CAF Third Round Schedule

The final ten teams in Africa will face each other in five separate home-and-away aggregate-goals series.  The five winners will advance to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brasil.  Each series will feature one match in October and one match in November.

12 October 2013
Senegal at Cote d'Ivoire
Algeria at Burkina Faso

13 October 2013
Nigeria at Ethiopia
Cameroon at Tunisia

15 October 2013
Egypt at Ghana

16 November 2013
Cote d'Ivoire at Senegal
Ethiopia at Nigeria

17 November 2013
Tunisia at Cameroon

19 November 2013
Ghana at Egypt
Burkina Faso at Algeria

Africa Round Three Draw

Luxor, Egypt, was the site for the draw for the CAF Third Round today.  The biggest question was against which power team Egypt would be placed.  Another burning question was which lower-ranked team would be granted the chance to play a Tunisia in shambles, having recently replaced their coach following what they thought was their elimination.  Tunisia, of course, were revived by the disqualification of Cape Verde only two days after having seen their dreams crushed by a 2-0 loss at home to those same Blue Sharks.

The draw gods were out in full force today.  Top seed Cote d'Ivoire were drawn against the very same Senegal team they eliminated in a two-legged playoff to reach the 2013 African Cup of Nations finals.  On that occasion, the second leg in Dakar had to be stopped early due to riots from the Senegalese fans.  Because of this, Senegal will not be able to play the second leg in Senegal and must find a neutral venue.  Africa's two most populous countries Nigeria and Ethiopia face off over two legs.  The resurgent Ethiopia, African champions as recently as 1962, look to undo their 2-0 loss in the 2013 African Cup of Nations to Nigeria, African champions as recently as 2013.  Eternal powers Ghana and Egypt face off, with Ghana trying to make it three straight appearances at a FIFA World Cup finals and Egypt trying to get back for the first time since 1990.  Algeria avoided a North African derby with Egypt, but they do run into the best incarnation of a national team that Burkina Faso have ever produced.  Burkina Faso, finalists at the 2013 African Cup of Nations, try to deny Algeria a second straight finals appearance while looking for their first ever appearance.  Lastly, Cameroon would have had a rematch of their shocking loss in a two-legged qualifying series for the 2013 African Cup of Nations to Cape Verde, but Tunisia have stepped into the shoes of the Blue Sharks, giving Cameroon the best possible draw for which they could have hoped.

The five home-and-away aggregate-goals series are listed below with the home team for the first leg listed first.  The first legs will be played between 11 and 15 October 2013.  The second legs will be played between 15 and 19 November 2013.  The teams' current ELO ratings are listed.

21 Cote d'Ivoire - 63 Senegal
103 Ethiopia - 30 Nigeria
76 Tunisia - 62 Cameroon
38 Ghana - 34 Egypt
65 Burkina Faso - 59 Algeria

If I have to pick the five winners (and I do), I am going with Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, and Algeria, which would be the exact same five African teams that qualified for South Africa 2010.

News Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2174867/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_2

Video of Draw:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDaW4ThB6_Y

CAF Third Round Pot Allocations

Africa has been awarded five spots at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brasil. The final ten African teams will learn their qualifying fates this Monday, 16 September 2013, at the draw ceremony in Cairo.  Of the original top ten seeds from the preliminary draw, all but South Africa have advanced to the CAF Third Round draw.  Ethiopia are the only team outside the top ten to have made it this far.

Teams ranked 1 to 5 have been placed in Pot 1. Teams ranked 6 to 10 have been placed in Pot 2. One team from each pot will be drawn into each of five home-and-away aggregate-goals series. Teams have been placed in pots 1 and 2 for the third-round draw as follows.

