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..::Football IV::..
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Germany 5 Azerbaijan 1: Low's side end World Cup qualifying campaign in style
Germany wrapped up their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 100 per cent record as they swept aside Azerbaijan 5-1 in Kaiserslautern.Joachim Low's side has been in imperious form in Group C, scoring 43 goals and conceding just four.
Leon Goretzka opened the scoring early on with an impudent backheel before Azerbaijan scored an unlikely equaliser through Ramil Seydaev to go into the break level.
Die Mannschaft turned on the style in the second half, though, as goals from Sandro Wagner, Goretzka, Emre Can, and an own goal from Badavi Huseynov ensured they ended their qualifying campaign with a flourish. The only negative for the hosts was the first-half withdrawals of Niklas Sule and Shkodran Mustafi through injury.
Low made seven changes from the side that beat Northern Ireland 3-1 on Thursday, but his new-look team gelled immediately and were ahead inside eight minutes. Joshua Kimmich's deep corner fell at the feet of Goretzka, who - despite having his back to goal - executed an audacious backheel into the top corner of Kamran Aghayev's net.
The visitors responded well to the early setback, though, and should have been level shortly after. Seydaev played in Richard Almedia, but the Qarabag forward took too long on the ball and was muscled out before he could get a shot away.Wagner then somehow contrived not to score just after the half-hour mark.
Thomas Muller's low cross was met by the unmarked Hoffenheim striker six yards out, but his effort was deflected onto the post by Aghayev. The rebound then crashed against the hapless Wagner's knee and screwed agonisingly wide from point-blank range.Wagner's misfortune was Azerbaijan's gain, however, as the visitors pulled level in the 34th minute.
Mustafi pulled up injured going for the ball, allowing Seydaev a free run into the area, where he duly turned substitute Antonio Rudiger before drilling a low shot past Bernd Leno from a tight angle.
Germany looked to bounce back immediately and Wagner was again denied by Aghayev, this time from a powerful header at the back post, while Leroy Sane inexplicably drilled wide from close range on the stroke of half-time.
Germany's fluid attacking play was on show again immediately after the restart as some clever exchanges on the edge of the area played in Julian Brandt. The Bayer Leverkusen winger's initial effort was blocked by Aghayev and his follow-up dribbled just past the upright with the Azerbaijan goalkeeper stranded.
The hosts' bright start to the second period was rewarded nine minutes in as Wagner netted his fifth goal in as many appearances for his country.The 29-year-old met Brandt's deep cross with a thumping header, which crept over the line despite the best efforts of Ruslan Abisov to clear.
Lars Stindl then hit the post with a dipping half-volley before two goals in three minutes killed any faint hopes Azerbaijan might have had of a comeback.First, Rudiger's header from Kimmich's corner was put into his own net by the unfortunate Huseynov and then Goretzka scored his second, turning in Leroy Sane's low cross from close range.
Germany then hit a fifth as Liverpool midfielder Can scored his first international goal with a thumping long-range drive.
There was still time for Azerbaijan's Magomed Mirzabekov to crash a shot against the post in the closing stages, but it was fitting that the final goal of the game was Can's memorable strike.
Germany wrapped up their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 100 per cent record as they swept aside Azerbaijan 5-1 in Kaiserslautern.Joachim Low's side has been in imperious form in Group C, scoring 43 goals and conceding just four.
Leon Goretzka opened the scoring early on with an impudent backheel before Azerbaijan scored an unlikely equaliser through Ramil Seydaev to go into the break level.
Die Mannschaft turned on the style in the second half, though, as goals from Sandro Wagner, Goretzka, Emre Can, and an own goal from Badavi Huseynov ensured they ended their qualifying campaign with a flourish. The only negative for the hosts was the first-half withdrawals of Niklas Sule and Shkodran Mustafi through injury.
Low made seven changes from the side that beat Northern Ireland 3-1 on Thursday, but his new-look team gelled immediately and were ahead inside eight minutes. Joshua Kimmich's deep corner fell at the feet of Goretzka, who - despite having his back to goal - executed an audacious backheel into the top corner of Kamran Aghayev's net.
The visitors responded well to the early setback, though, and should have been level shortly after. Seydaev played in Richard Almedia, but the Qarabag forward took too long on the ball and was muscled out before he could get a shot away.Wagner then somehow contrived not to score just after the half-hour mark.
Thomas Muller's low cross was met by the unmarked Hoffenheim striker six yards out, but his effort was deflected onto the post by Aghayev. The rebound then crashed against the hapless Wagner's knee and screwed agonisingly wide from point-blank range.Wagner's misfortune was Azerbaijan's gain, however, as the visitors pulled level in the 34th minute.
Mustafi pulled up injured going for the ball, allowing Seydaev a free run into the area, where he duly turned substitute Antonio Rudiger before drilling a low shot past Bernd Leno from a tight angle.
Germany looked to bounce back immediately and Wagner was again denied by Aghayev, this time from a powerful header at the back post, while Leroy Sane inexplicably drilled wide from close range on the stroke of half-time.
Germany's fluid attacking play was on show again immediately after the restart as some clever exchanges on the edge of the area played in Julian Brandt. The Bayer Leverkusen winger's initial effort was blocked by Aghayev and his follow-up dribbled just past the upright with the Azerbaijan goalkeeper stranded.
The hosts' bright start to the second period was rewarded nine minutes in as Wagner netted his fifth goal in as many appearances for his country.The 29-year-old met Brandt's deep cross with a thumping header, which crept over the line despite the best efforts of Ruslan Abisov to clear.
Lars Stindl then hit the post with a dipping half-volley before two goals in three minutes killed any faint hopes Azerbaijan might have had of a comeback.First, Rudiger's header from Kimmich's corner was put into his own net by the unfortunate Huseynov and then Goretzka scored his second, turning in Leroy Sane's low cross from close range.
Germany then hit a fifth as Liverpool midfielder Can scored his first international goal with a thumping long-range drive.
There was still time for Azerbaijan's Magomed Mirzabekov to crash a shot against the post in the closing stages, but it was fitting that the final goal of the game was Can's memorable strike.
Lithuania 0 England 1: Kane penalty enough as Three Lions finish campaign unbeaten
Harry Kane continued his stunning goalscoring form as England beat Lithuania 1-0 in Vilnius on Sunday to ensure the Three Lions finished their successful World Cup qualification campaign unbeaten.Harry Winks and Harry Maguire both impressed on their debuts, but it was Kane who made the difference with a first-half penalty as England claimed the three points, three days after securing their passage to Russia with victory over Slovenia.
It took England a while to get going and they barely deserved the lead when Kane opened the scoring with his 15th goal in 10 games for club and country just before the half-hour mark after Dele Alli won the visitors a penalty.
The goal began a period of England control which extended into the second half, but they were almost pegged back soon after the break when Jack Butland had to be at his best to prevent Michael Keane from putting through his own net.
England's intensity seemed to drop after the hour, with goal-scoring chances infrequent at both ends of the pitch.And, with neither side having anything but pride to play for, the match petered out towards the end, with England doing just about enough to secure a rather tepid win.
England were able to enjoy the luxury of knowing that their participation in Russia next year would not be affected by proceedings in Vilnius, but the certainty that provided did not result in them playing with extra freedom during the early exchanges.The first chance of the match fell to Lithuania, as Darvydas Sernas sent a first-time flick just wide of the left-hand post 11 minutes in.
England had to wait another 14 minutes for their first opportunity and it fell to the wrong man, as Keane hit a half-volley wide from 16 yards.The breakthrough arrived soon after, however, as Kane slammed a penalty in off the left-hand post after Alli was brought down by Linas Klimavicius.
England began to click after the goal and Marcus Rashford almost added another six minutes before the break, taking on the left-back before cutting in and seeing a left-footed effort palmed away by Ernestas Setkus. The away side remained the dominant force after the break, but they were almost caught out in the 55th minute, Butland coming to the rescue with a fine save to prevent Keane turning in Fedor Cernych's cross.
Lithuania crafted another chance just after the hour mark – Sernas blasting over from 20 yards after a lovely flowing move on the right flank.A rare second-half opportunity presented itself to England 22 minutes from the end, but Setkus did well to push Aaron Cresswell's header away from the top corner.
Lithuania substitute Deivydas Matulevicius probably should have rescued a point late on when he latched on to a clever ball in behind the England defence, but Butland was equal to his effort as Southgate's men held on to claim victory.
Harry Kane continued his stunning goalscoring form as England beat Lithuania 1-0 in Vilnius on Sunday to ensure the Three Lions finished their successful World Cup qualification campaign unbeaten.Harry Winks and Harry Maguire both impressed on their debuts, but it was Kane who made the difference with a first-half penalty as England claimed the three points, three days after securing their passage to Russia with victory over Slovenia.
It took England a while to get going and they barely deserved the lead when Kane opened the scoring with his 15th goal in 10 games for club and country just before the half-hour mark after Dele Alli won the visitors a penalty.
The goal began a period of England control which extended into the second half, but they were almost pegged back soon after the break when Jack Butland had to be at his best to prevent Michael Keane from putting through his own net.
England's intensity seemed to drop after the hour, with goal-scoring chances infrequent at both ends of the pitch.And, with neither side having anything but pride to play for, the match petered out towards the end, with England doing just about enough to secure a rather tepid win.
