Barely 24 hours before the Winter Paralympics are due to begin in Beijing, the IPC released a statement explaining that the threat of multiple nations to boycott the Games had forced it’s hand.
The Winter Paralympics committee have confirmed that they have agreed to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing in the Paralympics after international backlash forced a u-turn.
This comes after international backlash to Wednesday’s decision to let them compete as neutrals.
With barely 24 hours to go before the Paralympics are due to begin, The IPC released a statement confirming that after the threat of multiple nations to boycott the Games was enough to encourage the committee to review their previous decision.
“At the IPC we are very firm believers that sport and politics should not mix. However, by no fault of its own the war has now come to these Games and behind the scenes many Governments are having an influence on our cherished event.
Andrew Parsons, the IPC president
The IPC’s decision to ban Russia and Belarus athletes from the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games came after the governing body was heavily criticised for initially agreeing to allow Russian and Belarussian competitors to take part under the Paralympic flag while being left off the medal table.
“What is clear is that the rapidly escalating situation has now put us in a unique and impossible position so close to the start of the Games. Yesterday we said we would continue to listen, and that is what we are doing.”
Andrew Parsons, the IPC president
It adds to the growing list off sporting sanctions to have been imposed against Russia following it’s invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement IPC president Andrew Parsons said: “At the IPC we are very firm believers that sport and politics should not mix.
Recently the International Olympic Committee requested all sports to ban athletes and teams from Russia and Belarus from participating in all international competitions after the invasion of Ukraine.
It comes after the World Athletics Council announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes would be excluded from all World Athletics Series events for the foreseeable future.
“Yesterday we said we would continue to listen, and that is what we are doing,”
“In the last 12 hours an overwhelming number of members have been in touch with us and been very open, for which we are grateful.
IPC Spokesperson
With the opening ceremony of the Winter Paralympics due to take place this Friday before the competitions begin on Saturday, Russia were due to be represented by approximately 71 athletes while Belarus had entered 12, none of which will now be permitted to take part.
“To the Para athletes from the impacted countries, we are very sorry that you are affected by the decisions your governments took last week in breaching the Olympic Truce. You are victims of your governments’ actions.
“Athlete welfare is and always will be a key concern for us. As a result of today’s decision 83 Para athletes are directly impacted by this decision.
IPC Spokesperson.
The Chinese capital city of Beijing will host a record 650 plus Para athletes from 49 National Paralympic Committees for the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games to become the world’s first city to stage both Summer and Winter Games.
Beijing 2022 will run from the 4th-13th of March and see Para athletes competing in 78 events across six Para sports – 39 for men, 35 for women and four mixed events.
The Paralympic emblem artfully transforms 飞, the Chinese character for ´fly.´ It vividly evokes the image of an athlete in a wheelchair rushing towards the finish line and victory. The robust strokes in the upper part and the soft curves below symbolise Para athletes striving for excellence. The emblem also embodies the Paralympic vision of enabling Para athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world.
Designed by Chinese artist Lin Cunzhen, the emblems combine traditional and modern elements of Chinese culture, illustrating the vigour and passion of winter sports while incorporating Chinese calligraphy and emphasising the importance of placing athletes at the centre of the Games.
“Together for a Shared Future” demonstrates unity and a collective effort, embodying the core values and vision of the Olympic Movement, and the goal of pursuing world unity, peace and progress. The motto considered the key values of the Paralympic Games as well, in particular the role they play in contributing to a more inclusive society.
The motto represents the power of the Games to overcome global challenges as a community, with a shared future for humankind. The words reflect the necessity for the world to work together towards a better tomorrow, especially given the difficulties faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Women’s slalom will be the last Para alpine skiing event in Beijing and one of the last events on the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games programme. Female athletes are set to conclude seven days of Para Alpine action at the Yanqing National Alpine Skiing Centre on Sunday, 13th March.
Beijing was selected as host city in 2015 at the 128th IOC Session in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, marking its second time hosting the Paralympics.
The opening ceremony is scheduled to be held on Friday 4th March 2022 with the closing ceremony to be held on the 13th March 2022.
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The Scottish FA has issued a statement regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The statement indicates that Scotland will not take part in their UEFA Regions Cup fixture against Russia.
Full statement below:
SCOTTISH FA ISSUES MESSAGE OF SUPPORT TO UKRAINE
The Scottish FA President, Rod Petrie, has written to his counterpart at the Ukrainian Association of
Football to send a message of support, friendship and unity.
Football is inconsequential amid conflict, but we have conveyed the strong sense of solidarity
communicated to us by Scotland fans and citizens in recent days.
We remain in dialogue with UEFA and FIFA regarding our men’s FIFA World Cup play-off and
Women’s World Cup qualifier and have offered to support our Ukrainian colleagues’ preparations as
best we can in these unimaginably difficult circumstances.
Should the current circumstances continue, we will not sanction the nomination of a team to
participate in our scheduled UEFA Regions Cup fixture against Russia, due to be played in August.
This will remain our position should any other fixtures arise at any level of international football.”
The statement follows a lukewarm and often angry response to the FIFA declaration overnight. FIFA refused to throw Russia out of its competitions, insisting only that they cannot play their national anthem or call themselves Russia.
