First Blood Drawn, Pressure Rising: Qualification Moves Into Its Second Test
The opening matches of Cycle 33 have already disturbed several comfortable assumptions. Bangladesh stunned the Netherlands, United States of America shut out Spain, and both India and Serbia announced themselves with emphatic victories. Elsewhere, Poland, China, Japan, South Africa and the defending world champions Switzerland all began with clean-sheet wins, while a handful of groups remain almost perfectly balanced after cautious starts.
One round is never enough to define a qualification campaign, but it is more than enough to create pressure. Teams that opened with three points can now build separation, while those beaten last time are already being asked to respond before an early problem becomes a trend. The sides that sat out the first set of matches now enter with fresh legs but no points on the board.
With the first evidence finally available, the groups are beginning to acquire personalities of their own.
Group A — Bangladesh Shake the Dutch, China Set the Standard
The first major surprise came from Bangladesh, who beat the Netherlands 2–1 and immediately transformed the group. Golam Siddique struck early, Tariq Babu supplied the second and was named man of the match, leaving the former world champions with an uncomfortable opening defeat. China were even cleaner in their work, scoring twice in quick succession to beat Australia 2–0 and take the early lead on goal difference.
The next test is especially important for the two beaten sides. Netherlands and Australia meet with neither able to pretend that another defeat would be harmless. Bangladesh now face Hungary, who enter the campaign after sitting out the opener, and a second positive result would turn an encouraging upset into genuine early momentum. China rest this time with three points safely collected. After one round, the group already looks nothing like a simple contest built around Dutch reputation.
Japan produced the most complete opening performance in Group B, beating Lithuania 2–0 through goals from Yasunori Hirao and Nobuyoshi Kamon. Goalkeeper Yuifum Yamakawa took the individual honour, while Italy needed only Lorenz Marino's fourth-minute goal to defeat England 1–0. Antonio Ametrano then protected that advantage to earn man of the match.
Both winners now have the chance to reinforce strong starts, but the next round also brings Bulgaria into the competition. Japan therefore move from facing a side that lost its opener to one with a completely clean slate, while Italy meet a Lithuania team already needing a response. England have time to absorb their defeat before returning later. The opening table belongs to Japan and Italy, but the next matches will tell us whether that is the beginning of control or merely the benefit of landing the first punch.
South Africa made the strongest first statement in Group C with a 2–0 victory over Greece. Oswin Mkhuma scored both goals, one on either side of half-time, while Sisanda Madikane was named man of the match. Chile also began successfully, edging Canada 1–0 through Leonardo Bunge Carvalho and joining South Africa on three points.
The next round changes the shape of the group because France finally enter. Their recent qualification history has been poor, with fifth-place finishes in each of the last two cycles, so facing a Chile side already carrying three points is an immediate test of whether this campaign will be different. Canada, meanwhile, must recover against the early leaders from South Africa. Greece sit out after their opening defeat. The first results created two winners; the second round will show whether France can prevent either of them from establishing an early grip.
Poland opened with a convincing 2–0 win over Slovenia, with Narcyz Jestrimski and Marcin Sulikowski scoring either side of half-time. It was a controlled start from the four-time world champions and immediately placed pressure on a Slovenian side that reached the Last 16 at the previous World Cup. Latvia also collected three points, though they had to wait until the 79th minute for Gvido Vacietis to break Czech resistance.
The next round gives Poland a chance to build on that authority against a Czech republic team already beaten once. Latvia must deal with the arrival of Mexico, who begin their campaign fresh while the Latvians already carry points and confidence. Slovenia sit out and can only watch the table develop after their poor start. Poland have made the clearest statement, but Latvia's narrow victory was exactly the kind of result that can become very valuable once the group tightens.
No group finished the first round more evenly. Bolivia and Moldova drew 1–1 after Nicolae Ambros rescued Moldova with an 88th-minute equaliser, while Turkey and Iceland cancelled each other out in a goalless draw. Goalkeepers Lilian Lisii and Johann Brynjolfsson took the individual honours, which says plenty about how little separated the teams.
Now Romania enter the competition, bringing the heaviest historical résumé in the group as three-time world champions. They face a Bolivia side that has already shown enough resilience to take a point, while Moldova and Turkey both have the chance to turn opening draws into something more substantial. Iceland wait this one out. The first round created no winner and no crisis, but that also means the first team to collect three points could suddenly find itself with a meaningful early advantage.
Germany were the only team in Group F to score in the opening round, and Dennis Frost's 71st-minute goal was enough to defeat Sweden 1–0. Wolfgang Dienersberger's man-of-the-match display in goal completed the clean sheet. Norway and Slovakia played out a 0–0 draw, leaving Germany alone on three points.
