Leaders Under Pressure as the Chasing Pack Closes In
Perfect starts, unexpected setbacks and narrow margins have given DO's World Cup qualification campaign plenty of unfinished business. Romania and Brazil have won every match, Switzerland remain unbreached, and several former champions are discovering that past achievements offer little protection against present difficulties.
The next matches bring opportunities to challenge the leaders and repair faltering campaigns. Switzerland and Brazil meet with first place at stake, Poland welcome Mexico after a dramatic change in the visitors' fortunes, and South Africa and France contest the ground behind Chile. Across the groups, the question is becoming sharper: who can turn a promising position into lasting control?
Group A - China Lead, but Nobody Has Escaped the Pack
Just two points separate all five teams, leaving China with the lead but little breathing room. Their opening victory in Australia has been followed by successive 1-1 draws, with Chenghao Hu's goal in Hungary bringing another point rather than a decisive step forward. The Netherlands now arrive with an opportunity to overtake them. After two defeats, the Dutch revived their campaign by beating Hungary 3-1, spreading the goals across Duco Aarts, Onno Roemeling and Arno Aarts.
Australia and Hungary meet level on four points, each knowing that a victory could transform the table. Australia will want a firmer finish after Brad Yamada's second-minute opener in Bangladesh was cancelled out by Rashid Hasan in the 83rd minute. Hungary also come off a draw, having answered China's opener almost immediately through Boldizsar Kiss. Bangladesh sit out the action on five points, waiting to discover how much their late rescue against Australia will be worth.
Italy have built their lead through precision rather than a flood of goals. Both victories have finished 1-0, and Antonio Ametrano received the man-of-the-match award in each. Eliseo Maritato supplied the winner in Japan last time, putting Italy two points ahead of their nearest challengers. Bulgaria offer an intriguing test: they are bottom, yet unbeaten, after three consecutive 1-1 draws. Turning resistance into a first victory would take them level with the leaders.
England and Lithuania also have a chance to move forward from four points. England recovered from an early concession to draw in Bulgaria, with Jarvis Harman scoring for the second successive match. Lithuania return after their break having already beaten Italy, although their opening defeat in Japan remains a warning against assuming momentum will last. With Japan inactive after two straight losses, both sides have an opening to improve their standing in a tightly packed pursuit.
Chile can watch this contest from a position of strength. Their 3-1 victory over South Africa took them to ten points, with Maximo Alconada Aramburu contributing a goal and another man-of-the-match performance. The immediate attention now falls on South Africa and France, who both have six points from three matches. France arrive after successive victories, with Sacha Segard scoring twice against Greece, while South Africa must respond to their first defeat.
Oswin Mkhuma scored all three goals in South Africa's opening two wins, making his earlier contribution an obvious source of encouragement. Elsewhere, Greece and Canada meet with their campaigns already in need of repair. Greece have one point and no goals; Canada have scored once and lost all three matches. A victory would give either side something tangible to build upon, while another disappointing result would leave the distance to the leading teams looking increasingly uncomfortable.
Mexico's extraordinary scoring burst has given way to a more demanding question. After putting nine past the Czech Republic, they were beaten 1-0 by Slovenia, proving that their twelve goals do not amount to control of the group. They now visit Poland with both teams on six points. Poland's 2-0 victory in Latvia restored their footing after defeat against the Czechs, and their record of just one goal conceded suggests Mexico face a very different examination.
Slovenia have an opportunity to build on Jaka Tomsek's winner against Mexico when they welcome the Czech Republic. Both have three points, but the visitors return carrying the consequences of that 9-0 collapse. Their national team manager must take responsibility for sending out only ten players and allowing the match to become a humiliation. Having already beaten Poland, the Czechs possess evidence that they can compete; their manager now has to provide the basic preparation required to do so. Latvia, also on six points but with an extra match played, must wait while the group reshuffles.
Romania have turned three matches into three victories, most recently recovering from Iceland's opener to win 3-1. Seven goals from six different scorers underline how widely the responsibility has been shared. A visit to Turkey now offers the leaders a chance to strengthen their position while Bolivia, two points behind after playing one more match, are inactive.
For Turkey, the meeting is becoming a test of whether a decorated past can be followed by a convincing response in the present. The four-time champions have one point and one goal after three matches, with consecutive defeats following their opening draw. Iceland are in the same predicament and host Moldova, whose four points keep them within reach of the upper positions. Moldova's narrow loss to Romania interrupted their progress, but this is an opportunity to move forward against opponents still searching for a first victory.
Norway lead with seven points, although their latest victory offered excitement rather than reassurance. A 4-1 advantage in Sweden became a tense 4-3 finish, leaving a clear lesson about protecting a winning position. Jan Ingolf Riise's double helped secure the points, and Norway now host an Israel side that has drawn twice but remains without a victory. Israel's equaliser against Slovakia showed their ability to recover; Norway will want to avoid giving them another route back.
The other match brings Germany's six points against Slovakia's unbeaten record. Germany have responded to defeat by Norway with a 2-1 win over Israel, powered by Wolfgang Dahnke's two goals. Slovakia have conceded only twice, while Marek Dovicak has scored four times across their last two appearances. Their two draws have limited the reward for that unbeaten start, making this a valuable chance to overtake Germany. Sweden sit out with one point from four matches and ten goals conceded, badly needing the teams above them to remain within reach.