They can play under the title “Football Union of Russia (RFU). No matches can be played on Russian soil but most observers considered their measures insufficient.
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]]>Belgium cruised to victory in their opening Group B fixture against Russia in Saint-Petersburg. Romelu Lukaku opened the scoring early on, he was joined on the scoresheet by Thomas Meunier, before the Inter Milan talisman sealed the victory late on with his second of the game.
The game opened as a scruffy affair, with neither side comfortably keeping possession.
Russia had a corner with seven minutes played, swung in from the left, but it flew over the crowded Belgium penalty area and resulted in a throw in.
After ten minutes, Romelu Lukaku pounced on a loose ball which fell kindly to his feet, thanks to a miss-kick from Andrey Semenov, before dispatching and burying it into the bottom right hand corner in trademark Lukaku style. The Inter Milan striker celebrated by paying tribute to teammate Christian Eriksen by saying “Chris, I love you” into the pitch-side television camera.
Mario Fernandes was close to equalising from a corner, however it didn’t test the experienced Thibaut Courtois, who dealt with the danger.
Belgium had the opportunity to double their advantage as Lukaku teed up Dendonker, but the Wolves man’s shot from 18 yards flew over Anton Shunin’s goal. The Russian goalkeeper called into action moments later as he reacted quickly to deny Thorgan Hazard’s effort.
After 29 minutes, Toby Alderweireld became the latest Belgian to have a shot on goal, however his swerving drive didn’t phase Shunin as it cleared the crossbar by some margin.
The Belgians doubled their lead minutes after the half hour mark as Shunin parried Hazard’s driven cross which found Thomas Meunier (who’d only been in action for a handful of minutes) and the Borussia Dortmund man converted from eight yards out.
Yannick Carrasco could’ve clinched Belgium’s third goal at the end of the first half as he tip-toed past several Russian defenders, however his dinked finish didn’t come off as the ball once again flew over Shunin’s crossbar.
As the tie’s first period of play drew to a close, it was clear to see how comfortable Belgium were, by creating some great chances and dealing with Russian danger with great professionalism, perhaps a little bit more cutting edge would’ve made the occasion even more comfortable for Roberto Martinez’s side.
25 seconds into the second half, the first chance on goal was taken by Roman Zobnin – but similarly to his opponents in the first half his shot was high, wide and not very handsome.
Over the course of the first third of the half, both sides struggled to create any dangerous chances and the encounter became very stop-start.
With 20 minutes remaining, Eden Hazard was introduced to hopefully add some spark and firepower to reignite the Belgian attack, the Real Madrid man replaced Dries Mertens.
After 83 minutes, Dedryck Boyata almost deflected the ball into his own net but luckily for the Hertha Berlin defender it went out for a corner which the Russians failed to convert from.
Four minutes later, Lukaku netted his second of the night as he kept composed to beat Shunin from 18-yards-out. A neat finish slotted home by the Belgian, one-on-one, after receiving a well-weighted and perfectly timed ball from Meunier.
19-year-old Maksim Mukhin had the chance to snatch a consolation goal in the last minute however his free-kick from 19-yards-out went wide.
What’s Next?
Belgium are next in action as they take on Denmark on Thursday afternoon in Copenhagen, whereas the Russians will hope to pick themselves back up in time for their clash against Finland in Wednesday’s early game.
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With Euro 2020 on the horizon, here are players on their way to the tournament that you may have forgotten about.
Yuri Zhirkov
Zhirkov is currently ranked fourth in all-time appearances for Russia playing 101 games for his country, more than any other active player.
The 37-year-old made headlines in 2009 when he joined Chelsea for £18 million, making it the most expensive transfer of a Russian player.
During his time at Chelsea, he won both Premier League and FA Cup during the 2009/10 season but could not cement his place in the side due to injuries and the quality of Ashley Cole. Zhirkov was also part of the Russian squad in 2008 that finished third at the Euros which saw him included in the team of the tournament.
The left-sided player currently plays for Zenit Saint Petersburg and has made 437 club appearances throughout his career. Euro 2020 will be Zhirkov’s fifth major international tournament with Russia as they begin their campaign against Belgium on June 12th.
Thomas Vermaelen
Vermaelen will look to help Belgium better their third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup as he once again makes Roberto Martinez’s squad. The Belgian made his name at Ajax with fellow compatriot Jan Vertonghen, before moving to Arsenal in 2009.
He gained a reputation as a goal-scoring defender during his first season where he was named in the PFA Team of the Season and nominated for the Belgian Sportsman of the Year award.
During the 2012/13 season, he replaced Robin van Persie as captain of the Gunners but was outperformed by Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny.
After moving to Barcelona in 2014, Vermaelen only made 34 appearances in five seasons at the club due to constant injury problems. The 35-year-old now plays his football in Japan for Vissel Kobe and will look to end his international career on a high.
Sebastian Larsson
The set-piece specialist has been included in the Sweden squad for Euro 2020 and could become the country’s third most-capped player depending on how the tournament goes.
The Swede made his career in England as he joined the Arsenal youth system in 2001 and made his senior debut in 2004.
He played three times for the North London side before moving permanently to Birmingham City after a successful loan spell. Between 2007 and 2018, Larsson made a combined 373 appearances for the Blues, Sunderland and Hull City before moving to AIK in his home country.