The next round gives Norway the first chance to directly challenge the early leaders, while Israel enter against a Swedish side that already needs to respond. Slovakia sit out with a point safely collected but no goal yet scored. Germany did not overwhelm Sweden, but qualification is often shaped by matches won without brilliance. Another positive result would turn their efficient opening into real control, while Norway now have to show whether their goalless start was a solid foundation or simply a missed opportunity.
Switzerland began their first qualification campaign as reigning world champions with a 1–0 victory over Austria. Jason Walter scored the decisive goal, and Nicola Balsiger helped preserve the clean sheet against the champions from cycle 31. Rep. of Montenegro matched that result by beating Uruguay 1–0 through Budimir Iritano, who also took man-of-the-match honours.
The next round brings Brazil into the group, and that immediately raises the temperature. Brazil have reached the World Cup quarterfinals in three consecutive cycles, but they begin against a Montenegro side already carrying three points. Switzerland, meanwhile, can strengthen their position against a Uruguay team that opened with defeat. Austria sit out after losing the meeting of the last two world champions. Switzerland have done what holders are supposed to do; now Brazil get their first chance to answer.
Serbia produced the biggest scoreline of the senior opening round, crushing Ireland 4–1. Leontije Culik scored twice, Milorad Nikolic and Milisav Jacimovic added the others, and Serbia finished the day with three points and a commanding goal difference. Ireland did at least score through Drew Coffey, but a three-goal defeat at this level is far beyond a routine bad day. The responsibility belongs to the Irish national team manager, who now has to repair both the table and the damage done to confidence.
Portugal and Colombia drew 1–1, meaning Serbia already hold the only victory in the group. The next round is fascinating because Croatia, bronze medalists at the previous World Cup, finally enter and immediately confront the team that just scored four. Ireland must face Portugal with no margin for another collapse. Serbia have set the standard; now Croatia get the first serious opportunity to test whether that opening explosion was a warning for the whole group.
The United States of America delivered one of the round's strongest surprises by beating Spain 2–0. Xander Arnett scored after only two minutes, Jay Ebert doubled the advantage before half-time and goalkeeper Jeremiah Lanning completed the shutout. For a Spain side coming directly from a World Cup quarterfinal, losing at home without scoring is a sharp early setback.
Estonia also started well, beating Malta 1–0 through Raimond Ommen. That means the next round arrives with two teams already on three points and Finland, another quarterfinalist from the previous World Cup, entering the group for the first time. Estonia now have the chance to test themselves against that fresh opponent, while Spain must recover against Malta. The Americans can watch from the top after doing exactly what they needed: turn a difficult opening assignment into immediate authority.
Thailand are the early leaders after Nuttaporn Sungoonshorn scored twice in a 2–1 win over New Zealand. Gareth Kavanagh briefly levelled for New Zealand, but Thailand responded quickly and held on for all three points. Elsewhere, Argentina and Venezuela drew 1–1, leaving both behind Thailand but safely off zero.
The next round brings Scotland into the group after their quarterfinal run at the last World Cup. They begin against Venezuela, while Argentina now have to deal with the only team that actually won in the opener. Thailand therefore have an immediate chance to prove that their first result was more than a good start, while Argentina need to turn possession of a point into something stronger. New Zealand sit out after defeat and can only hope the table does not stretch too quickly.
Albania took the early lead in the four-team group by coming from behind to beat Algeria 2–1. Zakaria Benhadj put Algeria ahead, but Sardian Prenku equalised before Milaim Stefa completed the turnaround late on. Tarabosh Haxhiu's performance in goal helped secure all three points. Belgium and Denmark, meanwhile, opened with a goalless draw.
Unlike the other groups, there is no immediate second set of matches this week. Group K now pauses before returning in October, giving Albania extra time to enjoy first place and the others longer to study what went wrong. Belgium and Denmark are still unbeaten, but neither has scored; Algeria have already lost ground; Albania have converted their first opportunity into a real early advantage. In a four-team group with fewer matches, those first three points may carry more weight than they would elsewhere.
India produced the most emphatic clean-sheet victory of the opening senior round, beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 3–0. Parashuram Subramanium, Jhoomer Bandgar and Saquib Masih all scored, while Kanvar Chander completed the shutout. For Bosnia, this was not simply an unlucky opening defeat. Losing by three without scoring demands accountability, and the Bosnian national team manager owns that result. A reaction is required immediately.
Peru also began with three points, beating Russia 1–0 through Maxin Sales. That sets up a meeting between the group's two opening winners, giving India the chance to prove their 3–0 was the beginning of something substantial rather than a single spectacular night. South Korea, fourth at the previous World Cup, finally enter against a Bosnia side already under pressure. Russia sit out after defeat. Group L has moved faster than most: two teams already have momentum, one has a crisis, and one dangerous newcomer is only now stepping onto the field.