The reigning champions host the group leaders in one of the most compelling matches ahead. Switzerland have taken seven points without conceding, but their goalless draw in Montenegro allowed Brazil to establish a two-point advantage. Brazil have won all three matches, following their 4-2 opening victory with successive 1-0 successes. Eri Baroni's goal against Austria maintained that perfect return; another victory would create a five-point gap over Switzerland.
Austria and Uruguay meet with rather different concerns. The WC31 champions have only one point, having followed their draw with Montenegro with defeat in Brazil. Uruguay have lost all three matches without scoring, a stark reversal after reaching the last 16 in the previous World Cup. Both need a result that changes the direction of their campaign. Montenegro, on five points after four appearances, will watch knowing that the leading pair cannot both collect maximum points.
Portugal have reopened the contest by ending Serbia's perfect start. Amilcar Miranda's two goals overturned an early deficit and delivered a 2-1 victory, giving Portugal four points and renewed purpose. They now welcome Croatia, whose last two victories have both arrived through late goals. Vjekoslav Roko struck in the 84th minute against Ireland before Goran Vusic settled the Colombia match in the 83rd.
Croatia have scored only twice in three matches, yet those goals have earned six points. Another victory would draw them level with inactive leaders Serbia. Colombia, meanwhile, host Ireland with just one point and one goal to their name. Ireland's four-goal win over Portugal remains their only return, sandwiched between defeats against Serbia and Croatia. Both sides need greater consistency before the gap above them becomes harder to close.
The United States of America remain unbeaten and unbreached after three matches. Their goalless draw in Finland preserved first place, and they now host Malta with an opportunity to extend their seven-point return. Malta should arrive encouraged by their 2-1 victory over Finland, in which John Gauci scored twice. Breaking through a defence that has yet to concede would give that result a valuable follow-up.
Spain face a more urgent task against Finland. Last cycle's quarterfinalists have collected one point without scoring, and their latest 2-0 defeat in Estonia deepened an already difficult start. Finland also reached the previous quarterfinals, but their current four-point return leaves them better placed to make progress. Estonia are inactive on six points, giving the Americans a chance to stretch their lead and the chasing teams an opportunity to change the order beneath them.
Venezuela finally separated themselves from the group's run of stalemates by beating Thailand 3-0. Three goals after the hour delivered their first victory and lifted them to six points, but their break now gives the chasing sides room to respond. New Zealand, two points behind, welcome an Argentina team that has drawn all three matches. Caleb Warburton's winner in Scotland has given New Zealand fresh momentum; Argentina need to turn their unbeaten record into something more rewarding.
Scotland visit Thailand still searching for a first win after two draws and a defeat. Their previous quarterfinal appearance makes the present return of two points particularly frustrating. Thailand must recover from conceding three times in the closing stages against Venezuela, having begun with victory over New Zealand and a draw in Argentina. With neither side enjoying much margin for error, this is a chance to replace recent disappointment with a foothold in the chase.
Belgium's recent World Cup pedigree is imposing, with runners-up finishes in two of the last three cycles. Their current campaign has produced only two draws, leaving them behind Denmark and Albania. They now host Albania knowing that a first victory would take them above their visitors. Adrien Adam's equaliser in Algeria prevented defeat, but Belgium need a stronger return if they are to turn experience into authority.
Denmark lead on four points after beating Albania 2-1, with goalkeeper Thor Danielsen collecting the man-of-the-match award in both of their appearances. They now welcome Algeria, who have one point after surrendering leads against both Albania and Belgium. In this four-team group, the next results could quickly change the balance: Denmark can strengthen their advantage, while Algeria have an opportunity to draw level with them.
Bosnia and Herzegovina have answered their opening defeat by India with three consecutive victories. The latest, a 2-1 success against Peru, put them on nine points before their break. India remain unbeaten on five points and now visit Russia, whose campaign came alive with a 4-0 victory over South Korea. Zhores Murduskin's hat-trick supplied the cutting edge, setting up an intriguing meeting with an Indian defence that has conceded only once.
Peru host South Korea looking to recover from their defeat against the leaders. Maxin Sales has scored in all three of Peru's matches, providing a dependable threat against opponents who have yet to score. South Korea's fourth-place finish at the previous World Cup makes their current position especially difficult to accept. Their manager must take responsibility for the 4-0 collapse against Russia and produce a response. With one point from three matches, another damaging result would leave last cycle's achievement feeling a long way away.
Strong Starts Face Direct Challenges as the Pressure Builds Below
Brazil's perfect record now meets Switzerland's unbeaten defence, while Romania take three straight victories into their visit to Turkey. China have little room to spare in a group separated by just two points, and Mexico's defeat by Slovenia has added uncertainty before their meeting with Poland. Chile can watch France and South Africa contest the ground behind them, knowing that at least one challenger will drop points.
Further down the tables, Spain and Uruguay are still searching for their first goals, Argentina need a victory after three draws, and South Korea must respond to their four-goal defeat against Russia. The opportunities to recover remain, but another setback would make several difficult starts considerably harder to repair.
The early leaders have established their positions. The next matches will test who can defend them — and who can force their way back into the contest.
World Cup Qualifiers (U21)
Perfect Records on the Line as the Champions Chase a Way Back
The U-21 qualification campaign is gathering pace, and several teams have already given the chasing pack plenty to worry about. Poland are scoring freely, Iceland have conceded only once, and Belgium's perfect start has set up a compelling meeting with last cycle's runners-up. For reigning champions Slovenia, however, the immediate priority is closing a gap rather than defending a lead.
