Saturday, November 13th, 2021
Messi only came on as a substitute
Argentina takes a big step towards Qatar
Even without Lionel Messi in the starting line-up, Argentina is taking a giant step towards the 2022 World Cup. Ángel Di María scored the goal to make it 1-0 against Uruguay. Two Bundesliga stars are also bringing the USA closer to Qatar, while two major nations in Africa are threatened with an early end.
The field of participants in the controversial World Cup 2022 in Qatar is slowly taking shape. With Germany, Denmark, Brazil and the hosts, only four teams have been determined so far, but the results of the last qualifying round have massively improved the starting position for numerous nations.
A goal from captain Ángel Di María gave Argentina a hard-fought win over Uruguay. Superstar Lionel Messi was only substituted on, but has come a good deal closer to his probably last world tournament. In the catch-up game against Brazil on Tuesday, the Argentines can as good as book their ticket. With currently 28 points, the lead over the places outside the qualification zone is already twelve points. After Tuesday’s game, there are only five games left for each nation.
With the defeat against Argentina, Uruguay remains outside the qualifying ranks due to the poorer goal difference. But with the exception of the team from Ecuador, who are already beaten with only seven points, all teams can still qualify for the World Cup. A total of four places go to South America. The fifth of the Eliminatorias goes to a playoff.
Meet Pulisic and McKennie
The two former Bundesliga stars Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie put the United States back on track in North America qualifying. After the 2-0 (0-0) against Mexico, the USA regained the top of the table. Behind the tied teams, Canada lurks with only one point less, which so far has only qualified for the World Cup once, in 1986.
In front of 48,806 spectators, Lille striker Jonathan David scored the goal of the day against Costa Rica. Bayern player Alphonso Davies was replaced shortly before the end. He was allowed to get the thunderous applause of the audience. In the CONCACAF qualification, however, only the preliminary round has been played. The last matchday is scheduled for March 30, 2022. Three teams qualify directly, the fourth-placed team, currently Panama, has to go to a playoff.
The situation in the rest of the world
In Asia, Iran and South Korea have all but booked their tickets to Qatar. The two countries have already lost ground in qualifying group A, while in group B Saudi Arabia, Australia, Japan and, to a lesser extent, Oman still have a chance of direct qualification. In Africa, the final qualifying round is still pending. The regular World Cup participants Ghana and Cameroon are threatened with an early end this week. Oceania could send New Zealand to the World Cup, but that will only be decided by the playoffs with a representative from another continental association next year.
In Europe, England are practically through after beating Albania 5-0. On the last day of the game, one point in San Marino is enough for the team around superstar Harry Kane to secure participation in the World Cup. In groups A, B and H, on the other hand, there are finals. Portugal must not lose against Serbia, Spain not against Sweden and Croatia can still qualify directly with a win against Russia.
France and Belgium could book their tickets with victories against Kazakhstan and Estonia respectively on Saturday. If Norway slip up against Latvia (6 p.m.), the Netherlands’s game in Montenegro (8:45 p.m.) would also turn into a match point game.