The opening senior matches have already shown how quickly qualification can ignore reputation. Bangladesh shocked the Netherlands, the United States stunned Spain, India produced a three-goal statement, and Serbia tore through Ireland. Elsewhere, established names such as Poland, Switzerland, Germany and Italy did what was required, while several former champions immediately found themselves chasing the competition rather than controlling it.
The second round is where isolated results begin turning into patterns. Another victory can create genuine momentum; another defeat can leave even famous nations under uncomfortable early pressure. Some teams are only now entering the campaign, others are already trying to repair damage, and the managers responsible for the ugliest opening performances have nowhere to hide.
The first answers are on the table. Now qualification begins to get serious.
World Cup Qualifiers (U21)
Goals Everywhere, Pressure Already Rising: U21 Qualification Moves On
The opening U21 round delivered very little caution. Belgium and Algeria scored four, South Korea hit five, Italy survived an eight-goal shootout, and Poland, Brazil, Norway, Finland and Canada all began with convincing victories. Some groups already have clear leaders, while others remain delicately balanced after draws or narrow wins.
There was also immediate embarrassment. Uruguay and Rep. of Montenegro conceded four without reply, Mexico were beaten 4–1, and Bolivia suffered the heaviest defeat of all after fielding only nine players against South Korea. At U21 level, youth may explain inconsistency, but it does not excuse managerial disasters.
The second round now gives the opening winners a chance to build momentum and the beaten sides an early opportunity to stop one bad result becoming a campaign-defining problem.
Group A — Belgium and Netherlands Start With a Warning
Belgium and Netherlands could hardly have asked for stronger beginnings. Belgium demolished Uruguay 4–0, with David Bourgeois scoring twice, while the Netherlands beat Hungary 3–0 behind a Marcel Vissers hat-trick. Seven goals scored between them and none conceded immediately separated the pair from the rest.
The damage on the other side was severe. Uruguay's four-goal defeat leaves their national team manager carrying responsibility for an opening collapse, while Hungary must recover from being comprehensively beaten by the Dutch. Belgium now have the chance to punish Hungary as well, while Australia enter the competition against wounded Uruguay. The two opening winners have already established the standard; everyone else is trying to prevent the group from becoming a two-team race before it has properly begun.
Austria emerged from the most entertaining contest in the group with a 3–2 victory over Latvia. Nico Margreiter scored twice in quick succession before Johann Georg Triendl added what proved to be the decisive third. Latvia fought until the end, but their opening-minute lead ultimately counted for nothing.
Slovakia and defending world champions Slovenia shared a 1–1 draw. Gregor Dolinsek put Slovenia ahead before Milan Kubka equalised late, leaving both with a point rather than the perfect start Slovenia might have wanted. Austria now face Slovakia with the opportunity to move further ahead, while Greece enter against Latvia. Slovenia sit out and must watch whether their single point remains respectable or begins to look like an early missed opportunity.
Group C produced two brutal opening statements. Algeria crushed Rep. of Montenegro 4–0 with four different scorers, while Venezuela defeated Switzerland 4–1 behind two goals from Jubert Agreda. Eight goals from the two winners have already created a clear division in the table.
For Montenegro, losing by four without scoring places responsibility squarely on the national team manager. Switzerland's 4–1 defeat was hardly much better and demands an immediate rethink. Venezuela now meet Montenegro with the chance to inflict further damage, while Russia finally enter against an Algeria side already full of confidence. Switzerland have time to recover before their next match, but the pressure has arrived early. Algeria and Venezuela have announced themselves loudly; now the rest must respond.
Turkey and Canada both opened with identical 2–0 victories. Turkey handled New Zealand through first-half goals from Derin Ozbilgin and Serkan Aydogdu, while Caleb McLoud scored twice as Canada defeated Israel. Neither winner conceded, leaving them level on points and goal difference.
This four-team group now pauses until October, when the two opening winners meet directly. That already gives their next encounter considerable weight: somebody has the chance to establish clear control. New Zealand and Israel, meanwhile, will face each other knowing that another defeat would leave them in serious trouble. The first round could hardly have created a cleaner split between the top and bottom halves of the table.
France opened with a narrow but valuable 1–0 victory over Malta, Alexis Grall scoring the only goal shortly after half-time. Lithuania and Albania shared the other points after exchanging goals within a minute of each other in a 1–1 draw.
The major new element in the next round is Argentina. They sat out the opener and now enter directly against the group leaders. France therefore move immediately from protecting a narrow victory to facing a fresh opponent with nothing yet lost. Malta must recover against Lithuania, while Albania wait. France own the only victory so far, but the arrival of Argentina prevents them from feeling comfortable just yet.
Finland and Norway both opened with convincing 2–0 wins. Finland struck twice inside the opening twelve minutes against Colombia and never looked back, while Norway scored either side of half-time to beat Chile by the same margin.