The coming matches will put some of those early achievements under their toughest examination yet. Norway and the United States of America meet with identical winning records, Austria visit the holders, and several struggling teams face opportunities they can scarcely afford to waste. From contests at the summit to attempts to repair damaged campaigns, the groups are approaching an important test of their early direction.
Group A - Belgium's Perfect Start Faces a Dutch Examination
Belgium have collected nine points from three matches, but their latest victory required a remarkable escape. Trailing Australia 2-0, they scored three times from the 76th minute onwards to win 3-2. That recovery preserved their perfect record and gives their visit to the Netherlands added significance. The Dutch are unbeaten on seven points, although surrendering a two-goal lead in Australia last time prevented them from arriving level with the leaders.
Marcel Vissers has already scored six times for the Netherlands, making him a central figure as last cycle's runners-up seek to take first place. At the other end of the table, Hungary and Australia meet with one point apiece. Both earned their first draw last time, but Australia have particular cause to feel their return should be better after letting winning positions slip against both leading teams. Uruguay sit out with four points, having relied on Manuel Alejandro Guaglianoni Batto for all seven of their goals.
The reigning champions finally found a convincing result in Greece, where a 4-1 victory lifted Slovenia to four points. Klavdij Mlakar scored twice, but the next assignment will reveal much more about their recovery. Austria arrive with three wins from three matches, Nico Margreiter having scored in every appearance and goalkeeper Gabriel Brandner having collected all three man-of-the-match awards. Victory for Slovenia would cut the gap to Austria to two points; defeat would stretch it to eight.
Latvia lead the table on nine points after playing one match more than Austria, with Kajs Lerga's six goals driving three successive victories. Their break gives the champions and Austria a chance to reshape the pursuit. Meanwhile, Slovakia host Greece in a meeting between teams still seeking a first win. Slovakia have conceded only three times but scored just once. Greece's manager faces a more fundamental repair job after overseeing ten goals conceded in three defeats, including the 4-0 loss to Latvia and the latest heavy reverse against Slovenia.
Venezuela's 2-1 victory in Algeria was more than another three points: it kept their record perfect while defeating their closest pursuers. Tony Urbano scored both goals, while Jubert Agreda received his third consecutive man-of-the-match award. With nine points from three appearances, Venezuela now welcome Russia knowing that another victory would take them five points clear of inactive Algeria.
Russia arrive after Artem Gorbonosov's 88th-minute winner secured a 3-2 success against Switzerland, although their earlier 3-0 defeat in Montenegro remains a warning about their vulnerability. Switzerland, meanwhile, host Montenegro still without a point. Their manager must answer for the defensive failings behind ten goals conceded, particularly the opening 4-1 defeat in Venezuela. Montenegro have three points and an opportunity to build on the commanding victory over Russia that opened their account.
Canada have made the strongest possible start to this four-team group, beating Israel before overcoming Turkey 3-1. Caleb McLoud scored twice in the opener, and Gunnar Holliday supplied a double in the second victory, giving the leaders more than one source of goals. New Zealand now visit with a chance to draw level on six points after recovering from their opening defeat by beating Israel 3-1.
Parekura Potaka's two goals helped New Zealand overturn an early deficit in that match, but Canada represent a sterner examination of their recovery. Turkey, meanwhile, travel to Israel looking to restore momentum after their defeat against the leaders. Last cycle's quarterfinalists have three points, while Israel remain empty-handed despite scoring first against New Zealand. A first Israeli victory would bring the hosts level with Turkey and immediately tighten the lower half of the table.
Albania and Lithuania have followed their opening draw against each other with two victories apiece, leaving both unbeaten on seven points. Albania's latest success was a 4-2 win in Argentina, with Besar Petrela and Dranjash Asllani scoring twice each. Petrela has now struck four times across his last two appearances, giving Albania a clear threat as they welcome Malta and attempt to protect first place.
Malta have already shown they can disrupt the established order by beating Argentina 2-1. Argentina must now visit Lithuania after consecutive defeats, despite Miguel Diez Maldonado scoring twice against Albania. Lithuania's latest victory came through Pranas Sakalauskas in the 83rd minute in France, demonstrating their ability to turn a close contest into three points. France are inactive after three successive defeats without scoring, leaving the other four teams to determine whether the gap between the leaders and the pursuit grows wider.
Norway and the United States of America have both won all three matches, creating a clear divide at the top before their meeting in Norway. The Americans lead on goal difference after scoring ten times, with Rogelio Eberhardt contributing four goals. Norway have been more secure at the other end, conceding only once, while Stian Skulstad has scored three times. This is the first opportunity for either side to take points directly from the other.
Chile and Finland meet six points behind the leaders, making their own contest important to any attempt to stay involved. Finland have lost twice since their opening victory, while Chile followed a 4-1 win over Colombia with a 4-0 defeat against the Americans. Responsibility for that collapse rests with Chile's manager, who fielded only ten players. A properly prepared response is essential against Finland. Colombia sit out after four defeats, with their campaign yet to yield a point.
Iceland have combined three victories with nine goals scored and only one conceded, making theirs one of the most convincing starts anywhere in the competition. Their latest outing brought a 5-0 victory over South Africa, with five different players scoring. Sigmar Larusson has found the net in every appearance, and Iceland now visit Peru with a chance to move six points clear of both their hosts and inactive India.
