Global Futbol Matches January 1st to 6th, 2019A Chapter by Steve Clark The following article provides an oversight for matches and tournaments taking place in 2019. January 1 to January 6, 2019
Nations League Ladders (after 4 Match Days)
With two games left, it appears the Netherlands will overtake
Italy. However, never underestimate the Azzurri. They currently hold first
place, and there is no doubt they intend to remain there, particularly after
defeating Russia 8-1. The Russians will be relegated to League B for the second
installment of the Nations League in two years’ time.
Ireland has a very delicate chance of not being relegated, but
with a goal difference of minus nine, there is little hope of being able to
defeat both Germany and France. As for the winner of this group, it will come
down to the nation that scores more against Ireland. Germany has the advantage
of the home game, and last time scored nine against Ireland. Will they produce
a similar result?
This is a tight group, for any team can still win, and either
England or Portugal can be relegated. Spain seems in the box seat, but their
final match is away to Portugal, who will, no doubt, be fighting to stay in
League A, should they defeat or draw against England on Match Day 5.
The Czech Republic will be hosting their final two games, and
judging by the way the Nations League is taking shape, they should win both
matches. Will it be well enough to catch up to leaders Denmark, or will Austria
make up for their home loss to Denmark and stay in League A?
Bulgaria appears most likely to progress from Group B2, as they
have the only win in the group. Relegation to League C still is available for
all teams, but it is likely to be Turkey, as their final game is away to
Bulgaria.
The group dubbed the 3 S’s, Slovenia has taken the lead after a
4-nil win over Switzerland, to the shock of many. All nations can still be
promoted and relegated, though Sweden’s draw at home to Switzerland could prove
the difference in the group. What happens when Sweden fly to Switzerland will
ultimately determine the outcome of Group B3.
Despite being World Cup finalists last year, Belgium looks
likely to be relegated to League C. This will undo all the hard work over the
last two years, and will mean they will not be playing against high-class
nations in preparation for the 2022 World Cup. Still, there is talk amongst the
Belgians that the Nations League is a lesser tournament, especially since they
are also featuring in the Invitational Cup and there are more Euro 2020
qualifiers ahead on the calendar. As for promotion, Poland is likely to
progress, after the back of two very solid away performances. Hungary is still
in the mix. The final two games will tell us who is worthy of entrance to
League A.
Slovakia’s away win over Wales bounced them to the top of the
ladder in Group C1. They seem likely to remain there with two home games to
finish out the tournament. However, Romania and Wales will have something to
say about that. The Ukrainians are likely to be relegated, with two away games
to complete their matches. Should they lose to Wales, their fate will be
assured.
Kazakhstan’s relegation to League D is all but certain after
drawing at home to Israel. As for promotion to League B, the Norwegian, Israeli
and Lithuanian players all believe they can. The least likely is Lithuania, as
they currently sit third, and have two away games to finish.
After performing in the World Cup last year, the Faroe Islands
sit on the bottom of Group C3, and are the most likely nation to be relegated.
The next match between Bosnia and Croatia may be the deciding factor between
who stays and who is promoted. Scotland will want to say something about that
in their final two games, and could overtake both Croatia and Bosnia to reach
the heights of League B.
This is clearly the tightest group in the Nations League, with
one point separating all four nations. Malta have not lost a game yet, though
they have not won one either. Georgia sits on top purely based on the number of
goals scored. Whoever wins next round is likely to progress up to League B.
Georgia and Macedonia are in a slight advantage. Whoever wins the next match
between these two will probably win the group.
Theoretically, Moldova, who are currently sitting on the bottom
of Group D1, can be promoted if they win their last two games by high margins
and other results go their way. However, it is traditional minnows San Marino
that lead the pack, and with one more win will seal their place in League C.
The Montenegrin players hate the prospect of another two years in the bottom
league, and will do everything in their power to lift for their final two
games. They must defeat San Marino in the next game and hope the Estonians do
not have a brilliant game against the Moldovans.
Group D2 saw Iceland snatch second place over Andorra with a
4-nil victory. With the momentum of two victories, will Iceland reach the
group’s lead ahead of Luxembourg? The next match between the pair may prove to
be the difference. Theoretically, all nations are in the hunt for promotion.
