Global Futbol Matches November 26th to December 2nd, 2018

The following article provides an oversight for matches and tournaments after the 2018 Global Futbol World Cup.

November 26th to December 2nd, 2018

The Third Qualifying Round for the Physico Championships continued this week, with Denmark starting off with an 89th minute winner from substitute Cornelius the difference against Uzbekistan, whose reliance on the woodwork twice to keep them in the game nearly saw a draw. Ecuador’s two first-half goals secured a home victory over Trinidad and Tobago. Mauritania surprised Bahrain with an early goal and managed to survive the Bahrain onslaught for the remaining sixty minutes. Gabon thought they could produce the same; the US team, however, persistently attacked and scored twice in the second half to run out eventual winners. World Cup nation Iraq ensured a 3-1 victory over Laos, whereas Cambodia scored twice in the first half against Panama, and their steely defence at the end kept them in the hunt for a draw, only to be outdone by substitute Arroyo’s 88th-minute strike. Colombia certainly attacked hard against Myanmar, but a little defence and a lot of luck kept the South East Asian side from being annihilated. Latvia came away from the Bahamas with a win, while Vietnam thought they were also going to gain an away win against Aruba, only for an 85th-minute Mulder goal to leave the score all square.

 

Vietnam then returned home to play host to Japan in the Nations League, but Japan were too strong and ran out 2-nil winners. Uzbekistan scored three times against Tajikistan from three different scorers. In fact, in their three games, they have five different names on the scoresheet, something their opponents must keep in mind. Saudi Arabia scored two away goals to oversee a poor-performing Chinese side, whereas North and South Korea traded goals in a 2-all draw. Bahrain defeated Iran to keep their perfect record in Group A1. Iraq and Hong Kong both had chances to score, but a draw was all either team could muster. Australia finally got into gear in this Nations League and should stay safe from relegation after a 3-nil win over Kuwait. However, due to the alterations in fixtures, their next three games will be away from home. Pakistan also scored three times against their rivals India. This is the second time Pakistan has managed a three-goal margin in a Nations League game �" last time was against Iraq.

 

League A in Africa saw Cameroon defeat Gabon 1-nil, leaving Gabon without a win and looking like they will be relegated, whereas two wins for Cameroon have them poised and ready to top the group (which also consists of Tunisia). Much of Kenya’s game, as they played host to Ghana, was played in the middle of the park, until the second half opened up. First Andre Ayew scored, and Ghana seemed likely to win, until a centred ball to Mohammed ensured the two teams shared the spoils. Meanwhile, Egypt flew to Bamako and romped three goals into Mali’s net, leaving them easily top of their group with two wins from two matches. The crowd in Kinshasa saw the match of the day as a mammoth amount of goals (eight), scored by both the Democratic Republic of Congo and Togo, ended in an ebb-and-flow draw. The particularly awesome part about the match was the seven different goal scorers.

 

Europe’s League A started with a bang, when the Czech Republic went two goals up early in Copenhagen. However, three goals from the Danes, finished by right back Ankersen’s brilliant long-range shot, had the home side celebrating. It was too early, though, for Schick responded with a quick reply, and the match ended in a draw. Spain once again filled their team sheet with second-string players returning from their loss to South Korea. Whilst the Spaniards dominated much of the game over Portugal, it was their attacking-third movements that lacked the final touch. Finally, in the 88th minute, Ceballos slotted home the winner after Beto’s initial save of Isco’s shot.

 

Ecuador continued their winning streak in the Americas League A, even though Bolivia dominated the centre of the field; Ecuador worked the flanks to their advantage. USA also won 1-nil against Paraguay thanks to a brilliant steal and long-range shot from Green. World Cup hero Quintero was needed to break the deadlock between Colombia and Guatemala, before Falcao’s double solidified Colombia’s place on top of Group A1. Brazil is following the same path as Colombia, this time flying north to Costa Rica and easily dispatching two goals against them.