Peru responded to their 3-0 defeat by India with a 3-0 victory in South Africa, giving them six points and a chance to draw level with Iceland. Bangladesh, still without a point, host a South African team whose manager must take responsibility for the five-goal collapse in Iceland and the subsequent failure to respond against Peru. Eight goals conceded without reply across those two defeats have erased the encouragement of South Africa's earlier win over India. Both sides now need a result that stops the damage.
Serbia have won three matches, scored eight goals and established a three-point lead over an Italy side that has played once more. Svetozar Miljevic has scored in every victory, while successive man-of-the-match awards for goalkeeper Tugomir Jankovic underline the contribution at the other end. Bosnia and Herzegovina now visit with only one point, a difficult position for a nation with four U-21 World Cup titles.
Bosnia have not scored since their opening 5-3 defeat in Italy, leaving their manager with problems at both ends to address before facing the leaders. Mexico and the Czech Republic contest the other match, separated by one point. Mexico need to recover from Salvatore Sidoti's late winner for Italy, while the Czechs have followed their 3-0 victory over the Italians with a draw and a defeat without scoring. With Italy inactive on six points, either side can improve its place in the chase.
Positions: 1st - Croatia (9 points), 2nd - Japan (6 points), 3rd - Romania (4 points), 4th - Sweden (4 points), 5th - China (0 points)
Croatia have taken nine points from three matches, with Alberto Dracar and Zrinko Kljunak supplying seven of their eight goals. Their latest victory required a recovery against Romania, as Kljunak equalised before Dracar settled the match in the 78th minute. Sweden now host the leaders after rescuing a point in Romania through Edvin Ekerot's late equaliser, a result that kept them level with the six-time champions on four points.
Romania travel to Japan needing to turn Ferdinand Tecuta's prolific start into a better return. He has scored five times, but Romania have won only once. Japan sit second on six points after beating China 3-1, with Hisahsi Ieyasu taking his tally to four goals. Their manager will still have the earlier 5-2 defeat in Croatia to account for, particularly with another dangerous scorer arriving. China are inactive after losing all four matches, leaving the contest above them to intensify.
Four teams have six points, but none can claim to have avoided a serious setback. South Korea lead the table yet return from a 3-0 defeat in Thailand. Moldova, their next visitors, were beaten 5-1 at home by Bolivia after winning their first two matches. Moldova's manager must take responsibility for a collapse that saw Bufaldo Gisbert score four second-half goals. Their response now comes against opponents also seeking to restore confidence.
Bolivia have transformed their campaign since the opening 5-0 defeat in South Korea, when their manager sent out only nine players. That failure belongs squarely to the manager, but successive victories have brought the team back into contention. Gisbert has scored five times across those wins, making him an obvious concern for visiting Scotland. The Scots have lost all three matches, although each defeat has been by a single goal. Thailand sit out on six points, waiting to see which of their rivals can turn a crowded contest into an advantage.
Poland's recent World Cup record demands attention, and their current campaign is living up to it. After finishing on the podium in each of the last three cycles, they have opened with three wins, twelve goals and only one conceded. Aleksander Przygodzki has scored in every match, including twice in the latest 6-0 victory over Bulgaria. Spain now visit after successive defeats, facing the task of stopping the group's most productive attack while repairing their own defensive record.
Portugal and Estonia meet level on six points, each having recovered from defeat by Poland with a victory. Portugal's latest success was a 4-2 win in Spain, with Dinis Rito and goalkeeper Damasio Bispo both scoring twice. Estonia have conceded four times across three matches, compared with Portugal's six, adding another point of interest to their contest. Bulgaria are inactive after four defeats; responsibility for the six-goal humiliation against Poland rests with their manager, who now has time to work on a response.
Brazil have followed their WC31 title and WC32 fourth-place finish with three straight victories. Benjamin Chulapa has scored six of their nine goals, including both strikes in the comeback win over Denmark. Ireland now welcome the leaders with one point from three matches and seven goals conceded. After losing 4-2 in Denmark despite leading twice, the hosts need a much stronger finish if they are to disrupt Brazil's progress.
Germany and Denmark meet with second place within reach of the hosts. Germany's 2-0 victory in England provided a welcome response to their earlier 5-1 defeat in Brazil, a result for which their manager must take responsibility. Denmark have six points after Rudolf Petersen's late double helped them beat Ireland, but victory for Germany would move them above the visitors. England sit out on three points after four matches, leaving the teams around them an opportunity to pull further away.
Perfect Starts Raise Expectations as the Champions Fight Back
Belgium and the Netherlands meet with first place at stake, while Norway and the United States of America put their perfect records against each other. Austria's winning start faces reigning champions Slovenia, and Iceland must protect their flawless return in Peru. Poland, Serbia and Brazil also enter the coming matches with maximum points, giving the chasing teams little margin for another unproductive appearance.
Elsewhere, Albania and Lithuania are building an unbeaten advantage, while four teams remain level on six points in Group J. Heavy defeats have already exposed costly managerial failures, and the teams affected need convincing responses before those results define their campaigns. There is still time to change direction, but the strongest starters are making every missed opportunity more expensive.
Perfect records have set the pace. Now direct confrontations and urgent recovery attempts will test how firmly that pace can be maintained.
