April 15 to 21, 2019 Global Futbol MatchesA Chapter by Steve Clark The following article provides an oversight for matches and tournaments taking place in 2019. April 15 to 21, 2019
In
Africa Group A1, Kenya needed to lose by three goals or less to remain in
League A. Luck flew away from them as the Ghanaians put on a display of
prowess, precision and determination to annihilate their opponents. With
Nicholas Opoku, Andre Ayew and Thomas Partey all scoring by the 50th minute,
there was no way Kenya could stop the onslaught. A second from Partey ensured
Ghana victory, and their counterparts Guinea to remain in the League for
another two years.
The
Democratic Republic of Congo needed a draw to remain in League A, and was the
first with an opportunity to score. However, Togo scored first through Ayité.
After the break, two substitutes managed to put the game to rest, as Fo-Doh
Laba first netted a goal, followed by Mamah. The three goals secured another
two years in the top flight, whilst the Congolese must fight it out in League
B.
Mali’s
slim chances of remaining in the League A threshold diminished as the Egyptians
piled on three first-half goals, thanks to Ali Ghazal, Ahmed Hassan and Amr El
Soleya. Egypt then played for possession for much of the second half, ending
the match with the same scoreline as their previous encounter.
Cameroon gave Gabon the first goal thanks to Malick Evouna’s
turn and shot on goal. From there, Cameroon stepped up about five notches and
slotted two goals on the cusp of halftime, before sending into the net another
three to round out their Nations League campaign with a solid win and
progression to Africa’s semi finals. Meanwhile, Gabon will now fight hard in
League B and try to return for four years’ time.
Despite
this group having the most goals, only one goal was scored in the final match.
Ireland and France both played in attacking fashion, but failed to be precise
in their final passes into the box. In the 82nd minute, France denied Ireland
their only points for the tournament as substitute Moussa Sissoko caught the
Irish on a break and shot along the ground, beyond the advancing Randolph.
However, for France, one goal was not enough, and Germany will now represent
the group at the Nations League semi finals. Ireland, meanwhile, will partake
in League B in two years’ time.
Determining
Europe’s Group A1’s winner came down to the final match, where the Dutch played
hosts to Italy. Inside eight minutes, Frenkie de Jong had two goals: the first
from outside the box, and the second drop kicking after a scramble by both
attackers and defenders. From there, the Netherlanders dominated the game
across the park, giving the Italians nothing. Then, in the 68th minute,
substitute Vincenzo Grifo scored a header with his first touch, shocking the
players and fans that suddenly the game could go either way. The Dutch,
however, settled and scored a third and put the result beyond doubt.
Spain
needed to win away in Lisbon to have any chance of topping the group. It was
not meant to be, as the Portuguese, playing for pride, put on a solid attacking
display. Their first came through Player of the Match Danilo Pereira from way
out, before Cristiano Ronaldo slotted from a similar distance as the hour mark
approached. From there, Portugal kept up their domination, and a third came
about from the run of substitute Gonçalo Guedes, who snuck it past the diving
Kepa, and ensured Portugal’s first victory of the tournament. Spain salvaged a
goal at the end, but it was too late, and the visitors saw their chance to
reach the Nations League slip away. England will now travel to Munich to take
on Germany in the semi finals.
The
Czech Republic only needed a win over Denmark to progress to the Nations League
semi finals, and when they scored early thanks to Patrik Schick, the Czechs
kept possession of the ball for much of the game, and ran out 1-0 winners. The
Danes were overtaken on the table, thanks to their previous encounter being a
draw. The winners will now fly to Amsterdam to take on the Dutch and hope to upset
them and qualify for the first Nations League final.
Tajikistan
and Uzbekistan faced off in Tashkent to remain in League A, if the Vietnamese
were to defeat or draw against Japan. The home side scored first via
Abdugaffor, before Shomurodov’s header equalised the margin right before
halftime. Neither Tajikistan nor Uzbekistan could find the finishing touch to
win the game. As for Vietnam, they conceded a goal in the 10th minute to
Japan’s Kento Hashimoto, before the home side’s substitutes, Nakajima and
Minamino, polished two more eggs for the win and come away from the tournament
undefeated.
Saudi
Arabia was hoping to defeating China by a hefty margin and trust North Korea to
win when they travelled to meet their southern neighbours. However, when China
scored a goal right on halftime to ease back to 2-1, the Saudis felt their
chance diminish. This would not be the case, as Saudi Arabia piled on five more
goals, trouncing the Chinese and booting them down to League B, with all seven
shots on target hitting the back of the net. Unfortunately, results trickled
from the other match between the two Koreas, where Son Heung-Min’s goal in the
63rd minute proved the difference, allowing his side to win one-nil and top the
group.
