Global Futbol Matches October 22nd to 28th

A Chapter by Steve Clark

The following articles provide a summary of matches and tournaments after the 2018 Global Futbol World Cup.

October 22nd to 28th

Match Day 3 continued in the Women’s Nations Cup qualifications. Finland started sketchy against Belarus, but finally scored their first goals in the competition, including a spectacular strike from Summanen on the cusp of halftime. Turkey gained their first victory as Ecem Cümert’s left boot scored a double coming from right midfield. Northern Ireland netted three times in the first half to secure second place in Group B, two goals in difference below Sweden. Spain gained a second win, this time away to Cyprus. The woodwork saved both Russia and Bosnia as both nations gained a point in scoreless draws against Kazakhstan and Scotland respectively. Croatia looked set to annihilate Georgia, however, Georgia’s pressing style kept the Croats tentative in their attacks, and thus only scored twice.

A spiteful game ended in a 1-nil victory for Uzbekistan against Bhutan, where the Uzbeks scored in the third minute, while Bhutan’s desperate defending stopped their opponents from scoring more. The same occurred between India and Tajikistan, with steely defence keeping Tajikistan in with a slight hope of drawing the game. China comfortably saw off Iran with a 2-0 win, while Nepal gained a point away to Thailand. Three rapid goals against Syria prior to halftime ensured a climb up the ladder for Palestine. In Group C, Sri Lanka surprised North Korea with a win at home, while Taiwan remains winless after a 3-0 loss to Indonesia, thanks to a double from substitute Martina. Afghanistan achieved their first win, taking care of Jordan at home. Ji So-yun scored all of South Korea’s five goals as they breezed past Singapore. Five goals was also the difference between Hong Kong and the Maldives, whereas being reduced to ten players hurt Myanmar as their efforts proved fruitless against Malaysia.

In North America, Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda started their campaigns with 1-nil victories over Haiti and Puerto Rico. St Vincent and the Grenadines came away with the same result after a long-range shot from Balcombe became the difference against the US Virgin Islands. Dominica ensured victory with three sound goals against a lacklustre Suriname side. St Lucia went one better and nailed four past Grenada.

October 23

U17 Men’s Friendlies

· Colombia 5 Ecuador 3

· Uruguay 1 Argentina 2

· Kosovo 1 Latvia 1

October 24

U20 Women’s Friendlies

· Albania 4 Sweden 0

· Northern Ireland 1 Austria 1

October 25

Futsal Friendlies

· Japan 1-2 Micronesia