There were no surprises as the second round of group games got underway last time out. England and Italy each produced a second dominant win to move to the brink of qualification, but results elsewhere mean they haven't technically made it yet.
That won't be the case in Groups C & D. Two teams from today's groups - Scotland and Mexico - won their opening game, and with draws elsewhere they know a second win will mean they will be certain to be in the knockout stages. But every match in these groups were very close and could have gone either way, so there are no guarantees.
Group C
It's almost job done for Scotland, who beat the group's second seeds Sweden, and now just need a win over either Australia or Costa Rica - who played out a mutually detrimental draw:
Sweden vs Australia
Sweden didn't impress in their loss to Scotland, as their exciting draft players failed to click at all. But whilst they foot the group they will be happy with how the other match went, as neither Australia nor Costa Rica looked like winning their first DWC match. Australia were the better side but were kept out fairly easily by the group's bottom-ranked side.
Sweden make one change after their weak attacking performance, Sebastian Nanasi replacing Arnór Ingvi Traustason on the left. Australia stick with the XI that ought to have beaten Costa Rica, which means the line is lead by Swede Marcus Antonsson.
Sweden didn't impress in their loss to Scotland, as their exciting draft players failed to click at all. But whilst they foot the group they will be happy with how the other match went, as neither Australia nor Costa Rica looked like winning their first DWC match. Australia were the better side but were kept out fairly easily by the group's bottom-ranked side.
Sweden make one change after their weak attacking performance, Sebastian Nanasi replacing Arnór Ingvi Traustason on the left. Australia stick with the XI that ought to have beaten Costa Rica, which means the line is lead by Swede Marcus Antonsson.
Gabriel Busanello forays down the left early on and slides a pass into the channel for Viktor Gyokeres. He wastes no time in getting his head up and picking out Alexander Isak in front of goal for a simple finish! That was what was expected from Sweden's front two! I'll be honest, I was expecting an offside flag on Gyokeres, but nothing is forthcoming even from VAR, and the Swedes lead! Replays suggest that it was at least a very close call.
Ten minutes later and there's another pass in for Gyokeres, this time from Pontus Jansson. Marcelo gets to it first but can't control it and Gyokeres nips in to steal it wide on the left. He offloads it to Nanasi who quickly fires in a cross to the gap where Marcelo was, and Isak is waiting to power in his second! It's so clinical from Sweden, but this time there is a VAR check and the goal is disallowed! You win some you lose some.
It doesn't feel like Australia will make the most of the reprieve though, in fact they look pretty hapless. From the free kick Mathew Ryan's long punt is straight to Sweden's defenders, and another attack down the left sees Nanasi cross for Isak, but it's straight at Ryan.
Anders Christiansen goes close with a free kick whilst Ryan has to stand tall to deny Busanello from close range. But then, just after the half hour mark, the game changes. A loose throw in from Edvin Kurtulus is straight to Antonsson who is immediately scythed down by Albin Ekdal! It's dangerous, it's needless, and it's the tournament's first red card! What a crazy moment from such an experienced player!
As Sweden work out how to rearrange things, the free kick is defended. But it comes out to Antonsson, and it's eventually worked to Róbert Mak on the right of the box. He plays a low ball across and wings his opposite winger Jason Berthomier who places it home! Australia are level, and now Sweden are in big, big trouble! A reminder that if they go on to lose this they are eliminated.
The rest of the half is cagey, which is probably for the best as we all need a breather after that. So at the break it's 1-1. Sweden were in control until Ekdal suddenly changed everything.
Ten minutes later and there's another pass in for Gyokeres, this time from Pontus Jansson. Marcelo gets to it first but can't control it and Gyokeres nips in to steal it wide on the left. He offloads it to Nanasi who quickly fires in a cross to the gap where Marcelo was, and Isak is waiting to power in his second! It's so clinical from Sweden, but this time there is a VAR check and the goal is disallowed! You win some you lose some.
It doesn't feel like Australia will make the most of the reprieve though, in fact they look pretty hapless. From the free kick Mathew Ryan's long punt is straight to Sweden's defenders, and another attack down the left sees Nanasi cross for Isak, but it's straight at Ryan.