Euro 2020 will be Larsson’s fourth European Championships after representing Sweden at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 editions of the competition.
Adam Bogdan
Bogdan has been named in Hungary’s 26-man squad as the nation qualifies for back-to-back European Championships for the first time. This will be the goalkeeper’s first major competition after missing Euro 2016 due to a knee injury.
The Hungarian made 104 appearances for Bolton Wanderers between 2007 and 2015 before moving to Liverpool on a free transfer.
After only playing twice for the club, and an unsuccessful spell at Hibernian, Bogdan now plays for Ferencvaros in Hungary.
It is unlikely that the 33-year-old will play a big role at the tournament as Peter Gulasci, another former Liverpool goalkeeper, is the regular starter.
Goran Pandev
Pandev is a name that sits deep in the mind of many football fans which resurfaced a few months ago as North Macedonia qualified for their first-ever major tournament.
The Macedonian has largely spent his career in Italy, and after making 159 appearances for Lazio winning his first Coppa Italia, Pandev joined Inter Milan where he won a famous treble under Jose Mourinho.
At Inter, he won the Serie A title, the Champions League, Coppa Italia, Supercoppa Italiana and the FIFA Club World Cup. He also won the Coppa Italia twice in three years at Napoli.
Pandev is both North Macedonia’s top goalscorer and holds the record for most caps. He has won Macedonian Footballer of the Year five times and this competition will be his last few games for his country. They will face Austria, Ukraine and Holland in the group stage.
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]]>With only four weeks to go until this year’s delayed European Championship, focus is very much on the pan-European tournament that was due to take place last summer.
The previous tournament which is now five years old is far from the memories of the fans of countries that are set to take part. With that being said we’ll now take a trip down memory lane and look back on Portugal’s unexpected success in Paris.
With the tournament being expanded to 24 teams we saw some debutants such as Iceland and Albania. Hosts France, World champions Germany and the star-studded Belgians were among the favourites to lift the Henri Delauney trophy. Zara Larsson and David Guetta provided the soundtrack and the stage was set for an exciting month of football.
Group A
As is tradition the host nation got things underway as France took on Romania in the Stade de France. ‘Les Bleus’ got off to a winning start thanks to a stunning left-footed effort from Dmitri Payet that arrowed into the top corner. Olivier Giroud had given France the lead only for a Bogdan Stancu penalty to level things up for Romania.
Albania’s first ever match in a major tournament ended in a narrow 1-0 defeat to a steely, determined Switzerland side. Fabian Schar headed in the game’s only goal early on to ensure the Swiss joined the hosts on three points.
Didier Deschamps’ men sealed their place in the last 16 with a nervy 2-0 win over a brave Albanian team that was only settled by late goals from Antoine Griezmann and Payet.
A 1-1 draw between Switzerland and Romania put the Swiss in the driving seat for a place in the knockout stage with Admir Mehmedi scoring a fine equaliser.
History was made in Lyon in the final group game as Albania recorded their first ever major tournament win. Armando Sadiku was the hero in a 1-0 victory over Romania. It wasn’t enough to secure a place in the last 16 but it’s arguably the most famous goal in Albanian history.
France and Switzerland played out a scoreless draw to conclude the group.
Group B
Group B saw Wales make a return to a major finals for the first time since 1958 and they got off to the perfect start with a 2-1 victory over Slovakia. Gareth Bale’s free kick opened the scoring and Hal Robson-Kanu rolled in a winner either side of Ondrej Duda’s equaliser.
England got their campaign underway with a 1-1 draw against Russia. Eric Dier fired in a free kick to give Roy Hodgson’s men a deserved lead but they couldn’t hold on and Vasili Berezutski headed in a late leveller.
Slovakia bounced back from their opening defeat to put Russia aside with the aid of a wonderful strike from Marek Hamsik.
Meanwhile in Lens, it was a battle of Britain as England and Wales slugged it out. Bale scored once again from a free-kick but goals from Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge got the ‘Three Lions’ back on track.
Wales clinched top spot as they brushed aside a very poor Russian team 3-0 while England and Slovakia played out a dour scoreless draw to ensure both sides progressed to the next round.
Group C
Northern Ireland were also returning to the major stage after a long absence but began in disappointing fashion with a 1-0 defeat to Poland.
2014 World Cup winners Germany started out with a 2-0 win over Ukraine with Bastian Schweinsteiger clinching the win on the break.
While neighbours Poland and Germany drew 0-0 in Paris, Michael O’Neill’s men got a historic victory as Gareth McAuley and Niall McGinn scored to see off Ukraine in Lyon.
Michael McGovern was in defiant form as Germany tried to break down the Northern Ireland defence before Mario Gomez eventually grabbed the winner as the world champions won the group. The ‘Green and White Army’ made it through as one of the best third placed teams.
Poland finished off with a 1-0 win over a poor Ukrainian side that will go down officially as the worst team in the tournament.
Group D
Group D began with a long range Luka Modric volley helping Croatia to a narrow 1-0 win over Turkey while Gerard Pique’s late header helped Spain to a frustrating win over the Czech Republic.