That immediately sets up a meeting between the two perfect starters. Neither has conceded, both have three points, and the winner would create an early advantage over the rest of the group. Meanwhile, the United States of America enter against Colombia, who already need a response after their opening defeat. Chile sit out with zero points. The first round gave us two strong teams; the second will begin separating them.
Peru needed an 89th-minute goal from Salomone Lavado to complete a 3–2 victory over Bangladesh, having earlier led 2–0 before being pulled back. Iceland produced the calmer performance, defeating India 2–1 with Sigmar Larusson and Aron Isak Davidsson on the scoresheet.
Iceland now face Bangladesh, who showed enough attacking quality to score twice against Peru but must tighten up defensively. South Africa enter the group against India, giving the latter little time to recover from defeat. Peru rest after collecting their three points. With both winners scoring multiple goals, Group G already looks capable of becoming one of the more open and entertaining sections of qualification.
There was no shortage of chaos in Group H. Italy beat Bosnia and Herzegovina 5–3 in an extraordinary match, with Salvatore Sidoti scoring a first-half hat-trick before Fausto Nucci and Valentino Maddalena completed the job. Bosnia scored three themselves but still left with nothing.
Serbia were much more controlled in beating Mexico 4–1. Svetozar Miljevic and Milorad Mrdjic each scored twice, and Serbia finished the round level with Italy on three points but with the better goal difference. Mexico's three-goal defeat puts immediate pressure on their national team manager. The next round sends Bosnia against Mexico in a match between two wounded sides, while Czech republic enter against free-scoring Italy. Serbia rest after making their intentions perfectly clear.
Positions: 1st - Japan (3 points), 2nd - Croatia (3 points), 3rd - Romania (0 points), 4th - China (0 points), 5th - Sweden (0 points)
Japan opened with an impressive 3–1 win over Sweden, Hisahsi Ieyasu scoring twice after Kiyotoki Tadeshi had given Japan the lead. Croatia required patience against China but eventually won 1–0 through Zrinko Kljunak's late goal.
The two opening winners now meet directly, giving the group an early match between perfect records. Japan bring the greater attacking momentum, while Croatia arrive with the only clean sheet. Elsewhere, six-time world champions Romania finally enter against China, whose narrow opening defeat leaves little room for another setback. Sweden sit out. One round in, Japan look dangerous; the next match will show whether Croatia can slow them down.
South Korea produced the largest victory of the opening U21 round, destroying Bolivia 5–0. Jin Hyung Jeon and Do Keun Seok both scored twice, but the most remarkable detail was that Bolivia fielded only nine players. There is no tactical explanation needed for that. The Bolivian national team manager owns this humiliation completely.
Thailand also began with three points after beating Scotland 3–2. Three first-half goals built the foundation before Scotland responded twice through Aaron Geekie. South Korea now face Scotland, who must prevent another defeat, while Moldova enter against Thailand. Bolivia sit out with a five-goal deficit and plenty of uncomfortable questions. South Korea have already made the strongest statement in the group; now they have the chance to prove it was more than a gift from managerial negligence.
Poland began exactly as their extraordinary U21 history suggested they might, beating Portugal 3–0. Maksymilian Daca scored twice, Aleksander Przygodzki added another, and Poland once again looked like a team comfortable carrying enormous expectations.
Estonia also collected three points, coming from behind to beat Bulgaria 2–1 through two goals from Joosep Eenmae. That sets up an immediate meeting between the group's two winners. Spain, meanwhile, finally enter against Bulgaria, who already need points after defeat. Portugal sit out after a damaging opening loss. Poland look imposing, but Estonia now have the opportunity to test whether the favourites are ready to dominate from the very beginning.
Brazil began with a convincing 2–0 victory over England. Duba Niteroi scored after only four minutes, Benjamin Chulapa added the second late on, and Neury Couto completed the clean sheet. For a nation that won the World Cup in cycles 29 and 31 and finished fourth last time, it was a suitably authoritative opening.
Germany and Ireland drew 1–1 after Colin O'Corry cancelled out Gregor Flos' opener. Brazil now face Germany with the chance to move further ahead, while Denmark enter against an England side already carrying pressure after a scoreless defeat. Ireland rest with one point. Brazil have taken immediate control, but Germany now offer a stronger test of whether that opening performance reflects another serious championship generation.
The First Round Made Noise — Now It Must Become Momentum
The opening U21 matches produced enough goals and surprises to give almost every group an immediate storyline. Belgium, Netherlands, Algeria, Venezuela, Serbia and South Korea were ruthless. Poland and Brazil looked every bit like established powers. France, Croatia and Austria found ways to win tighter matches, while Slovenia had to settle for a point despite entering as defending champions.
Round two is where first impressions begin becoming trends. Another victory can create breathing room; a second defeat can turn qualification into a chase before October even arrives. And for managers responsible for the ugliest opening results, there is already nowhere to hide.