Anders Christiansen goes close with a free kick whilst Ryan has to stand tall to deny Busanello from close range. But then, just after the half hour mark, the game changes. A loose throw in from Edvin Kurtulus is straight to Antonsson who is immediately scythed down by Albin Ekdal! It's dangerous, it's needless, and it's the tournament's first red card! What a crazy moment from such an experienced player!
As Sweden work out how to rearrange things, the free kick is defended. But it comes out to Antonsson, and it's eventually worked to Róbert Mak on the right of the box. He plays a low ball across and wings his opposite winger Jason Berthomier who places it home! Australia are level, and now Sweden are in big, big trouble! A reminder that if they go on to lose this they are eliminated.
The rest of the half is cagey, which is probably for the best as we all need a breather after that. So at the break it's 1-1. Sweden were in control until Ekdal suddenly changed everything.
Australia replaced the cautioned Damien Da Silva with Javi López. Meanwhile, Nanasi is sacrificed by Sweden for Sergio Pena, who goes into defensive midfield alongside Christiansen, leaving Sweden's draft trio to weave their magic up front.
Dejan Kulusevski gets to play further forward behind the front two as a result, and it has an immediate effect as he runs onto a pass from Isak and fires a shot wide. And a minute later he goes to receive a throw from Busanello only to be fouled by López, and the referee points to the spot! I thought it might have been outside the box, but VAR confirms it's a penalty! So it's Isak who has the chance to put the 10 men ahead... and sends Ryan the wrong way!
In all honesty, you can't tell that Sweden have fewer players. When one ball is cleared it comes to Berthomier, who can't see a single teammate to pass to and is swiftly dispossessed by the seemingly omnipresent Isak. He plays it back to Pena who slides a pass through to Gyokeres, who lashes it home! However, this one is very clearly offside, no controversy here.
Australia move to a 3-4-3 formation to try and crowd the central, where Sweden's front three are, but the Swedish chances just keep coming. Eventually Sweden retreat to a defensive 4-4-1, with Isak completely on his own. But that's all he needs, as a long punt from Johan Dahlin is missed by supposed aerial ace Harry Souttar. Isak picks it up, hares away and looks certain to complete his hat trick, but his shot is just tipped over by Ryan. Incredibly, in stoppage time the same thing happens again from a goal kick, this time a tired Isak blazes his shot high and wide.
He isn't made to rue those misses though, as Australia offer absolutely nothing, and Sweden are very deserving winners!
Dejan Kulusevski gets to play further forward behind the front two as a result, and it has an immediate effect as he runs onto a pass from Isak and fires a shot wide. And a minute later he goes to receive a throw from Busanello only to be fouled by López, and the referee points to the spot! I thought it might have been outside the box, but VAR confirms it's a penalty! So it's Isak who has the chance to put the 10 men ahead... and sends Ryan the wrong way!
In all honesty, you can't tell that Sweden have fewer players. When one ball is cleared it comes to Berthomier, who can't see a single teammate to pass to and is swiftly dispossessed by the seemingly omnipresent Isak. He plays it back to Pena who slides a pass through to Gyokeres, who lashes it home! However, this one is very clearly offside, no controversy here.
Australia move to a 3-4-3 formation to try and crowd the central, where Sweden's front three are, but the Swedish chances just keep coming. Eventually Sweden retreat to a defensive 4-4-1, with Isak completely on his own. But that's all he needs, as a long punt from Johan Dahlin is missed by supposed aerial ace Harry Souttar. Isak picks it up, hares away and looks certain to complete his hat trick, but his shot is just tipped over by Ryan. Incredibly, in stoppage time the same thing happens again from a goal kick, this time a tired Isak blazes his shot high and wide.
He isn't made to rue those misses though, as Australia offer absolutely nothing, and Sweden are very deserving winners!
Final score:
Sweden 2 (Isak '4, (p) 50')
Australia 1 (Berthomier 35')
Player of the match: Alexander Isak (SWE)
I don't think I have hated a performance more than that second half from Australia. That one half, with just a single off-target header to show for their efforts, is enough to make me want to remove Oceania's automatic DWC spot. I won't, but bloody hell what a terrible performance against 10 men. Sweden were magnificent, even if they arguably got favourable decisions for their two goals.