One of the more extraordinary games of the tournament occurred when Croatia and the Czechs met in Saint Etienne. Croatia were cruising to victory with a 2-0 lead before a protest from their own fans led to the match being halted for a spell. This derailed Ante Cacic’s men and the Czechs came back to secure a point. Spain eased past Turkey 3-0.
Croatia snatched top spot with a come from behind victory over Spain while Turkey’s 2-0 win against the Czech Republic wasn’t enough to clinch one of the best third placed berths.
Group E
Ireland got their campaign off to a positive start with a 1-1 draw against Sweden. Wes Hoolahan put Martin O’Neill’s side in front before Ciaran Clark’s own goal.
Belgium’s quest to win a first major trophy could barely have began in worse fashion as Italy saw off the ‘Red Devils’ 2-0.
The Italians secured their place in the knockout stages with a late 1-0 win over the Swedes through Eder while Belgium got back on track with a 3-0 against Ireland.
Ireland needed a win against an understrength Italy side to make the last 16 and got what was required with a famous winner from Robbie Brady. It secured Ireland’s first knockout match in 22 years. Belgium ended Sweden’s hopes with a 1-0 win.
Group F
Hungary got the better of rivals Austria to start Group F after a 2-0 win in Bordeaux. Meanwhile Iceland began their first ever major tournament with a fine 1-1 draw with Portugal.
The Portuguese had similar struggles in their second game with Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty. Iceland were denied a first victory after a late Birkir Mar Saevarsson own goal gave Hungary a share of the spoils.
Iceland weren’t to be denied a second time as Arnor Truastason scored an injury time winner to send the tiny nation through and send Austria packing. Portugal squeezed through in third place after a 3-3 thriller with Hungary secured a third consecutive draw.
Round of 16
Poland were the first side to book a quarter-final place with a penalty shootout win over Switzerland. The game was lit up by Xherdan Shaqiri’s bicycle kick which won the goal of the tournament award.
Wales took on another near neighbour in Northern Ireland and came out on top thanks to an unfortunate own goal from Gareth McAuley.
Portugal and Croatia fought an intense, attritional battle in Lens with Ricardo Quarsema scoring the winner in the last minute of extra-time.
The hosts France survived a scare after going in 1-0 down at half time to the Republic of Ireland before Antoine Griezmann netted twice in the second half to secure passage to the next round.
Germany and Belgium eased into the quarter-finals, defeating Slovakia and Hungary respectively.
Giorgio Chiellini and Pelle got the goals as Italy secured a mightily impressive win over Spain while the most dramatic of last 16 ties was to be the last.
Wayne Rooney scored an early penalty to give England the lead over minnows Iceland and things appeared to be smooth sailing. However, goals from Ragnar Sigurdsson and Kolbein Sigthorsson secured a shock 2-1 win and ensured one of the biggest upsets in European Championship history.
Quarter Finals
Poland were on the wrong end of a penalty shootout this time as Portugal progressed to the semi final after a 1-1 draw in the previous 120 minutes.
Wales met Belgium in the second quarter final and produced a memorable performance to send the hotly fancied Belgians home. Hal Robson-Kanu bamboozled the Belgian defence and scored the second in a 3-1 win with a goal that will go down in Welsh folklore.
There was another penalty shootout, this time in Bordeaux as Germany knocked out Italy. Simone Zaza famously fluffed his lines to allow Jonas Hector to send the Germans through.
Iceland’s brave run came to a crushing end against France as the former World and European champions ran out 5-2 winners.
Semi Finals
Portugal picked an opportune time to pick up their first victory in 90 minutes by beating Wales 2-0. Ronaldo scored a thumping header to make it 1-0 before Nani deflected in the second. It was a disappointing end to an unbelievable tournament for Wales.
Griezmann was at the double again as France ensured they would be in the showpiece final in Paris by getting the better of Germany in a noisy Marseille.
Final
So to the final. France were at home and the clear favourites to win the tournament for the second time in 16 years. Portugal were taking part in a second final in four tournaments and were rocked during the game by losing the talismanic Ronaldo to injury.
Portugal needed a new hero and up stepped former Swansea striker Eder in extra time to score with a low shot from outside the area to give Portugal a first ever title.
Whilst they rarely played sparkling football, the Portuguese very much played as a team and Fernando Santos’ side will go down in history as the one that finally delivered some much coveted silverware.
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]]>There was no shortage of action during the recent international break as the UEFA and CONCACAF qualifiers got underway while Asia resumed their qualification process.
Europe
Group A
While many of the groups look like they have the potential to go to the wire, Group A looks much more cut and dried with Portugal and Serbia set to do battle to determine who will qualify directly and who will go to the play-offs.
Aleksander Mitrovic was in fine form, scoring five goals as Serbia beat Azerbaijan and the Republic of Ireland while recovering from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Portugal.
Luxembourg were the other side to win, picking up a famous 1-0 win in Dublin. Stephen Kenny is still yet to win during his tenure as Ireland manager and the feeling among fans is that it will now become 20 years at least between World Cup appearances.
Group B
Spain may lead the way in Group B but it’s Sweden who hold a 100% record thanks to victories over Kosovo and Georgia. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is out of international retirement and will no doubt have the confidence that he can inspire his nation to overcome the Spanish.
Spain needed a last-gasp winner from Dani Olmo to overcome the ever-improving Georgia after stumbling to a 1-1 draw in their opener with Greece. This group already has the look of a two-horse race, similar to Group A.