England were able to enjoy the luxury of knowing that their participation in Russia next year would not be affected by proceedings in Vilnius, but the certainty that provided did not result in them playing with extra freedom during the early exchanges.The first chance of the match fell to Lithuania, as Darvydas Sernas sent a first-time flick just wide of the left-hand post 11 minutes in.
England had to wait another 14 minutes for their first opportunity and it fell to the wrong man, as Keane hit a half-volley wide from 16 yards.The breakthrough arrived soon after, however, as Kane slammed a penalty in off the left-hand post after Alli was brought down by Linas Klimavicius.
England began to click after the goal and Marcus Rashford almost added another six minutes before the break, taking on the left-back before cutting in and seeing a left-footed effort palmed away by Ernestas Setkus. The away side remained the dominant force after the break, but they were almost caught out in the 55th minute, Butland coming to the rescue with a fine save to prevent Keane turning in Fedor Cernych's cross.
Lithuania crafted another chance just after the hour mark – Sernas blasting over from 20 yards after a lovely flowing move on the right flank.A rare second-half opportunity presented itself to England 22 minutes from the end, but Setkus did well to push Aaron Cresswell's header away from the top corner.
Lithuania substitute Deivydas Matulevicius probably should have rescued a point late on when he latched on to a clever ball in behind the England defence, but Butland was equal to his effort as Southgate's men held on to claim victory.
Uruguay boss Tabarez backs Suarez to rediscover best form & dismisses knee injury concerns
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has played down reports Luis Suarez requires knee surgery, backing his forward to return to form against Bolivia.
The Barcelona forward has scored just two goals in eight games for his club this season, while he has netted three times in 12 World Cup qualifiers.
Reports had suggested Suarez needed surgery on a problematic knee problem but Tabarez says the 30-year-old is ready to go."If it [the injury] was big enough as to be making sacrifices, they would have put him through surgery already," he told a news conference on Sunday.
"He's in a period where he made an amazing recovery but beyond that he didn't play."And a player who comes here to face Argentina [in late August] and hasn't played in three or four weeks, he has to make a sacrifice to make up for that lack of physical preparation.
"From that point of view, Luis already passed a lot of tests and that's why we never discard him. He's the first one not giving up on himself, he's stubborn in a very positive way."
Uruguay are second in CONMEBOL qualifying ahead of hosting Bolivia on the final matchday on Tuesday.Suarez last scored for the national team in October last year but Tabarez, whose team are assured of at least a play-off spot, backed the forward.We keep sticking with him because he's a player who can disappear from time to time," he added. "How many times during the last qualifiers did we think about taking him out and then suddenly he improved and scored goals.
"He's a player not to be categorised by form. He has an ability that amazes us when he plays. So he's fit to play and the rest we can reduce to a bad spell."Football players have these spells, football teams have these spells and luckily, they always end."
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has played down reports Luis Suarez requires knee surgery, backing his forward to return to form against Bolivia.
The Barcelona forward has scored just two goals in eight games for his club this season, while he has netted three times in 12 World Cup qualifiers.
Reports had suggested Suarez needed surgery on a problematic knee problem but Tabarez says the 30-year-old is ready to go."If it [the injury] was big enough as to be making sacrifices, they would have put him through surgery already," he told a news conference on Sunday.
"He's in a period where he made an amazing recovery but beyond that he didn't play."And a player who comes here to face Argentina [in late August] and hasn't played in three or four weeks, he has to make a sacrifice to make up for that lack of physical preparation.
"From that point of view, Luis already passed a lot of tests and that's why we never discard him. He's the first one not giving up on himself, he's stubborn in a very positive way."
Uruguay are second in CONMEBOL qualifying ahead of hosting Bolivia on the final matchday on Tuesday.Suarez last scored for the national team in October last year but Tabarez, whose team are assured of at least a play-off spot, backed the forward.We keep sticking with him because he's a player who can disappear from time to time," he added. "How many times during the last qualifiers did we think about taking him out and then suddenly he improved and scored goals.
"He's a player not to be categorised by form. He has an ability that amazes us when he plays. So he's fit to play and the rest we can reduce to a bad spell."Football players have these spells, football teams have these spells and luckily, they always end."
Tabarez: Messi can't do it all for ArgentinaOscar Tabarez does not believe failure to qualify for the World Cup would leave a stain on Lionel Messi's illustrious career as the Uruguay boss insisted the five-time Ballon d'Or winner cannot do it all for Argentina.Messi and Argentina were runners-up at the 2014 World Cup but the South American giants are in real danger of missing out on next year's showpiece tournament in Russia.
A scoreless draw at home to Peru left Argentina sixth in the CONMEBOL standings and adrift of the inter-confederation qualifying position with one qualifier remaining against Ecuador on Tuesday.
Messi hit the post in the stalemate in Buenos Aires last week, while he also created opportunities for team-mates Dario Benedetto, Emiliano Rigoni and Marcus Acuna, and Uruguay head coach Tabarez said the Barcelona star needs support if two-time champions Argentina are to qualify for a 12th successive World Cup.
"I don't see it as a stain and it shouldn't be like that," Tabarez said when asked if missing out on the World Cup would be a stain on Messi's career."There are a lot of great players in football's history that weren't world champions and they're not stained by that, at least for me.
"Besides that, Messi is still playing, you can't tell what will happen."Argentina are having problems to qualify but if they do, they'll be favourites to win the World Cup."He's a huge player but he can't do it all, this is a team sport."
"He plays with praise regarding him being the best, but while taking all the fault when things don't go well, even when he's not responsible," added Tabarez, whose Uruguay are second in the table with 28 points heading into their hosting of Bolivia.
"Football is not easy and not always the best players can handle everything. The statistics are meant to be interpreted but if you take a look at Messi's statistics, during his whole career, they're impressive, you can't believe it.
"And that's enough to enter football's history. But sometimes it is not enough... In that history, it has either to be champion of the World Cup or he's not worthy and I don't agree with that."
'Apart from Rashford, everybody else looks petrified' - England playing with fear, says Wright
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is the only England player who does not look “petrified”, according to Ian Wright.
The Three Lions have wrapped up qualification for the 2018 World Cup, with another unbeaten campaign carrying them to Russia.Gareth Southgate's side have, however, faced criticism for stumbling their way through on the back of uninspiring displays.
Rashford has been a rare bright spark, with Wright of the opinion that the 19-year-old is the only player in the squad not playing under the weight of fear that pressure brings.The ex-England striker told ITV on the problems facing Southgate as England edged their way to a 1-0 victory over Lithuania: "I think he's been quite honest with them.
"I personally feel that what he should be trying to concentrate on now with England now we're there is to pass the ball forward more. Players are playing with fear."We're talking about a kind of generation of players that from academy all the way up to first-team, there's hardly any pressure put on them."The most these guys get pressure is when they play for England.
"When you look at the way we used to qualify out of this group, I can't remember any game where we've played expansive, or not even expansive, just a positive game of football — people getting forward, having shots."Apart from Rashford, everybody else looks petrified."
Southgate fielded a three-man defence against Lithuania, while handing debuts to Harry Maguire and Harry Winks.He will get further opportunities to experiment heading towards next summer's World Cup, with England set to see their credentials given a stern examination in the coming months.
The November international break will see them take in home dates against Germany and Brazil, with two of the favourites for global glory expected to help highlight the true state of Southgate’s side.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is the only England player who does not look “petrified”, according to Ian Wright.
The Three Lions have wrapped up qualification for the 2018 World Cup, with another unbeaten campaign carrying them to Russia.Gareth Southgate's side have, however, faced criticism for stumbling their way through on the back of uninspiring displays.
Rashford has been a rare bright spark, with Wright of the opinion that the 19-year-old is the only player in the squad not playing under the weight of fear that pressure brings.The ex-England striker told ITV on the problems facing Southgate as England edged their way to a 1-0 victory over Lithuania: "I think he's been quite honest with them.
"I personally feel that what he should be trying to concentrate on now with England now we're there is to pass the ball forward more. Players are playing with fear."We're talking about a kind of generation of players that from academy all the way up to first-team, there's hardly any pressure put on them."The most these guys get pressure is when they play for England.
"When you look at the way we used to qualify out of this group, I can't remember any game where we've played expansive, or not even expansive, just a positive game of football — people getting forward, having shots."Apart from Rashford, everybody else looks petrified."
Southgate fielded a three-man defence against Lithuania, while handing debuts to Harry Maguire and Harry Winks.He will get further opportunities to experiment heading towards next summer's World Cup, with England set to see their credentials given a stern examination in the coming months.
The November international break will see them take in home dates against Germany and Brazil, with two of the favourites for global glory expected to help highlight the true state of Southgate’s side.
Mustafi faces long spell on sidelines with hamstring injury
Joachim Low revealed Shkodran Mustafi tore his thigh muscle in Germany's 5-1 World Cup qualifying win over Azerbaijan on Sunday.
The Arsenal defender pulled up clutching his hamstring in the build-up to Azerbaijan's equaliser in the first half and was replaced by Matthias Ginter.
After the match, Low confirmed the 25-year-old had suffered a tear and could be set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines."With Mustafi it seems that it is some muscle tear or some muscle fibre tear," Low said. "In any case it could force him to a longer break."