The first punch has landed. Now we find out who can take the second.
World Cup Qualifiers (U19)
Twelve Goals, Six-Goal Thrashings and Early Shocks: U19 Qualification Wastes No Time
If the opening U19 matches were supposed to be a cautious introduction to Cycle 33, somebody forgot to tell the players. Australia scored twelve, Peru and Turkey hit six apiece, Estonia produced five, and China and Mexico added four-goal statements of their own. Elsewhere, defending world champions Belgium started with a victory, Slovenia edged Serbia in a clash of decorated nations, and Finland somehow escaped Argentina after trailing by three goals.
The first round has therefore done much more than fill the tables. It has already created pressure, embarrassment and a handful of early leaders with genuine momentum. Some defeated sides can point to narrow margins and bad moments. Others have no such excuse. When a national team concedes six — or, somehow, twelve — responsibility does not belong to youth, fortune or the weather. That belongs to the manager.
With the first damage done, the next matches will show which opening performances were statements and which were merely one extraordinary night.
Group A — Netherlands and Ireland Begin in Perfect Step
Netherlands and Ireland both started with 2–0 victories and clean sheets, immediately creating a neat division in Group A. The Dutch waited until the second half before Mark Salomons and Tomas Bruinsma broke Croatia, while Ireland also struck twice after the break through Joe MacGovern and Richie Geddes to defeat Greece.
The Netherlands now sit out, leaving Ireland with the opportunity to become the first team in the group to reach six points. Their next challenge comes against Bosnia and Herzegovina, who enter the campaign fresh after watching the opening action. Meanwhile, Greece and Croatia meet with both already on zero points and neither having scored. That gives the next round a very different kind of pressure at both ends of the group: Ireland can build momentum, while one of the opening losers can begin repairing the damage.
Positions: 1st - Peru (3 points), 2nd - Scotland (3 points), 3rd - Bulgaria (0 points), 4th - Israel (0 points), 5th - Sweden (0 points)
Peru delivered one of the opening round's most emphatic performances, dismantling Sweden 6–0. They scored three times in each half, with Quinten Febres and Valerio Valladares both finding the net twice. Six goals, a clean sheet and three points immediately place Peru at the top of the group.
There is no hiding from the other side of that result. A six-goal defeat is the Swedish national team manager's responsibility. Whatever the plan was, it produced one of the round's worst scorelines. Scotland also began successfully, beating Israel 2–1 through John Corbat and Jack Richardson. Peru now face Israel with the opportunity to build on their spectacular start, while Bulgaria enter against a Swedish side desperate to prove that the opening humiliation was not the beginning of a collapse. Scotland can watch the next developments from the comfort of three points.
Three former U19 world champions share this four-team group, and two of them opened with victories. Brazil produced the clearer statement, beating Canada 3–0 behind two goals from Prieto Kologeski and another from Adenir Soutto. Slovenia had to work much harder against Serbia, with Denis Anzel's 87th-minute goal securing a 2–1 victory after Serbia had cancelled out Grega Krajnc's opener.
The group now pauses until October, but the next set of matches already carries serious weight. Brazil face Serbia with the latter needing to avoid beginning with consecutive defeats, while Slovenia meet Canada and can potentially turn their narrow opening success into a perfect six-point start. In a four-team group every result carries extra weight, and Brazil and Slovenia have already forced their rivals to play catch-up.
Uruguay and Latvia began with identical 3–1 victories. Uruguay's success over South Africa was built almost entirely inside the opening 24 minutes, when Gerardo Fabian Raimundi Rodriguez completed an extraordinary first-half hat-trick. Latvia were more patient against South Korea, adding two second-half goals after the match had been level at the break.
The two winners now meet directly, meaning somebody has an immediate opportunity to establish control of the group. At the same time, Italy finally enter against South Africa. That leaves South Korea waiting after defeat and South Africa forced to deal with another dangerous opponent before they have collected a point. Uruguay and Latvia could hardly have arranged the second round better: three points are already secured, and now one of them can potentially create genuine separation.
The most dramatic comeback of the opening round came from Finland. Argentina scored three times in just four minutes through Jesus Caballero twice and Lamberto Zenarruza Y Gil, apparently turning the match into a comfortable victory. Finland had other ideas. Pietari Tikkanen started the recovery, Lauri Laukkanen added another, and Tikkanen struck again in the 90th minute to complete a remarkable 3–3 draw.
Belgium, the defending world champions, required far less drama. Arne Van Wiele's second-half goal was enough for a 1–0 victory over Portugal and the only three-point haul in the group. Belgium now face Finland, whose confidence should be considerably higher after that comeback, while Czech republic enter against Argentina. Portugal sit out after defeat. Belgium have the lead, but Finland's refusal to surrender may have been the performance that told us most about the character of this group.