Group D3 has a tight two-horse battle between Greece and
Liechtenstein for promotion. Monaco and Azerbaijan are out of the race, and will
face each other in Match Day 5 to see who will stay off the bottom.
No changes took place in Group D4, as both matches were draws.
Latvia has no chance of promotion, while Albania can make it on paper, but it
will be a very tough task. Armenia should finish on top thanks to their last
two games being home games. However, Kosovo also has two home games to finish,
and will play their utmost and hope that Armenia loses one of their games.
Match Day 4 saw Iran jump Kuwait with a 2-1 away victory. Bahrain
looks set to make their way to the Nations League playoffs. Iran and Australia
can still technically make it, and it may be Iran with their last two games at
home, whilst Australia has to travel for the final two rounds. Kuwait may be
relegated; however, they will do everything in their power to remain a part of
Asia’s League A.
The Japanese have all but assured a place in the League
playoffs, having won all four of their games thus far. Uzbekistan, in second
place, should remain in League A. The Vietnamese, though in last place, will
rely on their World Cup featuring side, mixed with younger blood, in the hope
of upsetting either Uzbekistan or Japan. Tajikistan feel slightly secure;
however, it is their poor goal difference that may trip them at the death.
In Asia Group A3, China is likely to be relegated. Instead, our
attention will focus on the other three as they vie for the group lead. The
South Koreans look likely to advance to the playoffs as their last two games
are in Seoul.
India’s draw against Hong Kong lifted them off the bottom of
Group A4, leaving Iraq in a precarious position after losing to Pakistan 2-1.
The Pakistanis are likely to reach the playoffs with three wins out of four
matches. Hong Kong may be safe to remain, but the final two rounds will
determine who really deserves to remain amongst the top Asian nations.
While the Laotian side is still on top, losing 3-nil to
neighbours Cambodia affects their goal difference badly. Along with Mongolia,
all three nations can qualify for promotion to League A. It will be a true feat
for Mongolia, should they take the lead in the group, since they are the only
non-South-East Asian side, and have had to travel the furthest by far.
Thailand, on the other hand, despite acquiring a point this round, will most
likely be relegated to League C.
Syria scored their first win of the tournament, and having not
lost a match so far, will fight for top place against Oman in Match Day 5. The
Jordanian players have the chance to launch out of the relegation zone with two
home games against Nepal and Syria. Though every team can technically be
promoted or relegated, it seems Syria and Oman are the most likely to reach
League A, whilst Nepal may have to fight it out in two years’ time in League C.
Hosts of next year’s Asian Cup, the UAE, will fight against Sri
Lanka in the final match, possibly to see who will be promoted to League A. As
for Bangladesh and Macau, both nations are on equal points and goal difference,
and that final match is likely to be the catalyst of remaining or relegating.
All teams have a chance of promotion; however the UAE and Sri Lanka have the
box seat.
Asia’s League C works in reverse to Europe’s Leagues C and D.
Firstly, League C is the lowest Asian league. Groups also consist mostly of
three nations, whereas the higher leagues have fewer nations in the European groups.
This is due to the greater distances travelled for the Asian minnows, and the
need for their finances to remain intact in order to be competitive across all
tournaments. In Group C1, Bhutan has the lead, and may, in fact, be promoted
to League B. However, Palestine still has two games remaining to make their mark
on the others. Turkmenistan has no hope of promotion.
Three wins on the trot have the Lebanese sitting on top of Group
C2. Their Middle Eastern rivals, Yemen, are their biggest stumbling block for
promotion. The showdown in Match Day 6 against these two will determine the
eventual winner. The Malaysians have other ideas, but they must win two away
games and hope the Yemeni lose their next game, and the Middle Eastern showdown
on Match Day 6 is a draw.
Trinidad and Tobago has the box seat for promotion, currently,
with two games remaining. Nicaragua and Barbados both have an outside chance,
but they will be more focused on safeguarding against relegation. Winless
Cayman Islands are the nation likely to be relegated to League C, but if they
can pull off a home win against Barbados, they may remain in League B for
another two years.
Grenada’s one-nil victory over Panama allowed them to take the
lead in Group B2; however, with both teams needing to play their final two
games away, it will come down to who can snatch an away win or draw, rather
than goal difference. Cuba has a chance to steal that promotion from the other
two, but that is more hopeful than probable. Guyana has fourth place all but
assured, and thus relegation to League C.
