Geneva, Sep 10 (AP) Spain continues to assert itself as Europe's top team, as England delivered an impressive performance in World Cup qualifying, and France secured consecutive victories, teetering on the edge despite Kylian Mbappé's pivotal goals.
The qualifying week witnessed veteran stars shining: 40-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo highlighted Portugal's strong start, and Luka Modric led Croatia's group. Erling Haaland's remarkable five-goal effort in Norway's 11-1 demolition of Moldova significantly impacted Italy's playoff prospects in a group where goal difference might play a critical role.
Italy had an unusually eventful week in its mission to avoid missing another World Cup. The four-time champion accumulated six points and netted 10 goals, though the week concluded with new coach Gennaro Gattuso captured on film using expletives after a thrilling 5-4 victory against Israel.
Germany faces potential playoff challenges next March following a surprising 2-0 defeat in Slovakia, marking Germany's first away loss in World Cup qualifying. Slovakia's narrow 1-0 victory over Luxembourg, secured by a last-minute goal, could be a regret as only the group winner advances directly in November, with goal difference being the primary tiebreaker.
Stylish Spain Euro 2024 champions Spain were denied the 2025 Nations League title only after a penalty shootout loss to Portugal in a final where they led twice. Spain remains Europe's best hope for the 2026 World Cup. A routine 3-0 victory over Bulgaria was followed by a striking 6-0 win over Euro 2024 quarterfinalist Turkey in Istanbul. Midfielder Mikel Merino's hat trick made goals from Lamine Yamal unnecessary, though the 18-year-old star contributed two assists. Coach Luis de la Fuente's team appears balanced, youthful, and continually improving. Hosting Georgia and their star winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia on October 11 in Elche should highlight the upcoming international break.
Tuchel's England Emerges England's 5-0 thrashing of Serbia in the hostile environment of Belgrade could silence critics who argue the Euro 2024 finalist underperforms under German coach Thomas Tuchel, despite accumulating wins and clean sheets. Tuchel described it as "a statement victory against a challenging opponent in a difficult setting." The impressive link-up play for the second goal, involving players from different clubs with limited England caps, showcased England's potential.
France stumbled but secured victories against Ukraine (2-0) and Iceland (2-1), with video review negating a late equalizer from Iceland. Mbappé scored in both matches, making him second on France's all-time list with 52 goals, trailing Olivier Giroud's 57.
Swiss Summit Switzerland's Euro 2024 quarterfinal exit, via a penalty shootout against England, overshadowed their quality. Their dominant June performances against World Cup co-hosts Mexico and the U.S. went largely unnoticed. Impressive starts in a competitive qualifying group saw Switzerland capitalize on home advantage in Basel to trounce Kosovo 4-0 and Slovenia 3-0, with three goals before halftime in each match. Three of the seven goals were netted by Breel Embolo, fulfilling his teenage promise, while captain Granit Xhaka continues to control the midfield. Switzerland faces away fixtures against Sweden and Slovenia in October.
San Marino's Hopes The prospect of 210th-ranked San Marino entering the European qualifying playoffs remains slim. Although San Marino stands among 14 UEFA Nations League group winners, the 16-nation playoffs in March include the 12 November group runners-up and four teams ranked through the Nations League. San Marino, ranked 14th, requires at least 10 of the top 13 to finish first or second in their World Cup qualifying groups. Currently, Sweden, Romania, Northern Ireland, Wales, North Macedonia, and Moldova are poised to secure playoff spots, all ranking above San Marino.
World Cup Draw in DC Italy represents a dangerous draw for top-seeded teams at the World Cup draw on December 5 in Washington.
Unspecified playoff spots will accompany the group draw, with the potential inclusion of formidable teams like Italy (FIFA No. 11) and Germany (FIFA No. 9) in the lowest-seed pot 4. For strong teams like Brazil, Argentina, the U.S., and Canada, facing Italy in the group stage would be undesirable. The 48-team format, allowing third-placed teams to progress from the expanded first knockout round, provides teams with more chances than the previous 32-team structure. (AP) DDV
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