Norway opened with a controlled 2–0 victory over Bangladesh, Fredrik Angeltveit and Arvid Lium doing the damage before half-time. Lithuania joined them on three points after Robertas Baguzis struck late to defeat Switzerland 2–1.
The two opening winners now meet, creating an immediate contest for first place. Norway carry the only clean sheet in the group, while Lithuania have already demonstrated they can find a decisive goal late in a close match. Slovakia also enter the campaign against Bangladesh, giving the latter little time to recover from their opening defeat. Switzerland rest with zero points. After one round there are two perfect records; the next match ensures at least one of them cannot remain perfect.
Poland opened their campaign with a 2–1 victory over Japan, Wlodek Blas scoring twice inside the opening half-hour. Japan pulled one back after the break but could not complete the recovery. England were less spectacular but equally successful, Wilson Skinner's second-half goal proving enough to beat Bolivia 1–0.
The next round gives Hungary their first taste of the campaign, and it comes against six-time world champions Poland. Hungary's recent history makes that particularly intriguing: they were U19 World Cup runners-up in cycle 30 before finishing fifth in qualification in both cycles since. Japan and Bolivia, meanwhile, meet knowing one of them can immediately repair an opening defeat. England sit out with their three points secured. Poland and England have started correctly; now Hungary arrive with something to prove.
Estonia produced a seven-goal spectacle against Albania and came out 5–2 winners. Ove Vassermann scored a hat-trick, while Heino Evert and Taimo Pruuksepp added the others. Albania scored twice themselves but never found a way to stop the Estonian attack. Romania were more clinical, beating Chile 3–0 and joining Estonia on three points without conceding.
Albania's manager therefore enters the next match with immediate defensive questions after allowing five, and the challenge does not get easier against Romania. Thailand make their first appearance against an Estonia side already carrying attacking confidence. Chile sit out after their three-goal defeat. Estonia currently lead on goals scored, but Romania's clean-sheet victory may prove the more sustainable foundation. Round two should begin revealing which of those opening statements has greater substance.
China responded emphatically after falling behind Russia, scoring four second-half goals to win 4–1. Qing Nian Zhuan scored twice, including China's final goal only a minute after Kian Zhi Lu had made it 3–1. For Russia, turning a lead into a three-goal defeat leaves their national team manager with plenty to explain.
The United States of America began more calmly, beating Rep. of Montenegro 2–0 through first-half goals from Marcelo Barrett and Sean Mcguire. Montenegro now face free-scoring China, while Venezuela enter against the Americans. Russia sit out after their painful collapse. The first round produced two very different winners: China through an attacking explosion, the USA through control. Both approaches delivered exactly the same reward.
There are heavy defeats, there are humiliations, and then there is Austria 0–12 Australia. Australia scored after one minute and simply never stopped. Jesse Tobias finished with five goals, Erol Rix and Raymond Ball scored hat-tricks, and Leon Major added the other. It was the sort of scoreline that belongs in DO folklore for all the wrong reasons.
There is no shared responsibility here. The Austrian national team manager owns every part of a twelve-goal defeat. At some point long before number twelve, something should have changed. New Zealand also started strongly with a 2–0 win over Malta through two Nikora Eti goals. The next round now produces a fascinating meeting between Australia and New Zealand, both on three points and neither having conceded. Moldova enter against Austria, whose response will be watched almost as closely as the result itself. Australia have the goals; Austria have the stick.
Mexico delivered a commanding 4–0 victory over Denmark, with Isaac Morales scoring twice before Emilio Fernando Hernandez and Adrian Contreras completed the rout. Denmark never found a reply, and a four-goal opening defeat puts immediate pressure on their national team manager to produce something dramatically better next time.
Algeria and Iceland shared a 2–2 draw in the other match. Algeria led 2–1 for most of the evening before Gisli Petur Noekkvason equalised late for Iceland. The next round brings Spain into the group against Mexico, which should provide the early leaders with a much different test. Denmark must face Algeria while still carrying the damage from their opener. Mexico have established the standard, but Spain now get the first opportunity to challenge it.
Turkey produced another of the round's brutal scorelines, crushing India 6–0. Yakup Ceben scored a hat-trick, Agah Koksoy added two and Mikail Buruk another as Turkey turned their opening match into a procession. India were never close enough to make the score respectable.
A six-goal defeat cannot be pushed onto inexperienced players alone. The Indian national team manager is responsible for that collapse, and the team now has time to think about it while sitting out the next round. The other result was much tighter but perhaps equally significant: Colombia defeated former world champions France 1–0 through Eduardo Ortiz. France now have to respond against a Turkey side arriving with six goals behind them, while Germany enter the campaign against Colombia. One winner was ruthless, the other disciplined; both have already given the rest of Group L something to worry about.