Brazil
finished their campaign with a 1-0 win over Costa Rica, thanks to a 7th-minute
goal from right back Danilo. Costa Rica tried to wrestle back a goal, but to no
avail. With their fifth win, the Brazilians will look to dominate the next
stage of the Nations League, but before that, seek to win their final two
Invitational Cup matches. The
Americans, vying for a potential second place against Paraguay, found
themselves two goals up, thanks to the boots of Bradley and Roldan. Roldan
nearly had a second netter moments later, but Paraguayan goalkeeper Silva
somehow managed to get a touch on the ball. Finally, Paraguay worked their way
back into the game, and with González running all over the field, soon had more
and more chances. That culminated in a goal in the 80th minute by substitute
Sanabria, who probably should have started the match according to fans.
Arzamendia then had a shot to level the game, only to hit the woodwork.
Sanabria also tried to sneak a goal late, but his shot missed wide of the mark.
The Americans ran out 2-1 winners, though that was not enough to wrestle back
their goal difference dilemma, and so Paraguay came second in the group.
Chile
proved why they deserve to be on top of Group A4 with a solid two-nil away win
over Peru. The Peruvians never looked in the game as the Chileans kept up the
pressure, and two goals in the 59th and 70th minutes ensured a crucial victory.
That result meant the Mexico-St Vincent and the Grenadines match became a dead
rubber, as Mexico had no way of catching Chile on the table. This contributed
to Mexico’s slow start against the Caribbean nation, coupled with multiple
offsides. Eventually, the Mexicans found their rhythm, and piled on three goals
via Álvarez, Montes and substitute Brizuela. Mexico managed to finish second,
whilst St Vincent and the Grenadines will play in League B in the next
installment.
For
the spectators, there were no surprises between Colombia and Guatemala early.
With Villa’s goal, Colombia looked set to hand Guatemala their sixth loss for
the tournament. However, the home side rallied and snuck a goal via Cincotta,
and the Colombians squandered multiple chances. The game ended in a draw. That
result opened up the contest, as Uruguay and Venezuela could see a way to the
top of the group. However, Uruguay did not spearhead their lineup with many
strikers, therefore lacking the ability to squeeze effective shots for long
periods of the game. Vecino scored early, but it did not mean the Uruguayans
had the win in hand. Venezuela kept at them, though their shots kept rushing
wide of the mark. When Pereiro finally scored for Uruguay in the second half,
the result was all but assured, and though they continued to attack, the fact
that the home side needed another three goals to claim top spot was too great a
task. Colombia
will now fly to Santiago to play in the first Americas Nations League semi
final.
Argentina
had high hopes of defeating Jamaica and giving their nation every chance of
topping the group. With the likes of Messi in the side, it seemed even more
likely, especially when he scored in the 9th minute. However, Jamaica had an
answer for both Argentinian goals, and in the dying minutes, Argentina could
not find a path to goal. The game petered out to a draw, Argentina’s fourth in
a row, and giving Jamaica a slight hope of winning overall. Their attention
turned to the other match between Bolivia and Ecuador. Before the break,
Ecuador already had two goals, placing them in prime position to win the group.
Even though Bolivia edged one back, a third goal by Jhegson Méndez put the
result beyond doubt, and into a semi final against Brazil. Bolivia, meanwhile,
must fight it out against the North American sides in League B, something that
will be trickier than facing nations on one’s own continent.
With
Serbia on top, the final game came down to Finland gaining three points away
against Belarus. Instead, it was Belarus who finally captured their first
points for the tournament, with a solitary goal from Player of the Match and midfielder
Maevski being the difference. Serbia now rise to League A, whereas Belarus seek
redemption against other League C nations in the second installment.
Hungary
and Belgium fought a tight match to remain in League B. The Belgians needed to
win by two goals to overtake Hungary, and they started with a bang: a solid
goal from Dries Mertens. Belgium looked set to score again, only for the
Hungarians to wrestle back. Their attacks down the right flank culminated in a
cross close to goal, and defender Alderweireld accidentally slipped in an own
goal. From there, the Hungarian courage expanded, and were up a goal in the 44th
minute, thanks to Németh. The score remained the same for the rest of the match
as Belgium saw the task of scoring three more grew rapidly out of their reach,
whilst Hungary kept peppering their attacking 18-yard box. The 2-1 result now
sends Belgium to League C, which is a surprise for many, and Hungary will remain
in League B for another two years. Match
Day 5 continued for other nations.
In
the tightest European Nations League group, Georgia played host to Macedonia.
