Leeds United came to Cardiff for a cup tie as top team in the Premier League but, in a white hot atmosphere at the old Ninian Park, came unstuck against a Cardiff City team playing in the third tier at the time. Local hero Scott Young grabbed the winner that day.
Another exciting clash is anticipated this weekend. Leeds will be backed by around 6,000 fans at the Cardiff City Stadium. Cardiff boss Mark Hudson faces a tough afternoon.
Both clubs have suffered injuries and we may some fresh faces given an outing.
Cardiff striker Kion Etete continues to recover from a slight hamstring strain and is unlikely to be seen against Leeds.
Callum Robinson is also ill and probably will not feature either. Illness has also cast a doubt over Gavin Whyte and Cédric Kipré.
But the Bluebirds have players who are desperate to play. What an opportunity to showcase themselves against a Premier League team.
Leeds United have four first-team players ruled out of the FA Cup clash as Jesse Marsch has shared his team news.
Patrick Bamford is only recently back in training while Adam Forshaw and Luis Sinisterra are expected to be in training next week.
Stuart Dallas has also undergone another operation to clean things up and he is not available for the game either.
There will be plenty to interest Prost’s American audience as Leeds United’s manager is American Jesse Marsch, who replaced Marcelo Bielsa as head coach in February 2022.
Marsch became just the third American to manage in the Premier League, after Bob Bradley and German-born David Wagner.
He began his managerial career in the USA with Montreal Impact and New York Red Bulls, before making the move to Austria to take the hot seat at Red Bull Salzburg.
It was with Die Roten Bullen that Marsch caught the eye, winning the Austrian Bundesliga and the Austrian Cup on two occasions.
Salzburg’s talented side under Marsch included the likes of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, former Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino and Hungarian playmaker Dominik Szoboszlai, the latter following the American to his next role at German club RB Leipzig.
After mutually agreeing to leave Leipzig, Marsch joined Leeds United just two months later and guided them to Premier League safety at the end of last season.
Cardiff have been struggling to find the net since the World Cup and it will be a big ask to lower the colours of Leeds again. But with memories of 2002 filling the air, who knows what the magic of the cup could bring.
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The game took place in the fabulous surroundings of the Ahmed Bin Ali Stadium in Doah, Qatar. Both sets of fans in the 43,000 plus crowd created a tremendous atmosphere as Wales began their first World Cup finals game since 1958.
Manager Robert Page chose to start with veteran Wayne Hennessey in goal over Danny Ward. Dan James and Gareth Bale began up top – skipper Bale unable to wear the rainbow skipper’s armband following FIFA instructions.
USA began with Matt Turner of Arsenal in goal. Tyler Adams of Leeds captained Gregg Berhalter’s side.
USA almost took a stunning lead when a header from Wales defender Joe Rodon was somehow kept out by Hennessey on the Welsh line from a deflected Tim Weah cross.
Up to then Wales had resisted the US pressure with determination. Sergino Dest saw an early yellow card for clattering into Neco Williams as a lively game began to unfold. Juve’s Weston McKennie soon followed for a similar offence.
The Italians were in the action in the early stages – Ethan Ampadu (who turns out for Spezia Calcio putting the first Welsh shot over the bar.
Ampadu Was putting in a strong display in the middle of the park. Williams also caught the eye at full back. Ben Davies of Spurs was composed as US began to look the more dangerous side. Antonee Robinson, Timothy Weare and Christian Pulisic often spaces. Dest pressed forward at every opportunity.
It was Weah who drew first blood on 36 minutes, prodding the ball past Hennessey with precision after the US had carved open the Welsh defence.
Bale was booked on 39 minutes for a foul as the Welsh struggled to make an impact on the game.
Harry Wilson sent over a corner as half time beckoned but it offered little consternation for the Americans. Chris Mepham was booked as a difficult first half ended for the Welsh.
Page replaced James with Kieffer for the second half and the big Bournemouth striker seemed to give Wales extra zip. Bale was stopped by Tim Ream as he looked able to run clear. A yellow card for the Fulham man.
This was a much more enterprising display from Wales as the action occupied the USA defenders for the first spell in the game. Moore had given Wales a focal point. His countrymen responded.