Sweden 2 (Isak '4, (p) 50')
Australia 1 (Berthomier 35')
Player of the match: Alexander Isak (SWE)
I don't think I have hated a performance more than that second half from Australia. That one half, with just a single off-target header to show for their efforts, is enough to make me want to remove Oceania's automatic DWC spot. I won't, but bloody hell what a terrible performance against 10 men. Sweden were magnificent, even if they arguably got favourable decisions for their two goals.
Costa Rica vs Scotland
A draw in the previous game would have been a bit better for Scotland, as a win here would have not only qualified them but also won the group. But nevertheless, they know the job they need to do here. A draw would have also meant that Costa Rica would likely have qualified if they could draw here and against Sweden. Now they need to beat one of their two European opponents.
Costa Rica are without the injured Ian Smith for this game, but as he came off the bench against Australia it means their starting XI is unaffected. Scotland are also unchanged despite the goal off the bench for Danilo against Sweden.
A draw in the previous game would have been a bit better for Scotland, as a win here would have not only qualified them but also won the group. But nevertheless, they know the job they need to do here. A draw would have also meant that Costa Rica would likely have qualified if they could draw here and against Sweden. Now they need to beat one of their two European opponents.
Costa Rica are without the injured Ian Smith for this game, but as he came off the bench against Australia it means their starting XI is unaffected. Scotland are also unchanged despite the goal off the bench for Danilo against Sweden.
Scotland impose themselves on the match early on, denying Costa Rica avenues of escape and pushing them back. One such moment sees Callum McGregor dispossess Juan Fernando Caicedo and drive at the defence. He plays it in to Kyogo Furuhashi who in turn threads a pass through for Fábio Silva, and he slots it home! But the flag was up for a Furuhashi offside, and it's no goal. The Japanese striker has a chance himself following another quick Scottish attack, but Keylor Navas saves - and he was offside again anyway.
But Costa Rica are able to stop these turnovers, and the game becomes bogged down in midfield with both defences looking comfortable. We seem to be sailing towards half time eventless, but before the break Connor Goldson is adjudged to have shoved John Jairo Ruiz and picks up his second yellow card! Just as with the game before, the favourites have been reduced to 10 men!
But Costa Rica are able to stop these turnovers, and the game becomes bogged down in midfield with both defences looking comfortable. We seem to be sailing towards half time eventless, but before the break Connor Goldson is adjudged to have shoved John Jairo Ruiz and picks up his second yellow card! Just as with the game before, the favourites have been reduced to 10 men!
Five minutes into the half and James Tavernier plays a pass down the line that finds Furuhashi onside. Costa Rica are caught cold, and as a result Silva is completely free in the middle. But Furuhashi elects to shoot and Navas tips it over! That was one of those moments where xG won't capture what a huge chance that was.
Costa Rica's wing backs are largely unmarked, and former Celtic player Cristian Gamboa finds himself with plenty of space. He puts in a cross, Kieran Tierney gets a slightly deflection on it which just delivers it perfectly to Caicedo at the near post to turn it past Jack Butland! Costa Rica lead, and now Scotland have to find some attacking coherence from somewhere!
Scotland are struggling to plug the gaps, and David Guzmán has plenty of time to shoot from 25 yards and draw a good stop from Butland. Whilst Costa Rica aren't creating much, neither are their opponents and they are happy to grind the match down.
There is a twist with a few minutes to go, as Waylon Francis is taken off injured and Costa Rica also go down to 10 men for the final few minutes. It doesn't look like Scotland will make advantage, but in the second minute of added time they get a free kick right on the edge of the box. Borna Barisic is on, and those who followed the DWC two years ago will know about his set piece expertise. He gets it over the wall... and over the bar! With Costa Rica taking almost a minute per set piece, the time rapidly evaporates and they claim their first ever victory at a Draft World Cup!