It seemed for much of the game that yellow cards would outnumber any goals,
until finally substitute Kharabadze broke the deadlock in the 82nd minute from
long range, granting Georgia the full three points. Macedonia will need to
reassess their attacking style to have any chance of gaining something out of
this campaign. The 2018 World Cup side could very well drop to League D if
Malta can pull off a win in their final match. However, Malta lost their first
game for the tournament and by a great margin, as Player of the Match Steven
Davis and Niall McGinn, where McGinn was involved in three of Northern
Ireland’s four goals. Malta was never in the game, and will have to beat Georgia
at home and hope Macedonia lose or draw in Skopje in Match Day 6. The North
Irish side has the best opportunity to rise to League B, thanks to the
four-goal win. It will come down to how well Macedonia and Georgia can play to
give themselves any chance of advancing up the leagues.
Slovakia
kept up their winning ways as they, with the help of a Rusnák hat trick, trounced
Romania 6-3. The Slovakians went up by three goals inside the first eight
minutes, and from there dominated the match. Romania fought hard for their
three goals, but it was fruitless as the home side had an answer every time. A
tighter match befell Wales and Ukraine. The Welsh scored first through Daniel
James, and from there the score remained. Both teams had chances for another,
but Wales ended up winners and are within striking distance of first place, and
therefore, League B. The Ukraine, meanwhile, will be a part of League D. Slovakia
are in the box seat to win the group, especially since their last game is at
home to the Ukraine. A draw will almost guarantee that position; a win
definitely will. Romania must hope the Ukraine win, whilst winning themselves
and overcoming an eight-goal deficit in goal difference. For Wales to win, they
can hold out hope if Slovakia draw. To overcome them, they must score six more
than their opposition to have any chance of topping the group.
2018
World Cup side the Faroe Islands are now going to drop to League D after a poor
performance against Scotland at home. The Scots scored twice in the first half
and had the momentum to gain more, before Klamint Olsen headed one goal back.
The Faroe Islanders, however, could not find another to at least salvage a
point. What worked in Scotland’s favour even further was Bosnia and Croatia
playing out a scoreless draw, despite the many Bosnian attempts on goal.
Between Duljević’s six shots, of which three needed saves from Kalinić, the
Croatian keeper made six saves in total. Matching the goalkeeper was Lovren’s
defence: four interceptions and two crucial blocks, as well as six clearances. Scotland
now host Bosnia in their final match, whilst Croatia must travel to the Faroe
Islands. Should Scotland and the Faroe Islands win, Scotland will progress to
League B. If Croatia manages only a draw, Scotland must win by seven goals.
Bosnia must win to have a chance of advancing.
Drawing will not be enough thanks to a lesser goal difference against
Croatia, unless the Faroe Islanders can win by three goals. Croatia, however,
will do everything they can to win. A draw will throw up complexities, as
mentioned before, and a loss will open the door for Scotland or Bosnia to take
the helm.
In
the one match this week in Group C2, Israel came from a goal behind to win over
Norway, also bypassing them into first place in the group. Both Norway and
Israel finish their campaign with a home match. If Israel defeats Lithuania, it
will be all over for Norway, regardless of their result. However, if Israel
draw, and Norway win, then Norway will be promoted to League B. Lithuania can
progress if they defeat Israel by two away, and hope Kazakhstan can pull off a
win or draw away to Norway. Whichever way the ball drops, it will certainly be
a cracker of a final Match Day.
Guinea-Bissau
managed a solid victory, their first, over Sao Tome and Principe, thanks to
goals from Player of the Match Pele and a penalty conversion from Piqueti. Lesotho,
meanwhile, defeated Somalia away by a solitary goal from substitute Potloane.
This earned them top spot with a game left to play. All
sides are in with a chance of progressing to League C. It is interesting that
the bottom two sides have the home ground advantage in Match Day 6. Should they
both win, Sao Tome will advance. Lesotho, if they can draw, will hope Sao Tome
win by less than three goals. Somalia must win and hope Guinea-Bissau at least
draw. Guinea-Bissau, to progress, must win by four goals and hope the other
game is a draw.
Burundi
managed three goals at home to the Seychelles from the likes of Berahino,
Amissi and substitute Mustapha. This allowed a jump above their opponents into
second place, with a slim hope held out for first place after the final Match
Day. Mauritania scored first through Anne against Eritrea, before the home side
levelled after 19 minutes. Both nations had the chance to score the winner, and
it was only when Sarr pocketed a low shot in the 83rd minute that Mauritania
could feel easy about their Nations League prospects. Match
Day 6 will come down to the wire, as all teams bar Mauritania can progress. The
Seychelles and Burundi both have the home advantage, which means the former
must have a better goal difference than the latter by three, should both sides
win. Eritrea will hope to correct this week’s mistake and win away against the
Seychelles. A draw may be enough if Mauritania wins or draws against Burundi.
As for Mauritania, they will be playing to remain off bottom place, as they can
be level on nine points (same as Eritrea), but the Seychelles will jump to ten
points with a win.
© 2019 Steve Clark |
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Added on April 21, 2019 Last Updated on April 21, 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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