Davies brought an excellent save from Turner who tipped over the Tottenham man’s header. From the corner, Moore headed narrowly astray as Wales were unrecognisable in the second half.
As long as the US held the lead though, the game was finely poised. The Welsh fans belted out the anthem to inspire their boys.
Ramsey and Bale were far more prominent in the second half but still couldn’t quite seize hold of the game.
The USA had regained their composure following that little purple patch after the break, and slowly began to run the game again. Three substitutions came on 74 minutes from Berhalter.
Page replaced Neco Williams with Brennan Johnson. Williams looked hurt at the decision. He had done well.
With 10 minutes to go though, penalty! Bale sent down in the box. The Welsh skipper crashed the kick home to spark wild scenes.
It was Welsh voices which filled the air now as the Land of Song came to Qatar.
Johnson blasted straight at Turner following a neat flick form Moore late on.
Ampadu pulled up in agony as we began a whopping nine minutes of added time.
Bodies were tumbling all around now as Joe Morrell replaced Ampadu.
Mayhem in the final minutes as Bale was sent to the deck with the keeper stranded but this had been the ultimate game of two halves. Wales ended the game happy with a point after 64 years in the World Cup wilderness.
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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.
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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]]>A sparkling opening ceremony inside the Bedouin-tent inspired Al Bayt Stadium will invite the world to come together in Qatar today as the FIFA World Cup kicks off for the first time in the Middle East and Arab world.
The theme of the opening ceremony is a gathering for all mankind, bridging differences through humanity, respect and inclusion.
The seven-act programme will be led by world class talents that interlace Qatari tradition with worldwide culture and will include tributes to the 32 competing teams.
The 30-minute show will be full of surprises, with the main act featuring a performance of Dreamers – a hit single on the FIFA World Cup Official Soundtrack – by celebrated South Korean pop star Jung Kook of BTS and Qatari singer Fahad Al-Kubaisi.
Each participating team has been allocated a special World Cup song for the tournament. USA have been given the 1980s Bruce Springsteen classic Born in the USA. The Welsh song is Tom Jones timeless hit It’s not Unusual!
USA kick off their campaign with a tie against Wales.
USA had an uneasy qualifying route to Qatar, stumbling through a CONCACAF group to finish behind Canda and Mexico and edging out Costa Rica on goal difference for the final automatic spot.
Gregg Berhalter’s team boast some decent talent though, with young players at good European clubs. Chelsea’s Christian Pullisic could feature, alongside Leeds United duo Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams. Gio Reyna from Borussia Dortmund is also a name to note. Adams is expected to captain the side against Wales.
This will be new ground for many of the US stars, with many being unfamiliar with the pressures and problems of tournament football so far from home.
USA are likely to face fellow ‘countryman’ Gareth Bale in Qatar, the Welsh skipper who currently turns out for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC.
Bale’s presence is likely to increase interest in the tournament amongst the American soccer-watching public. With England expected to top the group though, it could come down to a shoot-out between the United States and Wales to see who else moves from Group B to the knock-out stages.
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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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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In his second column on Prost International, Kartik Krishnaiyer celebrates American Independence Day by ssessing the chances of the US Mens National Team (USMNT) in the upcoming World Cup.
Broadcaster and author Kartik Krishnaiyer becomes PINT’s second guest columnist
USA fans watch a World Cup qualifier in Nashville
Photo: Kassel Leventhal/Prost Amerika
July 4th is US Independence Day. It is the day in 1776 that thirteen largely insignificant British colonies declared their independence from the mother country. In fact, Britain had 27 total colonies in North America and the Carribean at the time, so less than half left the Empire at that moment. But it stands as the day Americans commemorate as the birth of their country.
With this in mind, for England to be drawn into FIFA World Cup Group B with Wales and the United States has to be a bit of a nightmare scenario.
Facing a former colony and a constituent nation of the United Kingdom is rife with all sorts of intrigue. But even more, from a football standpoint, it will prove difficult. Wales is very good and battle-tested, something we have months to ponder over, while the US is a radically changed side from past editions.
Before we get to breaking down the US, it’s worth remembering that England’s track record when matched up with Wales or the US in a major tournament isn’t great.
