We're nearly at the end of the second round of group games in this year's Draft World Cup. Somehow, we still only have one team - holders Germany - through to the next round, and only two teams - Algeria and Bolivia - eliminated.
Will that change today? We're going through the second matches in Groups G & H today, with each team either a win away from qualification or a defeat away from elimination.
Group G: Tunisia vs Brazil
Tunisia played very well against Greece, but were undone by a single goal. Their luck needs to turn, and quickly, as they face group top seeds Brazil. Last year's 4th-placed team had to come from behind to beat Kazakhstan. A worry for Brazil will be how they were nullified for the first hour of the game.
Tunisia's unorthodox formation was good defensively against Greece, they will hope that their two attacking midfielders Oussama Darragi and Yassine Chikhaoui can begin to create good chances at the other end. Meanwhile, despite some disappointing individual performances Brazil keep an unchanged side.
Group G: Tunisia vs Brazil
Tunisia played very well against Greece, but were undone by a single goal. Their luck needs to turn, and quickly, as they face group top seeds Brazil. Last year's 4th-placed team had to come from behind to beat Kazakhstan. A worry for Brazil will be how they were nullified for the first hour of the game.
Tunisia's unorthodox formation was good defensively against Greece, they will hope that their two attacking midfielders Oussama Darragi and Yassine Chikhaoui can begin to create good chances at the other end. Meanwhile, despite some disappointing individual performances Brazil keep an unchanged side.
Like Kazakhstan, Tunisia take proactive measures against Brazil's full backs, with Darragi and Chikhaoui told to mark Dani Alves and Filipe Luís. It doesn't work well early on, as Hernanes immediately plays Dani Alves in down the right. His low cross finds Everton, who draws a reaction save from Moez Ben Chrifia. Hernanes goes close with a free kick 5 minutes later.
Tunisia's man-marking does well, as they drop into a 5-4-1 in defence, as Brazil are denied close-range chances. But that proves to be all they need, as Patrick picks up on a cleared cross in the 20th minute and whips a shot into the bottom corner!
The game becomes a bit more even for a spell, but without Tunisia offering any kind of attacking threat. In the 40th minute Hernanes lets fly from the edge of the box. It's blocked by Bilel Ifa, but bounces straight back to Hernanes, who rolls it into the empty goal, with Ben Chrifia sprawled after trying to stop the initial effort! At the break Brazil have a very comfortable 2-0 lead.
Tunisia's man-marking does well, as they drop into a 5-4-1 in defence, as Brazil are denied close-range chances. But that proves to be all they need, as Patrick picks up on a cleared cross in the 20th minute and whips a shot into the bottom corner!
The game becomes a bit more even for a spell, but without Tunisia offering any kind of attacking threat. In the 40th minute Hernanes lets fly from the edge of the box. It's blocked by Bilel Ifa, but bounces straight back to Hernanes, who rolls it into the empty goal, with Ben Chrifia sprawled after trying to stop the initial effort! At the break Brazil have a very comfortable 2-0 lead.
Tunisia replace Ifa with Walid Hichri, who steps into defensive midfield to close down the space on the edge of the box. It's not a great start, as Tunisia are opened up in the 50th minute by a floated cross by Gabriel Barbosa. He finds Bruno Henrique at the far post and he slides it home to effectively secure the win for Brazil!
From kick off Tunisia put together their best move of the match, moving the ball about and getting a cross in for Taha Yassine Khenissi, but his header is held by Fábio. A minute later and Brazil want a penalty for a foul by Breno, but the referee gives a free kick. It's nearly irrelevant as Dani Alves draws a flying save from Ben Chrifia with the free kick. The Tunisia keeper provides more saves from a few Brazilian pot shots as the shot count starts to look very one-sided. He produces a particularly excellent stop from a close-range shot from substitute Luiz Adriano.
Everton, Brazil's highest-rated attacker, has had a quiet game, but he shows what he can do in the 85th minute with a mazy run through Tunisia's defence, but once again Ben Chrifia does well to make the save. He produces one more great save, from another Dani Alves free kick, and the game ends with Brazil comfortable winners.
From kick off Tunisia put together their best move of the match, moving the ball about and getting a cross in for Taha Yassine Khenissi, but his header is held by Fábio. A minute later and Brazil want a penalty for a foul by Breno, but the referee gives a free kick. It's nearly irrelevant as Dani Alves draws a flying save from Ben Chrifia with the free kick. The Tunisia keeper provides more saves from a few Brazilian pot shots as the shot count starts to look very one-sided. He produces a particularly excellent stop from a close-range shot from substitute Luiz Adriano.