Niklas Sule was also withdrawn in the first half with an injury, but the game will be remembered for another display of fluent attacking football that wrapped up Germany's World Cup qualifying campaign with a 100 per cent record.
A brace from Leon Goretzka, goals from Sandro Wagner and Emre Can and an own goal from Badavi Huseynov secured all three points and ensured that Germany are the only team in Europe to qualify having won all 10 of their group games.
Low, however, is refusing to get carried away and knows his side will face tougher tests as they bid to win a second consecutive World Cup in Russia next year.
"One makes a mistake if one sets this qualification as a benchmark," he added. "Sure, it was good, it was a clear achievement, but at the World Cup you come up against quite different calibres of sides. "There is still a lot to do. I want to achieve something very great in a few months. It will be hard to become world champions twice."
Joachim Low revealed Shkodran Mustafi tore his thigh muscle in Germany's 5-1 World Cup qualifying win over Azerbaijan on Sunday.
The Arsenal defender pulled up clutching his hamstring in the build-up to Azerbaijan's equaliser in the first half and was replaced by Matthias Ginter.
After the match, Low confirmed the 25-year-old had suffered a tear and could be set for a prolonged spell on the sidelines."With Mustafi it seems that it is some muscle tear or some muscle fibre tear," Low said. "In any case it could force him to a longer break."
Niklas Sule was also withdrawn in the first half with an injury, but the game will be remembered for another display of fluent attacking football that wrapped up Germany's World Cup qualifying campaign with a 100 per cent record.
A brace from Leon Goretzka, goals from Sandro Wagner and Emre Can and an own goal from Badavi Huseynov secured all three points and ensured that Germany are the only team in Europe to qualify having won all 10 of their group games.
Low, however, is refusing to get carried away and knows his side will face tougher tests as they bid to win a second consecutive World Cup in Russia next year.
"One makes a mistake if one sets this qualification as a benchmark," he added. "Sure, it was good, it was a clear achievement, but at the World Cup you come up against quite different calibres of sides. "There is still a lot to do. I want to achieve something very great in a few months. It will be hard to become world champions twice."
Israel 0 Spain 1: Illarramendi brilliance lights up turgid affair
A stunning strike from Asier Illarramendi ensured Spain finished their World Cup qualifying campaign with a flourish as they edged out Israel at the Teddy Stadium in Jerusalem.
Julen Lopetegui's much-changed side were a long way from their fluent best and had to rely on a moment of magnificence from the Real Sociedad midfielder, who thrashed a 25-yard half-volley into the top corner of Ariel Harush's net in the 76th minute.
Pedro had earlier wasted a golden opportunity to break the deadlock at the end of the first half, while Jonathan Viera and Marco Asensio also came close with long-range strikes.
Spain, for whom Sergio Busquets earned his 100th cap, had already secured their place in Russia next year following a 3-0 win over Albania on Friday, and Illarramendi's goal means they finish Group G having won nine of their 10 games.
Despite making 10 changes from the side that cruised past Albania, Spain quickly hit their stride with Asensio's long-range strike forcing Harush into a smart save inside the opening minutes.
Pedro then saw a powerful effort from the edge of the area punched clear by Harush before debutant Viera sent a dipping shot from distance narrowly over the crossbar.
Spain continued to look like the only side capable of making a breakthrough as the half wore on with Aritz Aduriz the next to test Harush with a looping header.
Harush was called into action again soon after as he acrobatically tipped over Sergio Ramos' thumping 30-yard drive.
Bibras Natcho drilled over after a rare attack from the hosts, before Spain squandered the clearest opening of the game just prior to the break. An incisive pass from Viera set Pedro free behind the Israel backline but the Chelsea forward's low shot was too close to Harush, who was able to push away.
Israel started the second period with a vigour that was missing from their first-half display, resulting in Tomer Hemed prodding wide from close range three minutes after the restart.
Aduriz then missed a glorious opportunity to break the deadlock for the visitors as he failed to make contact with a teasing ball across the box with the goal at his mercy.
The lively Viera then tried his luck again from distance, this time whipping an effort narrowly past Harush's left-hand post.
As the game looked to be petering out to a goalless finish, Illarramendi stepped up to deliver a winner of the highest quality. A corner fell to him 25 yards out and the 27-year-old let fly with a swerving half-volley into the top corner for his first international goal.
Albania 0 Italy 1: Candreva just ace for Ventura as Azzurri bounce back
Italy made sure they will be seeded in the draw for the World Cup play-offs with a hard-fought 1-0 win in Albania on Monday.Antonio Candreva converted Leonardo Spinazzola's cross in the 73rd minute to score the only goal of the game and ease some of the pressure on under-fire coach Gian Piero Ventura.
While already certain of finishing second behind Spain in Group G, the four-time world champions looked in serious danger of suffering back-to-back draws following Friday's dismal 1-1 result at home against Macedonia as they struggled to break down their hosts.
However, midfielder Candreva was on hand to smash home the winner and give Italy a morale-boosting triumph before they play in a two-legged play-off in November.
After his 3-4-3 experiment backfired in Turin last time out, Ventura reverted to his preferred 4-2-4 formation on the road.However, the switch to a more familiar shape failed to spark an improved attacking display, despite the visitors controlling possession for long periods.
Their only shot on target in the opening half came about due to an Albanian error, as Frederic Veseli’s air shot gave Ciro Immobile a sight of goal.The striker, who scored his country’s second in a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture back in March, seized on the gift to hammer a left-footed effort that goalkeeper Etrit Berisha blocked at close range.
At the other end, the home side had to settle for long-range shots that, while speculative, did occasionally force Gianluigi Buffon into action.
The veteran goalkeeper fumbled a low drive from Elseid Hysaj but was able to claim the rebound under no pressure, while a dive was required to prevent a skimming attempt from Eros Grezda squeezing in at his right post.
Odise Roshi called Buffon into action in the opening seconds of the second period, with his rising drive punched away in rather unconvincing fashion.Spurred on by the early effort, Albania showed greater attacking intent in the hope of finishing an otherwise disappointing qualifying campaign on a high.
Italy nearly capitalised on the counter as the game became stretched, only for Eder to wastefully blaze over when he had two well-placed team-mates in support.
Grezda was denied by Buffon again just after the hour mark before Candreva slotted home the decisive goal, controlling Spinazzola's left-wing delivery at the back post before lashing the ball high into the Albanian net.
Immobile spurned a late chance when in the clear to double Italy's lead, but one goal proved enough to deny Albania coach Christian Panucci a positive result against the country he represented 57 times during his playing career. For counterpart Ventura, the victory provides some welcome relief after a difficult few days.
Italy made sure they will be seeded in the draw for the World Cup play-offs with a hard-fought 1-0 win in Albania on Monday.Antonio Candreva converted Leonardo Spinazzola's cross in the 73rd minute to score the only goal of the game and ease some of the pressure on under-fire coach Gian Piero Ventura.
While already certain of finishing second behind Spain in Group G, the four-time world champions looked in serious danger of suffering back-to-back draws following Friday's dismal 1-1 result at home against Macedonia as they struggled to break down their hosts.
However, midfielder Candreva was on hand to smash home the winner and give Italy a morale-boosting triumph before they play in a two-legged play-off in November.
After his 3-4-3 experiment backfired in Turin last time out, Ventura reverted to his preferred 4-2-4 formation on the road.However, the switch to a more familiar shape failed to spark an improved attacking display, despite the visitors controlling possession for long periods.
Their only shot on target in the opening half came about due to an Albanian error, as Frederic Veseli’s air shot gave Ciro Immobile a sight of goal.The striker, who scored his country’s second in a 2-0 win in the reverse fixture back in March, seized on the gift to hammer a left-footed effort that goalkeeper Etrit Berisha blocked at close range.
At the other end, the home side had to settle for long-range shots that, while speculative, did occasionally force Gianluigi Buffon into action.
The veteran goalkeeper fumbled a low drive from Elseid Hysaj but was able to claim the rebound under no pressure, while a dive was required to prevent a skimming attempt from Eros Grezda squeezing in at his right post.
Odise Roshi called Buffon into action in the opening seconds of the second period, with his rising drive punched away in rather unconvincing fashion.Spurred on by the early effort, Albania showed greater attacking intent in the hope of finishing an otherwise disappointing qualifying campaign on a high.
Italy nearly capitalised on the counter as the game became stretched, only for Eder to wastefully blaze over when he had two well-placed team-mates in support.
Grezda was denied by Buffon again just after the hour mark before Candreva slotted home the decisive goal, controlling Spinazzola's left-wing delivery at the back post before lashing the ball high into the Albanian net.
Immobile spurned a late chance when in the clear to double Italy's lead, but one goal proved enough to deny Albania coach Christian Panucci a positive result against the country he represented 57 times during his playing career. For counterpart Ventura, the victory provides some welcome relief after a difficult few days.
Wales 0 Republic of Ireland 1: McClean breaks Welsh hearts
James McClean was the hero as the Republic of Ireland secured a tense 1-0 victory over Wales in a shoot-out for a World Cup play-off spot at the Cardiff City Stadium.Wales dominated possession but, in the absence of injured star forward Gareth Bale, lacked conviction in the final third and saw their 10-match unbeaten run in competitive home fixtures brought to an end by McClean.
