Canada saw plenty of the ball and dominated large portions of this Group F game but came up short where it counted most, missing a penalty when Alphonso Davies had his effort saved by Belgium keeper Thibaut Courtois.
Courtois also had to save well from Alistair Johnston, but the talented Belgians took the lead with a wonderful strike from Michy Batshuayi who capitalised on a pass from Toby Alderweireld’ to send the ball fiercely beyond Milan Borjan.
Canada had two decent penalty claims rejected in the first half and forced the pace throughout.
Canada deserved more from this battle and the Belgians will hope to develop and grow as the tournament evolves.
They will be very grateful for the hard-won victory and have now not lost an opening match in their last seven World Cup appearances.
Canada can take great credit from the game as their opponents have now won eight in a row with their last group stage defeat coming all the way back in 1994 when they lost 1-0 to Saudi Arabia.
Belgium have won 11 of their last 13 World Cup matches and have not failed to score in their last 12 World Cup group stage matches, since a 0-0 draw against the Netherlands in 1998.
Canada were backed by thousands of noisy fans inside Ahmad bin Ali Stadium who gave their team a rich ovation at the final whistle after a performance in which they did everything but score the goal they fully deserved.
Canada’s Atiba Hutchinson (39y 288d) has become the second oldest outfield player ever to make an appearance in the FIFA World Cup (Cameroon’s Roger Milla 42y 39d remains the oldest)
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Canada return to the FIFA World Cup finals for the first time in 36 years with an opening Group F fixture against 2018 semi-finalists Belgium in Al Rayyan’s Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium. Belgium, seeking a first major international title, are making their 14th appearance at the global finals.
Ever-presents from 1982-2002, they returned for the two most recent tournaments, in Brazil – where they were quarter-finalists – and Russia – where they finished third, registering their highest ever placing.
Canada, the FIFA World Cup 2026 co-hosts, booked their place in Qatar by successfully coming through 20 qualifying fixtures as Concacaf’s top team. They will be looking to make a positive impression in Qatar in what is their second participation in FIFA World Cup history.
Belgium have not lost their opening match in their last six World Cup appearances (W4 D2). The last time they lost their opener was in 1986 against Mexico.
Unbeaten in their last 12 group-stage matches at the FIFA World Cup (W7 D5), Belgium have won seven in a row heading into this tournament. Remarkably, their last group-stage defeat was all the way back in 1994 (0-1 v. Saudi Arabia).
Canada are participating in their second FIFA World Cup, 36 years after their debut appearance at the finals in 1986.
Canada coach John Herdman is the first person to coach a team at both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup. He coached both New Zealand and Canada previously at the FIFA Women’s World Cup
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Canada’s Atiba Hutchinson is the oldest outfield player at Qatar 2022. He was 39 years and 285 days old at the start of the tournament.
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The stage is set and we are almost there. The first ever Winter World Cup is just around the corner so in true fashion, it is time for some of our writers to give their thoughts ahead of the showpiece event in Qatar.
As an added bonus we have teamed up with our compatriots at Prost Amerika for an insight from the other side of the World.
World Cup Winner
Jared Miller: I’m torn between Brazil and Argentina. I believe Brazil have the strongest squad depth (other than full-backs), but it’s difficult to look past the Lionel Messi factor, especially as the final could be his 1000th game.
James Sadler: I think the winner will be Argentina, they were undefeated in South American qualifying alongside Brazil, the first time a team has ever gone undefeated, haven’t lost in all competitions in three years and possess the greatest player of all time in Lionel Messi.
Will Knight: Brazil is a team that nobody can write off this year. Their line-up is filled with star
players, many of whom are some real heavy hitters in big football leagues.
English and Welsh hopes
JM: England: I really like Southgate as a person, and he’s done very well so far, but I think this could be one tournament too far for him. I think we might be relying on quality moments from individuals, though that’s not to say I don’t think we’ll go far. Wales: They’ve turned up at the last two Euros, and they seem to play better than their squad looks on paper. I think they get through the group, but will struggle past that.