The First Round Set the Tone — Now Comes the Response
The opening U19 matches produced almost everything qualification can offer. Belgium began their title defence with three points, Brazil and Slovenia emerged from a heavyweight group with victories, Peru and Turkey scored six, and Australia turned one match into a twelve-goal demolition. There were comebacks, hat-tricks, clean sheets and enough managerial disasters to ensure that several benches already feel much less comfortable than they did a week ago.
But spectacular beginnings only matter if they lead somewhere. The next matches give the leaders a chance to turn one victory into momentum and the defeated sides their first opportunity to prove that opening damage can be repaired. Some teams are only now entering the campaign; others already look as though they are fighting to save it.
One round created the headlines. The next will tell us which of them were warnings.
World Cup Qualifiers (U17)
Fast Starts, Heavy Blows and Early Pressure: U17 Qualification Comes Alive
The first U17 matches of Cycle 33 wasted very little time creating stories. Chile scored six, Slovenia and Denmark produced an eight-goal thriller, Australia found four against Thailand, and both France and Croatia began with emphatic victories. Elsewhere, Moldova continued the momentum of a nation that has reached the last two World Cup finals, while defending champions Brazil opened with another convincing performance.
There were also early warnings. Bangladesh conceded six, Japan were beaten by four, Thailand allowed four and several established nations started with nothing. At U17 level, youth can produce unpredictability, but it cannot become an excuse for complete tactical failure. When the scoreline becomes extreme, responsibility still belongs where it always does in DO: with the national team manager.
The opening round has given us the first clues. Now the second test will show who can turn those clues into momentum.
Group A — Germany Start Fast, Moldova Stay on Their Recent Path
Germany produced the stronger attacking start, beating Argentina 3–1 with all three goals arriving inside the opening 28 minutes. Robert Seidel scored twice and Kasimir Jeckel added the other before Argentina managed a late consolation. Moldova were calmer but equally effective, defeating Algeria 2–0 through Danila Vatamanu and Petre Iutis.
That gives the group two early leaders, while Norway now enter against Germany. Norway are former world champions but have finished fourth in qualification in each of the last two cycles, so the opening challenge is immediately serious. Argentina and Algeria meet with both already needing a response. Moldova sit out after another solid result from a nation that won the World Cup in cycle 30 and finished second last time. Germany made the louder start; Moldova made the cleaner one.
Romania and Rep. of Montenegro both opened with 2–0 victories and clean sheets. Romania defeated Malta through goals from Gelu Rentea and Mirel Uta, while Montenegro surprised Spain with Radule Petrovic and Zeljko Milacic providing the finishing touch.
Spain's defeat immediately raises the stakes for their next match against Romania. A second loss would leave them in a difficult early position, while Romania can turn a steady opening into genuine control. Bulgaria enter against Montenegro and therefore face a team already carrying confidence and three points. Malta sit out after defeat. Nothing separates the two leaders yet, but the next round gives Romania the more glamorous opportunity to underline their ambitions.
Chile delivered one of the biggest attacking performances of the opening round, beating Bangladesh 6–2. Wilson Gomez scored four times, with Rodrigo San Martin and Carlos Pinto adding the others. Bangladesh did manage two goals, but conceding six cannot be treated as ordinary bad luck. The Bangladesh national team manager owns that defensive disaster.
Uruguay also started strongly, beating Switzerland 3–1 after recovering from an early deficit. Luis Fernando Tejera Fernandez scored twice as Uruguay turned the match around. The next round brings Greece into the group against free-scoring Chile, while Bangladesh face Switzerland in a meeting between two teams already beaten. Uruguay rest with three points secured. Chile have taken the early spotlight, but Uruguay are close enough to make sure they cannot relax.
Positions: 1st - Hungary (1 point), 2nd - India (1 point), 3rd - Colombia (1 point), 4th - Sweden (1 point), 5th - Serbia (0 points)
No group opened more evenly. India and Hungary drew 2–2 in a match where both teams held leads, while Sweden and Colombia finished 1–1 after exchanging late goals. Four teams therefore leave the opening round with one point and almost nothing separating them.
The next development is the arrival of Serbia, one of the most decorated U17 nations in DO history. Three world titles and multiple additional medals create expectations even before their first kick, and they enter against India. Hungary and Sweden meanwhile have another chance to turn a draw into their first victory. Colombia sit out. The opening round produced balance; Serbia's arrival may be the first thing capable of disturbing it.
Australia produced a strong 4–1 victory over Thailand, powered almost entirely by Wes Goldie. He scored all four Australian goals, including three in the final 24 minutes, transforming a competitive match into a convincing win. Poland were far less spectacular but equally successful, beating England 1–0 through Julek Skrzypiec.
Australia now face England, who already need a response after losing their opener without scoring. Czech republic enter against Thailand, while Poland rest with three points safely collected. England's recent bronze medal at the previous World Cup makes their opening defeat particularly uncomfortable, and Australia now have the chance to deepen that problem. Poland did enough; Australia did considerably more.