Although top spot in Group in D was not out of reach for either side before kick-off, Serbia's 1-0 victory over Georgia gained them automatic qualification to Russia 2018 and forced Martin O'Neill's side into the play-offs.Chris Coleman's men appeared to be in control from kick-off but struggled for creativity after a blow to the head resulted in Joe Allen being substituted before half-time.
It was a lapse in concentration that ultimately cost Wales. Wayne Hennessey rolled the ball out to Ashley Williams and the industrious Jeff Hendrick stole possession to set up McClean to lash home a winner for the third time in the campaign.
After a sensational run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, elimination will come as a bitter blow for Wales, whose wait to reach a World Cup finals for the first time since 1958 continues.The hosts looked to pile on early pressure and Hal Robson-Kanu – replacing Sam Vokes in Coleman's only change from the 1-0 victory over Georgia – headed a delivery from Joe Ledley narrowly off target from the near post in the third minute.
Wales controlled the ball and Ireland only got a chance to get the ball forward when Allen was booked for a swipe at Meyler's legs. Robbie Brady's free-kick was kept alive by McClean, whose dangerous low cross from the left was turned behind by Ashley Williams.
Hendrick was unable to add a finishing touch following a scramble in the Wales box, while Tom Lawrence's attempt to repeat his goalscoring heroics in Tbilisi saw his effort deflected into the arms of Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph.
Allen was replaced by Jonny Williams in the 37th minute after taking a blow to the head from Meyler as he leapt to challenge for a high ball and Wales struggled to create anything further before the break, Ireland looking comfortable as they sat back.The hosts again came out positively and eight minutes after the restart Robson-Kanu saw a powerful header from Jonny Williams' right-wing cross brilliantly palmed over by Randolph.
Ireland punished Wales' shortcomings in the final third when Hennessey's distribution put Ashley Williams under pressure and he was dispossessed by Hendrick. He raced away from the Everton defender and pulled a quality cross back to McClean, who rifled an unerring finish into the bottom-right corner.
Coleman introduced Ben Woodburn – who netted the winner on debut against Austria – and Vokes in an attempt to galvanise his side and they nearly combined for an equaliser with nine minutes remaining, but the Burnley striker was unable to connect with a sweet inswinging cross from his fellow substitute.
O'Neill's men remained resolute and showed the same defensive solidity they did before the break to see out a famous victory and break Welsh hearts, but their own journey is not over yet and they will be without captain Meyler for the first leg of the play-offs after his stoppage-time booking.
James McClean was the hero as the Republic of Ireland secured a tense 1-0 victory over Wales in a shoot-out for a World Cup play-off spot at the Cardiff City Stadium.Wales dominated possession but, in the absence of injured star forward Gareth Bale, lacked conviction in the final third and saw their 10-match unbeaten run in competitive home fixtures brought to an end by McClean.
Although top spot in Group in D was not out of reach for either side before kick-off, Serbia's 1-0 victory over Georgia gained them automatic qualification to Russia 2018 and forced Martin O'Neill's side into the play-offs.Chris Coleman's men appeared to be in control from kick-off but struggled for creativity after a blow to the head resulted in Joe Allen being substituted before half-time.
It was a lapse in concentration that ultimately cost Wales. Wayne Hennessey rolled the ball out to Ashley Williams and the industrious Jeff Hendrick stole possession to set up McClean to lash home a winner for the third time in the campaign.
After a sensational run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, elimination will come as a bitter blow for Wales, whose wait to reach a World Cup finals for the first time since 1958 continues.The hosts looked to pile on early pressure and Hal Robson-Kanu – replacing Sam Vokes in Coleman's only change from the 1-0 victory over Georgia – headed a delivery from Joe Ledley narrowly off target from the near post in the third minute.
Wales controlled the ball and Ireland only got a chance to get the ball forward when Allen was booked for a swipe at Meyler's legs. Robbie Brady's free-kick was kept alive by McClean, whose dangerous low cross from the left was turned behind by Ashley Williams.
Hendrick was unable to add a finishing touch following a scramble in the Wales box, while Tom Lawrence's attempt to repeat his goalscoring heroics in Tbilisi saw his effort deflected into the arms of Ireland goalkeeper Darren Randolph.
Allen was replaced by Jonny Williams in the 37th minute after taking a blow to the head from Meyler as he leapt to challenge for a high ball and Wales struggled to create anything further before the break, Ireland looking comfortable as they sat back.The hosts again came out positively and eight minutes after the restart Robson-Kanu saw a powerful header from Jonny Williams' right-wing cross brilliantly palmed over by Randolph.
Ireland punished Wales' shortcomings in the final third when Hennessey's distribution put Ashley Williams under pressure and he was dispossessed by Hendrick. He raced away from the Everton defender and pulled a quality cross back to McClean, who rifled an unerring finish into the bottom-right corner.
Coleman introduced Ben Woodburn – who netted the winner on debut against Austria – and Vokes in an attempt to galvanise his side and they nearly combined for an equaliser with nine minutes remaining, but the Burnley striker was unable to connect with a sweet inswinging cross from his fellow substitute.
O'Neill's men remained resolute and showed the same defensive solidity they did before the break to see out a famous victory and break Welsh hearts, but their own journey is not over yet and they will be without captain Meyler for the first leg of the play-offs after his stoppage-time booking.
Iceland become smallest nation to qualify for World Cup
Iceland have secured a spot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, becoming the smallest nation by population to ever qualify for the showpiece event.Gylfi Sigurdsson and Johann Berg Gudmundsson scored as Iceland earned a 2-0 victory against Kosovo on Monday, giving the team a record of seven wins, one draw and two defeats — two points clear of Croatia for the top spot in Group I of UEFA World Cup qualifying.
With some 335,000 residents, Iceland easily bested Trinidad & Tobago's population of 1.3 million in 2006 to become the smallest nation to secure passage to the World Cup finals.
Northern Ireland, who last qualified in 1982 with a population of 1.5m, Slovenia (2002, just under 2m) and Kuwait (1982, 2m) complete the top five.
Incredibly, the island nation has just 20,000 registered footballers, male and female, making the nation one of the smallest playing pools on the planet.
But Iceland also boasts a UEFA-qualified coach per 500 inabitants, compared to one per 10,000 in England, and the country has gained acclaim for the standard of its coaching and youth development in recent years.And after years of mediocre performances in qualifying competition, that investment is beginning to pay off at the senior level.
The World Cup appearance comes after Iceland marked their first trip to the European Championship in 2016, earning a famous 2-1 win over England en route to a quarter-final run.
Iceland also came close to earning qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, finishing second in their group to Switzerland before falling 2-0 on aggregate to Croatia in a play-off.But after 12 failed qualifying campaigns 13 has proven the lucky number for the nation, who continue to show population size does not matter when it comes to excelling at international level.
Iceland have secured a spot at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, becoming the smallest nation by population to ever qualify for the showpiece event.Gylfi Sigurdsson and Johann Berg Gudmundsson scored as Iceland earned a 2-0 victory against Kosovo on Monday, giving the team a record of seven wins, one draw and two defeats — two points clear of Croatia for the top spot in Group I of UEFA World Cup qualifying.
With some 335,000 residents, Iceland easily bested Trinidad & Tobago's population of 1.3 million in 2006 to become the smallest nation to secure passage to the World Cup finals.
Northern Ireland, who last qualified in 1982 with a population of 1.5m, Slovenia (2002, just under 2m) and Kuwait (1982, 2m) complete the top five.
Incredibly, the island nation has just 20,000 registered footballers, male and female, making the nation one of the smallest playing pools on the planet.
But Iceland also boasts a UEFA-qualified coach per 500 inabitants, compared to one per 10,000 in England, and the country has gained acclaim for the standard of its coaching and youth development in recent years.And after years of mediocre performances in qualifying competition, that investment is beginning to pay off at the senior level.
The World Cup appearance comes after Iceland marked their first trip to the European Championship in 2016, earning a famous 2-1 win over England en route to a quarter-final run.
Iceland also came close to earning qualification for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, finishing second in their group to Switzerland before falling 2-0 on aggregate to Croatia in a play-off.But after 12 failed qualifying campaigns 13 has proven the lucky number for the nation, who continue to show population size does not matter when it comes to excelling at international level.
Honduras 3 Mexico 2: Quioto sends hosts into World Cup play-off
Honduras will face Australia in a play-off to reach the 2018 World Cup after a stunning 3-2 win over Mexico in qualifying on Tuesday.
A 60th-minute goal from Romell Quioto proved to be the match-winner for Jorge Luis Pinto's men at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula.Despite a decent first half, Honduras found themselves behind after goals from Oribe Peralta and Carlos Vela.
But an unfortunate Guillermo Ochoa own goal and Quioto strike in the second half completed a stunning comeback, sending Honduras into a play-off against Australia.Juan Carlos Osorio made nine changes to the Mexico starting XI that rallied past Trinidad and Tobago, with only Miguel Layun and Hector Herrera keeping their spots.
Coming off a 1-1 draw in Costa Rica, Honduras made three changes – Ever Alvarado, Henry Figueroa and Jorge Claros replacing Emilio Izaguirre, Johnny Palacios and Bryan Acosta.
Honduras enjoyed the far better of the opening exchanges, with Mexico goalkeeper Ochoa forced into two good saves.However, some sloppy defending allowed Mexico to take the lead in the 17th minute.
