The international break brought about lots of action from all across Europe as the journey towards qualification for the 2018 World Cup resumed.
Kicking off on 6th October, the highlight of the European qualifiers was the much-anticipated game between Spain and Italy. A feisty affair between the two resulted in a 1-1 draw with Spain’s Vitolo scoring in the 55th minute after a mistake by veteran Gianluigi Buffon.
In the 82nd minute, a penalty was awarded to the Italians after Sergio Ramos rashly dove in and tripped Eder in the box. Italian stalwart Daniele De Rossi duly converted from the spot, drawing Italy level. There was late drama as well, with Ciro Immobile ruled offside after finding the back of the net with a shot in the six-yard box.
However, all the headlines were hogged by Spain striker Diego Costa who narrowly escaped a red card after elbowing Italy’s Leonardo Bonnuci in the face and then shoulder barging a linesman. Twitter reacted swiftly to Costa’s antics.
On 7th October a couple of 4-1 wins for both France and the Netherlands against Bulgaria and Belarus respectively restored some belief for the fans Les Blues and the Oranje.
Kevin Gamiero grabbed a brace with Dimitri Payet and Antoine Griezmann adding to the rout for France, while Quincy Promes scored a couple and Davy Klassen and Vincent Janssen finished off the game for the Dutch.
Paul Pogba’s shambolic performance got more headlines, though. The French media were at their unforgiving best and rated Pogba as the worst player on the pitch. Twitter responded to the French midfielder’s woeful performance.
Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo had a gala time on the pitch, banging in 4 goals against Andorra, in Portugal’s 6-0 win against the European minnows. The hat-trick was Ronaldo’s 42nd career hat-trick!
Ronaldo himself tweeted about this little achievement
Belgium looked impressive in their 3-0 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina with Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Toby Alderweireld getting on the scoresheet.
Hazard received much praise for his performance in the No.10 role
Hazard finished well from a tight angle after rounding the keeper.
On the 8th of October England played Malta but were unconvincing in their 2-0 win.
Goals from Daniel Sturridge and Delle Alli were enough to sink lowly Malta. Twitter reacted as expected to England’s performance with Wayne Rooney receiving much stick.
England were expected to win convincingly against Malta in Gareth Southgate’s first game in charge but only scored two.
Germany breezed past the Czech Republic with a 3-0 win and Arsenal man Mesut Ozil was hailed as the best player on the pitch.
Irish fans were delighted as the Republic Of Ireland beat Moldova 3-1 with goals from Shane Long and a brace from James McClean. The Irish fans responded in epic fashion.
Wes Hoolahan who was included in the starting lineup provided the assist for Long’s opener.
James McClean sealed it for the Irish
There were wins for Spain who won 2-0 against Albania, Serbia beat Austria 3-2, Iceland beat Turkey 2-0, Italy beat Macedonia 3-2, while Wales could only draw 1-1 against Georgia.
The Netherlands play France tonight as the World Cup Qualifiers continue.
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