Portugal-Azerbaijan 1-0
In the match in “his home”, at the Allianz Stadium, Cristiano Ronaldo fails to score. However, Portugal wins anyway, thanks to Medvedev’s daring own goal in the 36th minute. A goal enough for the Portuguese to get the better of them and take three important points to start their journey in Group A well.
Portugal-Azerbaijan, statistics and curiosities
Serbia-Ireland 3-2
Serbia also wins in the same group as Portugal, at home against Ireland. The guests took the lead in the 18 ‘with Brown, but in the 40′ the Fiorentina striker Vlahovic put everything back in balance. In the second half, Mitrovic’s brace secured the result for Stojkovic’s men, making Collins’ final goal in the 86th minute vain.
Serbia-Ireland, statistics and curiosities
Finland-Bosnia 2-2
After a first half with white nets for this Group D match, Bosnia missed a penalty kick in the second half with Barcelona midfielder Miralem Pjanic, still good at scoring on the rebound. Finland responded with Pukki’s brace in the 58th and 77th minutes. The guests, however, are not there and in the 85th minute they manage to put the result in a draw thanks to Stevanovic’s goal.
Finland-Bosnia, statistics and curiosities
France-Ukraine 1-1
Disappointing draw for the reigning world champions in their debut match in this qualifying round. At 19 ‘the cockerels go on with a jewel by Griezmann, who catches the cross with a magical left from the top of the area. In the second half the national team led by former Milan Andriy Shevchenko found the equalizer with a shot by Sydorchuk deflected by Kimpembe. All teams to have played in Group D are therefore at one point in the standings.
France-Ukraine, statistics and curiosities
Turkey-Netherlands 4-2
At the Ataturk Olympic Stadium everything happens between Turkey and Holland, a match valid for Group G. It ends 4-2 for the hosts, who close the first half with a 2-0 lead thanks to the doppietta del 35enne Burak Yilmaz. Yellow, however, in the 45th minute, when the English referee Michael Oliver (the same as in the 2018 Champions League quarter-final second leg between Real Madrid and Juve) does not grant the “ghost goal” scored by Juventus De Ligt with a header. Without Var and Goal Line Technology, there is no possibility to correct the error. In the second half Turkey starts strong and immediately finds the 3-0 with the AC Milan player Calhanoglu. The Netherlands, however, did not give up and reopened the match with the newcomers Klaassen and Luuk de Jong. The two score in the 75th and 77th minutes respectively. To extinguish the Dutch dreams of comeback Yilmaz thinks again, who on a free kick (evident uncertainty of Krul) achieves the hat-trick of the final 4-2. The Netherlands have a new opportunity to close the gap in the 94th minute with a penalty from De Ligt, but Cakir hypnotizes Depay from eleven meters and dismisses the conclusion, leaving the result unchanged.
Turkey-Holland 4-2, statistics and curiosities
Gibraltar 0-3 Norway
Better than Turkey from the point of view of the goal difference was Norway, which flies to the top of group G. Game without problems for Haaland’s team in Gibraltar. The Borussia Dortmund striker (on the field for 62 minutes) is surprisingly dry, teammates Sorloth, Thorsvedt and Svensson think about leaving their signature in the 3-0.
Gibraltar-Norway, statistics and curiosities
Latvia 1-2 Montenegro
Three points in the same group for Montenegro on Latvia. The hosts took the lead with Ikaunieks in the 40th minute, but after less than a minute Jovetic equalized the score. In the second half, the Balkans overturned the initial disadvantage thanks to the personal brace of the former Fiorentina and Inter, who in the 83rd minute gave the three points to Radulovic’s team.
Latvia-Montenegro, statistics and curiosities
Belgium 3-1 Wales
In group E the super challenge is that at King Power at Den Dreef between Belgium and Wales. The visitors took the lead after 11 minutes with Harry Wilson, who took advantage of the third assist in Gareth Bale’s last three international appearances. At 22 ‘the team led Roberto Martinez equalized with Kevin de Bruyne, a goal that interrupted the unbeaten minutes away from the British in official matches at 418. Then at 28 ‘Thorgan Hazard completes the comeback and brings the Red Devils forward. In the 72nd minute, Romelu Lukaku’s goal came from a penalty kick, setting the result at 3-1.
Belgium-Wales, statistics and curiosities
Estonia-Rep. Czech 1-6
The Czech Republic is rampant in the other match of Group E, winning 6-1 away to Estonia. The hosts move forward in the 12th minute with Sappinen, but it’s just a flash in the pan. After just six minutes, the equal of the former Roma Patrik Schick arrives, who on 27 ‘then also serves the assist that allows Barak to overturn the result and lead the Czechs to 2-1. At this point Soucek’s show begins, who between 32 ‘and 48’ scores a hat-trick that definitively brings the Estonians to their knees. At 56 ‘the Sampdoria Jankto scores 6-1.
Estonia-Czech Republic, statistics and curiosities
Cyprus-Slovakia 0-0
As for group H, few emotions at the Neo GSP Stadium in Nicosia between Cyprus and Slovakia. The match ends 0-0, with both teams being able to move their rankings. A point that is clearly much more important for the home team, considered clearly underdog on the eve.
Cyprus-Slovakia, statistics and curiosities
Malta 1-3 Russia
Russia, on the other hand, takes three points, making no mistake in Malta, despite running some more risk than expected. At 23 ‘Dzyuba unlocks the game, after 12 minutes the doubling of Fernandes arrives who seems to channel the game towards calm tracks for the team led by Cherchesov. In the second half, however, Mbong rekindled the hosts’ hopes in the 56th minute by scoring the 2-1 goal. At 90 ‘Sobolev extends the distance again and brings the result to 3-1 which allows the Russians to take the lead in group H.
Malta-Russia, statistics and curiosities
Slovenia 1-0 Croatia
Important victory for Slovenia at home against Croatia. A goal after 15 minutes of play by Lovric is enough to give the hosts success.
Slovenia-Croatia, statistics and curiosities
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