Everton, Brazil's highest-rated attacker, has had a quiet game, but he shows what he can do in the 85th minute with a mazy run through Tunisia's defence, but once again Ben Chrifia does well to make the save. He produces one more great save, from another Dani Alves free kick, and the game ends with Brazil comfortable winners.
Final score: Tunisia 0-3 Brazil
Player of the match: Hernanes
Group G: Greece vs Kazakhstan
Brazil aren't certain to go through yet, but if Greece avoid defeat their progression will be confirmed, as will Tunisia's elimination. If Greece win, they will also go through. A draw would things well-poised, as Greece finish against Brazil and Kazakhstan against Tunisia.
Despite the fact that their fortunes turned around after a change in formation, Greece give their Christmas tree formation one more try. Both teams are unchanged.
Player of the match: Hernanes
Group G: Greece vs Kazakhstan
Brazil aren't certain to go through yet, but if Greece avoid defeat their progression will be confirmed, as will Tunisia's elimination. If Greece win, they will also go through. A draw would things well-poised, as Greece finish against Brazil and Kazakhstan against Tunisia.
Despite the fact that their fortunes turned around after a change in formation, Greece give their Christmas tree formation one more try. Both teams are unchanged.
Given the two teams' formations, it's surprising when Omar Elabdellaoui is given a ton of space on the right. His cross is excellent and finds Youssef El Arabi at the near post, and he glances it in... but it's offside! Nearly the perfect start for Greece, and the replay suggests El Arabi may have been onside.
Fortunately for the lino, it doesn't matter as Greece take the lead in the 6th minute! Again, Elabdellaoui is given time to put in a cross, and the low centre finds Mathieu Valbuena near the penalty spot and he ruthlessly converts.
Kazakhstan's defence are instruced to play a lot wider, and it helps as the game becomes less one-sided. Kostas Fortounis draws a pair of saves from Nenad Eric from half-chances, but it's as good as the game throws up for a while.
Frustratingly for Kazakhstan, they can't make the most of their numerical advantage out wide. In fact, it's Greece who continue to benefit in this zone. Elabdellaoui once again the menace, his cross finds Guilherme in the 40th minute but he blazes over. At half time Greece have out-shot Kazakhstan 12-1.
Fortunately for the lino, it doesn't matter as Greece take the lead in the 6th minute! Again, Elabdellaoui is given time to put in a cross, and the low centre finds Mathieu Valbuena near the penalty spot and he ruthlessly converts.
Kazakhstan's defence are instruced to play a lot wider, and it helps as the game becomes less one-sided. Kostas Fortounis draws a pair of saves from Nenad Eric from half-chances, but it's as good as the game throws up for a while.
Frustratingly for Kazakhstan, they can't make the most of their numerical advantage out wide. In fact, it's Greece who continue to benefit in this zone. Elabdellaoui once again the menace, his cross finds Guilherme in the 40th minute but he blazes over. At half time Greece have out-shot Kazakhstan 12-1.
If the score stays the way it is, this group will be done and dusted. And Greece look keen to kill the game off. Valbuena and Fortounis link up brilliantly as the former curls a pass through to put the latter through one-on-one, but Eric makes the save.
In the 56th minute Kazakhstan get a rare chance to attack as they earn a corner. It's cleared back to the taker, Marin Tomasov. He goes down after a challenge from Kostas Tsimikas, but the referee waves play on. It falls to Jacek Goralski, and he clips a cross in towards target man Aderinsola Eseola. Summing up his game, he can't make connection with it... but neither can José Sá and the ball drifts into the goal for a freak Goralski goal! Kazakhstan have got themselves level, although they've got a long time to hold on.
They do a good job of it. They pull their wingers back to make a 4-1-4-1 and Greece create very little, despite a move to a 4-3-1-2 with Marko Livaja replacing Fortounis. In the 74th minute it's Greece's turn to appeal for a penalty after Goralski flattens Valbuena, but the referee gives a free kick right on the edge of the box. Valbuena takes it... and it's into the top corner! Greece are once again on the verge of qualifying with a game to spare.
Kazakhstan have a free kick of their own a minute later, albeit out wide on the left. Tomasov swings it in, Pablo Fontanello forces it at goal, Rúben Semedo blocks, May Mahlangu hits the rebound but Sá makes the save!
It's a false dawn, as Kazakhstan's attempts to attack fall flat, as they did against Brazil. Greece manage the rest of the game well, and see it out to secure their - and Brazil's - qualification!