Group C
Italy continued their impressive form under Roberto Mancini by recording a hat-trick of 2-0 wins to get their campaign off to the best possible start. Switzerland also have a 100% after wins against Bulgaria and Lithuania.
Northern Ireland suffered a disappointing start to qualifying. Defeat in Italy was no great surprise but a 0-0 draw at home to Bulgaria is two points dropped and Ian Baraclough’s men will now find it tough to bridge the gap to the top two, even at this early stage. Another group that looks set to be between the top two.
Group D
Now for the group of draws. France were the only team to pick up any victories over the period, beating Kazakhstan and Bosnia. It was stalemates galore for everyone else which means it’s pretty much as you were. France look like they’ll comfortably claim top spot but for now the play-off place is anyone’s.
Group E
Belgium started off as they always do in qualification these days with some resounding wins, although a draw with the Czech Republic was sandwiched in between. A 3-1 victory over Wales and an 8-0 mauling of Belarus has Roberto Martinez’s men atop of Group E where they will be difficult to shift.
Wales bounced back from their opening game defeat to the Belgians with a 1-0 win over the Czech Republic thanks to Daniel James. Belarus kept pace with a 4-2 win over Estonia.
Group F
Despite being the team from pot one that everyone wanted to draw, Denmark have got off to a flyer in Group F, claiming nine points, scoring 14 goals and not conceding any. This included two excellent away wins, beating Israel 2-0 and crushing Austria 4-0.
Scotland have made an unbeaten start and currently occupy the play-off spot. This group has the look of a three horse race for second even at this early stage with the games between Scotland, Israel and Austria appearing key.
Group G
This looked like an intriguing group when it was first drawn and it has proved to be the case. Turkey came roaring out of the blocks, beating the Netherlands and Norway before slipping up at home to Latvia.
The Norwegians and the Dutch have responded well and sit just behind Turkey on six points, level with Montenegro. It will be a while before we can work out what is going to happen here.
Group H
Another group that is looking difficult to call. Slovakia are the only unbeaten side but sit in third after an unexpected 2-2 draw at home to Malta.
Croatia and Russia lead the way with two wins from three. Cyprus and Slovenia are also well in the hunt after picking up a win each.
Group I
England have made a perfect start to their campaign, picking up three wins to sit on top of the group. The third win, a slender 2-1 win over Poland could prove crucial to the final standings.
Hungary are in second, picking up expected wins over Andorra and San Marino while drawing 3-3 with Poland.
This group is very much a four way battle with those sides expecting to take maximum points from their games with San Marino and Andorra. Albania are keeping in the hunt, currently third.
Group J
Armenia are the surprise leaders in Group J, picking up nine points from their three games.
This group contained one of the biggest shocks of the break as Germany lost at home to North Macedonia. It leaves the Germans in third at this stage and while they’ll still expect to win the group, it’s turning out to be much more difficult than many expected.
Asia
There were only a handful of games played in the Asian section of the qualifiers. In Group D, Saudi Arabia coasted to a 5-0 win over Palestine to move top of the group.
In Group F, Mongolia’s hopes of reaching the World Cup ended with a 1-0 defeat to Tajikistan. They then followed this up with a 14-0 home defeat to Japan with Werder Bremen forward Yuya Osako helping himself to a hat-trick.
North/Central America/Caribbean
The first round of CONCACAF’s qualifiers got under way with a group stage where each team will play each other once, with the top team going through.
Group A
It’s all to play for in Group A at the halfway stage with everyone still in with even a slight chance. Antigua and Barbuda currently lead the way from El Salvador on goal difference.
Group B
Canada and Suriname made strong starts to Group B, taking maximum points. Canada’s victories included an 11-0 win over the Cayman Islands. The clash between the pair in June looks likely to decide the winner though Bermuda will be hoping to crash the party.
Aruba and the Cayman Islands cannot now qualify.
Group C
It’s a similar story in Group C as Curacao and Guatemala lead the way on six points. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines are hanging in there on three points while Cuba and the British Virgin Islands will not make it to Qatar.
Curacao are currently managed by Guus Hiddink and have Juninho and Leandro Bacuna among their ranks.
Group D
2018 participants Panama have begun their quest to make back to back World Cups with narrow wins over Barbados and Dominica. The Dominican Republic currently top the group on goal difference after beating now eliminated Dominica and Anguilla.
Group E
This is a four team group as Saint Lucia withdrew before qualifying began. Nicaragua, Belize and Haiti all lead on three points apiece while the Turks and Caicos Islands are out of contention. Belize are disadvantaged by having played a game more than their rivals.
Group F
2006 group stage participants Trinidad and Tobago face a fight to make the next stage as they sit two points behind leaders Saint Kitts and Nevis. It would be a remarkable achievement for the Sugar Boyz if they can clinch top spot although the games with the Soca Warriors and Guyana will be stiff tests.
The Bahamas are out having suffered 4-0 defeats to Saint Kitts and Nevis and Guyana.
The second round will conclude in the next international break in June, where Asian and African qualifiers will recommence.