Costa Rica's wing backs are largely unmarked, and former Celtic player Cristian Gamboa finds himself with plenty of space. He puts in a cross, Kieran Tierney gets a slightly deflection on it which just delivers it perfectly to Caicedo at the near post to turn it past Jack Butland! Costa Rica lead, and now Scotland have to find some attacking coherence from somewhere!
Scotland are struggling to plug the gaps, and David Guzmán has plenty of time to shoot from 25 yards and draw a good stop from Butland. Whilst Costa Rica aren't creating much, neither are their opponents and they are happy to grind the match down.
There is a twist with a few minutes to go, as Waylon Francis is taken off injured and Costa Rica also go down to 10 men for the final few minutes. It doesn't look like Scotland will make advantage, but in the second minute of added time they get a free kick right on the edge of the box. Borna Barisic is on, and those who followed the DWC two years ago will know about his set piece expertise. He gets it over the wall... and over the bar! With Costa Rica taking almost a minute per set piece, the time rapidly evaporates and they claim their first ever victory at a Draft World Cup!
Final score:
Costa Rica 1 (Caicedo 52')
Scotland 0
Player of the match: Cristian Gamboa (CRC)
A barren attacking performance from Scotland. Costa Rica reduced the game to one of few chances and happened to get the best one. That second half saw each team have just two shots, which was pretty criminal from a Scottish point of view.
Costa Rica 1 (Caicedo 52')
Scotland 0
Player of the match: Cristian Gamboa (CRC)
A barren attacking performance from Scotland. Costa Rica reduced the game to one of few chances and happened to get the best one. That second half saw each team have just two shots, which was pretty criminal from a Scottish point of view.
So after four matches, it is the bottom-ranked Costa Rica who lead the table. With every match on a knifeedge so far, the final round of games could be thrilling as every team's fate is unresolved.
Group D
The top two seeds Netherlands and Mexico found their opening matches more difficult than they would have liked. The Dutch were held to a 1-1 draw by Senegal, and Mexico looked to be doing the same with Lombardy but two late goals from Sergio Canales delivered a 3-1 win:
Netherlands vs Lombardy
A second loss would confirm the elimination of Lombardy. But defeat here could be fatal for Netherlands too, with Mexico to play in their final game.
Netherlands give in and field the two Steven Bergs, as Steven Berghuis displaces Noa Lang on the right. Jean-Pierre Nsame starts up front for Lombardy in place of Massimo Coda.
A second loss would confirm the elimination of Lombardy. But defeat here could be fatal for Netherlands too, with Mexico to play in their final game.
Netherlands give in and field the two Steven Bergs, as Steven Berghuis displaces Noa Lang on the right. Jean-Pierre Nsame starts up front for Lombardy in place of Massimo Coda.
It takes over quarter of an hour for the game's first chance, as Berghuis' low ball into the 6 yard box is deflected towards his own goal by Federico Barba, but he is bailed out by Adrian Semper. Whilst that corner is dealt with, another one a few minutes later sees Berghuis pick out Matthijs de Ligt, who thuds his header against the top of the bar!
Lombardy have been very neat in possession without looking like scoring, but in the 24th minute Franco Vázquez catches out the Dutch defence with a first-time pass in behind. Justin Biljow comes out, but Nsame is too quick, beats him to it and lashes a shot home! It's a thrilling goal, and the underdogs have a precious lead!
Netherlands have otherwise looked the more creative, and Teun Koopmeiners opens up Lombardy with a good run and well-timed pass into the path of Steven Bergwijn. He takes it into his strike well but his shot is marginally too high, hits the bar and stays out! Lombardy get to the break still ahead thanks to their only shot.
Lombardy have been very neat in possession without looking like scoring, but in the 24th minute Franco Vázquez catches out the Dutch defence with a first-time pass in behind. Justin Biljow comes out, but Nsame is too quick, beats him to it and lashes a shot home! It's a thrilling goal, and the underdogs have a precious lead!
Netherlands have otherwise looked the more creative, and Teun Koopmeiners opens up Lombardy with a good run and well-timed pass into the path of Steven Bergwijn. He takes it into his strike well but his shot is marginally too high, hits the bar and stays out! Lombardy get to the break still ahead thanks to their only shot.