In the 56th minute Kazakhstan get a rare chance to attack as they earn a corner. It's cleared back to the taker, Marin Tomasov. He goes down after a challenge from Kostas Tsimikas, but the referee waves play on. It falls to Jacek Goralski, and he clips a cross in towards target man Aderinsola Eseola. Summing up his game, he can't make connection with it... but neither can José Sá and the ball drifts into the goal for a freak Goralski goal! Kazakhstan have got themselves level, although they've got a long time to hold on.
They do a good job of it. They pull their wingers back to make a 4-1-4-1 and Greece create very little, despite a move to a 4-3-1-2 with Marko Livaja replacing Fortounis. In the 74th minute it's Greece's turn to appeal for a penalty after Goralski flattens Valbuena, but the referee gives a free kick right on the edge of the box. Valbuena takes it... and it's into the top corner! Greece are once again on the verge of qualifying with a game to spare.
Kazakhstan have a free kick of their own a minute later, albeit out wide on the left. Tomasov swings it in, Pablo Fontanello forces it at goal, Rúben Semedo blocks, May Mahlangu hits the rebound but Sá makes the save!
It's a false dawn, as Kazakhstan's attempts to attack fall flat, as they did against Brazil. Greece manage the rest of the game well, and see it out to secure their - and Brazil's - qualification!
Final score: Greece 2-1 Kazakhstan
Player of the match: Mathieu Valbuena
Player of the match: Mathieu Valbuena
Group H: Egypt vs Netherlands
Netherlands put together the best performance of the tournament so far, for me (Clive), as they dismantled USA 4-1. Can they complete their qualification? A win won't guarantee it, but it will likely be enough. Egypt weren't terrible against Saudi Arabia, but they thoroughly deserved their 2-0 defeat.
Egypt switch to the 4-3-3 formation they moved to against Saudi Arabia - with two DMs - as they prioritise defence first. Saleh Gomaa replaces Mostafa. Unsurprisingly, there's no change to the Dutch team.
Netherlands put together the best performance of the tournament so far, for me (Clive), as they dismantled USA 4-1. Can they complete their qualification? A win won't guarantee it, but it will likely be enough. Egypt weren't terrible against Saudi Arabia, but they thoroughly deserved their 2-0 defeat.
Egypt switch to the 4-3-3 formation they moved to against Saudi Arabia - with two DMs - as they prioritise defence first. Saleh Gomaa replaces Mostafa. Unsurprisingly, there's no change to the Dutch team.
It's a great start from Netherlands, with Quincy Promes going on a mesmeric run into the heart of the Egyptian box. His shot is blocked, but it comes to Nicolás Tagliafico, whose shot is held by Mohamed El Shennawy. There's further efforts from Dusan Tadic and Hakim Ziyech as the game already looks like being a one-sided affair.
Netherlands exceed 70% possession... but the chances dry up and they have no decent chances until the 35th minute. At that point Egypt push men up for a free kick, but it's cleared and Promes has space to run into. Again, he tricks his way into the box, but El Shennawy makes a good save!
A couple of minutes later Egypt get a rare chance to attack when they find space on the left. Mohamed Abdel Shafy's cross finds target man Marwan Mohsen. He connects well, but André Onana gets a glove to it to push it onto the post! It dribbles along the line, and Tagliafico is first to it. But he doesn't clear it straight away and Mohsen slides in to force the ball over the line! What was Tagliafico doing? Egypt weathered the storm, and now they lead.
Fredrik Midtsjo goes close with a header from Ziyech's free kick, but it's wide and Netherlands remain behind at half time.
Netherlands exceed 70% possession... but the chances dry up and they have no decent chances until the 35th minute. At that point Egypt push men up for a free kick, but it's cleared and Promes has space to run into. Again, he tricks his way into the box, but El Shennawy makes a good save!
A couple of minutes later Egypt get a rare chance to attack when they find space on the left. Mohamed Abdel Shafy's cross finds target man Marwan Mohsen. He connects well, but André Onana gets a glove to it to push it onto the post! It dribbles along the line, and Tagliafico is first to it. But he doesn't clear it straight away and Mohsen slides in to force the ball over the line! What was Tagliafico doing? Egypt weathered the storm, and now they lead.
Fredrik Midtsjo goes close with a header from Ziyech's free kick, but it's wide and Netherlands remain behind at half time.
The conundrum for Netherlands is that they bossed that half, but couldn't find a way through and trail to a freak goal, so do they change anything? They elect not to during the break, anyway.
