The European club football season is only a few weeks old, but for the next week and a half, things are on hold as World Cup 2018 qualifiers take center stage.
Whether it is Europe, North and South America, Africa or Asia, there is plenty of World Cup 2018 qualifiers taking place over the next few days. The action kicks off on Thursday August 31st, and this week we look at a few of the key fixtures on tap.
Japan vs. Australia
It has been a long road for both Japan and Australia in Asian Football Confederation qualification for the World Cup. Japan has already sealed its place in the finals in Russia next summer, but Australia is on the outside looking in. Back in October 2016, these two teams drew 1-1 in Melbourne, and the Aussies desperately need a win this time out on Japanese soil. A win could put Australia second in standings, which means automatic qualification. A loss and the team will remain in third, which results in progression to a fourth round of qualifying games. Worse case scenario for the Aussies, the team is passed by the United Arab Emirates, who sit six points behind Australia.
ZCode System’s scores predictor loves Japan’s chances in this fixture and have the team slated to win the match, 3-0. This may be a bit too strong of a prediction, and I expect Australia to play well needing a victory. Expecting one goal to separate the two teams.
South Korea vs. Iran
Iran has already qualified for the World Cup, and South Korea is almost there. The Koreans have stumbled at points in qualifying and are only one point above third place Uzbekistan. South Korea’s task will be difficult, but playing in front of the team’s home fans will help. Uzbekistan play China, the pushovers of the group, so a win should be expected for them.
ZCode System’s scores predictor has South Korea winning, 2-1, against Iran. It will be hard fought game, but the Koreans should prevail at home.
France vs. The Netherlands
The biggest match on Thursday in European World Cup 2018 Qualifiers sees Group A’s second place team, France, hosting third place Netherlands. Three points separate the two countries. Although in second place, France is tied with first place Sweden on points, but sit second due to an inferior goals scored record.
Last October, France won against the Dutch in Amsterdam, 1-0. The teams are running out of matches to play, and only four remain this qualification round. A second place group finish means a possible playoff against another second place team from a different group. Third means one of these big teams won’t make it to the World Cup. Both will be going for a win on Thursday.
ZCode System’s scores predictor has France winning 3-0. That scoreline seems incredibly high and doesn’t reflect the close game the two last played. This game should be much closer with one goal separating them. France has the superior squad with Olivier Giroud, Anthony Martial, Alexandre Lacazette and Paul Pogba leading them up against the Dutch. The French should just edge this fixture.
USA vs. Costa Rica (Friday night, September 1st)
The USA has had a hard time in qualification and the team has even seen one manager – Jurgen Klinsmann – fired. The team is doing much better since the return of former coach Bruce Arena, and currently sit third in the standings of the CONCACAF region. However, just two points separate the Americans from fifth place Honduras.
The last time the USA played Costa Rica, the team was embarrassed, 4-0. That was the final straw that saw Klinsmann lose his job. Costa Rica is no pushover, and the team will give the USA trouble.
ZCode System’s scores predictor has the USA listed as winners, 3-0. This game should be far closer than that scoreline. A draw or a USA win is likely, but the Costa Ricans should score at least one goal on the night.
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