World Cup Qualifiers (U19)
Perfect Starts Collide as the Holders Search for a Response
The U-19 qualification campaign has produced ruthless attacks, stubborn defences and several early surprises. The Netherlands have won every match without conceding, Peru and Scotland are preparing to put perfect records against each other, and Brazil and Slovenia enter their meeting with identical returns. Reigning champions Belgium, meanwhile, are already under pressure after consecutive defeats.
The next matches offer a clearer measure of who can sustain these promising beginnings. Latvia host Italy, Finland visit Portugal, and unbeaten Moldova face a New Zealand side just one point behind them. Elsewhere, struggling teams need to stop heavy defeats from becoming the defining feature of their campaigns. Across the groups, the leaders are building advantages that their rivals must soon begin to challenge.
Group A - Dutch Defence Sets the Standard as the Chasers Meet
The Netherlands have scored only four goals, but three victories and three clean sheets have given last cycle's runners-up a three-point lead. Tomas Bruinsma has scored in every match, most recently settling the visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina with the only goal. Greece now arrive without a point and with ten goals conceded. Their manager must take responsibility for the 5-1 defeat against Bosnia and produce a far more competitive response against the leaders.
Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina meet level on six points, making their contest important to the pursuit. Croatia have recovered from their opening defeat against the Dutch with two victories without conceding. Bosnia were stopped by the Netherlands after scoring eight times in their first two appearances, with Robert Stepinac contributing five. Ireland sit out after three consecutive defeats, knowing that the teams immediately above them cannot both take maximum points.
Positions: 1st - Peru (9 points), 2nd - Scotland (9 points), 3rd - Bulgaria (3 points), 4th - Israel (3 points), 5th - Sweden (0 points)
Three victories apiece have carried Peru and Scotland six points clear of the nearest challengers. Their meeting in Scotland now offers the first direct test of that shared authority. Peru lead on goal difference after scoring eleven times, although their last two victories have both been by a single goal. Scotland have won all three matches by that same narrow margin, with Argyle Burnett supplying the late winner in Bulgaria last time.
Israel and Bulgaria meet with three points each and an urgent need to stay within reach. Israel finally opened their account through Albert Snyders' winner in Sweden, while Bulgaria have lost twice since beating the Swedes. Sweden are inactive after four defeats; their manager remains accountable for the opening 6-0 humiliation against Peru, which left the campaign damaged from the outset. For the two sides now chasing the leaders, another defeat would make an already substantial gap harder to close.
Brazil and Slovenia have identical records: two victories, seven goals scored and two conceded. Something must change when they meet in Brazil. Prieto Kologeski has been the outstanding figure for the hosts, scoring six times across two appearances, including all four goals in the victory over Serbia. Slovenia bring their own midfield scoring threat after Klemen Marini's hat-trick helped dismantle Canada 5-1.
The other match carries a different kind of pressure. Canada and Serbia have both lost twice, leaving at least one side guaranteed to collect its first points. Canada's manager must answer for eight goals conceded, particularly the five-goal defeat in Slovenia. Serbia have been more competitive in front of goal, with Trajko Maletic scoring all three of their goals, but they also need a stronger defensive performance. In a four-team group, neither can afford to let the leading pair move further away without resistance.
Latvia have won three matches and scored nine goals, establishing a three-point advantage over Uruguay and Italy. Kriss Jankovskis has collected every Latvian man-of-the-match award, while Luka Libeks has scored in all three victories. Italy now visit after Fidelio Garino's goal secured a 1-0 win over South Korea. Beating the leaders would bring Italy level on points and immediately change the balance at the top.
Uruguay also have six points and travel to South Korea with Gerardo Fabian Raimundi Rodriguez in prolific form. His five goals have supplied most of their attacking return, including both strikes against Italy. South Korea have one point and only two goals, leaving them in need of a first victory to reconnect with the teams above. South Africa are inactive on one point from four matches, watching a contest in which their closest rivals have an opportunity to pull away.
Finland have turned recoveries into an unbeaten seven-point start. They fought back from three goals down in Argentina, then overturned deficits against Belgium and the Czech Republic to win both matches 2-1. Their resilience now faces Portugal, whose successive victories have brought six points with only one goal conceded across the campaign. Samuel Gois scored twice in the latest 4-0 success against the Czechs, taking his tally to three.
Belgium's title defence needs a response after defeats in Finland and Argentina left them on three points. Hosting the Czech Republic offers an opportunity, but the champions must improve on performances in which an early lead and then an equaliser failed to produce a result. The visitors remain without a point, and their manager must take responsibility for the four-goal defeat against Portugal. Argentina sit out on seven points, knowing that either Finland or Portugal will move above them.
Norway have taken maximum points while conceding only once, but their latest victory required patience and a late intervention. After falling behind against Slovakia, they recovered through Morten Oterhals before Jimmy Oestensen struck in the 87th minute. Switzerland now host the leaders after losing 1-0 in Slovakia. With three points from three matches, the Swiss need a result that closes the gap rather than allowing it to become nine points.
Slovakia have six points and an opportunity to maintain pressure when they visit Lithuania. Jan Mraz has scored in their last two matches, including the winner against Switzerland. Lithuania, meanwhile, have lost twice since their opening victory, most recently surrendering a lead in Bangladesh to two goals in quick succession. That result gave Bangladesh their first points before their break and left three teams level on three points beneath the leading pair.