Pot 1

1. Cote d'Ivoire

2. Ghana

3. Algeria
4. Nigeria

5. Tunisia

Pot 2
6. Egypt
7. Burkina Faso
8. Cameroon
9. Senegal
10. Ethiopia

Cape Verde docked points for ineligible player

Cape Verde become the seventh African team sanctioned for fielding ineligible players in a qualifying match during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  Cape Verde forfeit their 2-0 road victory over Tunisia on 7 September 2013.  Fernando Varela had not yet fully served his full four-match suspension for aggressive behavior toward an official.  The match has been awarded as a 3-0 victory to Tunisia.  This reverse of the result means that Tunisia have been given new life in the chase for Brasil 2014, as the original result had eliminated them.  Cape Verde, on the other hand, have now been eliminated whereas with the original result they had qualified to the CAF Third Round as Group B winner.

Tunisia 14 pts
Cape Verde OUT
Sierra Leone OUT
Eq. Guinea OUT

News Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2172738/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_related_items

Argentina 5 - Paraguay 2

Hosts Paraguay and visiting Argentina clashed in Asuncion with Paraguay trying to postpone Argentina's qualification celebrations by another month.  Angel di Maria led an Argentine breakaway ten minutes into the match.  He crossed into the box to Sergio Aguero, but Aguero was chopped down by Paraguay goalkeeper Roberto Fernandez for a penalty kick.  Lionel Messi (pictured, blue) converted for 1-0.  Paraguay were level when a Jose Nunez flick from a sharp angle was mishandled by Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero, allowing the equalizing goal to trickle through.  Argentina re-established their advantage on a play where Messi chested down a long ball to a play where Aguero was sure to get to it before his two defenders.  Aguero spun and socred on a low roller to make it 2-1.  Argentina led 2-1 at intermission.

Fernando Gago laced a long, rolling through ball to put di Maria in on goal with Rodrigo Palacios open for a slotted ball.  Di Maria chose to take the shot himself, and he scored to make it 3-1 to Argentina.  Messi has trying some ball tricks in the Paraguayan penalty area one minute later when Salustiano Candia impeded his progress.  Messi converted from the penalty spot a second time.  Argentina were up 4-1, and the celebration was destined to happen tonight.  Paraguay caught Argentina on the break with little time remaining.  Miguel Samudio tapped a cross laterally along the box, and a charging Roque Santa Cruz was able to cut the ball across Romero's momentum to make it 4-2.  Argentina had a fifth in the final minute of play.  Substitutes Maxi Rodriguez and Ezequiel Lavezzi played a one-two-one with the finish coming after Rodriguez made a full spin before connecting with the ball on his preferred foot.  Argentina win 5-2 and become the first team from South America to qualify for Brasil 2014.

Argentina 29 pts IN
Colombia 26 pts +13
Chile 24 pts +3
Ecuador 22 pts +4
Uruguay 22 pts 0
Venezuela 19 pts -6
Peru OUT
Bolivia OUT
Paraguay OUT

Goals
Argentina
Lionel Messi 12 PK, 52 PK
Sergio Aguero 32
Angel di Maria 50
Maxi Rodriguez 90

Paraguay
Jose Nuñez 18
Roque Santa Cruz 86

Match Reports:
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/09/11/uk-soccer-world-argentina-finals-idUKBRE98A05Z20130911
http://www.goal.com/en-india/match/97328/paraguay-vs-argentina/report?
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1769419-argentina-vs-paraguay-score-grades-and-post-match-reaction

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fq8advUpkY

Panama 2 - Honduras 2

Tegucigalpa was the site for the second successive home qualifier for Honduras.  Panama may have been unhappy with the venue change, having won in San Pedro Sula during the previous round of qualifying.  Panama were the brighter team early on, but Honduras caught them on the counter.  Brayan Beckeles hit a cross too close to Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo, but Penedo let the ball through his hands, and Carlo Costly (pictured, white) was there to tap in for the goal.  The Catrachos led 1-0 at halftime.