JS: I think England will win the group thanks to multiple low scoring wins, beat in my opinion Senegal in the Ro16 but crash out to France in the quarters. I think Wales will struggle to make it out of the group, they don’t have the same quality as USA or England, and Iran aren’t to be underestimated either.
WK: Although I would love to see England win, personally I don’t see them making it out of the semi-finals. The choice of squad can be seen to be a bit conservative, while the defence may prove to be England’s achilles heel.
I see Wales having a tough fight with the USA to make it out the group stages but I do see the States beating the squad. But, if they’re at their very best, they could follow England into the round of 16.
CONCACAF chances
Dan Gaichas: USA: Good World Cup would be getting out of the group stage. Need to get results against Wales and Iran if not against England. Looking forward to all three USA matches to see what progress has been made by this squad and what progress will need to be made for 2026.
Canada: Scoring goals will be an achievement (which they didn’t do in 1986). Advancing out of group stage here will be a massive achievement given they have Belgium and Croatia in their group. Player to watch on Canada is Alphonso Davies, but watch out for Cyle Larin as well.
Mexico: It’s all about getting to the quarterfinals which they have never done outside their own country. They should get out the group if they get the results against Saudi Arabia and Poland. However, they were so unremarkable during qualifying and show no signs of suddenly being at this time.
I’ll add a snippet about Costa Rica: In a usual World Cup cycle, they are the third best team in CONCACAF, but Canada excelled and the Ticos had to go through a playoff against New Zealand. This team is nowhere near the team that were penalties away from the semi finals in Brazil. I do not expect much from them–especially against Spain, Germany, and Japan.
Top Scorer
JM: My money’s on Harry Kane (literally), but Messi and Neymar should be good shouts too.
JS: My top scorer is Kylian Mbappe, I think France will go quite far and with a couple of easy group stage matches on paper against Tunisia and Australia, I can see Mbappe getting on the scoresheet.
Dark Horses
JS: My dark horses are Denmark, they were brilliant in qualifying and were only extra time away from making it to the Euros final and should be making it through their group comfortably, they’ve even beaten France the last two times they’ve met.
JM: Denmark. The Danish have some quality players on paper, getting to the Euros semi-final without Eriksen, their main man. I really like the look of their squad again. I might fancy Uruguay too.
WK: When looking at the teams, a dark horse that stands out for me is Croatia. Their performance in 2018, reaching the final against France, is one that stands out to me following a victory over England but I have not heard them mentioned when discussing possible winners this year.
Game to watch
JS: The group game I’m looking forward to most is Spain vs Germany, it’s a new era for both giants of international football and a game where young players on both sides could shine.
JM: It’s got to be England vs. Wales. The atmosphere in the country will be incredible, and it’ll certainly be a close game given the rivalry.
WK: The game I am most looking forward to is the final. This may be cliché, but anyone who watches the World Cup is eager to learn who will play for glory.
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David at Wembley Stadium for the Wrexham v Bromley FA Trophy Final in May 2022
Prost International and its sister site Prost Amerika are delighted to report that we have obtained accreditation to cover this winter’s World Cup finals as an international media outlet.
Journalist David Collins will be reporting from Qatar with Group B his primary focus. England, Wales the USA and Iran meet there.
However he will also report on Canada and Mexico as the two North American sides seek to replicate CONCACAF’s impressive showing eight years ago.
Cardiff-based writer David has covered club games involving Cardiff City, Newport County, Swansea City and Wrexham for Prost in recent years as Wales Correspondent as well as reporting on the fortunes of Robert Page’s international XI and Gemma Grainger’s Women’s team.
David told us:
“I’m thrilled that FIFA have confirmed my place as an accredited media representative in Qatar.
“I have enjoyed some terrific times reporting for Prost, covering international fixtures, club encounters across Wales & the West Country and even a Wembley cup final. It’s an amazing site to write for.
“Qatar will be a wholly different experience though.
“Aside from the football, I’m especially looking forward to participating in a worldwide sporting event from a media perspective. It will be a terrific insight into the world of the mass media.