Raul Jimenez's cross from the right found Peralta, who had time to take a touch and fire past Donis Escober at the back post.Honduras levelled in the 34th minute through Alberth Elis, who headed in an Alexander Lopez set-piece.
Jimenez was denied by a goal-line clearance moments later for Mexico, but they retook the lead before the break.A clipped pass from Herrera over the top released Vela, who finished well past Escober.
But, remarkably, the hosts struck twice early in the second half.The equaliser was fortunate for Honduras as a close-range strike cannoned off the crossbar before hitting Ochoa in the back and going in.The home fans were sent into raptures on the hour-mark thanks to Quioto.
Quioto angled his run in behind to perfection to receive a Claros pass before twisting and shooting into the bottom corner from just inside the area.Honduras were put under some pressure in the final half-hour, but held on to book a spot in the play-off.
Honduras will face Australia in a play-off to reach the 2018 World Cup after a stunning 3-2 win over Mexico in qualifying on Tuesday.
A 60th-minute goal from Romell Quioto proved to be the match-winner for Jorge Luis Pinto's men at the Estadio Olimpico Metropolitano in San Pedro Sula.Despite a decent first half, Honduras found themselves behind after goals from Oribe Peralta and Carlos Vela.
But an unfortunate Guillermo Ochoa own goal and Quioto strike in the second half completed a stunning comeback, sending Honduras into a play-off against Australia.Juan Carlos Osorio made nine changes to the Mexico starting XI that rallied past Trinidad and Tobago, with only Miguel Layun and Hector Herrera keeping their spots.
Coming off a 1-1 draw in Costa Rica, Honduras made three changes – Ever Alvarado, Henry Figueroa and Jorge Claros replacing Emilio Izaguirre, Johnny Palacios and Bryan Acosta.
Honduras enjoyed the far better of the opening exchanges, with Mexico goalkeeper Ochoa forced into two good saves.However, some sloppy defending allowed Mexico to take the lead in the 17th minute.
Raul Jimenez's cross from the right found Peralta, who had time to take a touch and fire past Donis Escober at the back post.Honduras levelled in the 34th minute through Alberth Elis, who headed in an Alexander Lopez set-piece.
Jimenez was denied by a goal-line clearance moments later for Mexico, but they retook the lead before the break.A clipped pass from Herrera over the top released Vela, who finished well past Escober.
But, remarkably, the hosts struck twice early in the second half.The equaliser was fortunate for Honduras as a close-range strike cannoned off the crossbar before hitting Ochoa in the back and going in.The home fans were sent into raptures on the hour-mark thanks to Quioto.
Quioto angled his run in behind to perfection to receive a Claros pass before twisting and shooting into the bottom corner from just inside the area.Honduras were put under some pressure in the final half-hour, but held on to book a spot in the play-off.
Uruguay 4 Bolivia 2: Suarez and Cavani show their class
Uruguay confirmed qualification for the 2018 World Cup on Tuesday, defeating Bolivia 4-2 in Montevideo.
La Celeste made life difficult for themselves, going down early via a Gaston Silva own goal. Before the half was over, Uruguay substantiated their dominance through strikes from Martin Caceres and Edinson Cavani.Luis Suarez then scored a brace before Diego Godin added another Uruguayan own goal, in a chaotic finish to CONMEBOL's qualification cycle.
Although Oscar Tabarez's side were assured of at least the play-off, the win saw them finish in the second place they already held, and book a place in Russia next year.Uruguay evidently did not want to leave anything to chance, and attacked from the outset.
Chances fell to star duo Suarez and Cavani in the first five minutes, but while Cavani blasted his shot over the bar, Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Lampe denied Suarez with a fine reflex save.Rodrigo Bentancur and Giorgian De Arrascaeta continued to find pockets of space between the Bolivian lines, though the final pass was lacking.
Although the home side completely controlled tempo and general play, Bolivia hit the lead after 24 minutes. Following Marcelo Moreno's headed flick-on from a throw-in, Godin attempted to blast the ball out of danger.He only managed to hit team-mate Silva, with the ball wickedly deflecting past Fernando Muslera and into the net.
Conceding entirely against the run of play, a lack of Uruguayan precision closer to goal led the home crowd at Estadio Centenario to grow further impatient.In the 32nd minute, Bentancur, Cavani and Suarez all combined brilliantly to create an opening, but Lampe once again denied the Barcelona striker, diving low to his left.
Three minutes later, Suarez smartly set up Arrascaeta, yet with only Lampe to beat, his mistimed effort bobbled wide of the goal.Caceres found the all-important equaliser in the 39th minute, however. Again, it was Suarez's assertive movement that forced the Bolivian defence to scramble.
Although nobody met Suarez's initial cutback, Silva made amends for his own goal with the eventual assist. Driving a pass back across the penalty area, Caceres was on hand to finish.
One did not seem enough for the left-back, however, as he set up Cavani for Uruguay's second three minutes later.Overlapping to get to Arrascaeta's pass, Silva put in a perfectly weighted cross for an unmarked Cavani to attack.
In the 60th minute, Suarez effectively put the result beyond doubt. One-on-one with Lampe after Bentancur's penetrative ball forward, Uruguay's all-time leading goalscorer coolly finished.Suarez extended his all-time tally to 49 with a lovely finish in the 76th minute. Substitute Cristian Rodriguez found the Uruguayan talisman with his back to goal, before he finished across Lampe on the turn.
With a significant part in Silva's equaliser, Godin added another Uruguayan own goal after Juan Carlos Arce's delivery into the penalty area, heading past Muslera.
By then, however, the match was over as a contest.
Uruguay confirmed qualification for the 2018 World Cup on Tuesday, defeating Bolivia 4-2 in Montevideo.
La Celeste made life difficult for themselves, going down early via a Gaston Silva own goal. Before the half was over, Uruguay substantiated their dominance through strikes from Martin Caceres and Edinson Cavani.Luis Suarez then scored a brace before Diego Godin added another Uruguayan own goal, in a chaotic finish to CONMEBOL's qualification cycle.
Although Oscar Tabarez's side were assured of at least the play-off, the win saw them finish in the second place they already held, and book a place in Russia next year.Uruguay evidently did not want to leave anything to chance, and attacked from the outset.
Chances fell to star duo Suarez and Cavani in the first five minutes, but while Cavani blasted his shot over the bar, Bolivia goalkeeper Carlos Lampe denied Suarez with a fine reflex save.Rodrigo Bentancur and Giorgian De Arrascaeta continued to find pockets of space between the Bolivian lines, though the final pass was lacking.
Although the home side completely controlled tempo and general play, Bolivia hit the lead after 24 minutes. Following Marcelo Moreno's headed flick-on from a throw-in, Godin attempted to blast the ball out of danger.He only managed to hit team-mate Silva, with the ball wickedly deflecting past Fernando Muslera and into the net.
Conceding entirely against the run of play, a lack of Uruguayan precision closer to goal led the home crowd at Estadio Centenario to grow further impatient.In the 32nd minute, Bentancur, Cavani and Suarez all combined brilliantly to create an opening, but Lampe once again denied the Barcelona striker, diving low to his left.
Three minutes later, Suarez smartly set up Arrascaeta, yet with only Lampe to beat, his mistimed effort bobbled wide of the goal.Caceres found the all-important equaliser in the 39th minute, however. Again, it was Suarez's assertive movement that forced the Bolivian defence to scramble.
Although nobody met Suarez's initial cutback, Silva made amends for his own goal with the eventual assist. Driving a pass back across the penalty area, Caceres was on hand to finish.
One did not seem enough for the left-back, however, as he set up Cavani for Uruguay's second three minutes later.Overlapping to get to Arrascaeta's pass, Silva put in a perfectly weighted cross for an unmarked Cavani to attack.
In the 60th minute, Suarez effectively put the result beyond doubt. One-on-one with Lampe after Bentancur's penetrative ball forward, Uruguay's all-time leading goalscorer coolly finished.Suarez extended his all-time tally to 49 with a lovely finish in the 76th minute. Substitute Cristian Rodriguez found the Uruguayan talisman with his back to goal, before he finished across Lampe on the turn.
With a significant part in Silva's equaliser, Godin added another Uruguayan own goal after Juan Carlos Arce's delivery into the penalty area, heading past Muslera.
By then, however, the match was over as a contest.
Ecuador 1 Argentina 3: Magical Messi hat-trick seals World Cup qualification
Lionel Messi proved to be Argentina's saviour as his stunning hat-trick secured a 3-1 victory over Ecuador and World Cup qualification for Russia 2018.
Two-time world champions Argentina were in danger of missing the showpiece tournament for the first time since 1970, having dropped to sixth and outside of the qualifying positions following three consecutive draws.Those fears became real when Ecuador broke the deadlock after just 38 seconds via Romario Ibarra at altitude in Quito on Tuesday.
But Argentina – who reportedly hired a sorcerer to help bring good energy to the team with their World Cup hopes on the line – fought back as captain and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi singlehandedly booked the country's ticket to Russia next year, becoming the first player to score 20 goals in CONMEBOL qualifying in the process.
Messi equalised expertly in the 12th minute after combining with Angel Di Maria and his thunderous effort nine minutes later completed the comeback and ensured Argentina led at the break, before he sealed the great escape with a glorious chip just past the hour-mark.
