World Cup Qualifiers – zone Europe. At the midway point, each nation has played a total of 5 games. The next round will resume in June 2017 on the road to Russia.
Germany, Spain, England, and France all won their respective match over the weekend and have solidified their position as group’s leader. Italy won for Buffon’s 100th match and are tied with Spain on top of the group.
Group A – France in control, Netherlands in disarray
With 4 wins and a draw, the Euro 2016 Finalists are in form to reach the FIFA World Cup Russia. On the other end, after missing the Euro 2016, the Netherlands are in pace to miss a second consecutive major tournament. The third place team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup has already lost 2 games (to France and lately in Bulgaria 2-0) and sits 6 points behind the French. They also sacked their coach over the weekend.
Group B – Ronaldo scores his 70th goal for Portugal, Switzerland leads
Switzerland has a perfect 5 wins over its first 5 matches and tops Euro 2016 winners Portugal by three point. Portugal beat Hungary 3-0 as Ronaldo scored his 70th goal in 137 international matches that makes 4th in the European all-time scoring list.
Group C – Germany of course
Germany has won their first 5 games and have a solid 5 points cushion over the second Northern Ireland. Czech Republic follows two point behind the Northern Irish.
Group D – A tie at the top
Serbia and the Republic of Ireland are tied for the group first place with 11 points. Wales is third and needs to rack up wins if they want to stand a chance to play in Russia ext summer, so does Austria with 7 points. The Welsh are undefeated but only recorded one victory and four draws giving them only 7 points.
Group E – Poland without a doubt
Poland won again and Lewandowski scored. With 13 points the Polish are almost guaranteed to win their group. Montenegro and Denmark follow.
Group F – Defoe scored on his return for England
Defoe came back to play for England three years after his last match and scored for the Three Lions. Coach Southgate added:
“We’ve got to look every time we get together as to who’s in form. I don’t know if we can have a pecking order because players that are playing well deserve that opportunity. We’ve got to have that competition for places.
The reality is that you will always lose players to injury. It’s really important that we are able to call upon the likes of Jermain”. On qualifying to Russia World Cup: “It’s in our hands which is the most important thing. “
Slovenia and Slovakia are battling for second place
Group G – Spain or Italy
Spain and Italy are tied to top the group with 13 points but only one of those two teams will qualify directly to the World Cup…
Group H – Belgium under pressure
Belgium had the chance to grab a fifth victory in five games but was denied by Greece. Belgium has 13 points and Greece is right behind with 11 points followed by Bosnia Hezergovina. The next game between Bosnia Hezergovina and Greece could already be decisive
Group I – Croatia leads group
Croatia leads the group with 13 points. Iceland is behind with 10 points, followed by Ukraine with 8 points. These are the three teams to count in for the second half of the qualifiers.
See you in June for day 6!