Albania are the early leaders after coming from behind to defeat Austria 2–1. Christian Schennach put Austria ahead, but Roland Papuciu equalised before Timent Shaipi completed the turnaround in the second half.
Mexico and Venezuela shared a 2–2 draw, with David Olivera scoring both Venezuelan goals and Mexico responding twice. Albania now face Mexico with the chance to build on their perfect start, while Lithuania enter against Austria. Venezuela sit out with a point. The first round created one winner and two teams close behind, leaving Albania with an opportunity to create separation before the group settles.
Slovenia and Denmark produced one of the round's wildest games, with Slovenia eventually winning 5–3. Ales Drensek scored twice, while Viktor Udovic, Tomaz Pavlic and Alen Sostar completed the scoring. Denmark found three goals of their own but never managed to fully repair the early damage.
Finland were far more clinical, beating Latvia 3–0 and matching Slovenia on three points while keeping a clean sheet. Slovenia now travel into the next test against Peru, who begin their campaign fresh. Denmark and Latvia meet with both already needing points after opening defeats. Finland sit out as the early leaders on goal difference. Slovenia brought the fireworks; Finland brought control. Both approaches worked.
The United States of America began with a convincing 3–0 victory over Estonia. Riley Zigler, Juan Lucero and Haden Geib all scored, giving the Americans the cleanest opening performance in the group. Canada also collected three points, coming from behind to beat New Zealand 3–1 through Jacob Lamontagne, Sabastian Doucet and Ethan Frizzell.
South Africa now enter against the USA, giving the Americans an immediate chance to prove their first result was not simply an easy opening night. Estonia and New Zealand meet knowing one of them can begin repairing an early defeat. Canada sit out with three points already banked. The USA hold the early lead, but Canada are close enough to make sure the race has started properly.
Scotland are the only team with a victory after beating South Korea 2–0. Calum Learmouth scored twice in just three minutes, transforming a tight contest into a comfortable win. China and Ireland meanwhile played out a goalless draw.
The next round brings Belgium into the group against China. Belgium's historical record includes a runners-up finish and a bronze medal, but recent qualification campaigns have been modest, making their first match a useful early test. Scotland face Ireland with the chance to move further ahead, while South Korea sit out after defeat. Scotland have done exactly what was required; now Belgium finally step into the argument.
Brazil, the defending world champions, started exactly as expected with a 3–1 victory over Turkey. Argel Dornelles scored twice inside the opening 21 minutes before Julinho de Borest added a third before half-time. Turkey pulled one back after the break but never threatened the result.
Croatia were even cleaner, beating Iceland 3–0 behind a Niksa Markovina hat-trick. That immediately creates one of the most attractive matches of the next round, with the two opening winners meeting directly. Brazil bring four world titles and the current crown; Croatia bring a clean sheet and a perfect start. Israel enter against Iceland, while Turkey rest. One round in, Group J already has the feeling of a major contest.
France produced a ruthless opening performance, beating Japan 4–0. Jeremy Perrin scored twice, while Matthis Guerin and Maxime Jeannot added the others. A four-goal defeat without reply is impossible to disguise, and the Japanese national team manager must take responsibility for the collapse.
Portugal also began with three points, beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2–1 through Sebastiao Zorro and Mario Rato. This four-team group now pauses until October, when France and Portugal meet with perfect records, while Bosnia and Japan search for their first points. With fewer matches available, there is less room for recovery. France have already made the loudest statement, and Japan have already created the deepest problem.
Italy began with a controlled 2–0 victory over Slovakia, Giuseppe Palazzo and Corrado Giordano providing the goals while the defence kept the clean sheet. Bolivia produced the more surprising result, beating the Netherlands 2–1 thanks to two goals from Milan Vargas, including an 89th-minute winner.
The Netherlands now face Slovakia in a match where both teams already need a response. Russia enter against Italy, giving the early leaders the opportunity to build on their clean start. Bolivia sit out after one of the better results of the opening round. Italy currently lead through control; Bolivia have created the greater shock. Both have three points, and both have changed the shape of the group immediately.
The First Round Has Spoken — Now the Pressure Answers Back
The opening U17 matches have already given Cycle 33 a clear personality. Brazil began their title defence with authority, Croatia answered with a clean-sheet win, Chile scored six, Slovenia won an eight-goal battle and Germany, Romania, Australia, Finland, the USA and Italy all established early momentum. Other groups remain almost perfectly balanced, waiting for one team to take control.
Round two is where first impressions begin becoming evidence. Another victory can create breathing room; another defeat can turn a poor start into a genuine qualification problem. Some teams are only now entering the competition, while others are already trying to repair damage created in ninety minutes.
The opening round showed us who arrived ready. The next one will show us who can stay that way.
