Global Futbol Matches December 10th to 16th, 2018

A Chapter by Steve Clark

The following article provides an oversight for matches and tournaments after the 2018 Global Futbol World Cup.

December 10 to 16, 2018

Four African nations saw their 2022 World Cup campaign come to an end in quick fashion this week. The first to leave was Burundi, who gave away an early goal to Somalian striker Burale in a spiteful game that saw four yellow cards in the first half. Three long-range goals set up the Comoros’ thumping of South Sudan, with six goals to nothing the final scoreline. Captain Abdou Najim slotted three goals across the two games. Jane’s hat trick was the backbone of Lesotho’s 7-1 annihilation of Eritrea. Djibouti rounded out the second team from the Horn of Africa (plus South Sudan) exiting at the first hurdle when they gave away two cheap penalties and an early lead against Sierra Leone.

Somalia became the only nation from the Horn managing to progress to the group stage of qualification. Joining them will be the Comoros, Lesotho and Sierra Leone. Somalia is locked into Group I, whilst the Comoros will enter in Group B. Group C will feature Lesotho, whereas Sierra Leone will take part in Group E. The groups will be finalised in the New Year based on rankings, and matches will begin in March.

The Invitational Cup is reaching the final stages before the knockout periods. New Zealand surprised a Ronaldo-led Portugal with a 3-1 victory at home to lift themselves off the bottom of Group A. This helped Ghana as they gained their second win over Russia as the Russians looked a second-rate team against the Africans. Brazil tightened their defence compared to the last time they met Switzerland, and came away with a 2-nil away win. They now sit on the same points as Switzerland, though the Swiss have a five-goal advantage. Kenya scored three against Togo, before the West Africans replied with two goals to come away with bragging rights over the two games. France overtook Italy in their group after winning away. France settled the quickest and scored in the 22nd minute, before Chiesa’s goal on the stroke of halftime brought the teams level. Then, Thauvin slotted into the net during the second half, and helped his nation gain a vital three points, while Italy are now eliminated from progressing to the next stage.

Spain had a chance to ensure qualification for the Quarter Finals, but could only produce a listless performance against South Korea, resulting in a scoreless draw. A draw also was the result between Peru and Belgium, though it was a far more entertaining game. Farfán almost won the game for the South Americans, had the post been a little to the right. Poland remains top of Group D after their two-nil win over Chile. Hot on their heels are Costa Rica, whose second-half double from Bolaños ensured victory. The Czech Republic showed signs of their pre-World Cup prowess and defeated the Netherlands on their home turf, and leaping them on the group table.