Global Futbol Matches: October 15th to 21stA Chapter by Steve ClarkThe following articles provide a summary of matches and tournaments after the 2018 Global Futbol World Cup.October 15th to 21st
In
the Women’s Nations Cup Qualifiers, Poland’s Kamczyk scored a hat trick in a
Player of the Match performance to help her side breeze past Kosovo. Italy
looked set to ease beyond Hungary in Budapest, but the home side caught the
Italians asleep after halftime and scored twice to take all three points. Portugal,
despite having 63% possession against Albania, needed a 75th minute
winner from midfielder Laura Luis. Of note were Albania’s defenders, who
managed to block three shots in a row when Portugal attacked relentlessly. Similarly,
Montenegro’s defenders kept out a barrage of Austrian attacks, conceding four
corners in quick succession, but were unable to stop a second goal coming from
substitute defender Naschenweng. Slovakia stunned England after a defensive
error from the visiting Brits started the ball rolling towards four goals for
the Slovakians by the 55th minute. Ireland moved into second place
in Group F behind Slovakia with a 1-0 away victory over Malta. Southwards
in Africa, Ghana and Senegal traded goals as the score ended 2-2, putting
Senegal in the box seat for top place. Ethiopia looks set to upset this as,
with the help of a second-half hat trick from Zerega, they piled on six goals
past a poor-performing Tanzanian side. Nigeria and Mali drew away to Madagascar
and Namibia respectively. Meanwhile, South Africa coasted past Botswana, while
Lesotho holds top spot in Group B, thanks to substitute Akhente creating their
third win, this time at home to Algeria. Another substitute, Sanaa, helped
Morocco salvage a draw at home in injury time to Zambia, while left back
substitute Paíto streaked forward into an attacking position and managed to
steal a win for Mozambique over Uganda. Congo held on for a victory over Côte
d’Ivoire, while Malawi managed a 2-1 win against Kenya, starting with a
glorious Kamwendo free kick that came off the post. In
South America, Argentina looked set to score plenty of goals past Peru, but the
Peruvians held their own and left Buenos Aires with a respectable 2-nil loss. On
the other hand, Uruguay could have had four goals over Colombia, but it was the
woodwork that kept two second-half shots at bay. In the end, 2-nil was also the
result. An attacking game saw last-gasp defence the order of the first half,
until Chile broke the deadlock right before half time. However, three goals in
seven minutes meant Ecuador came away comfortable victors. On
Sunday, Sweden returned to their winning ways with a 7-nil trouncing of
Bulgaria. The USA also started their campaign with a 7-nil win over St Kitts
and Nevis, though multiple injuries in their team hampered further goals being
scored. A hat trick from Hinds and double from Francois helped Trinidad and
Tobago over the Dominican Republic. Similarly, Cuba scored five against
Curacao, and Jamaica came from behind to defeat Costa Rica. Norway scored twice
early, but Azerbaijan managed to keep them goalless for 70 minutes. Estonia
scored twice as well over the Czech Republic. Canada, in much the same manner,
scored once in the latter stages of each half to breeze past Guyana, though
unconvincingly. At times, Mexico looked unimpressive as well, though they
managed a 3-nil victory over Bermuda. In
the Invitational Cup, North Korea easily defeated the Czech Republic with a 3-1
win. In Spain, Rodrigo scored a double by the half-hour mark. At this point,
Spain took their foot off the pedal and coasted to a 3-nil win, thanks to
another Rodrigo goal in the second half. Wanyama’s inclusion into Kenya’s side
ensured dominance in the midfield and attacking from this area. However, an 84th
minute goal from Heechan Hwang meant South Korea was able to steal an away
point. Belgium looked set to annihilate Togo after a 6th minute goal
from Lukaku, but Togo scrambled in defence to thwart multiple chances by Lukaku
and Hazard. Ten minutes later they equalised through Adebayor. It took two
second-half goals by substitutes Chadli and Batshuayi to ensure Belgian
victory. Poland and the Netherlands traded blows into the back of the net
during the first half, before a tighter second half needed a breakthrough with
an injury-time header from Glik ensuring a Polish lead. A last gasp Dutch shot
unfortunately hit the crossbar, and the Polish side celebrated a solid win and
top spot in their group. New
Zealand returned to the Invitational Cup after the double-bye with intent,
however, it was two goals at the end of each half that helped Russia stay in
contention for progressing to the Quarter Finals. Macedonia showed why they
succeeded at Russia earlier in the year as they flew with an attacking side to
Ghana. This paid off, as Macedonia clued an early goal before Ghana scored
twice just after halftime. Macedonia then drew level via Pandev. The Ghanaian
coach responded with three substitutions, and placed goalscorer Partey out as
right midfield, with Agyemang-Badu in central midfield. The latter soon had a
goal, and the crowd sensed a win. However, the football gods had other ideas as
defender Opare gave away a penalty whilst tackling Bardhi right at the death,
and Pandev made sure Macedonia came away with a draw. Switzerland took the early
lead against Italy through Shaqiri and maintained it with two penalties, before
a consolation goal for the Italians from substitute Criscito. France could not
get enough shots on target to affect the scoreboard against Egypt. Costa Rica
needed a substitute Leal chip over the keeper to ensure a home victory over
Chile.
Invitational Cup Tables
Top Two Qualify for Quarter Final Stage
© 2018 Steve Clark |
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Added on November 4, 2018 Last Updated on November 4, 2018 AuthorSteve ClarkAdelaide, South Australia, AustraliaAboutA free spirited educator who dabbles in the art of writing novels and articles. more..Writing
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