, this automatically places Colombia as the group’s second favourites, and they will expect to ensure their qualification.
So, let’s see how the games go!
Italy start slowly, as they trailed Ghana 1-0 heading into half time. However, Paulo Dybala’s penalty sparked a revival, and they ran out 5-1 victors. New Zealand rushed into a 3-1 lead over Indonesia, but were pegged back to 3-3. In added time, New Zealand took the lead for a decisive final time as Marko Djordjevic’s penalty sealed a big 4-3 win. Meanwhile, Colombia were held to a 0-0 home draw with Jamaica.
Ghana have an exciting side, with big names such as Sulley Muntari and Samuel Inkoom. They brushed Cameroon aside in the second round of qualifying, but landed a tough final-round draw as they were put in a group with Morocco and Zambia. They were in third place going into the final round, but a 2-0 win over Zambia saw them steal second space, and it ultimately proved to be the best 2nd-place record of all African teams, earning their spot here.
Indonesia (Asia)
Indonesia weren’t great in trying to qualify for last year’s DWC, but this year’s outfit has the addition of big names Michael Essien, Mohammed Sissoko and Peter Odemwingie. They scraped through a difficult first round group, edging out Malaysia and Jordan to finish behind Qatar. They were much more impressive in the second round, but didn’t stand much chance of catching China and Kuwait. This saw them line up against Uzbekistan in a play-off to get here, and a crazy first leg saw the score finish 4-3 to Indonesia. They saw out their progression with a 1-1 draw in the second leg.
Italy (Europe)
Italy started this campaign as the fourth-ranked side in the world after a run to the 2017 semi-finals, where they were shocked by Uruguay. This time round they played very well in their group, but were pipped at the last by a fine Turkish side. So no major disgrace there, as Italy’s record as the best 2nd-place side in Europe saw them go into this play-off, rather than the brutal European qualifiers. But there’s still a job to do for the group favourites.
Jamaica (North America)
Jay Jamaica’s side were involved in a mighty struggle in their second-round group, edging out Cuba and Guatemala to qualify alongside Trinidad & Tobago. Their fellow Caribbean rivals were one of three teams to finish above Jamaica in the thrilling final stage of North American qualifying, but Jamaica ensured an Intercontinental play-off spot by finishing above El Salvador.
New Zealand (Oceania)
Always expected to cruise this campaign, New Zealand started by easily overcoming Cook Islands, New Caledonia and Micronesia in Round 1 before easing past Papua New Guinea and Fiji to make the final stage of Oceania qualifying. With only half a space for the continent available, they had to play off against Solomon Islands to get here. They did all the work in the first leg with an easy 4-0 triumph, which they extended to a 6-1 aggregate win in the return fixture.
Colombia (South America)
Colombia were desperate to improve on last year’s limp showing. They started well, and led the South American ultra-death group halfway through. They struggled for a while after, however, and slipped out of the qualifying places. A late rally ensured they finished fifth, and thus qualified for the Intercontinental play-off. Given that in both the actual and Draft World Cups, South America is Europe’s closest challengers, this automatically places Colombia as the group’s second favourites, and they will expect to ensure their qualification.
So, let’s see how the games go!
Italy start slowly, as they trailed Ghana 1-0 heading into half time. However, Paulo Dybala’s penalty sparked a revival, and they ran out 5-1 victors. New Zealand rushed into a 3-1 lead over Indonesia, but were pegged back to 3-3. In added time, New Zealand took the lead for a decisive final time as Marko Djordjevic’s penalty sealed a big 4-3 win. Meanwhile, Colombia were held to a 0-0 home draw with Jamaica.
Colombia got their first win with a simple 2-0 away win over Ghana, whilst Jamaica beat New Zealand 2-1 thanks to Craig Foster’s late penalty. Italy travelled to Indonesia and racked up another big win, 5-2 this time.
New Zealand put up a little bit more resistance, but still lost 2-0 to the Italians. Indonesia held Colombia goalless for an hour, but a flurry of strikes led to a 3-0 win for the South Americans. Jamaica travelled to Ghana and found themselves 3-1 up with 23 minutes to play. However, Nathaniel Asamoah struck to put Ghana back into it, and a late goal from Eric Bekoe secured a 3-3 draw and Ghana’s first points.
This meant Jamaica were still undefeated, but this was soon ended by Italy in brutal fashion, as they left Kingston with a 5-0 win. Jamaica racked up three red cards, but they can’t really blame those for the loss, as two of them came after the fifth goal. Colombia got their third straight win in style, beating New Zealand 4-0. The group’s two win-less sides met, and it was Ghana who got a crucial victory, 2-0 the score.