“It is fabulous recognition and I am truly grateful not only to my colleagues on Prost International but to all those past and present in the USA and Canada on Prost Amerika who helped build the site to this defining moment.”
Prost Amerika began in 2006 at Seattle’s Qwest Field (now Lumen Field) with just a pen and a notepad when Seattle Sounders were in the USL
Prost founder and owner Steve Clare said:
“I am delighted firstly for David. His twin passions are for Welsh football and for journalism. This is a day he has long dreamt of, but never thought he would see.
“Moreso, I want to thank all those who have travelled with us from our humble beginnings in the USL in Seattle, through becoming a Cascadian site to nationwide MLS coverage. We have had some magnificent writers and photographers.
“This moment is a tribute to each and every one of them.
“I also want to thank our university partners in England and Wales for helping grow Prost International at such an incredible rate.”
David will primarily be reporting on Group B but he will cover the tournament as a whole as the eyes of the world focus on Qatar.
As an experienced and respected figure in the Welsh media, he has contributed to a number of websites, hard copy publications and digital platforms. His media appearances include TV and radio work, including BBC Wales, alongside a lively social media presence @DavidCollins29a.
Aside from his work with Prost, he is the author of several books on Welsh football and other aspects of social and cultural life.
Prost is known for its commitment to inclusivity. That comittment takes many forms.
Recently David began CymraegProst, a Welsh language twitter account, and he will be populating that account with updates from Qatar to accompany his live tweets and articles in English as the World Cup drama unfolds.
In addition, Prost will be offering to share its content with any Welsh language outlet to ensure Welsh speakers benefit as much as is possible from his presence there.
Prost Soccer is grateful to the Football Association of Wales for supporting our representation in Qatar. They have been a model football association in terms of welcoming and assisting smaller media to promote their club and national sides.
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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There are now 232 days until the opening game of the World Cup and we learned on Friday who would face who as the group stage draw took place in the Qatari capital.
Delegates from around the world flew in as former players such as Cafu, Tim Cahill and Ali Daei took part in the draw ceremony that saw 29 confirmed nations discover their fate while three play-off contenders also discovered what could potentially be ahead for them.
The draw threw up plenty of exciting and intriguing groups and while there probably is not a ‘group of death’ as such, almost every country will fancy their chances of having some sort of success in November.
Group A
Qatar, Ecuador, Senegal, Netherlands
So we finally found out what the opening game will be and it is the hosts Qatar taking on Ecuador. It won’t look like a thriller on paper but it will give the debutants some belief that they can get off to a decent start.
African champions Senegal taking on the Netherlands looks like one of the group stage highlights and both will fancy their chances of reaching the knockout stages. A final game clash between Ecuador and Senegal could well decide qualification.
Group B
England, Iran, USA, Wales/Ukraine/Scotland
Well, this was certainly the group for lovers of narrative.
On paper, it appears to be quite a nice draw for England but without knowing who will come through the play-off in June, it is hard to draw too many conclusions.
The USA and England have played out some memorable World Cup games in the past while Iran famously saw off the States in 1998 for a first-ever World Cup victory.
The prospect however of a battle between two home nations on the biggest stage is mouth-watering and with it being the final group game, there could be a lot on the line.
Group C
Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Poland
A nice group appeared for Lionel Messi on what will probably be his last shot at winning the tournament. Argentina will be hopeful of topping the group with none of the other three sides having much success in recent editions.
Mexico and Poland will know their opening clash will go a long way to who will advance while Saudi Arabia would appear unlikely to get anything in what is quite a daunting group for the Middle Eastern side.
Mexico’s quest for a fifth match at a World Cup would most likely see them up against France in the last 16 in what would be an enormously difficult encounter for the North Americans.
Group D
France, UAE/Australia/Peru, Denmark, Tunisia
Should Peru or Australia make it through the intercontinental play-off in June, Group D will see three-quarters of the participants in Group C from 2018 in the same group once more.
France came through that group en route to winning the tournament back then and Les Bleus and Denmark will be feeling confident of a repeat result four years on.
Tunisia will be looking to cause an upset somewhere and build on their victory over Panama in 2018.