England have beaten Bolivia, Poland and Hungary to establish a perfect nine-point return. Their latest success was a 3-1 victory in Hungary, with Wilson Skinner scoring his second goal of the campaign and receiving another man-of-the-match award. Japan now visit after Kazunari Komatsu's late winner against Hungary earned their first points. A stronger result against the leaders would turn that opening into a much more encouraging position.
Bolivia host Hungary after successive victories, the latest secured by Hector Cano's double in Poland. Having finished in the top four at each of the last three World Cups, Bolivia are building a response to their opening defeat against England. Hungary remain without a point, and their manager must address nine goals conceded, including the earlier 4-1 defeat by Poland. The six-time champions are inactive after losing twice in succession, leaving Bolivia a chance to move above them.
Estonia enter their break unbeaten on ten points after Ove Vassermann's goal defeated Romania 1-0. Erki Perli has received the man-of-the-match award in all four appearances, giving the leaders a remarkable thread of consistency. Romania now host Thailand with six points against the visitors' five. Last cycle's bronze medallists need to recover from their first defeat, while Thailand have yet to lose but have drawn twice.
Thailand's latest stalemate came against Chile, who finally scored their first goal and earned their first point through Diego Perez Cornejo. Chile now welcome an Albania side that has lost all three matches. Albania's manager must answer for the defensive failures behind nine goals conceded, particularly the opening 5-2 defeat in Estonia. With the leading teams already some distance away, both sides need a first victory to give their campaigns a more hopeful direction.
The United States of America lead unbeaten on ten points, with Jose Dias collecting the man-of-the-match award in every appearance. Their break gives Venezuela a chance to draw level when they visit China. Venezuela have followed their 2-2 draw against the Americans with two victories without conceding, most recently beating Russia 4-0. Tony Mares scored twice in that match and now has three goals across the campaign.
China have lost twice since their opening victory over Russia, although their latest defeat against the Americans was decided by a single goal. Russia host Montenegro still searching for a first point after conceding eleven times in three matches. Their manager must take responsibility for the heavy defeats against China and Venezuela and produce a firmer response. Montenegro have three points, but consecutive defeats on either side of their win over China have prevented them from building sustained momentum.
Australia and Moldova share seven points, but New Zealand are only one behind as they prepare to host Moldova. Nikora Eti has scored all four of New Zealand's goals, including the winner in Austria last time. Moldova arrive after beating Malta 2-0, with Alexandr Lavreniuc scoring for the second successive match following his equaliser in Australia. A victory for either side would significantly strengthen its position in the leading contest.
Australia visit Malta with fifteen goals scored, twelve of them coming in the extraordinary opening victory over Austria. Malta have a prolific scorer of their own in Clive Delceppo, who struck all five goals in their win over the Austrians, but they have yet to score against anyone else. Austria are inactive after four defeats and twenty goals conceded. Their manager bears responsibility for the 12-0 and 5-0 humiliations that have left last cycle's quarterfinalists stranded at the bottom.
Mexico's break creates an opening for unbeaten Algeria, who sit two points behind the leaders with one match fewer played. Their latest 1-1 draw in Mexico preserved that record, but another draw would leave an opportunity unclaimed. Spain now visit after a 4-1 victory over Iceland, powered by Seve Irizarry's first-half hat-trick. With four points, Spain can draw level with Mexico by winning, while Algeria would take first place outright.
Iceland host Denmark needing to repair the damage from that defeat in Spain. Their manager must take responsibility for conceding four times before half-time, particularly after the encouragement of beating Mexico in the previous match. Denmark remain without a victory but recovered from two goals down to draw with Spain last time. That comeback provides something to build upon as they attempt to improve a return of one point from three matches.
Colombia have reached their break unbeaten on eight points, with only one goal conceded across four appearances. France can move above them by winning in India, having responded to their opening defeat against Colombia with victories over Turkey and Germany. Clement Anne has scored three times in those successes. India remain without a point, and their manager must take responsibility for fifteen goals conceded, including the 6-0 opening defeat against Turkey and the latest 5-1 loss to Germany.
Turkey and Germany meet level on four points, with both having scored seven goals. Turkey's goalless draw in Colombia supplied a welcome clean sheet after defeat in France, while Germany recovered from their own French setback by beating India. Sascha Heichele has scored in every German appearance, and Yakup Ceben has supplied four of Turkey's goals. With France in a position to climb above the inactive leaders, neither side will want to lose ground in their direct meeting.
Unbeaten Runs Offer Promise — Direct Meetings Will Demand Proof
Scotland and Peru cannot both preserve their perfect records, and the same applies to Brazil and Slovenia. Latvia face an Italy side capable of drawing level with them, while Portugal have an opportunity to overtake unbeaten Finland. The Netherlands, Norway and England are also protecting flawless starts, with each victory increasing the pressure on opponents already trying to recover lost ground.
For Belgium, the immediate challenge is to restore momentum to their title defence. For teams such as Greece, Russia, Austria and India, their managers must deliver performances that begin repairing the damage of heavy defeats. The tables still leave room for movement, but the coming results could sharpen the divide between convincing campaigns and increasingly difficult recoveries.
The strongest starts have earned attention. The next matches will show which teams can turn that attention into lasting control of their groups.