New Zealand put up a little bit more resistance, but still lost 2-0 to the Italians. Indonesia held Colombia goalless for an hour, but a flurry of strikes led to a 3-0 win for the South Americans. Jamaica travelled to Ghana and found themselves 3-1 up with 23 minutes to play. However, Nathaniel Asamoah struck to put Ghana back into it, and a late goal from Eric Bekoe secured a 3-3 draw and Ghana’s first points.
This meant Jamaica were still undefeated, but this was soon ended by Italy in brutal fashion, as they left Kingston with a 5-0 win. Jamaica racked up three red cards, but they can’t really blame those for the loss, as two of them came after the fifth goal. Colombia got their third straight win in style, beating New Zealand 4-0. The group’s two win-less sides met, and it was Ghana who got a crucial victory, 2-0 the score.
Indonesia didn’t have to wait long for their first win, as they beat Jamaica 2-0 away from home. Bekoe got Ghana’s goal as they drew 1-1 at home to New Zealand, but his missed penalty late on was the game’s main flashpoint, which may have a big effect on the final table. Italy travelled to Colombia, their biggest challenge so far to their 100% record. Sami Khedira opened the scoring for Italy in the fifth minute and they didn’t look back as they won 4-1.
So here is the table halfway in:
So here is the table halfway in:
As anticipated, Italy and Colombia look too strong for the rest, and should easily wrap up their qualification soon. However, it’s very exciting to see the state of play between the other four sides, with only 2 points separating them all. Every match between these four sides will be a huge factor in determining who qualifies; hopefully it’ll go to the wire.
We pick up where we left off, with wins for the ‘big two’. Colombia beat Jamaica 3-0, but Italy were pushed a lot more by Ghana, only prevailing 1-0 thanks to Gonzalo Higuain’s first-half strike. This meant the winner of Indonesia vs. New Zealand would move into the crucial third qualifying spot, and it was Indonesia who did so, 2-1 the score.
Incredibly, this meant Italy had qualified after only 6 of a possible 10 games (the fastest possible, ask me if you want a mathematical proof). They celebrate in style, squashing Indonesia 8-3, partly thanks to Dybala hat-trick. Foster’s late penalty had earned Jamaica a win over New Zealand in their first encounter – this time his missed spot kick led to a 0-0 draw. This meant that Colombia joined Italy in qualifying by beating Ghana 3-1. Currently, 1 point separates the other four sides.
Indonesia came close to getting a point from Colombia, but lost 1-0 thanks to a remarkable volley from Andres Perez. Italy’s domination continued with a 6-1 mauling of poor New Zealand. The most important match, however, was in Kingston as Jamaica hosted Ghana. The game looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw until the 88th minute, when Ghanaian sub Abdul Nafiu Idrissu raced onto a through-ball to put Ghana ahead. He added a second in injury time as Ghana flew into third place.
We pick up where we left off, with wins for the ‘big two’. Colombia beat Jamaica 3-0, but Italy were pushed a lot more by Ghana, only prevailing 1-0 thanks to Gonzalo Higuain’s first-half strike. This meant the winner of Indonesia vs. New Zealand would move into the crucial third qualifying spot, and it was Indonesia who did so, 2-1 the score.
Incredibly, this meant Italy had qualified after only 6 of a possible 10 games (the fastest possible, ask me if you want a mathematical proof). They celebrate in style, squashing Indonesia 8-3, partly thanks to Dybala hat-trick. Foster’s late penalty had earned Jamaica a win over New Zealand in their first encounter – this time his missed spot kick led to a 0-0 draw. This meant that Colombia joined Italy in qualifying by beating Ghana 3-1. Currently, 1 point separates the other four sides.
Indonesia came close to getting a point from Colombia, but lost 1-0 thanks to a remarkable volley from Andres Perez. Italy’s domination continued with a 6-1 mauling of poor New Zealand. The most important match, however, was in Kingston as Jamaica hosted Ghana. The game looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw until the 88th minute, when Ghanaian sub Abdul Nafiu Idrissu raced onto a through-ball to put Ghana ahead. He added a second in injury time as Ghana flew into third place.
Italy and Colombia both recorded their inevitable wins, this time by the same score of 4-1, against Jamaica and New Zealand respectively. This secures Italy’s status as group winners, and means that New Zealand were eliminated, and that Ghana could secure their qualification if they could beat Indonesia. Two goals from Bekoe and Emmanuel Clottey saw them fire into a 4-1 lead just before the hour mark. Steven Paulle’s tap-in gave Indonesia hope, which was furthered when Juan Pablo Pino made it 4-3 with minutes to go. However, Ghana held on to secure the win which made them the 32nd and final team to qualify for the 2018 DWC!
