Global Futbol Matches: November 5th to 11th

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

November 5^th to 11^th

The Invitational Cup returned this week with semi-predictable results. Russia bounced back from their Nations League loss to the Netherlands with a 1-nil away win against New Zealand and keeping top spot in Group A. On the other hand, the Netherlands look worn out from the previous game and neither they nor Poland could score, despite a Polish spot kick, which hit the crossbar. Macedonia went with another attacking style, and it seemed to be paying off with the first goal. However, they settled for that scoreline, and eventually Ghana took charge of the game and came away 3-1 winners. South Korea’s Hwang Ui-Jo scored in both halves to record a win over Kenya. Switzerland kept up their dominance over Italy as they scored via three different goalscorers. Egypt’s defence could not perform at the same rate as the previous match, as two first-half goals and an injury-time Griezmann finish for France saw the European side win comfortably. On the other hand, Togo’s defence set up a 2-nil lead against Belgium, and although they had plenty of chances, the Belgians could not find a second leveling goal. Czech Republic fought hard and managed a one-nil victory over North Korea. A double error from Peruvian goalkeeper Gallese allowed two cheap goals for Spain. Peru worked hard to draw level but could not find the finishing shot, and Spain rounded out 3-2 winners. Ruiz’s two rapid goals in the second half set up a glorious away win for Costa Rica against Chile. 

 

In Group A, Russia is poised to take top spot, while it seems Portugal and Ghana will fight it out for second place. Group B is far tighter, with Switzerland, Brazil, Italy and France all with solid chances to progress. Egypt can also not be written off. In Group C, Belgium and Spain are streaks ahead in the top two positions, and South Korea, Togo and Peru all hold seven points each, six behind Belgium and eight behind Spain. While Poland is likely to progress in Group D, the other nations are all with a chance, including bottom-placed Netherlands.

 

In the Nations League, only a handful of matches took place. Myanmar scored early to gain the upper hand, but it was Qatar, through substitute Mohammed Alaa eldin, who drew level. Taiwan scored at the end of both halves to overcome an improved East Timor. Thailand lost their second home game in a row, and need to rethink their tactics for future games as they could not score against a plucky Laos side. Mongolia smacked the woodwork three times during their game against Cambodia, but still managed to win 1-nil and keep first place in their group. 

 

Invitational Cup Tables

Top Two Qualify for Quarter Final Stage

	Group A	Pl	W	D	L	Points	GD
1	Russia	6	5	1	0	16	+8
2	Portugal	4	1	2	1	5	+1
3	Ghana	4	1	2	1	5	0
4	Macedonia	6	1	1	4	4	-6
5	New Zealand	4	1	0	3	3	-3

 

 

	Group B	Pl	W	D	L	Points	GD
1	Switzerland	4	2	2	0	8	+5
2	Brazil	4	2	2	0	8	+2
3	Italy	6	2	1	3	7	-2
4	France	4	1	2	1	5	+2
5	Egypt	6	0	3	3	3	-7

 

 

	Group C	Pl	W	D	L	Points	GD
1	Spain	6	5	0	1	15	+19
2	Belgium	6	4	1	1	13	+8
3	South Korea	6	2	1	3	7	+7
4	Togo	6	2	1	3	7	-5
5	Peru	6	2	1	3	7	-9
6	Kenya	6	0	2	4	2	-17

 

	Group D	Pl	W	D	L	Points	GD
1	Poland	6	4	1	1	13	+6
2	Costa Rica	6	3	0	3	9	-1
3	Chile	6	2	2	2	8	+3
4	Czech Republic	6	2	1	3	7	-4
5	North Korea	6	2	1	3	7	-5
6	Netherlands	6	1	3	2	6	+1

 

 

November 6 U17 Men’s Friendlies 16 ·  Colombia 3 Argentina 2 ·  Kosovo 2 Czech Republic 2 ·

November 8 Nations League Match Day 2 Asia B ·  Myanmar 1 Qatar 1 ·  Taiwan 2 East Timor 0   Futsal Friendlies (18) ·  Japan 2-1 Nicaragua ·  Guinea 1-1 Palau

November 9 Invitational Cup ·  New Zealand 0 Russia 1 ·  Macedonia 1 Ghana 3 ·  South Korea 2 Kenya 0 ·  Switzerland 3 Italy 0 ·  Egypt 0 France 3 ·  Belgium 1 Togo 2 ·  Czech Republic 1 North Korea 0 ·  Netherlands 0 Poland 0 ·  Peru 2 Spain 3 ·  Chile 1 Costa Rica 2 Nations League Match Day 2 Asia B ·  Thailand 0 Laos 1 ·  Mongolia 1 Cambodia 0

November 10 U20 Men’s Friendlies Netherlands 3 Kazakhstan 0