Like the goalless draw against Peru in Buenos Aires, there was only room for Juventus star Paulo Dybala and Inter captain Mauro Icardi on the bench. Jorge Sampaoli did make two changes, bringing in Eduardo Salvio and Enzo Perez for Alejandro Gomez and Ever Banega.
Ecuador were without Manchester United's Antonio Valencia and Michael Arroyo through suspension following last week's 2-1 loss in Chile. Jefferson Orejuela also dropped out as Pedro Velasco, Francisco Cevallos and Ibarra came into the line-up.
Argentina – who only required a win to claim at least fifth position and a play-off berth against New Zealand – could not have dreamed of a worse start in Quito after conceding in just the 38th second – their fastest goal conceded in World Cup qualifying history.
Fans barely had the chance to take their seats as Ibarra – making just his second international appearance – played a neat headed one-two with Ordonez on the edge of the area before firing past goalkeeper Sergio Romero.It left Argentina disjointed and void of any structure as Ecuador oozed confidence on home soil but Messi popped up to restore hope and ease fears for the visitors in the 12th minute.
Some sublime play between Messi and Di Maria carved up Ecuador as the former surged into the penalty area after playing the ball out left to the Paris Saint-Germain winger before side-footing past Maximo Banguera.
That allowed Argentina to wrestle back the ascendency and with Messi at the forefront, it was not long before they hit the front thanks to their captain nine minutes later.Messi hunted down the ball on the edge of the box and dispossessed his opponent as he rifled a shot into the roof of the net.
He almost turned provider for Di Maria just past the half-hour mark, but the winger's close-range effort was saved by Banguera.The second half was more subdued as Argentina protected their priceless advantage, though Messi was still front and centre as he completed his three-goal haul in beautiful fashion.
Messi pounced on a loose ball outside the box and he ducked and weaved past opponents, using Dario Benedetto as a decoy before darting to the left and chipping over Banguera majestically.
Lionel Messi proved to be Argentina's saviour as his stunning hat-trick secured a 3-1 victory over Ecuador and World Cup qualification for Russia 2018.
Two-time world champions Argentina were in danger of missing the showpiece tournament for the first time since 1970, having dropped to sixth and outside of the qualifying positions following three consecutive draws.Those fears became real when Ecuador broke the deadlock after just 38 seconds via Romario Ibarra at altitude in Quito on Tuesday.
But Argentina – who reportedly hired a sorcerer to help bring good energy to the team with their World Cup hopes on the line – fought back as captain and five-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi singlehandedly booked the country's ticket to Russia next year, becoming the first player to score 20 goals in CONMEBOL qualifying in the process.
Messi equalised expertly in the 12th minute after combining with Angel Di Maria and his thunderous effort nine minutes later completed the comeback and ensured Argentina led at the break, before he sealed the great escape with a glorious chip just past the hour-mark.
Like the goalless draw against Peru in Buenos Aires, there was only room for Juventus star Paulo Dybala and Inter captain Mauro Icardi on the bench. Jorge Sampaoli did make two changes, bringing in Eduardo Salvio and Enzo Perez for Alejandro Gomez and Ever Banega.
Ecuador were without Manchester United's Antonio Valencia and Michael Arroyo through suspension following last week's 2-1 loss in Chile. Jefferson Orejuela also dropped out as Pedro Velasco, Francisco Cevallos and Ibarra came into the line-up.
Argentina – who only required a win to claim at least fifth position and a play-off berth against New Zealand – could not have dreamed of a worse start in Quito after conceding in just the 38th second – their fastest goal conceded in World Cup qualifying history.
Fans barely had the chance to take their seats as Ibarra – making just his second international appearance – played a neat headed one-two with Ordonez on the edge of the area before firing past goalkeeper Sergio Romero.It left Argentina disjointed and void of any structure as Ecuador oozed confidence on home soil but Messi popped up to restore hope and ease fears for the visitors in the 12th minute.
Some sublime play between Messi and Di Maria carved up Ecuador as the former surged into the penalty area after playing the ball out left to the Paris Saint-Germain winger before side-footing past Maximo Banguera.
That allowed Argentina to wrestle back the ascendency and with Messi at the forefront, it was not long before they hit the front thanks to their captain nine minutes later.Messi hunted down the ball on the edge of the box and dispossessed his opponent as he rifled a shot into the roof of the net.
He almost turned provider for Di Maria just past the half-hour mark, but the winger's close-range effort was saved by Banguera.The second half was more subdued as Argentina protected their priceless advantage, though Messi was still front and centre as he completed his three-goal haul in beautiful fashion.
Messi pounced on a loose ball outside the box and he ducked and weaved past opponents, using Dario Benedetto as a decoy before darting to the left and chipping over Banguera majestically.
Brazil 3 Chile 0: South American champions to miss World Cup
Chile will sensationally miss the 2018 World Cup after suffering a 3-0 loss to Brazil in qualifying on Tuesday.Paulinho and Gabriel Jesus struck in the space of three second-half minutes at the Allianz Parque in Sao Paulo before the latter sealed the deserved victory late.
Tite's side dominated the first half without capitalising, before a Claudio Bravo error allowed Paulinho to open the scoring.Jesus then struck twice, completing a sensational qualifying campaign for CONMEBOL group winners Brazil.
It meant South American champions Chile needed other results to go their way to move into a play-off with New Zealand, but Peru's equaliser at home to Colombia saw Juan Antonio Pizzi's men finish sixth.
Tite made two changes to the starting XI held in Bolivia, with Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson handed his first international cap.Ederson replaced Alisson in goal, while Marquinhos took Thiago Silva's place in the centre of defence.For Chile, there were three changes to the side that claimed a dramatic 2-1 win at home to Ecuador.
The big blow was Arturo Vidal's suspension, with Jose Fuenzalida, Charles Aranguiz and Jean Beausejour coming in for the midfielder, Eugenio Mena and Francisco Silva.Both teams made a bright start in Sao Paulo, but the biggest early cheer was for Argentina falling behind in Ecuador, although Lionel Messi would inspire a comeback in Quito.
Brazil looked the more dangerous of the two teams in the opening stages, and Neymar had a penalty shout turned down.However, the Paris Saint-Germain star should have put the hosts ahead in the 16th minute, only to be denied by a good Bravo save.
The hosts were the better of the two sides in the opening 45 minutes, and they wasted another great chance six minutes before the break.Renato Augusto found space down the left and crossed for Jesus, who headed straight at Bravo from close range.
The hosts finally took a deserved lead with two goals in three minutes.A long-range Dani Alves free-kick was spilled by Bravo into the path of Paulinho, who tapped in the 55th-minute opener.
Just two minutes later and it was 2-0, Neymar unselfishly squaring for Jesus to tap in after being released in behind.Brazil looked the more likely to score again as Chile pushed, and they sealed their win in additional time.
With Bravo stranded after going up for a corner, Jesus tapped in the easiest of goals from a Willian pass in the 93rd minute.
Chile will sensationally miss the 2018 World Cup after suffering a 3-0 loss to Brazil in qualifying on Tuesday.Paulinho and Gabriel Jesus struck in the space of three second-half minutes at the Allianz Parque in Sao Paulo before the latter sealed the deserved victory late.
Tite's side dominated the first half without capitalising, before a Claudio Bravo error allowed Paulinho to open the scoring.Jesus then struck twice, completing a sensational qualifying campaign for CONMEBOL group winners Brazil.
It meant South American champions Chile needed other results to go their way to move into a play-off with New Zealand, but Peru's equaliser at home to Colombia saw Juan Antonio Pizzi's men finish sixth.
Tite made two changes to the starting XI held in Bolivia, with Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson handed his first international cap.Ederson replaced Alisson in goal, while Marquinhos took Thiago Silva's place in the centre of defence.For Chile, there were three changes to the side that claimed a dramatic 2-1 win at home to Ecuador.
The big blow was Arturo Vidal's suspension, with Jose Fuenzalida, Charles Aranguiz and Jean Beausejour coming in for the midfielder, Eugenio Mena and Francisco Silva.Both teams made a bright start in Sao Paulo, but the biggest early cheer was for Argentina falling behind in Ecuador, although Lionel Messi would inspire a comeback in Quito.
Brazil looked the more dangerous of the two teams in the opening stages, and Neymar had a penalty shout turned down.However, the Paris Saint-Germain star should have put the hosts ahead in the 16th minute, only to be denied by a good Bravo save.
The hosts were the better of the two sides in the opening 45 minutes, and they wasted another great chance six minutes before the break.Renato Augusto found space down the left and crossed for Jesus, who headed straight at Bravo from close range.
The hosts finally took a deserved lead with two goals in three minutes.A long-range Dani Alves free-kick was spilled by Bravo into the path of Paulinho, who tapped in the 55th-minute opener.
Just two minutes later and it was 2-0, Neymar unselfishly squaring for Jesus to tap in after being released in behind.Brazil looked the more likely to score again as Chile pushed, and they sealed their win in additional time.
With Bravo stranded after going up for a corner, Jesus tapped in the easiest of goals from a Willian pass in the 93rd minute.
Belgium 4 Cyprus 0: Hazard brothers on target as Vertonghen breaks record
Belgium marked Jan Vertonghen becoming the country's most-capped player with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Cyprus in Brussels on Tuesday.
