The last qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup continue. Monday, November 15, Groups C, F and I delivered their verdict and three new nations joined the ranks of qualifiers.
Switzerland pushes Italy towards the dams
Switzerland has given the lie to the forecasts. While Italy, reigning European champion, temporarily led Group C with a favorable goal difference (+2) ahead of this last meeting, she fell on a bone on Monday. In a sold-out Belfast Windsor Park, Northern Ireland was heroic in resisting the onslaught of Squadra Azzura. Steven Davis’s teammates managed to contain the opposing waves to secure the draw.
At the same time, the Nati won 3-0 against Bulgaria, taking two points ahead of Roberto Mancini’s men. Noah Okafor, Ruben Vargas and Cedric Itten went to offer the Swiss clan their 5th consecutive qualification for a World Cup.
WE DID IT! World Cup 2022, here we come! #natimiteuch #lanatiwithyou #lanaticonvoi pic.twitter.com/incicRsI4V
– Nati (@nati_sfv_asf) November 15, 2021
The Three Lions box
10-0. Reading the result alone says a lot about Gareth Southgate’s men’s health walk against San Marino. The English overwhelmed their opponents, no more and no less, scoring six goals in the first 45 minutes.
Author of a quadruple, captain Harry Kane took matters in hand, as did young Gunners Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe, the latter scoring his first goal in the selection for his first start. It was the first time since May 1964 and a victory against the United States that England scored 10 goals in a single match.
With this slap, the Three Lions finished in first place in Group I (26 points). Poland, second (20 points) after their draw against Hungary (1-1), will have to go through the dams.
1992 – Emile Smith Rowe is the first player to score on his first start for England while playing his club football at @Arsenal since Paul Merson vs Czechoslovakia in March 1992. Gunner. pic.twitter.com/01bQzZq6a3
– OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 15, 2021
Update on qualifiers and play-offs
In Group F, Denmark, already qualified, did not resist against Scotland (2-0 defeat), also already assured of playing the play-offs.
In Group I, behind England, despite their defeat against Hungary (1-2), it is Poland that joins the list of play-offs.
That’s a wrap on a thrilling day of European #WCQ!
Two more tickets to the #WorldCup secured
– FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 15, 2021