With no club competitions scheduled for this weekend, every eye will be on the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers going on across the various continents. Yet, the peak of the bunch is the fifth round of matches going on in Europe. It looks sure to deliver goals and excitement.
Cristiano Ronaldo broke the record for goals scored in men’s international football after scoring a brace of headers against Ireland to take his tally to 111 for Portugal.
England continued its 100% record in the qualifiers and look sure to top group 1 and qualify for the tournament in Qatar next year.
More mouth-watering matches are lined up this weekend as the top teams look to create an unassailable lead in their respective group.
Review Of Selected Games In Matchday 4
Matchday 4 in the World Cup Qualifiers in Europe had some exciting face-offs and delivered a barrage of goals across the 10 groups.
Portugal remained in the right stead for qualification with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Ireland in Group A. It took a last-gasp header from the Manchester United forward to stay top with 10 points, three behind Serbia in second place.
Spain lost 2-1 to Sweden in a winner-takes-all encounter in Group B. The hosts had to come from behind to snatch maximum points and top the group.
Italy managed an underwhelming 1-1 draw against Bulgaria as Antoine Griezmann scored to rescue a point for France at home to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Group D.
Belgium eased to a 5-2 win away at Estonia with Romelu Lukaku scoring twice in Group E as Denmark defeated Scotland 2-0 to maintain a 100% record in Group F.
Netherlands relinquished its top position in Group G with a frustrating 1-1 draw against Erling Haaland’s Norway.
Croatia and Russia remain join-top of Group H after a drab goalless draw as England hit Hungary for four in Group I.
Germany remains in second place behind Armenia in Group J after a 2-0 win away to Liechtenstein.
Preview of Selected Games In Matchday 5
The fight for qualification for the 2022 World Cup continues this weekend with some heavyweight clashes.
Serbia hosts Luxembourg for a chance to go top of Group A. They will need to defeat their visitors by a 3-goal margin to make the climb.
Spain takes on Georgia who are the whipping boys of Group P on Sunday. Luis Enrique will be desperate to return to winning ways after the midweek’s loss.
Italy travels to play Switzerland in what looks like a feisty matchup in Group C as France and Ukraine face-off tomorrow night in Group D.
Another top clash will see Belgium take on second-place, Czech Republic before the little matter of Denmark who travels to play the Faroe Islands.
Group G is the group to look at, with just one point separating Turkey in first place and Norway in fourth position. However, the key fixture will be the Netherlands who host third-place Montenegro.
Croatia faces a tricky test at home to Slovakia as England will hope to continue its fine form against Andorra on Sunday.
There is a six-pointer encounter brewing at the top of Group J as Germany, in second-place and nine points take on Armenia with 10 points.
Predictions For Matchday 5 (Selected Games)
Serbia vs Luxembourg (over 1.5 goals)
Spain vs Georgia (1)
Switzerland vs Italy (2X)
Ukraine vs France (goal/goal)
Belgium vs Czech Republic (over 2.5 goals)
Faroe Islands vs Denmark (2)
Netherlands vs Montenegro (1X)
Croatia vs Slovakia (over 1.5 goals)
England vs Andorra (1)
Germany vs Armenia (over 2.5 goals)