Roberto Martinez's side became the first European nation to qualify for Russia 2018 in September and Eden Hazard scored twice, while younger brother Thorgan also found the net, as they completed an impressive campaign with a ninth triumph in 10 Group H outings.
Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to bag Belgium's fourth and final goal, proving his fitness after an ankle injury ahead of Manchester United's Premier League trip to Liverpool on Saturday.With Cyprus rarely threatening an upset, Vertonghen enjoyed an untroubled outing on his landmark 97th appearance, taking him beyond Jan Ceulemans on the all-time list.
The former record-holder presented the Tottenham defender with a framed shirt prior to kick-off, while Vertonghen was also named honorary captain to celebrate his achievement.
It was also a special occasion for the Hazard family too, as Thorgan joined Eden in Belgium's starting XI for the first time.Eden grabbed the opener at the Stade Roi Baudouin, using a Cyprus defender as a shield to curl a right-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Constantinos Panayi in the 12th minute.
Yet the early breakthrough failed to trigger a first-half deluge as the visitors - who barely ventured beyond the halfway line - stood firm in defence.Thorgan Hazard should have doubled the lead in first-half injury time, only to shoot straight at the advancing Panayi when clean through on goal.
However, he capitalised on a loose ball after the break to join his sibling on the scoresheet, tapping home from close range after Michy Batshuayi's initial effort had been saved.
Eden Hazard doubled his personal tally with a penalty in the 63rd minute after Nacer Chadli's low cross from the left hit a grounded Cypriot defender's arm. The decision looked a tad harsh considering the distance between the two players, yet the Chelsea star showed no mercy by dispatching the spot kick.
Summoned from the bench, Lukaku needed just 12 minutes to break up the Hazard dominance on the scoresheet, shrugging off Giorgos Merkis with ease before rolling a right-footed shot beyond the advancing Panayi.
The striker was denied a second in the 90th minute by a dubious offside flag but, after Saturday's dramatic 4-3 triumph in Bosnia-Herzegovina, this was a breeze for Belgium on a night to remember for Vertonghen and the Hazards.
It was also a special occasion for the Hazard family too, as Thorgan joined Eden in Belgium's starting XI for the first time.Eden grabbed the opener at the Stade Roi Baudouin, using a Cyprus defender as a shield to curl a right-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Constantinos Panayi in the 12th minute.
Yet the early breakthrough failed to trigger a first-half deluge as the visitors - who barely ventured beyond the halfway line - stood firm in defence.Thorgan Hazard should have doubled the lead in first-half injury time, only to shoot straight at the advancing Panayi when clean through on goal.
However, he capitalised on a loose ball after the break to join his sibling on the scoresheet, tapping home from close range after Michy Batshuayi's initial effort had been saved.
Eden Hazard doubled his personal tally with a penalty in the 63rd minute after Nacer Chadli's low cross from the left hit a grounded Cypriot defender's arm. The decision looked a tad harsh considering the distance between the two players, yet the Chelsea star showed no mercy by dispatching the spot kick.Summoned from the bench, Lukaku needed just 12 minutes to break up the Hazard dominance on the scoresheet, shrugging off Giorgos Merkis with ease before rolling a right-footed shot beyond the advancing Panayi.
The striker was denied a second in the 90th minute by a dubious offside flag but, after Saturday's dramatic 4-3 triumph in Bosnia-Herzegovina, this was a breeze for Belgium on a night to remember for Vertonghen and the Hazards.
Belgium marked Jan Vertonghen becoming the country's most-capped player with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Cyprus in Brussels on Tuesday.
Roberto Martinez's side became the first European nation to qualify for Russia 2018 in September and Eden Hazard scored twice, while younger brother Thorgan also found the net, as they completed an impressive campaign with a ninth triumph in 10 Group H outings.
Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to bag Belgium's fourth and final goal, proving his fitness after an ankle injury ahead of Manchester United's Premier League trip to Liverpool on Saturday.With Cyprus rarely threatening an upset, Vertonghen enjoyed an untroubled outing on his landmark 97th appearance, taking him beyond Jan Ceulemans on the all-time list.
The former record-holder presented the Tottenham defender with a framed shirt prior to kick-off, while Vertonghen was also named honorary captain to celebrate his achievement.
It was also a special occasion for the Hazard family too, as Thorgan joined Eden in Belgium's starting XI for the first time.Eden grabbed the opener at the Stade Roi Baudouin, using a Cyprus defender as a shield to curl a right-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Constantinos Panayi in the 12th minute.
Yet the early breakthrough failed to trigger a first-half deluge as the visitors - who barely ventured beyond the halfway line - stood firm in defence.Thorgan Hazard should have doubled the lead in first-half injury time, only to shoot straight at the advancing Panayi when clean through on goal.
However, he capitalised on a loose ball after the break to join his sibling on the scoresheet, tapping home from close range after Michy Batshuayi's initial effort had been saved.
Eden Hazard doubled his personal tally with a penalty in the 63rd minute after Nacer Chadli's low cross from the left hit a grounded Cypriot defender's arm. The decision looked a tad harsh considering the distance between the two players, yet the Chelsea star showed no mercy by dispatching the spot kick.
Summoned from the bench, Lukaku needed just 12 minutes to break up the Hazard dominance on the scoresheet, shrugging off Giorgos Merkis with ease before rolling a right-footed shot beyond the advancing Panayi.
The striker was denied a second in the 90th minute by a dubious offside flag but, after Saturday's dramatic 4-3 triumph in Bosnia-Herzegovina, this was a breeze for Belgium on a night to remember for Vertonghen and the Hazards.
It was also a special occasion for the Hazard family too, as Thorgan joined Eden in Belgium's starting XI for the first time.Eden grabbed the opener at the Stade Roi Baudouin, using a Cyprus defender as a shield to curl a right-footed shot beyond goalkeeper Constantinos Panayi in the 12th minute.
Yet the early breakthrough failed to trigger a first-half deluge as the visitors - who barely ventured beyond the halfway line - stood firm in defence.Thorgan Hazard should have doubled the lead in first-half injury time, only to shoot straight at the advancing Panayi when clean through on goal.
However, he capitalised on a loose ball after the break to join his sibling on the scoresheet, tapping home from close range after Michy Batshuayi's initial effort had been saved.
Eden Hazard doubled his personal tally with a penalty in the 63rd minute after Nacer Chadli's low cross from the left hit a grounded Cypriot defender's arm. The decision looked a tad harsh considering the distance between the two players, yet the Chelsea star showed no mercy by dispatching the spot kick.Summoned from the bench, Lukaku needed just 12 minutes to break up the Hazard dominance on the scoresheet, shrugging off Giorgos Merkis with ease before rolling a right-footed shot beyond the advancing Panayi.
The striker was denied a second in the 90th minute by a dubious offside flag but, after Saturday's dramatic 4-3 triumph in Bosnia-Herzegovina, this was a breeze for Belgium on a night to remember for Vertonghen and the Hazards.
France 2 Belarus 1: Griezmann and Giroud secure top spot
Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud combined to secure a 2-1 win for France over Belarus that wrapped up a spot at the World Cup in Russia for the 1998 champions.
France were assured of a play-off spot before kick-off on Tuesday but had Sweden sitting just a point behind, potentially ready to capitalise on any slip-up from the hosts in Paris.
Having drawn in Belarus in their Group A opener last September, France put on only a marginally more convincing showing at the Stade de France against opponents who had lost their previous three matches.Both sides dropped points to supposed minnows Luxembourg in the previous international break, but this result left them at opposite ends of the group.
Griezmann coolly opened the scoring in the 27th minute and then turned provider for strike partner Giroud as France capitalised on some woeful Belarus defending.
The home crowd's rousing rendition of La Marseillaise was cut short by Anton Saroka's surprise goal just before the break and the same man should have levelled matters up in the 65th minute.
Didier Deschamps' side were not entirely comfortable in seeing the game out, even after the warmly received second-half introduction of Kylian Mbappe, but they are nonetheless Russia-bound.
The coach made three changes from the side that kicked off Saturday's 1-0 win over Bulgaria, calling in Kingsley Coman, Thomas Lemar and Giroud, as N'Golo Kante, Mbappe and Alexandre Lacazette dropped out.
And his team started well, with Giroud heavily involved.The Arsenal forward climbed to meet Lucas Digne's teasing cross early on but failed to make clean contact and saw his header drift harmlessly wide.
Belarus were indebted to goalkeeper Sergey Chernik after he made an instinctive one-handed stop from Raphael Varane's close-range header following a goalmouth scramble in the 19th minute.
France continued to press and came even close to an opener two minutes later, Giroud leaping to nod Coman's delivery onto the crossbar, with Chernik a mere spectator.The deadlock was eventually broken by Griezmann, who took Blaise Matuidi's throughball in his stride and slotted through Chernik's legs.
Griezmann then quickly seized on some sloppy play at the back from the visitors, who were left with a mountain to climb when the Atletico Madrid star picked out Giroud, whose deflected effort squirmed into the bottom-left corner.But, after Saroka had fired a vicious warning shot narrowly over Hugo Lloris' bar, he found the back of the net from Yuri Kovalev's cross.
Mbappe – who, along with Griezmann, was this week nominated for the Ballon d'Or – came on to a rapturous reception just past the hour mark, with France needing inspiration to make the points safe.