Look out for the matchday two clash between France and Denmark where a Danish win would throw everyone’s knockout predictions up in the air and open up the draw. It always happens somewhere and that could be the game that does it.
Group E
Spain, Costa Rica/New Zealand, Germany, Japan
Spain against Germany on November 27th is the standout fixture of the group stage draw but it has the look of a clash that will decide first place in the group, rather than knock a giant out.
Both sides will be confident of seeing off Japan and whichever of Costa Rica or New Zealand come through in June.
Japan may seek inspiration from neighbours South Korea however, who knocked the Germans out in 2018.
Group F
Belgium, Canada, Morocco, Croatia
Two of the semi-finalists from Russia in 2018 will come together in the group stages as Belgium and Croatia lock horns in Group F.
The pair will face off in the final group game and should either slip up in advance of that, we could well see one of the more fancied European sides going home.
Morocco impressed in 2018 without winning while Canada will face Belgium in their first World Cup match since 1986. They may just believe their fairytale run could continue into the knockout stages.
Group G
Brazil, Serbia, Switzerland, Cameroon
Another group that is almost a carbon copy from 2018 only this time Cameroon will take the place of Costa Rica.
Brazil came out on top on that occasion while Serbia and Switzerland played out a controversial clash that saw the Swiss come from behind to win 2-1 thanks to a late winner from Xherdan Shaqiri.
They will meet in the final group game which could essentially be a winner-takes-all clash.
Cameroon are not going to make up the numbers though and will make for dangerous opponents after their dramatic late win over Algeria to qualify.
Group H
Portugal, Ghana, Uruguay, South Korea
Uruguay will have the face up to the ghosts of World Cups past in Group H.
The South Americans knocked South Korea out in the last 16 in 2010 while they did the same to Portugal in Russia four years ago.
But the real battle for revenge will take place on matchday two when Ghana seek redemption after Luis Suarez and the handball controversy from the 2010 quarter-final.
This has the appearance of quite an open group and while Portugal will back themselves to win it, history has shown that they could just as easily finish bottom.
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The qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup are almost in the history books now as several more nations from across the globe sealed their places in November’s tournament in Qatar.
There was plenty at stake across all continents so it is time to dive straight in and see how the action unfolded on what is possibly international football’s greatest week, time after time.
AFC
Group A on the final stages in Asia had little left to be decided with Iran and South Korea having already booked their spot in the previous set of fixtures.
Instead it was all about the battle for third place and the play-off that comes with it. Iraq gave themselves a lifeline with a 1-0 victory over direct rivals the United Arab Emirates to leave the visitor’s hopes hanging in the balance.
However Rodolfo Arruabarrena’s side recovered to claim a huge 1-0 victory over South Korea in the final game while Iraq could only draw with Syria to seal their fate.
In Group B, Japan ensured they would be back for a seventh consecutive World Cup appearance after defeating Australia 2-0 in Sydney. This also meant that Saudi Arabia qualified without having to kick a ball.
The Saudis rubbed salt into the Aussie wounds by winning 1-0 in Jeddah in the final group game.
Australia will now have to settle for the play-offs. They will face the UAE in a single game shootout in Doha on June 7th with the winner facing Peru for a chance to reach the finals.
CAF
Africa had probably the most exciting games on paper with a host of big nations set to do battle. This also shows how the continent will benefit when the tournament expands in 2026. So many talented African footballers will miss out once more in Qatar.
Which brings us to Egypt and Mohamed Salah. The repeat of the AFCON final with Senegal was as tight as you might have expected with the Pharaohs winning 1-0 in Cairo before the African champions responded with a 1-0 victory of their own in Dakar.
Salah went on to miss in the penalty shootout with Sadio Mane once more scoring the winning kick to ensure it was double delight for the Lions of Teranga.
There was further late drama between Algeria and Cameroon. Once again both games finished 1-0 to either side therefore extra-time would be required. Ahmed Touba thought he had won it for Algeria only for Lyon’s Karl Toko Ekambi to score a crucial away goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time to send Cameroon through.