 

Across to the Pacific, Vanuatu played their second-string goalkeeper, Iaruel, and he proved why he was chosen after he made crucial saves, including what seemed an inevitable goal after Iaruel’s initial mistake. However, Vanuatu could not finish at the other end, and the game petered out into a scoreless tie. Seven offsides was the order of the first half between the Cook Islands and the Solomon Islands. What was more surprising was the Cook Islanders had two goals up on the World Cup nation. The Solomon Islanders soon had one back in the second half, but could not finish effectively in front of goal and received their second loss for the tournament. Papua New Guinea forced a draw from Fiji, where the only real highlight was Papuan Murray’s header in injury time stopped by the hand of Nairube and hitting the post and away.

 

In Asia B, Myanmar returned home, buoyed by only losing by three goals to Colombia, and breezed past East Timor. Cambodia also played host after making a trip to the Americas, and like they did against Panama, went 2 goals ahead over Thailand. When Dangda scored, the Cambodians could feel another loss of a good lead, but they managed to hold on for the win and keep Thailand winless for the Nations League. Laos gained their third 1-nil victory for the tournament and hover over Mongolia in their group, poised ready for the second half of the tournament in achieving promotion to League A. Qatar’s Mohammed Alaa eldin came on for the second game in a row as a substitute and scored, though this time Qatar received the full three points over Taiwan. Oman gained their first win for the tournament, slicing three goals against Nepal. The Omani have first place in their group, largely thanks to Syrian substitute Youssef’s attempt to break the deadlock late against Jordan to hit the woodwork. Both teams came away with a point each, and Syria’s third draw for the tournament.

 

Europe’s League B began with Finland winning against Belarus by a single goal; two wins at home for Finland place them in slight contention for advancing to League A. Over in the Americas, Trinidad and Tobago’s coach Dennis Lawrence’s tactical switch of Peltier from right midfield to up front proved the difference as the wily player scored twice against Barbados in the second half. Similarly, tactical substitutions helped Panama score in injury time to overcome Cuba, who thought they had held on for a draw.

 

In the Americas League C, Aruba’s Vegas scored twice to overcome a drab Anguilla side. In Africa League C, Senegal easily dispatched of eSwatini.

 

In Europe C, Norway came from behind to defeat Kazakhstan 2-1, while Israel overcame Round of 16 World Cup nation Lithuania and slide into second spot behind Norway in their group. Croatia also breezed past another World Cup Top 16 side, the Faroe Islands, with a triple threat of goals coming from left and right. Bosnia held on at the death, despite Scotland’s four attempts on goal in injury time, to come away winners for the first time in the Nations League and slip into second behind Croatia. Malta managed to steal a point away against Georgia, who were feeling on top of the game after their draw against Australia last Sunday. Malta now have three draws against their name, something they will need to rectify into a winning mindset if they are to catch Macedonia, who showed their World Cup quality in defeating Northern Ireland in Belfast. 

 

In Europe League D, Latvia flew home from the Bahamas to play their third Nations League home game, thanks to Global Futbol awarding them a home game straight after the Physico Championships journey. However, their loss to Kosovo meant also their third home loss. Latvia look set to remain bottom of Group D4, whilst two away wins for Kosovo means they are in the box seat to be promoted (Armenia may have other ideas). Liechtenstein kept Azerbaijan on only one point as they ran out 2-1 winners, scoring their second win for the tournament. Liechtenstein lie one point behind Greece, who defeated Monaco, though 1-nil was insufficient considering their complete dominance of the game, including eleven shots on target.

 

In Africa League D, Mauritania grew in confidence after defeating Bahrain earlier in the week to see off Burundi. South Sudan had chances late against Ethiopia to score a second goal, but the result was a draw. Comoros remains without a goal in the competition after they lost away to Sierra Leone, thanks to an 82nd winner from defender Simbo. It was an 85th-minute goal by substitute Burale, bouncing off both posts before somehow spinning into the goal, which helped Somalia recover from an early Sao Tome goal. Mozambique lies in top position in Group D2 after a comprehensive five-goal drubbing over Djibouti.