World Cup Qualifiers (U17)
Perfect Records Face Their Biggest Tests as the Chasing Teams Seek a Breakthrough
Slovenia have already beaten every opponent in their group, Australia and Poland have matched each other victory for victory, and Croatia have put the reigning champions behind them. Scotland, France and Bolivia also carry perfect records into the coming matches, giving the U-17 qualification campaign several convincing early leaders.
Those positions now face fresh challenges. Poland and Australia meet with maximum points at stake, Sweden host an unbeaten Serbia, and Turkey have an opportunity to draw level with Croatia. Elsewhere, tightly packed groups offer room for a sudden climb, while several struggling teams need their managers to deliver a response before heavy defeats become lasting damage.
Group A - Norway Lead as Moldova Look to Turn Draws Into Victories
Norway remain unbeaten on seven points after recovering from an early concession to draw 1-1 with Moldova. Ask Palm supplied the equaliser, preserving a two-point advantage over both Moldova and Germany. A visit to Algeria now offers the leaders an opportunity to strengthen their position, although the hosts finally opened their account by drawing in Germany. Kouider Toual's early goal brought Algeria close to a first victory before Robert Seidel equalised late.
Moldova host Argentina with their own unbeaten record intact, but successive draws have limited the reward after their opening victory. Last cycle's runners-up have conceded only once, making them a demanding opponent for an Argentina side that has lost two of three matches. Argentina's victory over Algeria showed their scoring potential, but the subsequent 2-0 defeat against Norway left them needing another response. Germany sit out on five points after three matches without a win.
Romania's perfect start ended in Montenegro, where two equalisers were not enough to prevent a 3-2 defeat. They remain only one point behind the leaders with a match fewer played, giving their home meeting with Bulgaria considerable value. Bulgaria also need to recover after surrendering an advantage against Malta and losing 3-1. Both teams have already shown they can win, but neither arrives with its earlier momentum intact.
Malta welcome Spain after Alexander Attard Dingli's double helped secure their first victory. Four points from three appearances leave them within reach of the top, and another win would draw them level with inactive Montenegro. Spain have only one point and one goal, although their draw with Bulgaria stopped a run of two defeats. With the teams above them still close enough to catch, this is an opportunity to repair their start before the gap becomes more difficult to manage.
Uruguay are unbeaten on seven points and can move above inactive Chile when they host Bangladesh. Their latest victory came through Osvaldo Mello Bordenabe in the 87th minute against Greece, a timely intervention after allowing a two-goal lead to slip against Chile. Bangladesh remain without a win, and their manager must address the defensive failures behind eleven goals conceded, including the opening 6-2 defeat in Chile.
Switzerland enter their home meeting with Greece encouraged by a 4-2 victory over Chile. Claude-alain Sisson and Gianrico Cudilleiro both scored twice, repeating their scoring contributions from the late recovery in Bangladesh. Greece have three points and need a response after losing to Uruguay so close to the finish. Chile still lead the table on goal difference, but thirteen goals scored alongside ten conceded have made their campaign entertaining and vulnerable in equal measure.
Positions: 1st - Serbia (7 points), 2nd - Sweden (7 points), 3rd - Hungary (2 points), 4th - Colombia (2 points), 5th - India (2 points)
Serbia and Sweden have both collected seven points, creating a five-point gap over the other three teams before their meeting in Sweden. Serbia's attacking return is particularly imposing: eleven goals scored and only one conceded. Nenad Solaja struck a hat-trick in the latest 5-0 victory over Colombia, while Vukadin Vujacic has contributed four goals across the campaign. Sweden arrive after Wictor Zetterberg's late winner secured a 2-1 success in India.
Colombia and Hungary meet with two points apiece and a first victory still missing. Colombia's manager must take responsibility for the five-goal collapse in Serbia and produce a more competitive performance. Hungary can take encouragement from holding Serbia to a goalless draw, although they have also struggled to turn matches into wins. India sit out on two points, with Sual Malhotra having scored all five of their goals, but their manager still has the earlier 6-1 defeat against Serbia to answer for.
Three victories and ten goals each have carried Australia and Poland six points clear of their nearest pursuers. Their meeting in Poland now puts those perfect records against each other. Wes Goldie has scored six times for Australia, while Julek Skrzypiec has matched that total for Poland. Australia hold first place through a slightly stronger defensive record, having conceded once to Poland's twice, leaving very little to separate the two on their opening returns.
England host the Czech Republic after Kipling Upton's double against Thailand finally earned their first points. Last cycle's bronze medallists now have an opportunity to take advantage of the leading pair meeting each other. The Czechs remain without a point, and their manager must take responsibility for consecutive four-goal defeats against Australia and Poland. Thailand are inactive on three points, with their own manager needing to address the earlier 5-1 defeat against Poland.
Lithuania, Albania and Austria all have six points, but the first two have played one match fewer. Lithuania have recovered from their opening defeat with successive victories, most recently beating Venezuela through late goals from Anatolijus Svagzdis and Gaudvydas Rimkus. Last cycle's fourth-placed team now visit Mexico, whose first victory came through Carlos Enrique Barranco's winner in Austria. Another Mexican success would take the hosts above Lithuania.
Albania travel to Venezuela looking to restore momentum after losing 3-1 to Lithuania. Their two opening victories still leave them well placed, while Venezuela have one point and have lost twice since drawing with Mexico. David Olivera has scored all three Venezuelan goals, making his contribution especially important to their hopes of recovery. Austria sit out after defeat against Mexico interrupted their own two-match winning run, leaving the other teams to reshape a tightly packed table.