Joey Veerman comes on to replace Lutsharel Geertruida. It's not a great first impression as he loses Simone Verdi early in the half. Nikolas Ioannou overhits his cross but Nsame recycles it. Michele Castagnetti plays it to Verdi on the edge of the box, Veerman is once again not close enough and Verdi's low shot finds the bottom corner!
Maybe I'm being harsh on Veerman. Either way, he tries to make amends with a low shot following a corner that fizzes just wide. Koopmeiners has a header go over the bar, whilst at the other end Lombardy have their first shot that isn't a goal when sub Leonardo Sernicola's effort is deflected into the side netting.
Netherlands make change after change, and it looks like one might pay off as Ismael Saibari surges into the box, but the impressive Barba charges his shot down. Saibari also creates a good chance for Santiago Giménez from the rebound to a corner, but his shot is tame and easily held by Semper.
Another corner falls invitingly for Veerman, and he connects well with his first-time shot. But Semper is again there to feather a touch that deflects the ball onto the bar! With just three minutes to go Lang, on from the bench, picks out Saibari, but yet again Semper makes a close-range save! The rebound goes towards Veerman who seems set for a simple goal, but he goes down and the referee judges that Castagnetti fouled him! What a huge moment, and it's Veerman himself to take... he leathers it and it has too much pace for Semper! It's 2-1, can Netherlands push for one more?
They regain the ball straight away, Berghuis dances into the box and lets fly... it goes just wide! We head into six minutes of added time, and Sven Botman is sent up front! But it's to no avail, as Lombardy are able to stop the crosses before they come in and hold on for a first DWC win by an associate team!
Maybe I'm being harsh on Veerman. Either way, he tries to make amends with a low shot following a corner that fizzes just wide. Koopmeiners has a header go over the bar, whilst at the other end Lombardy have their first shot that isn't a goal when sub Leonardo Sernicola's effort is deflected into the side netting.
Netherlands make change after change, and it looks like one might pay off as Ismael Saibari surges into the box, but the impressive Barba charges his shot down. Saibari also creates a good chance for Santiago Giménez from the rebound to a corner, but his shot is tame and easily held by Semper.
Another corner falls invitingly for Veerman, and he connects well with his first-time shot. But Semper is again there to feather a touch that deflects the ball onto the bar! With just three minutes to go Lang, on from the bench, picks out Saibari, but yet again Semper makes a close-range save! The rebound goes towards Veerman who seems set for a simple goal, but he goes down and the referee judges that Castagnetti fouled him! What a huge moment, and it's Veerman himself to take... he leathers it and it has too much pace for Semper! It's 2-1, can Netherlands push for one more?
They regain the ball straight away, Berghuis dances into the box and lets fly... it goes just wide! We head into six minutes of added time, and Sven Botman is sent up front! But it's to no avail, as Lombardy are able to stop the crosses before they come in and hold on for a first DWC win by an associate team!
Final score:
Netherlands 1 (Veerman (p) 89')
Lombardy 2 (Nsame 24', Verdi 53')
Player of the match: Adrian Semper (LOM)
A hugely one-sided game, it's hard not to say that Netherlands haven't been FMed there. For some reason, the penalty is absent from the xG chart below. From Lombardy's point of view they have a historic win and a great chance of making the knockout stages, but for Netherlands that is two games they have failed to beat a much lower-ranked opponent. They just cannot finish those chances.
Netherlands 1 (Veerman (p) 89')
Lombardy 2 (Nsame 24', Verdi 53')
Player of the match: Adrian Semper (LOM)
A hugely one-sided game, it's hard not to say that Netherlands haven't been FMed there. For some reason, the penalty is absent from the xG chart below. From Lombardy's point of view they have a historic win and a great chance of making the knockout stages, but for Netherlands that is two games they have failed to beat a much lower-ranked opponent. They just cannot finish those chances.
Mexico vs Senegal
It's been a group of thrills and spills, but Mexico can ensure they will progress from it if they can win here. That might be necessary, as they will take on a Dutch team desperate to finish on some kind of high.