 

November 27 Physico Champs 3rd Q Round (Part 1) ·  Denmark 1 Uzbekistan 0 ·  Ecuador 2 Trinidad and Tobago 0 ·  Bahrain 0 Mauritania 1 ·  USA 2 Gabon 1 ·  Iraq 3 Laos 1 ·  Panama 3 Cambodia 2 ·  Colombia 3 Myanmar 0 ·  Bahamas 0 Latvia 1 ·  Aruba 1 Vietnam 1 U17 Men’s Friendlies ·  Ecuador 2 Argentina 3 ·  Malta 1 Netherlands 1 ·  Kosovo 1 England 1

November 29 Futsal Friendlies ·       Guinea 2-3 Cape Verde Islands

December 1 Nations League Match Day 3 Asia A ·  China 0 Saudi Arabia 2 ·  North Korea 2 South Korea 2 Asia B ·  Taiwan 1 Qatar 2 ·  Oman 3 Nepal 1 ·  Syria 1 Jordan 1 Europe C ·  Kazakhstan 1 Norway 2 ·  Lithuania 0 Israel 1 ·  Bosnia 1 Scotland 0 ·  Croatia 3 Faroe Islands 0 ·  Georgia 1 Malta 1 ·  Northern Ireland 0 Macedonia 2   Europe D ·  Albania 0 Armenia 1 Africa D ·  South Sudan 1 Ethiopia 1 ·  Sierra Leone 1 Comoros 0 ·  Mozambique 5 Djibouti 0 ·  Somalia 1 Sao Tome and Principe 1

December 2 Nations League Match Day 3 Oceania A ·  American Samoa 0 Vanuatu 0 ·  Cook Islands 2 Solomon Islands 1 ·  Papua New Guinea 0 Fiji 0   Asia A ·  Vietnam 0 Japan 2 ·  Uzbekistan 3 Tajikistan 0 ·  Bahrain 2 Iran 1 ·  Iraq 0 Hong Kong 0 ·  Australia 3 Kuwait 0 ·  Pakistan 3 India 0 Asia B ·  Myanmar 1 East Timor 0 ·  Cambodia 2 Thailand 1 ·  Laos 1 Mongolia 0 Europe A ·  Denmark 3 Czech Republic 3 ·  Spain 1 Portugal 0 Europe B ·  Finland 1 Belarus 0 Europe D ·  Latvia 0 Kosovo 1 ·  Liechtenstein 2 Azerbaijan 1 ·  Greece 1 Monaco 0   Africa A ·  Gabon 0 Cameroon 1 ·  Kenya 1 Ghana 1 ·  Congo DR 4 Togo 4 ·  Mali 0 Egypt 3 Africa C ·  eSwatini 0 Senegal 2 Africa D ·  Mauritania 2 Burundi 1 Americas A ·  Ecuador 1 Bolivia 0 ·  USA 1 Paraguay 0 ·  Colombia 3 Guatemala 0 ·  Costa Rica 0 Brazil 2 Americas B ·  Trinidad and Tobago 2 Barbados 0 ·  Panama 1 Cuba 0 Americas C ·  Aruba 2 Anguilla 0   Futsal Friendlies ·       Guinea 1-2 Honduras

 

Nations League Ladders (groups reaching the halfway stage)

	Europe A3	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	England	2	1	1	0	4	+1
2	Spain	2	1	0	1	3	0
3	Portugal	2	0	1	1	1	-1

 

	Europe A4	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Denmark	2	1	1	0	4	+1
2	Austria	2	1	0	1	3	0
3	Czech Republic	2	0	1	1	1	-1

 

	Europe B1	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Finland	2	2	0	0	6	+3
2	Serbia	2	1	0	1	3	0
3	Belarus	2	0	0	2	0	-3

 

	Europe C1	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Romania	3	2	1	0	7	+2
2	Wales	3	1	2	0	5	+1
3	Slovakia	3	1	1	1	4	+2
4	Ukraine	3	0	0	3	0	-5

 

	Europe C2	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Norway	3	3	0	0	9	+3
2	Israel	3	2	0	1	6	+1
3	Lithuania	3	1	0	2	3	-1
4	Kazakhstan	3	0	0	3	0	-3

 

	Europe C3	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Croatia	3	2	1	0	7	+5
2	Bosnia	3	1	1	1	4	0
3	Scotland	3	1	0	2	3	-2
4	Faroe Islands	3	1	0	2	3	-3

 

