Panama came scarily close to equalizing, but Mexico got the 1-0 win and keep the US in an automatic qualifying position.
Вперёд! 2018 World Cup Qualifiers
- Thread starter Titans Bastard
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The win also clinched a place in Russia for El Tri. Honduras hosts Mexico in the final match day - hopefully the Mexicans don't take their foot off the gas.
England taking the difficult route--conceded to Slovakia about two minutes into the game at Wembley. 0-1 30 minutes in. Win and they're five points clear with two to play. Lose and they fall behind the Slovaks.
England looked much better in the second half, and got by Slovakia 2-1.
Dele Ali may be in trouble for giving the finger to someone .. probably Martin Skrtel (which is completely understandable) .. although it may have been Walker - which I suppose is also understandable.
Risky move on Ali's part. Skrtel seems like a guy who would cut off that finger with a set of bolt cutters he'd produce from his shorts.
Rashford and Dier really saved England's bacon in that game. Kane wasn't very good and Alli and Oxlade-Chamberlain were awful. Slovakia is an okay UEFA side but a nation with some real attacking power would have crushed them. They are cruising along through their group and they got the three points so it's hard to complain, but they need a better effort to beat good teams.
Potential USMNT opponents...
Australia needed a late winner to beat Thailand 2-1 at home today, closing out their group schedule. They are currently in second place (auto-qualification), but will be bumped to third (AFC playoff) if Saudi Arabia are able to beat already-qualified Japan in Jeddah.
Australia needed a late winner to beat Thailand 2-1 at home today, closing out their group schedule. They are currently in second place (auto-qualification), but will be bumped to third (AFC playoff) if Saudi Arabia are able to beat already-qualified Japan in Jeddah.
Even by AFC standards, this Syrian team's timewasting and injury feigning is outrageous.
Ashkan Dejagah had one of the best moves in Iran's qualifying campaign to set up Sardar Azmoun, but he couldn't squeeze it through the Syrian keeper's legs to level.
Ashkan Dejagah had one of the best moves in Iran's qualifying campaign to set up Sardar Azmoun, but he couldn't squeeze it through the Syrian keeper's legs to level.
Syria level in extra time - good for them
They'll go to the playoffs and, unless Saudi Arabia beat Japan, it will be Saudi Arabia v. Syria in the playoffs to determine who goes to the WC. May be best to have that one behind closed doors...
edit: Looks like it's a two-leg tie for the play-off. Regardless, the match in Saudi could get somewhat contentious.
They'll go to the playoffs and, unless Saudi Arabia beat Japan, it will be Saudi Arabia v. Syria in the playoffs to determine who goes to the WC. May be best to have that one behind closed doors...
edit: Looks like it's a two-leg tie for the play-off. Regardless, the match in Saudi could get somewhat contentious.
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Uzbekistan played South Korea to a 0-0 draw in Tashkent, which along with Syria's draw means that the standings stay the same - South Korea is in, Syria goes to the AFC playoff, and perennial chokers Uzbekistan choked again.
I read somewhere that Cameroon's 1-1 draw with Nigeria yesterday made them the first 2014 WC team to be eliminated from 2018.
Ghana finally won their first group stage game with a GD-boosting 5-1 thumping of Congo on the road. If they luck out with a Uganda-Egypt draw later today, they'll actually have a fighting chance.
I read somewhere that Cameroon's 1-1 draw with Nigeria yesterday made them the first 2014 WC team to be eliminated from 2018.
Ghana finally won their first group stage game with a GD-boosting 5-1 thumping of Congo on the road. If they luck out with a Uganda-Egypt draw later today, they'll actually have a fighting chance.
Actually, it's a 2 leg tie for the AFC playoff...to advance to another 2 leg playoff with the 4th place CONCACAF team. The winner of that playoff gets into the World Cup.
I'm also not looking forward to the winner of that tie playing the USA in a potential intercontinental playoff and the endless "how soccer explains geopolitics" articles that will pop up.
Saudi Arabia vs. Japan is scoreless through about a half hour, but Japan has nothing to play for. The Saudis could still knock Australia down into the playoff spot.
Galatasaray's Garry Rodrigues scored two absolute blasts for Cape Verde against South Africa. First was a knuckling free kick that fooled the keeper. 2-0 with about 20 minutes to go. CV beat SA at home last week to get off of 0 points. They opened losing their first two matches, if they hold onto this lead they'll get 6 points from matches 3 and 4.
