The latest results from European Cup qualifying round had a big upset and a few nice show downs set up for next round of matches
England Let Czech Republic Back In
The English national team was in complete control of their group. All they had to do was beat the Czech Republic away. Easier said than done as the English team fell to a 2-1 defeat. Things started off brightly enough with Harry Kane scoring a penalty in the 5th minute. The game was tied 4 minutes later as Jakub Brabec scored for the home side.
England did not create too many chances and looked very vulnerable at the back. The winner was scored by substitute Zdenek Ondrasek in the 85th minute. It was the first time that the English has lost a Euro qualifying match in a decade. The latest European Cup qualifying loss ends a run of 43 unbeaten matches in Euro and World Cup qualifiers.
Showdown Between Portugal and Ukraine on Monday
Leaders Ukraine and Portugal took care of business before their critical Group B showdown on October 14th. Ukraine lead the group with 16 points from six matches played. Cristiano Ronaldo and company are in 2nd with 11 points after five matches played. If the Portuguese have any chance of catching the Ukraine while also distancing themselves from Serbia, this is a must win game.
It won’t be easy as the game will be played in the Ukraine. The home side will come into the match on a very good run of form having won their last five. Portugal, winners of their last three will know that they simply can’t afford to drop any more points.
France Looking for Revenge Over Turkey
The French will be out to avenge their 2-0 defeat to Turkey on June 8th. This game will be played in France with the winner taking first place in the group. They are both tied on 18 points with Turkey in first place due to their head to head win. The defending World Cup champions haven’t lost since then and will be keen to come into this tournament firing on all cylinders. This next result from European Cup qualifying will tell us a lot about where this team is.
Their main stars have not been playing at a high level for their clubs. Didier Deschamps will hope Antoine Griezmann can pick up their level for this crucial match against Turkey. Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is also out for this match.
The Dutch Take the Lead in the Group
The Netherlands take the lead in Group C after their 3-1 win at home against Northern Ireland. It was an exciting game that saw all 4 goals scored in the last 15 minutes of regular time plus extra time. Josh Magennis had given the visitors the lead on 75 minutes. Memphis Depay equalized five minutes later before adding another in the 4th minute of extra time. Luuk De Jong scored the winner in the 91st minute of play. Netherlands and Germany have split their head to head meetings.