There were shocking scenes in Abuja as supporters stormed the pitch following Ghana’s away goal victory over bitter rivals Nigeria. Thomas Partey grabbed the all-important goal before William Troost-Ekong equalised with a penalty. But it was not to be for the Nigerians, who fail to qualify for the first time since 2006.
Morocco were the only side to really cut loose over the past week as they swept past DR Congo 5-2 on aggregate. It was honours even in Kinshasa for the first leg before the Atlas Lions stormed to victory in Casablanca, with Achraf Hakimi among the goalscorers.
Tunisia made it a North African double as they held their nerve to edge past Mali and deny Les Aiges a debut appearance. Moussa Sissako’s own goal was all that could separate the two sides over 180 minutes.
CONCACAF
CONCACAF is the only federation yet to conclude at the time of writing but Canada rubber stamped a first appearance since 1986 with a 4-0 victory over Jamaica in Toronto to spark joyous scenes.
Mexico and the USA look set the join Les Rouges barring some incredibly unlikely results on the final day.
Costa Rica look likely to take the play-off spot and they will face New Zealand as Los Ticos look to qualify for a third straight tournament.
CONMEBOL
Ecuador will be back at the World Cup despite only taking one point from their final two games. La Tri have enjoyed a good campaign and can now look forward to returning to the world stage for the first time since 2014.
They will be joined by Uruguay after Giorgian de Arrascaeta’s goal clinched a 1-0 victory over Peru to ensure a positive end to a difficult campaign.
This meant that the Peruvians were in control of fifth place going into the final game but Colombia and Chile were ready and waiting to take advantage of any slip ups.
Unfortunately for Chile it was the end of an era as they fell 2-0 at home to Uruguay while Colombia defeated Venezuela 1-0 to do their part.
It would be Peru’s day however as goals from Gianluca Lapadula and Yoshimar Yotun sealed a play-off spot against either the UAE or Australia in June.
OFC
New Zealand will once more represent Oceania in the playoffs after coming through a mini tournament in Qatar.
Vanuatu and the Cook Islands had to cancel games due to Covid which meant Tahiti and the Soloman Islands progressed to the semi-finals.
New Zealand coasted through their group and were joined in the final four by Papua New Guinea.
A Liberato Cacace goal saw the All Whites edge past Tahiti in the semi-final while the Soloman Islands saw off Papua New Guinea by three goals to two.
There would be no fairytale in the final however as Chris Wood helped Danny Hay’s side to a 5-0 victory and set up a likely play-off with Costa Rica in June.
UEFA
A brace from Gareth Bale inspired Wales to a 2-1 victory over Austria to leave Robert Page’s side just one game away from a first World Cup appearance since 1958.
They will host the winners of the Scotland and Ukraine match which will have to be rearranged for a later date.
Elsewhere Poland made the most of receiving a bye straight through to the final by defeating Sweden in Warsaw to make it back to back qualifications.
Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zielinski scored to see off the Swedes, who edged out the Czech Republic in extra-time in Solna.
Arguably the biggest shock of the window saw North Macedonia stun European champions Italy 1-0 in Palermo to ensure the Italians missed a second consecutive World Cup.
The four times winner will have gone 20 years without a knockout match by the time the next tournament rolls around in 2026.
The reward for North Macedonia was a trip to Porto after Portugal defeated Turkey 3-1 in the semi-final.
The fairytale run would not have the ultimate conclusion however as Bruno Fernandes grabbed a brace to send the hosts through and ensure Cristiano Ronaldo will have the chance to play in a fifth World Cup.
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In what was a catch-up window due to previous postponements because of the pandemic, several teams made the most of the winter action and took major steps towards participation in November’s World Cup.
None were more successful than Iran and South Korea, who became the 14th and 15th nations to qualify for the showcase event.
In CONCACAF, it was Canada who had the most successful window, claiming nine points to leave them on the brink of just a second-ever World Cup appearance.
Meanwhile in South America, it was more of a case of eliminations as what was a ten-team league is now ultimately down to five with Brazil and Argentina already having qualified and Paraguay, Bolivia and Venezuela all now out of contention.