Edit: Cape Verde held on to win 2-1. Elsewhere in CAF Group D Burkina Faso and Senegal are tied 1-1 at halftime. Burkina Faso are on 5 pts so a draw would put them first over CV on goal differential
Edit: Cape Verde held on to win 2-1. Elsewhere in CAF Group D Burkina Faso and Senegal are tied 1-1 at halftime. Burkina Faso are on 5 pts so a draw would put them first over CV on goal differential
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Getting ahead of ourselves, but looking at possible intercontinental playoff opponents that's a poor result for the USA as Australia (#37 ELO) is a stronger opponent than Saudi Arabia or Syria (#59 and #60) and that's before taking into account the travel nightmare it would impose. Mexico chose not to use any European players for its tie against New Zealand for that reason.
Kolarov just scored one of the more thunderous goals you'll ever see off a nice feed in by Kostić.
if that Serbia score holds, teams that finished with 10 men are unbeaten today, with a W-D-L of 3-1-0
And not in a WCQ, but in Asian Cup qualifying, 9-man Malaysia drew Hong Kong 1-1
And not in a WCQ, but in Asian Cup qualifying, 9-man Malaysia drew Hong Kong 1-1
Group I has really tightened down the stretch with Iceland's win over Ukraine and Turkey's win over Croatia.
CAF Group D is wide open with two to play. Two points separate first from last (Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Senegal, South Africa).
Ivory Coast dropped a home game to Gabon 2-1 despite playing up a man in the second half (and no Aubameyang). Morocco's draw at Mali bailed them out somewhat; they'll need to avoid losing to Morocco at home rather than needing the win.
CAF Group D is wide open with two to play. Two points separate first from last (Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Senegal, South Africa).
Ivory Coast dropped a home game to Gabon 2-1 despite playing up a man in the second half (and no Aubameyang). Morocco's draw at Mali bailed them out somewhat; they'll need to avoid losing to Morocco at home rather than needing the win.
Come on, Reggae Boyz, show me something. You beat Panama 1-0 already, you can run with 'em.
edit: 2-0 Panama. Maybe that was run from them.
edit: 2-0 Panama. Maybe that was run from them.
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I have a long venting post about Argentina, so I'm going to spoiler it because you are all better at brevity than I am and it's somewhat embarrassing.
Just got around to watching the match. Utterly disappointing from La Seleccion. Di Maria was off to a rousing start, but when he came off, the attack lost its sting. Acuna came on and did pretty well actually assisting on the lone goal, but Dybala and the rest of the team really didn't pick up the slack. Argentina should've netted more than one in the first half, but if you don't take your chances you will get a bad result. I thought Romero was badly positioned on the goal against, but more than anything that was a pretty nice counter by Venezuela.
I thought Argentina did a little better with Messidependencia this match - especially in the first half, there were good runs and combos down the right and Di Maria was dangerous on the left, and Venezuela was being opened up. Once Di Maria came off, the right side of attack slowed down too, and Venezuela packed it in. What caught my attention as the game wore on is that Argentina almost refused to skip a pass. Rather than skip a pass at the back or in the midfield, the attack methodically moved the ball around but did not threaten - there were very few lateral or diagonal long balls. When Argentina did go forward, it was very direct and unless it was a Messi pass or maybe 2-3 others from Masche, Banega, etc. it didn't lead to much. If other teams are going to park the bus, the team needs to have more than one or two broad plans on how to break them down. This is admittedly hard with a National Team due to lack of training time, but this is Argentina. Some faster lateral ball movement would've tired the opposition down a bit faster and created more 3v2 and 2v1, or even 1v1.
I thought Icardi was a bit wasteful in the first half, but that's being pretty tough on him. At the same time, he had 2-3 chances and this team needed him to convert more than one. Dybala had a couple of nice plays but still hasn't worked into this lineup yet. Banega controlled the tempo and didn't lose the ball much, but with Pizarro out there, he needed to push forward and contribute more in attack. I thought the 3 defenders and Pizarro all played pretty well. Acuna played pretty well, but Acosta disappeared in the second half. The two subs were pretty bad. Both Benedetto and Pastore were wasteful with the handful of chances between them.