Belize started their Nations League campaign well with two away
draws; however, they have not produced the same fight and tenacity at home. It
is thanks to this that they face relegation unless something dramatic changes.
Honduras is guaranteed promotion to League A with four wins in a row. St Kitts
and Nevis and Curacao must ensure solid results in their last two games to
remain in League B.
In Group B4, Haiti and Canada are both fighting for promotion to
League A. Currently, Haiti has the upper hand, but when Canada host Haiti in
the final match, the North Americans hope to rise to the challenge and join the
same league as many of the South American nations. At the other end, El
Salvador will face the Turks and Caicos Islands in Match Day 6 to remain in
League B. The former looks set to remain, thanks largely to the Turks and Caicos
Islanders’ poor goal difference. However, the El Salvadorians have only drawn
at home, and will need to bring their best, otherwise League C will be calling
for them.
Once again, like in Asia, the lowest league in the Americas has
mostly three teams in their groups, to help the minnow nations financially. In
Group C1, Anguilla cannot be promoted, so it will come down to how Aruba and
Suriname both play against Anguilla that will determine who joins League B in
two years.
So far in Group C2, every match has been won by the home team,
and by a margin of one. Whoever breaks this pattern will go on to win the
group, and thus promotion. Dominica, on paper, should be the one leading the
group, but their final game against the US Virgin Islands could be their
undoing if they have the jitters.
As in the previous group, the home nation has been the winner.
However, two matches where the winner scored four goals have altered the goal difference
in favour of Bermuda, who have two games to reach top spot and thus promotion.
All nations have a chance of being promoted. The St Lucians have
it the hardest, thanks to losing the last three matches after their initial
(and only) win. Montserrat must play away for the final two, whereas the
Dominican Republic has two home games. This should mean they win the group.
Three 2018 World Cup nations hold this group. Ghana has played
one less game than the other two, and are likely to progress. It is difficult
to say who will be relegated, though Guinea should do better against Ghana and
possibly get off the bottom.
Côte d’Ivoire looks primed for taking the winnings in Group A2.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has a slim chance of overtaking them, but will
be more focused on moving out of the relegation spot as they take on the
leaders, followed by Togo.
Egypt has not lost in their three games thus far, and will take
on Mali in their final match. The Malians hold on to a small level of hope that
they will remain in League A; however, South Africa will travel to Mali in
Match Day 5 with the hopes of winning and staying free from relegation.
It is pretty well determined that Gabon will be relegated to
League B, though if two wins fall their way, there is a chance they will
remain. The playoff position, however, will mostly be between Cameroon and
Tunisia, though Cameroon have the slightest advantage with their final match
being at home, and their record against Tunisia over two legs being the
greater.
Niger’s two recent losses hold them in last place, and the most
likely to be relegated. Algeria should win the group and take the mantle of a
League A nation. Morocco will have other ideas when they face their
counterparts in Algiers.
As per the previous group, Group B2 has Sudan facing the chop,
while Chad’s two games in the bank could promote them to League A. Zambia will
want to make amends for drawing against Chad at home and defeat them on away
turf.
Originally, Nigeria and 2018 World Cup competitors Libya were
the frontrunners for this group. Benali’s goal for Libya away to Nigeria places
them in the box seat for promotion to League A. However, the Cape Verde
Islanders will have other ideas in their two final matches. If Nigeria can
snatch an away victory against Cape Verde and Cape Verde defeats Libya again,
the likely progression will be Nigeria’s thanks to their 7-nil thrashing of the
Islanders in Match Day 2.
Rwanda’s loss to Malawi at home puts them in a precarious
situation, whilst Benin’s two final matches may leap them into first placing in
the group, and therefore, into League A. Malawi will have something to say
about that when they host Benin in the final match.
Namibia’s win over Ethiopia ensured promotion to League C with a
game in hand. South Sudan should be able to stay off the bottom, leaving
Ethiopia in last place and seething their inability to win crucial matches.
Though it is mathematically possible for Sierra Leone and
Djibouti to claim the winner’s place, the Mozambicans seem to have it sewn up.
Comoros, with their second loss, remains bottom of Africa D2.