Let us begin in Asia as we take a look back on another thrilling week of action.
AFC
It was in Tehran that Iran confirmed their qualification for a third consecutive World Cup. Porto forward Mehdi Taremi scored the winner in a 1-0 victory over Iraq to seal another finals appearance for Team Melli.
South Korea picked up a 1-0 win over Lebanon to leave themselves nicely poised before the second game of the window.
The UAE kept the South Korean’s honest with a 2-0 win at home to Syria to keep their own faint hopes alive.
Those hopes would be dashed just five days later however as South Korea booked their finals place with a 2-0 win over Syria in Dubai and maintains their record of appearing at every World Cup since 1986. Iran’s 1-0 triumph over the UAE rendered the result immaterial anyway as the Emirates could now no longer qualify automatically.
The Syrians are the only team in the group officially eliminated and responded by sacking coach Valeriu Tita. Iraq did similar, dismissing Serbian manager Zeljko Petrovic. They still hold faint hopes of a play-off despite failing to win a game so far. They must beat the UAE in their next game in March to stand any chance.
Over in Group B, there is a little bit more tension with none of the sides earning automatic qualification thus far. Matchday seven saw the top three all claim home victories over the lesser lights in the group with Australia thrashing Vietnam 4-0, Japan seeing off China 2-0 and leaders Saudi Arabia earning a narrow 1-0 win over Oman.
Matchday eight proved to be much more decisive, however. Takumi Minamino was on the scoresheet as Japan closed to the gap to within a point of the Saudis with a 2-0 home win.
This left the door open for Australia to join the Japanese and leave a one-point gap between all three sides. Graham Arnold’s men will be kicking themselves however for conceding a late equaliser to Oman in Muscat that saw two precious points dropped.
Australia will now need to beat Japan at home next up and most likely do the same in Saudi Arabia if they are to qualify without the need for a play-off. They do have that option to fall back on though as Oman are now eliminated.
Vietnam also picked up their first win of the campaign as they secured a 3-1 victory over China 3-1 in Hanoi.
CONCACAF
Canada are now just one win away from a first World Cup appearance since 1986 following three victories in a brilliant week.
‘Les Rouges’ began the window by defeating winless Honduras thanks to a goal from star striker Jonathan David. The traditional big two of the USA and Mexico kept up the pressure with wins over El Salvador and Jamaica respectively.
Bryan Ruiz grabbed the winner as Costa Rica aimed to move closer to a play-off spot by defeating Panama.
It would be in matchday 10 where John Herdman’s Canadian side would take the biggest strides. An early Cyle Larin goal sent them on their way to a vital 2-0 victory over the USA to leave the nation ecstatic and leave fans of the USMNT enraged.
Panama got back on track by edging out Jamaica while El Salvador piled the misery on Honduras with a 2-0 win.
Costa Rica held Mexico to a crucial goalless draw in an empty Azteca Stadium to claim what could be a huge point.
In the final matchday of the break, Canada’s match in San Salvador almost did not go ahead due to the El Salvador players threatening to strike over unpaid bonuses. The strike was averted and David claimed another goal to make it a memorable week for the Canadians.
It was also memorable for slightly different reasons in Minnesota as the USA claimed a 3-0 victory over Honduras in freezing conditions. Two Honduran players had to be treated for hypothermia while fans saw their beers freeze in the stadium. Perhaps more thinking is required for the federation next time when determining where to stage the games.
Raul Jimenez scored a penalty as Mexico beat Panama while Joel Campbell scored the only goal in Costa Rica’s victory in Jamaica. ‘Los Ticos’ are now just a point behind Panama following an excellent window as they chase a play-off match with the best team from Oceania.
For Canada, victory over the Costa Ricans in March will bring about the moment they have been waiting 36 years for. The USA and Mexico look poised to join them while it appears to be a straight shootout between Panama and Costa Rica.
CONMEBOL
Onto South America, where nobody has yet joined Brazil and Argentina but there were some eliminations taken care of.
Ecuador were probably the biggest victors of the window, guaranteeing themselves at least a play-off spot against the play-off winners from Asia thanks to two draws.