Wales won its Euro 2016 group that included England (despite losing to England in heartbreaking fashion in the group), and advanced the semifinals of the tournament – while England was embarrassingly put out by Iceland.
The last time the US and England were grouped together in a World Cup, the USA had an experienced side that played pragmatically and England under Fabio Capello were trying some new things after missing Euro 2008.
What resulted was one of the worst matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a disjointed affair marred by Rob Green’s howler and England’s inability to stay on the front foot after an early goal. The USA won the group on goal difference, but neither side really left a mark on the tournament.
In 2022, both sides look very different.
The United States is currently managed by Gregg Berhalter, a former Crystal Palace defender, who is quite frankly a hard-core ideologue when it comes to tactics and style.
Unlike past US teams, which were pragmatic, shifted formations based on opponent and often played defensively, Berhalter prefers an attacking style of football and a positionally-based 4-3-3.
For years, a debate has raged in the USA as to whether the US needed a “distinct style of play,” like Spain or the Netherlands or should just play to its strengths which are desire and fitness.
In Berhalter and his boss, Men’s National Team General Manager Earnie Stewart, the US has implemented a very Dutch style of play, fulfilling the wishes of many who felt the US would never reach an elite level by being a defensive-oriented side.
This has created some difficulty as integrating players into a distinct style at international level, who play in a different manner for their clubs has not been as smooth as perhaps hoped.
Under Berhalter, the goals are often stylistic. His view is if the US plays the right way with strong positional discipline, tactical rigidity and dominance in possession of the ball, results will follow.
His model is very clearly the Ajax school of football and therefore, it’s no surprise he prefers the 4-3-3 formation. Thus far results have been uneven under Berhalter, but it can be argued like in club football, implementing a system takes time though you could argue a national team, with limited training time is not the place for such rigidity. But there is no question that the US tactical discipline and positional play has consistently improved since Berhalter took over in late 2018.
Christian Pulisic in action for the USA
Kassel Leventhal / Prost Amerika
This is in direct contrast to England, where Gareth Southgate has continued to be very pragmatic, and seems to constantly experiment with new formations and ideas.
Southgate is criticized for his perceived conservative approach – but the truth is very few swashbuckling sides, that lack defensive solidity have actually won major tournaments in recent years.
The US will attack, almost constantly in matches. This is in direct contrast to past US teams. For example in a 2016 Copa America semifinal loss vs Argentina, the US didn’t take a shot.
Now, the US is in a different paradigm, but one which is wholly dependent on tactical nous and increasingly vulnerable to being beaten on the counter-attack, which against Wales in particular could be a dangerous way to setup.
The key figures for the US, generally play for top club sides and all are under the age of 25 – Christian Pulisic of Chelsea, Weston McKennie of Juventus, Sergiño Dest of Barcelona, Tyler Adams of RB Leipzig, Gio Reyna of Dortmund, Tim Weah of Lille, and English-raised Yunas Musah of Valencia.
Brenden Aaronson who has been transferred to Leeds United this summer is an increasingly influential figure as is Fulham’s Antonee Robinson. Robinson grew up in England but opted to play for the US.
However, the USA’s most consistent player at the club level the last few years, John Brooks of Wolfsburg is nowhere to be found in Berhalter’s plans of late. Brooks has been omitted from the past three squads for whatever reason, leaving Berhalter scrambling to find a consistent central defensive pairing.
The other trouble spot as it is today for so many national sides is the number 9.
The US has cycled through five centre-forwards in qualifying and Concacaf Nations League, none of which have made a real impression. The favorite to start for a while was Ricardo Pepi of Augsburg but of late Berhalter has been looking for any player who might stick.
It’s also worth noting that despite Berhalter’s desire for a tactically sound side, US teams today look more disorganized than heading into every World Cup since 1998.
Some of this might have to do with the relative youth of the side, but probably more critical is the need to master another tactical setup in limited national team training sessions. It’s often said, national team managers keep tactics simple for a reason, but Berhalter has an opposite view. It should be noted that Berhalter will have time to drill the squad tactically during the weeks leading into the World Cup.