	Europe C4	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Georgia	3	1	2	0	5	+2
2	Macedonia	3	1	1	1	4	0
3	Malta	3	0	3	0	3	0
4	Northern Ireland	3	0	2	1	2	-2

 

	Europe D3	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Greece	3	2	1	0	7	+3
2	Liechtenstein	3	2	0	1	6	0
3	Monaco	3	1	0	2	3	-1
4	Azerbaijan	3	0	1	0	1	-2

 

	Europe D4	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Armenia	3	3	0	0	9	+3
2	Kosovo	3	2	0	1	6	+1
3	Albania	3	1	0	2	3	0
4	Latvia	3	0	0	3	0	-4

 

	Asia A1	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Bahrain	3	3	0	0	9	+4
2	Australia	3	1	1	1	4	+1
3	Kuwait	3	1	0	2	3	-3
4	Iran	3	0	1	2	1	-2

 

	Asia A2	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Japan	3	3	0	0	9	+9
2	Uzbekistan	3	2	0	1	6	+3
3	Tajikistan	3	1	0	2	3	-7
4	Vietnam	3	0	0	3	0	-5

 

	Asia A3	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Saudi Arabia	3	2	1	0	7	+4
2	South Korea	3	1	1	1	4	-1
3	North Korea	3	0	3	0	3	0
4	China	3	0	1	2	1	-3

 

	Asia A4	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Pakistan	3	2	0	1	6	+5
2	Hong Kong	3	1	1	1	4	-1
3	Iraq	3	1	1	1	4	-2
4	India	3	1	0	2	3	-2

 

	Asia B1	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Qatar	3	2	1	0	7	+7
2	Myanmar	3	2	1	0	7	+3
3	Taiwan	3	1	0	2	3	-1
4	East Timor	3	0	0	3	0	-9

 

	Asia B2	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Laos	3	3	0	0	9	+3
2	Mongolia	3	2	0	1	6	+2
3	Cambodia	3	1	0	2	3	-1
4	Thailand	3	0	0	3	0	-4

 

	Asia B3	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Oman	3	1	2	0	5	+2
2	Nepal	3	1	1	1	4	-1
3	Syria	3	0	3	0	3	0
4	Jordan	3	0	2	1	2	-1

 

	Americas A3	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Brazil	3	3	0	0	9	+6
2	USA	3	1	1	1	4	-2
3	Paraguay	3	1	0	2	3	+2
4	Costa Rica	3	0	1	2	1	-6

 

	Africa A1	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Kenya	2	1	1	0	4	+2
2	Ghana	2	1	1	0	4	+1
3	Guinea	2	0	0	2	0	-3

 

	Africa A2	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Côte d’Ivoire	2	1	1	0	4	+2
2	Togo	2	0	2	0	2	0
3	Congo DR	2	0	1	1	1	-2

 

	Africa A3	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Egypt	2	2	0	0	6	+6
2	South Africa	2	1	0	1	3	-2
3	Mali	2	0	0	2	0	-4

 

	Africa A4	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Cameroon	2	2	0	0	6	+3
2	Tunisia	2	1	0	1	3	0
3	Gabon	2	0	0	2	0	-3

 

	Africa D1	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Namibia	2	2	0	0	6	+2
2	South Sudan	2	0	1	1	1	-1
3	Ethiopia	2	0	1	1	1	-1

 

	Africa D2	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Mozambique	3	2	1	0	7	+6
2	Djibouti	3	1	1	1	4	-4
3	Sierra Leone	3	1	0	2	3	-1
4	Comoros	3	0	2	1	2	-1

 

	Oceania A1	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Vanuatu	2	1	1	0	4	+2
2	Samoa	2	1	0	1	3	0
3	American Samoa	2	0	1	1	1	-2

 

	Oceania A2	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	New Zealand	2	2	0	0	6	+6
2	Cook Islands	2	1	0	1	3	-1
3	Solomon Islands	2	0	0	2	0	-5

 

	Oceania A3	Pl	W	D	L	Pts	GD
1	Fiji	2	1	1	0	4	+3
2	Tahiti	2	1	0	1	3	0
3	Papua New Guinea	2	0	1	1	1	-3