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All ten group winners will qualify automatically for the finals in the first ever winter World Cup while the ten runners-up will compete in the playoffs along with the two best performing Nations League teams that did not finish in the top two of their group. This will see the 12 teams go into three groups of four and play each other in a semi-final and final, similar to what we saw in the Euro 2020 playoffs.
With the technical stuff now out of the way, lets take a look at how the draw panned out and assess the chances of the participants.
Group A
Portugal, Serbia, Republic of Ireland, Luxembourg, Azerbaijan
When Ireland were first drawn out, the reaction among fans would have been negative. After all, they would have to come up against Cristiano Ronaldo and company while also dealing with the prospect of a difficult trip to Belgrade. But having saw the conclusion of the draw and letting the dust settle, manager Stephen Kenny should be quietly optimistic. Serbia very much blow hot and cold despite having the likes of Sergei Milinkovic-Savic in their ranks and are definitely beatable.
Luxembourg have done well in the past few years to make it into pot four but will be deemed as a kind draw while Azerbaijan is an awkward away day but have no World Cup pedigree.
Portugal should make relatively light work of this group and take the automatic spot while it looks like those two games in Belgrade and Dublin will almost be mini playoffs in themselves.
Group B
Spain, Sweden, Greece, Georgia, Kosovo.
Sometimes the phrase ‘there are no easy games in football’ can be easily debunked in the international game but this group should very much live up to that cliché.
Spain will fancy themselves to qualify quite comfortably in first place but the playoff spot is well and truly up for grabs. Sweden will be favourites with young prospects Dejan Kulusevski and Alexander Isak eager to make it to their first World Cup. Greece always provide stubborn opposition but have underperformed in recent years and are stuck in league C of the Nations League.
Georgia and Kosovo are two of the nightmare teams to draw from pots four and five. Georgia narrowly missed out on reaching Euro 2020 but have proven a tough but to crack recently while Kosovo have drawn attention for some wonderful attacking football despite only playing their first official match six years ago. Neither side will make it easy for the Swedes or the Greeks and it should prove a close race.
Group C
Italy, Switzerland, Northern Ireland, Bulgaria, Lithuania
This is what should be considered a terrible draw for Ian Baraclough’s Northern Ireland. Italy have enjoyed a resurgence under Roberto Mancini after missing out on Russia 2018 while Switzerland are perennial qualifiers for major tournaments, reaching the last four World Cups. The Swiss were the highest ranked team from pot two and Italy themselves will be annoyed to have drawn them as both now battle for the automatic spot.
Bulgaria are at a low ebb at the minute and may view this as a way to help build some confidence and set their sights on Euro 2024 while Lithuania will surely consider anything other than 5th place a success.
Group D
France, Ukraine, Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kazakhstan
Another group which should see an extremely tight battle for the playoff berth. France will need to be wary as Ukraine and Bosnia are dangerous sides while Finland recently defeated Didier Deschamps’ men in a friendly. The talent in the French squad however is almost unparalleled and they could probably enter a second team into qualifying and still go through. The race for second should be exciting with Ukraine and Finland having both qualified for Euro 2020 while Bosnia are always a threat, even with Edin Dzeko firmly in the veteran stage of his career now.
The Finns are riding the quest of a wave right now and would love to emulate Iceland by following up a first ever major finals with a World Cup qualification. Kazakhstan should prop up the group but will be a dreaded away trip for the other teams with France facing an over 7,000 mile round trip.
Group E
Belgium, Wales, Czech Republic, Belarus, Estonia
This is quite a strange group as Wales and the Czechs go into it knowing their virtually guaranteed a playoff regardless of what happens due to their winning of their Nations League groups. Neither Ryan Giggs nor Jaroslav Silhavy will want their players using this as an excuse to slack off though as they chase automatic qualification ahead of the formidable Belgians.
Roberto Martinez’s side cruised through the Euro 2020 qualifiers with ten wins from ten and will be strongly fancied here to reach a third consecutive World Cup. There is a feeling that this may be the last World Cup for their golden generation to actually win the tournament itself so we should see no let up in this group.
Wales have been in the mix now for the last three major tournaments and similarly to Ireland’s group, should view their matches with the Czech Republic as playoffs among themselves as Belarus and Estonia are very unlikely to make any impact.
Group F
Denmark, Austria, Scotland, Israel, Faroe Islands, Moldova
Scotland will arguably consider themselves the happiest of the home nations as they have avoided the big hitters in pot one. Denmark however are one of the most underrated teams in international football at the moment having only lost in 2018 on penalties and booking their place at Euro 2020 by going unbeaten through their group. Austria are on a bit of an upward curve too after their disastrous showing during qualification for Russia. They comfortably qualified for Euro 2020 and won their Nations League group to give themselves the likely cushion of a playoff spot.
Scotland themselves will be buoyed after reaching a first major tournament in 22 years and the challenge now is to get back on the world stage. They’ll be very familiar with Israel, having played them five times since 2018. The Israeli’s themselves will look to regular goalscorer Eran Zahavi to give them some hope of troubling the top spots. The Faroe Islands will be hopeful of springing an upset to build on their recent good form while Moldova will take anything having just been relegated to the bottom tier of the Nations League.