One last point may be completely unknow to English audiences given their long standing and storied rivalries with Scotland, Germany and Argentina. A rivalry with England exists in the minds of American soccer fans.
Given the interconnected nature of the English and Welsh football cultures in addition to other political factors that fuel rivalry, England’s chief rival in this group is obviously Wales.
Brenden Aaronson celebrates his goal against Canada
Photo: Kassel Levanthal / Prost Amerika
But the United States also views England as a rival, perhaps out of envy, a big brother complex which the states doesn’t share with the likes of France, Germany or Spain. It’s also worth noting at this point that the Premier League is more popular among television viewers in the US, than either of two major US domestic leagues, MLS or USL are. This fuels a greater interest in England and as a result a greater envy.
Group B has the prospect of being super-competitive and marked with different styles of football as well as some real rivalries. It should be fun.
And I haven’t even mentioned Iran!
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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.
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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Born in Selma, Alabama on March 17th 1972, Mariel Margaret Hamm-Garciaparra to this day is a soccer icon in the USA and around the world.
The future Olympic gold medallist and two time FIFA World Cup winner, however, would have to fight for everything.
Spending most of her childhood travelling the world with her parents, who were regularly based overseas with the armed forces, Hamm would have to overcome difficulties as a toddler after being born with a club foot and forced to wear corrective shoes.
However, that little girl had a passion for soccer and it was during her time in Italy when her love affair with the game began.
Hamm joined her first soccer team in Texas aged just five as her father coached her and older brother Garrett, who was eight at the time.
Ironically, the year that she was born, would see major changes in federal law to prohibit discrimination in federally funded education programs which would open the door for many young girls and present them with new and exciting sports opportunities.
At a young age, Hamm played and excelled at sport, although, it would be soccer that she became focused on, and whilst playing on the boys’ team at junior high, many would get a glimpse of the future Olympic gold medallist’s talent.
By 1987, the 15-year-old would represent the USA at the Olympic Festival in North Carolina and became one of the youngest players to play for the United States National Women’s team, all this whilst still playing for Notre Dame High Catholic School.
Not bad for a girl born with a club foot, proving from such an early age the ability to overcome challenges, many more of which were still to come.
Hamm founded the Mia Hamm Foundation after the death of her brother in 1997 to a rare blood disease called Aplastic Anaemia, something Garrett battled with for over 10 years.
The foundation is dedicated to the promotion of awareness of rare blood diseases and raising funds to help bone marrow transplant recipients. It also encourages families to register with the National Bone Marrow registry and provides regular funding to UNC Health Care and the children’s hospital in Los Angeles.
Focusing also on the creation of opportunities for the empowerment of women in sport is something close to Hamm’s heart. From 1989 to 1993, she attended North Carolina University in Chapel Hill where she led the team to win the first of four NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Championships in five years.
During this period, Hamm was permitted to red-shirt her time at university to prepare and focus on the inaugural 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Guangdong, China.
In the coming years, Hamm would go on to win some highly impressive awards and accolades, including the ACC Player of the Year on three consecutive occasions and was named the ACC Female Athlete of the Year in 1993 and 1994.
Graduating from NCU in 1994, she left as the ACC record goalscorer netting an astonishing 103 times, already showing the quality that soon made her a household name and leader of the women’s game, not only in the USA but across the world.
Hamm’s spell at Washington Freedom meant she was part of the first match to be shown on ESPN, however, the year would be a tough one after an injury kept her out of action during the 2001 season and the early part of 2002.
Representing her country was always Hamm’s goal, and after she made her senior debut, the Alabama-born player would go on to make a total of 276 appearances, scoring over 270 goals for the USNWT and winning
two World Cups in 1991 and, of course, 1999.
Added to that the fact the USA finished third in 1995 and again on home the soil in 2003, Mia Hamm brought to life her passion for soccer not only in the schools, colleges and universities in the USA but in the hearts of many little girls across the globe.
This was was in-between winning Olympic gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Sydney in 2000 and winning gold again in Athens 2004.
There are so many polls asking everyone to listen to the same question, who is the greatest player you have ever seen play?
Many, mostly men, respond the same way with the likes of Pele, Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
However, seeing her grace on and off the pitch, Mia Hamm will forever be the greatest player in my opinion.
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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