A bad-tempered clash with Brazil ended in a 1-1 draw while fellow confirmed finalists Argentina claimed a 2-1 triumph in Chile.
Edison Flores grabbed a vital late winner as Peru claimed a massive 1-0 win in Colombia to go fourth. Uruguay would keep the pressure on with a 1-0 win in Paraguay.
Salomon Rondon notched a hat-trick as Venezuela prolonged Bolivia’s wait for a first away victory since 1994 in the qualifiers.
It was all to play for then going into the second match of the window but this is where some dreams were sadly ended.
Philippe Coutinho scored a cracking goal as Brazil thrashed Paraguay 4-0 to end their hopes while Chile won 3-2 in Bolivia to leave Bolivia waiting another four years for an appearance on the biggest stage.
Luis Suarez became the top goalscorer in CONMEBOL qualifying history in Uruguay’s 4-1 win over Venezuela to ensure another elimination for the visitors. The hosts meanwhile stole a march on Peru and climbed into the automatic places following the Peruvian’s 1-1 draw with Ecuador.
The draw did at least deny Ecuador automatic qualification for now.
Lautaro Martinez scored the winner for Argentina which put a huge dent to Colombia’s chances of a third consecutive World Cup appearance.
It is all set up for a dramatic two matchdays in March as we find out who will join the traditional giants. Ecuador only need a win in Paraguay in their next game to ensure they join them. There are sure to be more twists and turns to come.
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By Kathrin Dick
Team GB drew 1-1 with Canada to top Group E’s table at the Kashima Soccer stadium.
The first half was even with each side poking at each other’s defence but unable to break it down. Team GB had a notable chance with Demi Stokes crossing the ball over Canada’s defence but both Nikita Parris and Caroline Weir could not sort out their feet.
Canada made the breakthrough early in the second half which had already started shakily after Ellie Roebuck’s pass was cut out by Adrianna Leon. Millie Bright was there to block the shot though.
Just before the hour, Ashley Lawrence drove forward with Leon and Jordyn Huitema arriving in the box. Lawrence played a low pass across the area that found Leon in space. The GB defence failed to clear and Leon hit produced a clinical first-time finish.
Fran Kirby returned to action after missing out on the earlier games with a knock. Her arrival onto the field with just over 10 minutes remaining sparked a resurgence from Hege Riise’s side, with three quick shots on target.
Their fourth found the net with Lucy Bronze laying off to Weir, whose shot took a fortunate deflection off Nichelle Prince’s head and found the back of the net with 5 minutes to play.
Team GB finished top of the group with seven points and will face Australia on Friday in the quarterfinals. Whilst Bev Priestman’s side secured second place with a point and will also progress to the next round.
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]]>Hege Riise’s Team GB face Bev Priestley’s Canada on Tuesday in their final group stage game, with both sides looking to top the group.
Unbeaten in the group stage, having won against Chile and Japan last week, GB will hope to continue their perfect record against a tough Canadian outfit, having already secured a place in the knockout stage.
Manchester City striker Ellen White has been clinical in front of goal so far during the tournament and will undoubtedly be looking to add to her tally of three goals as Riise’s team set their sights on a possible podium finish.
Her 74th-minute strike against Japan was enough to secure qualification for the knockout stages with one game to spare.
The 32-year old is currently joint fourth in the golden boot race and with GB expected to progress towards the latter stages of the competition, that tally should only continue to increase.
With Canada needing at least a point to guarantee a place in the knockout stage, Priestley’s threatening attack will look to break down GB’s strong defensive line.
However, the likes of Lucy Bronze, Rachel Daly and Steph Houghton have so far not let in a single goal during the first two games and have been superb defensively.
Canadian record goal-scorer Christine Sinclair and Janine Beckie will spearhead the attack and look to break Ellie Roebuck’s run of clean sheets.
If GB succeed, they will face a third-placed nation in the knockout round and would have what is considered to be a more favoured route to the final.
With a whole wealth of talent going forward and a backline who have looked strong so far, Riise’s side will certainly be fancied to come away with the three points.
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