The issues remain in the midfield. Again, I was hopeful after the first half. Argentina were confident and avoiding giving Messi the ball at every opportunity - especially when he dropped back. Once they were closer the box, he was involved in good combinations, but in the second half the system broke down. The challenge for any National Team manager is the tension between playing a system and adapting to personnel. Only the most talented squads can be agnostic on player selection and Argentina currently is not there. With the offensive struggles, I would continue to build around Dybala and Messi. I trust that Sampa knows what he's doing, but with the continued struggles it may be time to try Correa (either one!), Vietto (don't know if he's been getting regular time though), Lanzini, Alario, and Lamela if he ever returns. Maybe it's wishful thinking or the fact that I'm a Spurs fan, but I feel like Lamela is exactly what this team needs.
I've always thought that the team should lineup and allow Messi the freedom to go wherever he wants. IMO, if the squad wants to continue playing 3 at the back, a 3-2-3-1 or a 3-2-2-2 makes sense. These setups are pretty similar, with the difference being how much responsibility the wingers have. If they are tracking back, then the 3-2-3-1 is more accurate whereas if one winger is merely asked to stretch and provide width while the other plays more defensive, then the attacking winger should be termed a forward and the latter formation is a better description. At that point, Sampa should pick based on who he likes in training or the opposition. With 4 at the back, a 4-1-2-2 or a 4-1-3-1 with Messi buzzing works.
While there is certainly some panic, Argentina still likely control their destiny. Win at home against Peru and direct qualification is likely. However, draw or loss puts the team under enormous pressure going to altitude in Ecuador for the final fixture. Chile is only 1 point back and gets Ecuador at home and then Brazil, but I wouldn't expect Brazil to do Argentina any favors and they will likely play a B squad. Brazil is humming and will rest their internationals. Nevertheless, Chile has been playing terrible futbol recently and it's unclear if they have the horses to finish this out.
I thought Argentina did a little better with Messidependencia this match - especially in the first half, there were good runs and combos down the right and Di Maria was dangerous on the left, and Venezuela was being opened up. Once Di Maria came off, the right side of attack slowed down too, and Venezuela packed it in. What caught my attention as the game wore on is that Argentina almost refused to skip a pass. Rather than skip a pass at the back or in the midfield, the attack methodically moved the ball around but did not threaten - there were very few lateral or diagonal long balls. When Argentina did go forward, it was very direct and unless it was a Messi pass or maybe 2-3 others from Masche, Banega, etc. it didn't lead to much. If other teams are going to park the bus, the team needs to have more than one or two broad plans on how to break them down. This is admittedly hard with a National Team due to lack of training time, but this is Argentina. Some faster lateral ball movement would've tired the opposition down a bit faster and created more 3v2 and 2v1, or even 1v1.
I thought Icardi was a bit wasteful in the first half, but that's being pretty tough on him. At the same time, he had 2-3 chances and this team needed him to convert more than one. Dybala had a couple of nice plays but still hasn't worked into this lineup yet. Banega controlled the tempo and didn't lose the ball much, but with Pizarro out there, he needed to push forward and contribute more in attack. I thought the 3 defenders and Pizarro all played pretty well. Acuna played pretty well, but Acosta disappeared in the second half. The two subs were pretty bad. Both Benedetto and Pastore were wasteful with the handful of chances between them.
The issues remain in the midfield. Again, I was hopeful after the first half. Argentina were confident and avoiding giving Messi the ball at every opportunity - especially when he dropped back. Once they were closer the box, he was involved in good combinations, but in the second half the system broke down. The challenge for any National Team manager is the tension between playing a system and adapting to personnel. Only the most talented squads can be agnostic on player selection and Argentina currently is not there. With the offensive struggles, I would continue to build around Dybala and Messi. I trust that Sampa knows what he's doing, but with the continued struggles it may be time to try Correa (either one!), Vietto (don't know if he's been getting regular time though), Lanzini, Alario, and Lamela if he ever returns. Maybe it's wishful thinking or the fact that I'm a Spurs fan, but I feel like Lamela is exactly what this team needs.
I've always thought that the team should lineup and allow Messi the freedom to go wherever he wants. IMO, if the squad wants to continue playing 3 at the back, a 3-2-3-1 or a 3-2-2-2 makes sense. These setups are pretty similar, with the difference being how much responsibility the wingers have. If they are tracking back, then the 3-2-3-1 is more accurate whereas if one winger is merely asked to stretch and provide width while the other plays more defensive, then the attacking winger should be termed a forward and the latter formation is a better description. At that point, Sampa should pick based on who he likes in training or the opposition. With 4 at the back, a 4-1-2-2 or a 4-1-3-1 with Messi buzzing works.