It was evident, however, that Igor Kriushenko's men sensed an opportunity to take something from the game and Saroka should have doubled his tally five minutes after Mbappe's arrival, only to shoot wide from inside the six-yard box with the goal at his mercy.
Stirred into action, Mbappe saw a long-range effort sting Chernik's palms, with France building some late momentum.The Paris Saint-Germain youngster took a tumble in the box at the end of a surging run, with his hopeful appeals for a penalty waved away.
For a side with only one win to their name in the group, Belarus proved refreshingly positive until the end and Saroka saw one final chance come and go, but it was France celebrating at the final whistle.
Antoine Griezmann and Olivier Giroud combined to secure a 2-1 win for France over Belarus that wrapped up a spot at the World Cup in Russia for the 1998 champions.
France were assured of a play-off spot before kick-off on Tuesday but had Sweden sitting just a point behind, potentially ready to capitalise on any slip-up from the hosts in Paris.
Having drawn in Belarus in their Group A opener last September, France put on only a marginally more convincing showing at the Stade de France against opponents who had lost their previous three matches.Both sides dropped points to supposed minnows Luxembourg in the previous international break, but this result left them at opposite ends of the group.
Griezmann coolly opened the scoring in the 27th minute and then turned provider for strike partner Giroud as France capitalised on some woeful Belarus defending.
The home crowd's rousing rendition of La Marseillaise was cut short by Anton Saroka's surprise goal just before the break and the same man should have levelled matters up in the 65th minute.
Didier Deschamps' side were not entirely comfortable in seeing the game out, even after the warmly received second-half introduction of Kylian Mbappe, but they are nonetheless Russia-bound.
The coach made three changes from the side that kicked off Saturday's 1-0 win over Bulgaria, calling in Kingsley Coman, Thomas Lemar and Giroud, as N'Golo Kante, Mbappe and Alexandre Lacazette dropped out.
And his team started well, with Giroud heavily involved.The Arsenal forward climbed to meet Lucas Digne's teasing cross early on but failed to make clean contact and saw his header drift harmlessly wide.
Belarus were indebted to goalkeeper Sergey Chernik after he made an instinctive one-handed stop from Raphael Varane's close-range header following a goalmouth scramble in the 19th minute.
France continued to press and came even close to an opener two minutes later, Giroud leaping to nod Coman's delivery onto the crossbar, with Chernik a mere spectator.The deadlock was eventually broken by Griezmann, who took Blaise Matuidi's throughball in his stride and slotted through Chernik's legs.
Griezmann then quickly seized on some sloppy play at the back from the visitors, who were left with a mountain to climb when the Atletico Madrid star picked out Giroud, whose deflected effort squirmed into the bottom-left corner.But, after Saroka had fired a vicious warning shot narrowly over Hugo Lloris' bar, he found the back of the net from Yuri Kovalev's cross.
Mbappe – who, along with Griezmann, was this week nominated for the Ballon d'Or – came on to a rapturous reception just past the hour mark, with France needing inspiration to make the points safe.
It was evident, however, that Igor Kriushenko's men sensed an opportunity to take something from the game and Saroka should have doubled his tally five minutes after Mbappe's arrival, only to shoot wide from inside the six-yard box with the goal at his mercy.
Stirred into action, Mbappe saw a long-range effort sting Chernik's palms, with France building some late momentum.The Paris Saint-Germain youngster took a tumble in the box at the end of a surging run, with his hopeful appeals for a penalty waved away.
For a side with only one win to their name in the group, Belarus proved refreshingly positive until the end and Saroka saw one final chance come and go, but it was France celebrating at the final whistle.
Portugal 2 Switzerland 0: European champions overhaul Swiss to reach Russia
Portugal secured World Cup qualification at Switzerland's expense with a rousing 2-0 win in Lisbon.
Switzerland headed into the final round of matches in Group B boasting a 100 per cent record but must now tackle a play-off after Fernando Santos' European champions matched the scoreline they found themselves on the receiving end of in Basle last September.Cheered on by a raucous crowd knowing nothing other than a win would do at Estadio da Luz, Portugal were kept in check by a composed and disciplined Swiss showing until Johan Djourou put into his own goal in the 41st minute.
Pop superstar Madonna was among the home supporters looking for Cristiano Ronaldo to inspire a famous victory but it was playmaker Bernardo Silva who truly got Portugal into the groove.
That the Manchester City playmaker has not been an automatic choice at club level since switching to the Premier League was scarcely evident as he performed at the heart of Portugal's brightest moments, including Andre Silva's qualification-sealing second.
Santos' side made much of the early running and Andre Silva's deflected effort forced Yann Sommer into a sharp sixth-minute save at his near post.However, the hosts' final ball was a source of understandable frustration and, after Eliseu escaped censure for an untidy challenge on Switzerland striker Haris Seferovic in the area, Portugal needed their talisman to help bring about a clear opening after the half-hour.
Ronaldo embarked on a slaloming run across the edge of the Switzerland box and there was fury when referee Cuneyt Cakir remained unmoved as he went to ground under increasingly desperate challenges.
Bernardo Silva was alert, as players around him stopped, and gathered the loose ball to draw a fine stop from Sommer, but the Borussia Monchengladbach man was culpable as the European champions took a fortuitous lead four minutes before half-time.
Eliseu clipped a low cross into a dangerous area at the near post where Joao Mario and Sommer lunged towards the ball. The goalkeeper pushed it onto Djourou, who could do little about the own goal.
Portugal seemed intent on settling the issue during the opening exchanges of the second half and Djourou hurled himself in the way of a rasping Ronaldo drive from 25 yards.
Bernardo Silva scampered in from the left to give the Real Madrid hero a clearer opening in the 55th minute but technique uncharacteristically deserted him and he lifted a left-footed effort harmlessly over.
It mattered little as Andre Silva smuggled home from close range two minutes later, namesake Bernardo again to the fore, cleverly exchanging passes with Joao Mario to befuddle the Switzerland backline and impishly leaving a goal and qualification on a plate.Seldom seen as an attacking force during the opening hour, Switzerland sprung forward in a belated attempt to salvage a task that had slipped abruptly from their grasp.
Xherdan Shaqiri drove at a retreating Portugal backline and his thudding shot was almost touched in by an alert Seferovic in the 67th minute.It was not to be for Vladimir Petkovic's men, who will at least take their previously unblemished run into the play-offs as seeds.
For Ronaldo, who botched a late one-on-one opportunity, it means one more guaranteed shot at football's greatest prize – a position a certain Argentinian rival would dearly love to have secured.
Portugal secured World Cup qualification at Switzerland's expense with a rousing 2-0 win in Lisbon.
Switzerland headed into the final round of matches in Group B boasting a 100 per cent record but must now tackle a play-off after Fernando Santos' European champions matched the scoreline they found themselves on the receiving end of in Basle last September.Cheered on by a raucous crowd knowing nothing other than a win would do at Estadio da Luz, Portugal were kept in check by a composed and disciplined Swiss showing until Johan Djourou put into his own goal in the 41st minute.
Pop superstar Madonna was among the home supporters looking for Cristiano Ronaldo to inspire a famous victory but it was playmaker Bernardo Silva who truly got Portugal into the groove.
That the Manchester City playmaker has not been an automatic choice at club level since switching to the Premier League was scarcely evident as he performed at the heart of Portugal's brightest moments, including Andre Silva's qualification-sealing second.
Santos' side made much of the early running and Andre Silva's deflected effort forced Yann Sommer into a sharp sixth-minute save at his near post.However, the hosts' final ball was a source of understandable frustration and, after Eliseu escaped censure for an untidy challenge on Switzerland striker Haris Seferovic in the area, Portugal needed their talisman to help bring about a clear opening after the half-hour.
Ronaldo embarked on a slaloming run across the edge of the Switzerland box and there was fury when referee Cuneyt Cakir remained unmoved as he went to ground under increasingly desperate challenges.
Bernardo Silva was alert, as players around him stopped, and gathered the loose ball to draw a fine stop from Sommer, but the Borussia Monchengladbach man was culpable as the European champions took a fortuitous lead four minutes before half-time.
Eliseu clipped a low cross into a dangerous area at the near post where Joao Mario and Sommer lunged towards the ball. The goalkeeper pushed it onto Djourou, who could do little about the own goal.
Portugal seemed intent on settling the issue during the opening exchanges of the second half and Djourou hurled himself in the way of a rasping Ronaldo drive from 25 yards.
Bernardo Silva scampered in from the left to give the Real Madrid hero a clearer opening in the 55th minute but technique uncharacteristically deserted him and he lifted a left-footed effort harmlessly over.
It mattered little as Andre Silva smuggled home from close range two minutes later, namesake Bernardo again to the fore, cleverly exchanging passes with Joao Mario to befuddle the Switzerland backline and impishly leaving a goal and qualification on a plate.Seldom seen as an attacking force during the opening hour, Switzerland sprung forward in a belated attempt to salvage a task that had slipped abruptly from their grasp.
Xherdan Shaqiri drove at a retreating Portugal backline and his thudding shot was almost touched in by an alert Seferovic in the 67th minute.It was not to be for Vladimir Petkovic's men, who will at least take their previously unblemished run into the play-offs as seeds.
For Ronaldo, who botched a late one-on-one opportunity, it means one more guaranteed shot at football's greatest prize – a position a certain Argentinian rival would dearly love to have secured.