Group G
Netherlands, Turkey, Norway, Montenegro, Latvia, Gibraltar
Group G is a very appetising group on paper as the top three seeds all eye top spot. The Dutch will go in as favourites although will be missing the talismanic Virgil Van Dijk for at least the opening two games which may allow Turkey or Norway to steal an early march. Turkey endured a rotten Nations League campaign and haven’t actually been back at a World Cup since their semi-final run in 2002. They’ll need to show massive improvement to have any hope of claiming top spot or even holding off Norway for second.
The Norwegians have some scintillating talent coming through and could give the Dutch a serious run for their money here. An attacking trio of Martin Odegaard, Jens Petter Hauge and Erling Haaland is enough to trouble any defence and it would be wonderful to see them fulfil their potential and reach the finals.
Montenegro will be confident off the back of a good Nations League campaign but a sustained run against better sides looks beyond them. Latvia are another team in a terrible spot at the minute while Gibraltar will be the likely whipping boys though they could cause an upset against the Latvians.
Group H
Croatia, Slovakia, Russia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Malta
An intriguing Group H will see a rematch of the 2018 World Cup quarter final between Croatia and Russia. Russian club football is in a fairly low place at the minute with largely terrible performances in European competition. With the Russian squad mostly home-based, this would suggest Croatia are rightful favourites for the group, even if their core players of the 2018 squad are now the wrong side of 30.
Slovakia progressed through the playoffs for Euro 2020 and will hope to get their again while Slovenia will be looking towards a first major tournament in 20 years should they manage to qualify. Cyprus will be looking to pick themselves up from poor recent form while Malta will be trying to overtake them and claim fifth place.
Group I
England, Poland, Hungary, Albania, Andorra, San Marino
England and Poland. It’s been a while but here we are again. Familiar rivals in the past will again do battle for a place in Qatar and while England will be firm favorites, write a team with Robert Lewandowski upfront off at your peril. Hungary are lurking as the third seed and will be waiting for any slip ups from the top two and aiming to take full advantage. In Dominik Szoboszlai they look to have a future star in the making.
Albania have failed to build upon their surprise appearance at Euro 2016 while Andorra vs San Marino could actually be one of the ties to look out for as both teams eye picking up a welcome victory.
Group J
Germany, Romania, Iceland, North Macedonia, Armenia, Liechtenstein
Oh Joachim Loew. Fresh off receiving backing from the German FA that he will continue as the German coach, he finds himself with the kindest draw of any of the top nations. Die Mannschaft should sail through this group and leave it up to Romania and Iceland to battle it out for the playoffs. The two sides met in the Euro 2020 playoffs with Iceland coming out on top. They’ll be hoping to make it back to back World Cups which would be exceptional for such a small nation. North Macedonia will be hoping to follow their lead by backing up a first major tournament by qualifying for a World Cup.
Armenia may fancy themselves to get in the mix too and will look to Henrikh Mkhitaryan to inspire them while Liechtenstein will be hoping to pick up some results and build towards the next Nations League campaign and a promotion push.
It will be strange to see the qualifiers start in March before the European Championships were played and the awkward situation may arise where a bad start could see a manager lose his job before next summer’s festival of football. As for now, every manager will be hoping to avoid injuries to key players as the quest to reach the first World Cup in the Arab world begins.
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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To be fair, it just a little bit over a month, so no wonder we’re still reeling from it. And yet, here we are today, getting ready for yet another Champions League season bound to have twists and turns and dramatic outcomes.
Full group stage draw
Group A: Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid, Salzburg, Lokomotiv Moscow
Group B: Real Madrid, Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter, Mönchengladbach
Group C: Porto, Manchester City, Olympiakos, Marseille
Group D: Liverpool, Ajax, Atalanta, Midtjylland
Group E: Sevilla, Chelsea, Krasnodar, Rennes
Group F: Zenit, Dortmund, Lazio, Club Brugge
Group G: Juventus, Barcelona, Dynamo Kyiv, Ferencváros
Group H: PSG, Manchester United, RB Leipzig, İstanbul Başakşehir
Group E is what I call the Europa League group, where, if you wouldn’t know better, you could look at it and think it’s from the Europa League draw.
This is not to discredit any of the teams though. Sevilla was the team that showed us that Bayern weren’t invulnerable after all.
Chelsea was finally allowed to go on a shopping spree, buying both Werner and Havertz, while Rennes is having an almost perfect Ligue 1 start.
In the 2018–19 Europa League season, Arsenal just barely got past them. On the other hand, besides the 2013–14 Champions League semifinal, Chelsea have been lackluster in their campaigns and not really posing a threat to their opponents.
And finally, Krasnodar knocked out PAOK to earn a spot in the groups, which might be a reward in itself. I am giving Chelsea the edge juuuust barely to make it through. Sevilla are a record six-time Europa League winners, but I believe their team has enough quality to finish at the top of the group.
Predicted placements: 1) Sevilla 2) Chelsea 3) Rennes 4) Krasnodar
Group F also comes very close to being a Europa League group. Both Dortmund and Lazio showed signs that they could win their leagues in the last season, with Håland and Immobile eating goals for breakfast, but eventually, they weren’t able to stop the Bayern and Juventus supremacies.
Zenit’s best result in the Champions League is reaching the round of 16, while the last time Brugge made it past the Champions League groups, it was still called the European Cup.