While there is certainly some panic, Argentina still likely control their destiny. Win at home against Peru and direct qualification is likely. However, draw or loss puts the team under enormous pressure going to altitude in Ecuador for the final fixture. Chile is only 1 point back and gets Ecuador at home and then Brazil, but I wouldn't expect Brazil to do Argentina any favors and they will likely play a B squad. Brazil is humming and will rest their internationals. Nevertheless, Chile has been playing terrible futbol recently and it's unclear if they have the horses to finish this out.
I knew that last scotch was a bad idea.
the Soca Warriors, I should have said, ended up losing 3-0. Not much help, them.
edit: moving my "analysis" to the USMNT thread...
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We mock CONCACAF, but at least they don't have to replay qualifier matches because a crooked ref fixed a WCQ and then got caught and banned for life. South Africa v Senegal, previously the only win RSA has in their group, will now be replayed in November.
In the match fixing department, CONCACAF probably still has to work off the demerits from half the Salvadoran team getting banned for life a few years ago.
Syria scored a late equalizer on a controversial penalty to tie their first leg at 1-1. The match is in stoppage time. The USMNT might get off relatively easy if they stay out of an automatic spot.
Australia's going to put 5 on them in their home leg. And that was so soft a penalty even Mike Dean wouldn't have called it. The defender jumped straight up, the Syrian guy jumped into him, and the defender didn't even grab him or push him. I'm rooting against them here, but the Roos got jobbed.
FYI - Argentina-Peru tonight at 7:20pm (BeIn Sports Espanol) in Boca's stadium La Bombonera (usually the NT plays at River's stadium, El Monumental) between the teams currently 4 and 5 will be absolutely bonkers. Get ready for lots of cards, a hyper-aggressive Argentina team, 40,000 very hostile Portenos, and a frisky Peru squad that has been on a tear lately. Chile is one point behind them and is currently outside qualification. They host Ecuador tonight at the same time.Uruguay and Colombia are 3 and 2 points ahead of Argentina and Peru respectively, and should finish in the top 5 barring some wild results. Paraguay is 2 points behind Chile and it would take a miracle for them to make it in at this point. Brazil has already punched their ticket to Russia officially.
My wife is Argentinian, so I follow Argentina national team and River. this is absolutely how it will be. Going to be a great and crazy atmosphere.
The UEFA qualifiers going on right now vary in their meaningful-ness, but top include:
- Montenegro vs Denmark: Neither will catch Poland, but they are tied in standings (precisely, in all tiebreakers), so this result will likely determine who goes to the playoffs and who is out of the WC.
- England (20) vs Slovenia (14): England is well ahead of 2nd-place Slovakia (currently playing Scotland too), and 6 ahead of Slovenia who could still realistically make the playoffs with a win, and even plausibly with a draw. This is the one I'm watching.
- Scotland (14) vs Slovakia (15): as mentioned, both sides would have a chance with a win. Slovakia needs at-least-as-good results as the other two over this match and the next to maintain their playoff spot.
- N Ireland vs Germany: Germany is going to crush them, but NI is currently 2nd, and a miracle win for them might put the group winner (automatic qualification) spot into contention. Any result other than a NI win secures the current world champs' spot in the finals with 1 match to play.
- Montenegro vs Denmark: Neither will catch Poland, but they are tied in standings (precisely, in all tiebreakers), so this result will likely determine who goes to the playoffs and who is out of the WC.
- England (20) vs Slovenia (14): England is well ahead of 2nd-place Slovakia (currently playing Scotland too), and 6 ahead of Slovenia who could still realistically make the playoffs with a win, and even plausibly with a draw. This is the one I'm watching.
- Scotland (14) vs Slovakia (15): as mentioned, both sides would have a chance with a win. Slovakia needs at-least-as-good results as the other two over this match and the next to maintain their playoff spot.
- N Ireland vs Germany: Germany is going to crush them, but NI is currently 2nd, and a miracle win for them might put the group winner (automatic qualification) spot into contention. Any result other than a NI win secures the current world champs' spot in the finals with 1 match to play.