This is the table with one game to go:
So confirmation, then, of the disappointing result that the top three spots have already been decided before the final round of games – and just when it was beginning to shape up into a thrilling denouement! What a shame, but anyway, let’s see how the final games go.
Indonesia vs. Jamaica
Whoever wins this match will secure the meaningless fourth spot for themselves. The opening goal came in the 50th minute, when Bruno Lopes tapped in from Paulo Sergio’s low cross. Soon after, Indonesia had a chance to double their lead, but Michael Essien, who has had a largely terrible group, hit the base of the post with his spot kick. However, the rebound fell to Sergio, who made it 2-0. Indonesia missed another penalty, this time through Elio Martins, as they secured a comfortable 2-0 win.
New Zealand vs. Ghana
Can New Zealand avoid the wooden spoon – a good achievement for the side representing Oceania – by beating already-qualified Ghana? This was a very tense match, not flowing at all. The match was decided by a 78th-minute penalty, which went to the hosts. Chris James held his nerve to put it away and secure fifth spot for New Zealand.
Italy vs. Colombia
Finally, we see whether Italy can complete a perfect Intercontinental play-off campaign with a 10th win out of 10. Teofilo Gutierrez put Colombia ahead in the 26th minute with a calm finish over Buffon. Italy were, as you would expect, the dominant side in the match, but they couldn’t find a way through and will be a touch disappointed to see their 100% record disrupted at the last.
Indonesia vs. Jamaica
Whoever wins this match will secure the meaningless fourth spot for themselves. The opening goal came in the 50th minute, when Bruno Lopes tapped in from Paulo Sergio’s low cross. Soon after, Indonesia had a chance to double their lead, but Michael Essien, who has had a largely terrible group, hit the base of the post with his spot kick. However, the rebound fell to Sergio, who made it 2-0. Indonesia missed another penalty, this time through Elio Martins, as they secured a comfortable 2-0 win.
New Zealand vs. Ghana
Can New Zealand avoid the wooden spoon – a good achievement for the side representing Oceania – by beating already-qualified Ghana? This was a very tense match, not flowing at all. The match was decided by a 78th-minute penalty, which went to the hosts. Chris James held his nerve to put it away and secure fifth spot for New Zealand.
Italy vs. Colombia
Finally, we see whether Italy can complete a perfect Intercontinental play-off campaign with a 10th win out of 10. Teofilo Gutierrez put Colombia ahead in the 26th minute with a calm finish over Buffon. Italy were, as you would expect, the dominant side in the match, but they couldn’t find a way through and will be a touch disappointed to see their 100% record disrupted at the last.
Final standings
Top scorers: Gonzalo Higuain (ITA) 10 goals; Cuadrado (ITA) 8 goals; Gutierrez (COL), Lopes (IDN), Dybala (ITA) 7 goals
Highest average ratings: Paulo Dybala (ITA) 8.41; Cuadrado (ITA) 8.42; Higuain (ITA) 7.97
Draft World Cup Qualifiers
So, that’s qualification for the 2018 DWC completed! What a ride it’s been. In Africa we had some great drama in the two-legged play-off rounds. Asia brought bucketfuls of goals, primarily courtesy of some mad defending. Europe delivered high-pressure drama, not least France’s stunning escape. North America saw some unexpected sides get some good results, as did Oceania. South America was the vicious death group we all expected, with the main victims being 2017 DWC stars Uruguay and Peru. Here is a map showing all 32 teams to have qualified:
Highest average ratings: Paulo Dybala (ITA) 8.41; Cuadrado (ITA) 8.42; Higuain (ITA) 7.97
Draft World Cup Qualifiers
So, that’s qualification for the 2018 DWC completed! What a ride it’s been. In Africa we had some great drama in the two-legged play-off rounds. Asia brought bucketfuls of goals, primarily courtesy of some mad defending. Europe delivered high-pressure drama, not least France’s stunning escape. North America saw some unexpected sides get some good results, as did Oceania. South America was the vicious death group we all expected, with the main victims being 2017 DWC stars Uruguay and Peru. Here is a map showing all 32 teams to have qualified:
Next time
It doesn’t stop there. Next time, we’ll be doing the draw for the finals!
It doesn’t stop there. Next time, we’ll be doing the draw for the finals!