Four matches, four victories and fourteen goals have given Slovenia an eight-point lead before their break. Their latest 2-0 win over Latvia completed a sweep of the group opponents, while Alen Krasovec collected his third consecutive man-of-the-match award. Finland and Denmark now meet level on four points, knowing that victory would reduce the gap and establish a stronger position in the pursuit.
Denmark arrive after beating Peru 3-0, with Tor Quist scoring twice, while Finland followed their four-goal defeat against Slovenia with a goalless draw in Peru. Latvia and Peru contest the other match with one point each and no victories. Latvia have yet to score, a difficult position after reaching the final in WC31. Peru have scored only once. With Slovenia already well clear, both need more than another match that merely prevents defeat.
The United States of America enter their break on nine points after successive victories without conceding. Canada can draw level by beating Estonia, having responded to their own 4-0 defeat against the Americans with a 3-2 victory in South Africa. Jacob Lamontagne scored twice and Ethan Frizzell supplied the late winner, but Canada's manager must ensure the defensive failings exposed by the leaders do not return.
Estonia have a dangerous scorer in Linnar Arulo, whose seven goals include all five in the victory over New Zealand. They nevertheless surrendered a three-goal lead against South Africa last time out, leaving a clear issue for their manager to address. South Africa now visit a New Zealand side still without a point. The hosts' manager bears responsibility for the 5-1 defeat in Estonia and needs to improve a defence that has conceded eleven goals. Phaphile Sithole's four-goal return gives South Africa reason to believe they can add to those problems.
Scotland have built a five-point lead through three victories, scoring seven times and conceding only once. Calum Learmouth's hat-trick in China took his total to five goals, giving the leaders a prolific threat as Belgium arrive. Belgium have followed their opening win with defeat in Ireland and a draw against South Korea, leaving them in need of a result that stops Scotland from extending an already substantial advantage.
Ireland also have four points and visit South Korea after their 4-2 victory over Belgium opened their winning account. Donald Gibson scored twice in that match, while South Korea have drawn their last two appearances since losing to Scotland. Their first victory would take them above Ireland. China are inactive on two points, and their manager must answer for the latest 4-1 defeat against the Scots after earlier draws had kept them more competitive.
Croatia have scored ten goals and won all three matches, including a 2-0 victory over reigning champions Brazil. Petar Stimac has struck four times, while Niksa Knezoci has received every Croatian man-of-the-match award. Turkey now host the leaders with an opportunity to draw level on nine points. Successive victories over Iceland and Israel have repaired their opening defeat in Brazil, with Mazhar Tekke supplying the winner in Israel last time.
Brazil welcome Israel after beating Iceland 4-0 to move onto six points. Argel Dornelles and Julinho de Borest have scored three goals each, providing the holders with a clear attacking foundation. Israel need to halt consecutive defeats, and their manager must address the earlier 5-2 loss in Croatia. Iceland sit out after four defeats and twelve goals conceded; their manager must also take responsibility for fielding only ten players in the defeat against Israel.
France have won both matches, scored six goals and conceded none, giving them a three-point lead in this four-team group. Jeremy Perrin has contributed three goals, while Maxime Jeannot has scored in both victories. Bosnia and Herzegovina now visit after a goalless draw with Japan earned their first point. They have conceded only twice, but their attack needs to offer more if they are to disrupt the leaders.
Portugal travel to Japan looking to recover from their 2-0 defeat in France, where both goals arrived inside the opening ten minutes. Their earlier victory over Bosnia leaves them on three points and in second place. Japan are still searching for a first goal as well as a first win. Their manager must take responsibility for the opening 4-0 defeat against France and build on the clean sheet that followed against Bosnia.
Bolivia's perfect start has been powered by Milan Vargas, who has scored eight of their nine goals. Hat-tricks against Italy and Russia followed his opening double against the Netherlands, leaving the leaders three points clear. Slovakia now visit after a 3-0 victory over Russia earned their first points. They have conceded only three goals across three matches, but containing Vargas will be a demanding test of that defensive record.
The Netherlands host Russia after successive victories without conceding restored their position following defeat against Bolivia. Their latest 2-0 success in Italy moved them onto six points, level with the Italians after playing one match fewer. Russia remain without a point, and their manager must address ten goals conceded, including the 4-1 defeat against Italy. Italy are inactive after consecutive defeats, with their own manager needing a response to the four-goal loss in Bolivia.
Strong Leaders Have Emerged — Now Their Rivals Must Respond
Australia and Poland cannot both preserve their perfect records, while Sweden and Serbia meet with an unbeaten advantage to defend. Croatia face a Turkey side capable of drawing level with them, and Scotland have an opportunity to widen the gap over Belgium. Slovenia can watch from twelve points, while France and Bolivia seek further victories to strengthen their own commanding starts.
Below those leaders, the margins vary sharply. Lithuania and Albania have little breathing room in a crowded group, Moldova are trying to turn resilience into more victories, and Brazil are pursuing a Croatian side that has already beaten them. For the teams carrying heavy defeats, their managers must deliver the preparation and performances needed to change direction before the distance becomes harder to recover.
The early results have identified the pace-setters. The next matches will test who can challenge them — and who risks being left behind.