The only change between the two teams is made by Mexico, as Jesús Corona replaces Julián Quinones on the right wing.
It's been a group of thrills and spills, but Mexico can ensure they will progress from it if they can win here. That might be necessary, as they will take on a Dutch team desperate to finish on some kind of high.
The only change between the two teams is made by Mexico, as Jesús Corona replaces Julián Quinones on the right wing.
In the opening quarter of the game Mexico twice hit the Senegalese woodwork, and both times they are from Edson Álvarez headers from free kicks, how about that. The second time Senegal fail to get it cleared, and Corona lays it off for Álvaro Fidalgo to whip a shot past Clément Diop! A great finish, and Mexico strike first!
Other than that, Senegal do a pretty good job of keeping Mexico at bay. André-Pierre Gignac has an effort from the edge of the box fly just over, and at half time Mexico are nearly into the next round. But for Senegal, this they know is a similar situation to that they were in with Netherlands, can they find a way to get their forwards into the game?
Other than that, Senegal do a pretty good job of keeping Mexico at bay. André-Pierre Gignac has an effort from the edge of the box fly just over, and at half time Mexico are nearly into the next round. But for Senegal, this they know is a similar situation to that they were in with Netherlands, can they find a way to get their forwards into the game?
Five minutes into the second half and Álvarez gets on to another free kick, but this time his header is just over the bar. But other than set pieces Mexico remain a little toothless in attack. They are given a warning at the other end as Nicolas Jackson cuts inside and has a go, but it's well charged down by Jesús Gallardo.
Despite Senegal taking off a tired-looking Leroy Sané in a sign they are keeping an eye on their final group game, Jackson looks up for it, and he has a header at a corner go just over. Senegal bring on their all-time DWC top scorer... centre back Yaya Sané, as they look to give Mexico some late nerves.
Mexico would dearly like to kill this game off by now. In the 86th minute when sub Guido Pizarro gives the Senegal woodwork another thwack with a shot from range. And just like Álvarez's second in the first half, Senegal can't clear it and pay the price as Fidalgo picks up the loose ball and cuts it back for Canales to apply a simple finish!
Job done for Mexico, who easily see it out to become the first team 100% qualified for the knockout stages!
Despite Senegal taking off a tired-looking Leroy Sané in a sign they are keeping an eye on their final group game, Jackson looks up for it, and he has a header at a corner go just over. Senegal bring on their all-time DWC top scorer... centre back Yaya Sané, as they look to give Mexico some late nerves.
Mexico would dearly like to kill this game off by now. In the 86th minute when sub Guido Pizarro gives the Senegal woodwork another thwack with a shot from range. And just like Álvarez's second in the first half, Senegal can't clear it and pay the price as Fidalgo picks up the loose ball and cuts it back for Canales to apply a simple finish!
Job done for Mexico, who easily see it out to become the first team 100% qualified for the knockout stages!
Final score:
Mexico 2 (Fidalgo 21', Canales 86')
Senegal 0
Player of the match: Álvaro Fidalgo (MEX)
Ultimately, a very nice simple win for last year's semi finalists, as they barely conceded any shots and applied constant - if fairly light - pressure to get their goals. In all honesty, this was a pretty simple match to the one before it, except the underdog didn't score its first two shots. But Mexico won't care, as they're through and can look ahead to another DWC adventure.
Mexico 2 (Fidalgo 21', Canales 86')
Senegal 0
Player of the match: Álvaro Fidalgo (MEX)
Ultimately, a very nice simple win for last year's semi finalists, as they barely conceded any shots and applied constant - if fairly light - pressure to get their goals. In all honesty, this was a pretty simple match to the one before it, except the underdog didn't score its first two shots. But Mexico won't care, as they're through and can look ahead to another DWC adventure.
The battle to join Mexico could be very close next time. Lombardy are the only team with fate fully in their hands, but both Netherlands and Senegal will think they have a realistic route to salvation.
As predicted, these two groups continue to deliver tight tense affairs. It would be foolish to think their finales will be any different, I really can't wait to see how they pan out. Groups E & F next, and they too have seen lots of tight matches.