Group C: N.Ireland vs. Germany is a total domination. It´s 0-2 sofar. Rudy with a beautiful goal after 70seconds into the top corner and Wagner with another goal. N.Ireland had one chance to cut it to 1-2, but Cory "iron foot" Evans couldn´t stop the ball in front of ter Stegen. Even with a win, there´s no chance for N.Ireland to catch Germany, as the Germans play Azerbaijan at home (KAISERSLAUTERN, HOORAY!).
Group E: Denmark lead at Montenegro, but it´s just 0-1. A tie (both had 16 points before this match) would still help Denmark, as they play home vs. Romania and Montenegro has to go to Poland in the last matches. Advantage Denmark.
Group F: Malta leads Lithuania, which would be their first points in this qualification. The other two matches (England-Slovenia, Scotland-Slovakia) are tied right now, so England is happy and between Slovenia, Slovakia and Scotland, everything is still up. Slovakia (16 right now as the only team) would face Malta in the last round, so they have a clear advantage, if they keep the draw at Scotland and Slovenia can´t beat England. Interesting group!
Group E: Denmark lead at Montenegro, but it´s just 0-1. A tie (both had 16 points before this match) would still help Denmark, as they play home vs. Romania and Montenegro has to go to Poland in the last matches. Advantage Denmark.
Group F: Malta leads Lithuania, which would be their first points in this qualification. The other two matches (England-Slovenia, Scotland-Slovakia) are tied right now, so England is happy and between Slovenia, Slovakia and Scotland, everything is still up. Slovakia (16 right now as the only team) would face Malta in the last round, so they have a clear advantage, if they keep the draw at Scotland and Slovenia can´t beat England. Interesting group!
Argentina have totally controlled the first half. Getting some quality shots and opportunities, and are dominating time of possession. Still 0-0 at half.
With 1 game left in qualifying, Argentina is on the outside looking in.
How hard does Brazil go in their finale vs. Chile?
How hard does Brazil go in their finale vs. Chile?
The commentator on the BeIN stream I was watching is wrong to say that Argentina need to win plus outside help.
Paraguay's two late goals to beat Colombia really help the Argentines. Argentina needs to take care of business at Ecuador, but because Colombia and Peru are playing each other, an Argentine win guarantees that they finish at least 5th. They could finish fourth if they win and Colombia and Peru draw and even third if Colombia and Peru draw and Chile lose.
Paraguay's two late goals to beat Colombia really help the Argentines. Argentina needs to take care of business at Ecuador, but because Colombia and Peru are playing each other, an Argentine win guarantees that they finish at least 5th. They could finish fourth if they win and Colombia and Peru draw and even third if Colombia and Peru draw and Chile lose.
Yeah, they still control their own destiny since Peru and Colombia play. But Ecuador is no fun to go to when you absolutely need a win. One of the biggest home field advantages out there due to the altitude.
The chances were there, but Messi's mates couldn't finish the chances that Messi laid out on a silver platter (how new and different!). I'm a huge supporter of Sampaoli, but I hated his squad selection yesterday. I dislike the Biglia-Banega pairing. Biglia in particular has no skill at moving the ball forward. If he wants him to protect the CBs, OK fine. Banega is not put in a position to help on offense though. I'm guilty of favoring Euro-based players, but I think it's a mistake to leave both Dybala and Icardi (to say nothing of Vietto, Correa, etc.) on the bench in favor of Benedetto, Gomez, and some of these other domestic-based players.
After thinking it over a bunch, I'd be interested to see Argentina go old school with two strikers in front of Messi. A 3-1-3-3 (with Messi positioned behind 2 strikers making the front 3) is probably the best way to lineup this squad. Let the back 3+1 defend conservatively with help from 1-2 bona fide MF. 2/3 of the MF will be wide players stretching the defense. The central MF in the 3 will help Messi operate in the middle and work back.
Romero
Mammana-Otamendi-Mercado
Biglia
Acuna-Dybala-Acosta/Di Maria (if healthy)
Messi
Icardi-Benedetto (I'd prefer Correa here, but whatever)
Leaving Dybala out of a must-win is malpractice, for sure. He's been on a tear, and in my view he may already be a top 10 player in the world. Correa I think is more arguable, his form for Atleti hasn't been great lately.
The problem I see with your lineup is width at the back, you're giving up sideline runs and crosses all match long. Di Maria ain't tracking back to help, that's for sure.
The problem I see with your lineup is width at the back, you're giving up sideline runs and crosses all match long. Di Maria ain't tracking back to help, that's for sure.