They nearly get level quickly, 5 minutes into the half, as Ziyech bends a shot from outside the box onto the post, and Promes gets to the rebound first, but it's a tight angle and El Shennawy saves. At the other end, Ramadan Sobhi also hits the woodwork, from Amor Layouni's cross.
Netherlands take of Midtsjo for striker Nicolai Jorgensen, with Ziyech moving into midfield and Tadic moving into the hole. In the 71th minute Promes aims a cross at the substitute. Ali Gabr is across quickly to cut it out, but it deflects off the centre back and agonisingly dribbles over the line! It's a cruel own goal, and now the question is whether Netherlands can take the opportunity to go on and win.
They continue their match-long siege of Egypt's box. Tadic forces a good save from El Shennawy, whilst Jorgensen heads over from the resulting corner. Defending this deep isn't easy, but Egypt do well. In the 87th minute Promes has a chance from Donny van de Beek's early cross, but he hits it straight at El Shennawy.
Daley Blind has a sight of goal in added time, but it's blocked - like so many Dutch shots today - and Egypt hold on for the point! A great result for them, but it could have been so much more. Netherlands were missing that cutting edge today, as they come back to earth after that win over USA.
They nearly get level quickly, 5 minutes into the half, as Ziyech bends a shot from outside the box onto the post, and Promes gets to the rebound first, but it's a tight angle and El Shennawy saves. At the other end, Ramadan Sobhi also hits the woodwork, from Amor Layouni's cross.
Netherlands take of Midtsjo for striker Nicolai Jorgensen, with Ziyech moving into midfield and Tadic moving into the hole. In the 71th minute Promes aims a cross at the substitute. Ali Gabr is across quickly to cut it out, but it deflects off the centre back and agonisingly dribbles over the line! It's a cruel own goal, and now the question is whether Netherlands can take the opportunity to go on and win.
They continue their match-long siege of Egypt's box. Tadic forces a good save from El Shennawy, whilst Jorgensen heads over from the resulting corner. Defending this deep isn't easy, but Egypt do well. In the 87th minute Promes has a chance from Donny van de Beek's early cross, but he hits it straight at El Shennawy.
Daley Blind has a sight of goal in added time, but it's blocked - like so many Dutch shots today - and Egypt hold on for the point! A great result for them, but it could have been so much more. Netherlands were missing that cutting edge today, as they come back to earth after that win over USA.
Group H: Saudi Arabia vs USA
The draw in the other game means that USA would be eliminated should they lose. That result would also see Saudi Arabia through. This should be a really good game between the champions of the continental championships in Asia and North America.
Saudi Arabia are without injured centre back Maicon, and so Ricardo Machado comes in. USA's changes also come in defence, with Graham Zusi and Yeimar Gómez Andrade replacing Jorge Moreira and Winston Reid.
The draw in the other game means that USA would be eliminated should they lose. That result would also see Saudi Arabia through. This should be a really good game between the champions of the continental championships in Asia and North America.
Saudi Arabia are without injured centre back Maicon, and so Ricardo Machado comes in. USA's changes also come in defence, with Graham Zusi and Yeimar Gómez Andrade replacing Jorge Moreira and Winston Reid.
It's an open start to the game, with both teams getting shots away, albeit neither testing the keeper. In the 19th minute a run wide by Rodolfo Pizarro pulls Saudi Arabia's midfield out of position. It's played back to Diego Valeri, and he slips it to Gonzalo Martínez who tucks it in the bottom corner! A beautiful flowing goal for USA!
Giovinco used to represent USA in DWC football, and when a USA free kick was cleared to him, thoughts went to his wonderful counter-attacking goal against Egypt last time out. Instead, he plays an early pass that allows strike partner Bafétimbo Gomís to run through on goal. He shoots quite early, and Andre Blake pushes it over the bar. The corner is cleared but it comes back to taker Giovinco, who dribbles into the box, but again Blake is there to make the stop, and Gomís just can't reach the rebound.
Those chances mean that Saudi Arabia match USA's shot count, although they are really struggling for possession - like Egypt they are around the 30% mark. USA are able to see the lead through to half time.
Giovinco used to represent USA in DWC football, and when a USA free kick was cleared to him, thoughts went to his wonderful counter-attacking goal against Egypt last time out. Instead, he plays an early pass that allows strike partner Bafétimbo Gomís to run through on goal. He shoots quite early, and Andre Blake pushes it over the bar. The corner is cleared but it comes back to taker Giovinco, who dribbles into the box, but again Blake is there to make the stop, and Gomís just can't reach the rebound.