Predicted placements: 1) Dortmund 2) Lazio 3) Zenit 4) Brugge
Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt
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Aleksandr Golovin
Credit: Goal.com
The Russian midfielder turns 24 today and has seen himself feature at a good World Cup and see a good transfer to a French team but, which team and how has his career been so far.
Golovin made his move up to the senior team for CSKA Moscow in the summer 2015 from the B team.
His first full season for the Moscow base team saw him make 23 appearances scoring on three ocassions. The next season saw the midfielder be a regular feature in the side appearing 37 times for the first team scoring three times and assisting four goals.
The 17/18 season was the first time Golovin appeared in 40+ games in a season. Making 43 appearances in all competitions scoring seven goals and assisting six times saw that season be topped off with a fantastic campaign with the Russian national team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
In the summer of 2018, Monaco would buy the player from CSKA Moscow for £28 million due to his outstanding performances at the World Cup that summer.
His first full season at Monaco saw the central midfielder saw the player feature 35 times, score four goals and assist four times.
Currently this season before it was put on hold, Golovin featured 30 times in all competitions scoring three goals and grabbing four assists.
Internationally, he has made 33 appearances for Russia scoring five goals and featuring in the 2016 European Championships and the 2018 World Cup with the national team.
He has won two trophies so far as a player which were the European Championships for U17’s in 2013 and he won the Russian league with CSKA Moscow in the 15/16 season.
Eddie Nketiah
Credit: TEAMTalk
The Arsenal forward turns 21 today and has made his Arsenal first team debut and has had a decent start to his fotballing career but, where did it all start for Nketiah.
Nketiah was actually playing for Arsenal’s London rivals Chelsea but, made his way over to the Emirates in the summer of 2015.
In the 17/18 season he would move up to the U23’s and made a few appearances for the first team before getting his professional contract for the senior team.
He would go on to make ten appearances for the first team that season scoring twice that season which was a brace in the Carabao Cup.
The season later he would make nine appearances for the senior team and score one goal but, acheve his ultimate goal which was signing a professional contract for Arsenal in January 2019.
For the first-half of the 19/20 season he went out on loan to Championship side Leeds United and made 19 appearances for the side scoring five goals and one assist. Arsenal recalled the player back as he was slightly underused at Leeds.
He went to play seven games this season for Arsenal grabbing three goals in the process but, the current pandemic has put a stop on the forward making anymore appearances so far. With the Premier League set to return though Nketiah will surely get a chance more regularly in the starting 11.
He currently plays for the England U21’s and has feature in eight games for the Young Lions scoring eight times which averages to a goal per game.
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Following a request from the Russian Federation addressed to the UEFA Competition Committee and to UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, the match between the two teams has been “indefinitely postponed” with no date set for the match to take place. Kosovo are due to play the return match in Russia on the 9th June.
According to the Football Federation of Kosovo (FFK), “Kosovo was ready to play and did not have anything against it but the refusal came from the Russian Federation since they were afraid of the hooliganism from Serbian or Russian fans. For many years, we as a Federation did not face any issue of hooliganism so we did not encounter any risk in this regard”.
The Kosovo team which defeated Turkey in Pristina last month (Picture courtesy of the Football Federation of Kosovo)
An official confirmation for postponement came from UEFA’s Deputy General Secretary, Giorgio Marchetti in a statement which said, “with regards to the match in question, upon the receipt of a letter dated 21 September 2019 from the Russian Football Union (RFU), UEFA has further assessed the security risk profile of the match. A meeting was held in Pristina with the presence of our Head of Safety and Security Operations, Kenny Scott on 24 September”.
“There are currently insufficient elements to assess the potential threat posed by Serbian and Russian ultra-groups who might try to exploit the match to cause disruption. Furthermore, the match is scheduled two days before political elections in Kosovo, which circumstance may encourage the use of the match for political escalation”.
“For the above reasons, the match is postponed. Further assessment of the security situation will be made in the coming days and a new decision on the match will be made, in consultation with the two teams”.
UEFA confirmed to me that, “the UEFA Women’s EURO 2021 qualification phase match between Kosovo and Russia was postponed for security considerations ahead of the upcoming elections in the country”.
“The situation will be thoroughly assessed over the coming days, and a decision regarding the match will be made in consultation with both teams”.
A statement on the Russian Football Union (RFU) website said UEFA informed them the match had been postponed due to “security reasons”.
Kosovo were only admitted into UEFA competitions in May 2016 following a Congress vote which went in their favour by 28 to 24 votes in spite of strong opposition from neighbours Serbia. Kosovo had declared independence from Serbia in 2008.
Their women’s team played their first match in March 2017 and took part in FIFA World Cup qualification for the first time later that year. Russia, the only Eastern European nation to qualify for the last UEFA Women’s Euro in 2017 have won both their opening two matches and sit joint-top of qualifying Group A with reigning European champions, the Netherlands. Only the top team in each group is guaranteed in the 2021 finals to be held in England.
The Russian Women’s team can now concentrate on facing the European champions, the Netherlands (Picture courtesy of the Russian Football Union)
Russian coach Elena Fomina can now turn her attentions to their next match away to the Netherlands in Eindhoven on Tuesday. She said, “on the one hand, we would prefer to play with Kosovo now, on the other hand, there will be a bit more time for preparation”.
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