Though, hypothetically, all four sides can reach the level of
promotion to League C, Somalia is well on their way to be that side after their
progression to the second stage of 2022 World Cup qualification over Burundi.
However, Sao Tome and Principe have not lost a match and will hope to continue
this trend in their final two games. Lesotho plays their last two away from
home, and is likely not to be promoted. Guinea-Bissau have faltered at crucial
moments in this Nations League venture, and need to win big in the latter part
and hope that other results fall their way.
Eritrea and Burundi both hope to redeem themselves after losing
out of progressing to the next stage of World Cup Qualifiers. Currently
standing between them is the Seychelles, whose away win over Mauritania
suggests they will fight hard for promotion. Mauritania has a slim chance of
progressing; however, other results must go to their advantage, and they must
win twice away from home.
Vanuatu should win this League A group, although American Samoa
can come from the bottom and snatch it from them. They will be more concerned,
however, at leapfrogging Samoa to remain in the top League.
New Zealand seems to have this group sewn up; however, the Cook
Islanders will have other ideas. World Cup participants, the Solomon Islands,
have no chance of winning the group, but will, in the final match, hope to
overcome the Cook Islands and stay in the hunt in two years’ time.
Group A3’s leaders Fiji have almost secured a place in the
three-way playoffs later in the year. Papua New Guinea hope to topple that
security in their final two games, or at least jump in front of Tahiti and send
the Pacific Islanders that everyone adores into League B.
Guam will find a place in League A, should they remain a part of
the Oceanian crew for the Nations League, rather than in Asia, the
confederation where they will look to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Negotiations are ongoing.
Micronesia’s win over New Caledonia ensures their promotion to
League A.
All sides have the opportunity for advancing into League A;
however, Palau must win twice by a solid margin to ensure this is the case.
Tuvalu and Kiribati �" it could flow either way. Predictions lie in the favour
of Tuvalu. This is the year of the Nations Cup, the inaugural Global Futbol
Nations Cup for Women. In the Women’s Nations Cup Qualifiers, Papua New Guinea
opened their campaign with a 1-nil victory at home to New Caledonia. Four goals
in the first half set up Tahiti’s six-goal romping of Samoa. New Zealand needed
substitute Skilton to score twice in the 83rd and 88th minutes to come away
with a win over Fiji. A Cook Islander own goal just on halftime helped Tonga
with their momentum to run over their opponents by four goals. In Africa, Mozambique’s Domingues slotted home a free kick on
the stroke of injury time to snag a vital three points against Zambia.
Ethiopian forwards Tadesse and Zerega both scored to help their side overcome
Senegal. The same scoreline befell Tanzania on their away game against
eSwatini, with the latter moving three points clear of Tanzania at the bottom
of Group E. South American qualifiers saw a hat trick from Banini as the
bedrock of Argentina’s win over Venezuela to slip into second place behind
Brazil on goal difference. Behind them is Peru on seven points, whose first
half consisted of four separate goalscorers trouncing the Bolivian defence.
Both Ecuador and Colombia had chances to score; only it was in the 85th minute
that the Ecuadorians scored through Torres and are now challenging for first
place in Group B. Their main rival is Uruguay, who is ahead on goal difference
by one after their 6-1 thumping of Paraguay. Favourites Colombia and Chile will
need to lift their game for the second half of the qualifiers if they want to
make it to France this year. In Europe, Germany found their feet in the middle half of the
game and slotted four goals past Albania. Ahead of them on goal difference is
Portugal, who felt the scare of an Andorran counterattack goal before wrestling
back the lead by halftime. Spain kept up their winning streak, now at four,
though the 3-1 should have been greater, had it not been for Slovenian
goalkeeper Meršnik. Russia capitalised on their chances against Cyprus,
slotting seven goals into the net, though interestingly there were no hat trick
honourees. Across in Asia, Australian substitutes Chidiac and Kerr combined
to secure Australia’s fifth goal over the Philippines. Vietnam could only score
twice against Bangladesh �" it should have been far greater. The Iraqis had the
pick of the shots to score a winner late in the game against the UAE, but could
not finish it off.
© 2019 Steve Clark |
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Added on January 27, 2019 Last Updated on January 27, 2019 Author
Steve ClarkAdelaide, South Australia, AustraliaAboutA free spirited educator who dabbles in the art of writing novels and articles. more..Writing
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