Today ended a full day of World Cup qualifiers across the globe. Nearly all the big teams were in action: Italy, Germany, Spain, France, England, and Portugal headlined the European qualifiers. Argentina, Uruguay, and Colombia were the South American giants trying to earn qualification as Brazil has already qualified.
Italy vs Malta
Italy’s starting line up was made up of entirely Milan and Juventus players. Buffon, Marchisio, Pirlo, Bonucci, Barzagli, and Giaccherini represented Juventus, while Montolivo, Abate, De Sciglio, El Shaarawy, and Balotelli represented Milan. Malta are known as a “Minnow” nation. They have such a small talent pool to choose from and many of their players are amateurs. Italy got on the board by way of Mario Balotelli’s penalty kick in the 8th minute. Just before halftime, Bonnuci sent a long ball down the left wing which was tracked down by Mattia De Scilgio and he laid it off to Balotelli who netted his second goal of the day. Italy were rather sloppy today but scored the goals they needed. Final score 2-0 Italy.
Germany vs Kazakstan
Germany are currently ranked number two in the World rankings behind Spain. These two teams met a few years back in qualifying for Euro 2012. It was a rout as the Germans demolished the Kazakstans 8-0. This one could have been just as ugly had Germany decided to play in the second half. A fantastic first half performance by the Borussia Dortmund duo of Mario Gotze and Marco Reus. Had it not been for Manuel Neuer’s misplay, this one would’ve ended in a shut out. Final score 4-1 Germany.
England vs Montenegro
Juventus forward and Montenegrin international Mirko Vucinic was criticizing the English defense quite a bit before today’s game. He went on to say that they were weak and he knew how to break them down. Montenegro are currently in first place in their group and England are in second. This was a huge game for England and it would be one of their toughest because they were playing the game in Montenegro and their fans have been known to cause riots. While there were no riots in this one it was a fantastic game. Had English manager Roy Hodgson made smarter substitutions England could’ve won this game. Wayne Rooney was man of the match for England and was the goal scorer. Not only did Vucinic trash talk and not score but Montenegro were lucky to claim a point in this one. Final score 1-1.
Portugal vs Azerbaijan
I have never heard of Azerbaijan so needless to say Portugal were expected to win. Portugal has had a really rough qualifying so far and are lucky to be tied for second place in their group. Portugal has so much amazing talent and is just underperforming. After a disappointing loss to Russia and failing to get a full three points against Israel and Northern Ireland, Portugal cannot afford another mistake. They didn’t make any mistakes today and came away with a 2-0 win.
France vs Spain
This was the marquee matchup of qualifying. Two soccer giants played in front of a packed stadium of 80,000 in Paris for a chance to qualify. Spain dominated possesion as they always do and had 72% of it at the end of the first half. They had a few quality chances but not one standout chance. France on the other hand has high quality chances but failed to capitalize. Franck Ribery and Patrice Evra will have nightmares about the goals they should’ve scored today. Victor Valdes robbed Evra and Ribery really needed to capitalize. The turning point in this one came when Christophe Jallet misjudged a pass from Xavi to Nacho Monreal. Monreal was given space on the left and made his pass across to Pedro count. French keeper Hugo Lloris made a great save at first but Pedro knocked in the rebound. Ribery nearly tied it minutes later but the shot sailed wide. Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is a superstar in the making but showed his immaturity in this one. He was sent off with around 15 minutes left to play and this meant France had no chance. With this win Spain go atop the group. Final score 1-0 Spain.
South American Qualifying
Argentina leads the South American qualifying standings with 24 points. This is one of the most dangerous attacking fronts in the world. Leo Messi, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Rodrigo Palacio, Sergio Aguero, and Carlos Tevez just to name a few. They have scored 24 goals in qualifying and have conceded only 8. This team can score at will.
Ecuador and Colombia are second and third receptively. It would be a major disappointment if Colombia didn’t qualify, but with 19 points they have almost guaranteed their spot.
Uruguay are in serious jeopardy of missing out on the World Cup and that would be one major disappointment, especially after their 4th place finish in South Africa in 2010. They are currently in 4th place in qualifying and are in the last automatic qualification spot. Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlan, and Gaston Ramirez are leaders on this team and they need to step up. They, just like Portugal, cannot afford another mistake.
North American Qualifying
As I write this, the United States is taking on Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The US has won only one game against Mexico at the Azteca. This is not a must win for the US, but if the United States can get a victory this will be a huge confidence boost and will give them momentum for the rest of qualifying.
The next round of qualifying is in June and it will become more clear which teams will be in Brazil in 2014 and which teams will not.
Forza Azzurri and Forza Milan!!
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