Those chances mean that Saudi Arabia match USA's shot count, although they are really struggling for possession - like Egypt they are around the 30% mark. USA are able to see the lead through to half time.
The second half starts, and a USA attack breaks down. It's cleared up to Giovinco, who jinks past a couple of defenders, opening up space for a pass through to Gomís. Again, he shoots early, but this time it's around Blake and in for the equaliser! What a start to the half!
Gonzalo Martínez has a tight calf, and so Nani comes on to replace him. He nearly restores USA's lead, as he heads Zusi's cross at goal, but Marcelo Grohe is able to push it onto the post and it's cleared to safety. From the throw-in USA lose the ball and it's played up to Giovinco. He skins Gómez Andrade and again plays a great ball through to Gomís. He's 8 yards out with no-one around him, but he completely messes up the shot, as his tame shot is straight at Blake - what a miss!
Josef Martínez has had a quiet game, and he is just about to go off for Raúl Ruidíaz when Gustavo Cuéllar inexplicably passes it to him. He's able to run through on goal, but as he's about to shoot he's tripped by Machado! It's a penalty, and the ref summons Machado over... it's only a yellow. Still, it's a penalty, and Valeri has the chance to put USA back ahead... which he does! Oh, what an implosion from Saudi Arabia.
In the 75th minute Saudi Arabia repel a USA attack and get it up towards Gomís, but Nicolás Figal bowls him over. It's a yellow, and it's his second! Once again, the pendulum swings, as USA have quarter of an hour to defend with 10 men. Straight from the free kick Saudi Arabia work a chance for Karim El Ahmadi to shoot, but Blake pushes it behind.
Soon after, El Ahmadi carves open the USA defence with a pass to Gomís. He shoots from a narrow angle, and Blake is just able to push it onto the inside of the post, where it scoots across the goal line and to safety. Blake is called into action again, from a Giuliano shot. This time he's less assured, but his save just sees the ball go wide.
USA eventually are able to stop the continuous Saudi chances, and in the 93rd minute their opponents go down to 10 men themselves as Giuliano picks up an injury. Zusi picks up a knock but can carry on, and despite 8 minutes of added time in the end, USA hold on for a crucial victory!
Gonzalo Martínez has a tight calf, and so Nani comes on to replace him. He nearly restores USA's lead, as he heads Zusi's cross at goal, but Marcelo Grohe is able to push it onto the post and it's cleared to safety. From the throw-in USA lose the ball and it's played up to Giovinco. He skins Gómez Andrade and again plays a great ball through to Gomís. He's 8 yards out with no-one around him, but he completely messes up the shot, as his tame shot is straight at Blake - what a miss!
Josef Martínez has had a quiet game, and he is just about to go off for Raúl Ruidíaz when Gustavo Cuéllar inexplicably passes it to him. He's able to run through on goal, but as he's about to shoot he's tripped by Machado! It's a penalty, and the ref summons Machado over... it's only a yellow. Still, it's a penalty, and Valeri has the chance to put USA back ahead... which he does! Oh, what an implosion from Saudi Arabia.
In the 75th minute Saudi Arabia repel a USA attack and get it up towards Gomís, but Nicolás Figal bowls him over. It's a yellow, and it's his second! Once again, the pendulum swings, as USA have quarter of an hour to defend with 10 men. Straight from the free kick Saudi Arabia work a chance for Karim El Ahmadi to shoot, but Blake pushes it behind.
Soon after, El Ahmadi carves open the USA defence with a pass to Gomís. He shoots from a narrow angle, and Blake is just able to push it onto the inside of the post, where it scoots across the goal line and to safety. Blake is called into action again, from a Giuliano shot. This time he's less assured, but his save just sees the ball go wide.
USA eventually are able to stop the continuous Saudi chances, and in the 93rd minute their opponents go down to 10 men themselves as Giuliano picks up an injury. Zusi picks up a knock but can carry on, and despite 8 minutes of added time in the end, USA hold on for a crucial victory!
Final score: Saudi Arabia 1-2 USA
Player of the match: Diego Valeri
Player of the match: Diego Valeri
That was a dramatic win for USA, and Saudi Arabia can only think about that sitter Gomís missed. It leaves them in big trouble, as their final match is against the Dutch whilst USA take on Egypt. Still, that's yet another group where all four teams can get through. It stands in contrast to the dead rubber that is Group G.
Next time we start finishing the groups! We are going to see the final games of Groups A & B. We know Germany are through, but who will join them?
Next time we start finishing the groups! We are going to see the final games of Groups A & B. We know Germany are through, but who will join them?