Panama scored what could easily be deemed the best goal of the entire tournament to equalize.  Jairo Jimenez moseyed up the left side of the pitch.  His cross was well short of the near post, but wonderman Gabriel Torres flicked the ball inside-out with his right foot swinging over the head of Victor Bernardez.  Somehow, Torres got the ball to dip up and over a well-positioned goalkeeper for the best goal of the night.  On any other night, Wilson Palacios's goal would have been the goal of the night.  He took a heavy pass from Roger Espinoza and killed it in the Panama box.  Then, Palacios nutmegged Felipe Baloy without any momentum going forward before finishing in the space which he had created for himself, giving Honduras a 2-1 lead.  Panama were desperately pressing for the equalizer.  Alcibiades Rojas played a perfect ball for Blas Perez to head goalward, but Perez missed from close range.  Later Amilcar Henriquez hit a bouncer from a Perez header back upfield from the end line that just failed to dip under the crossbar.  Just when it seemed the comeback bid would fall short, Panama struck again.  A Luis Henriquez cross was ever so slightly brushed by the foot of Perez, but the ball hit the shin of an onrushing Panama centerback Roberto Chen (pictured, red) and flew into the net to even the score.  Panama and Honduras tie 2-2.  With the results of tonight's three matches in CONCACAF qualifying, both the United States of America and Costa Rica have clinched spots at Brasil 2014.

USA 16 pts IN
Costa Rica 15 pts IN
Honduras 11 pts 0
Panama 8 pts -2
Mexico 8 pts -2
Jamaica 3 pts -6

Goals
Honduras
Carlo Costly 27
Wilson Palacios 61

Panama
Gabriel Torres 50
Roberto Chen 90

Match Reports:
http://www.7msport.com/video/20130912/6324.shtml

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ES69fH23UxU

United States of America 2 - Mexico 0

Columbus was the site of the United States of America's home match against Mexico for the fourth straight time in the final round of FIFA World Cup qualifying.  The past three matches all went 2-0 to the Yanks.  The United States nearly suffered an own goal as a cross ricocheted off the plant leg of Demarcus Beasley, but the ball went straight to the goalkeeper.  Argentina-born naturalized Mexican forward Christian Gimenez was the danger man on this night for El Tri, and he nearly tucked a short, angled free kick into the goal.  The Yanks almost scored off a corner when Eddie Johnson rose above Gimenez to power a header downward, but the ball was scooped up by Mexico goalkeeper Jesus Corona (pictured, red).  With two minutes to go, Giovani Dos Santos struck a speedy knuckler, but United States netminder Tim Howard dove and plucked it out of the air.  The teams were level at 0-0 going into the break.

The Americans worked magic on a corner kick five minutes into the new half.  Johnson snuck behind his original markers and then rose above and in front of Diego Reyes.  Corona had for some unknown reason rushed out to punch the ball while allowing both Johnson and Reyes to be nearer to the ball.  Johnson's header found the empty net for the opener.  With a dozen minutes to go, injury substitute Mix Diskerud in the American midfield made a brilliant chipped flick to himself to evade a defender and roll out to the right flank.  He pass rolled right along the face of the six-yard box, beating all the defenders and allowing Landon Donovan (pictured, white #10) to side foot the ball away for the second goal.  Clint Dempsey (pictured, white, sitting) was brought down in the penalty area by Jesus Zavala in stoppage time, giving the Americans a chance to add on.  However, Dempsey shanked the penalty kick as time expired in stoppage time, giving the United States a fourth straight home victory over Mexico in Columbus in qualifying by the same scoreline every time.  United States win 2-0 and will qualify for Brasil 2014 if Panama fail to win at Honduras later tonight.

Goals
United States of America
Eddie Johnson 50
Landon Donovan 78

Match Reports:
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1549673/us-blanks-mexico-move-closer-wcup?cc=5901
http://soccer.si.com/2013/09/10/usa-mexico-dos-a-cero/?sct=hp_t2_a1&eref=sihp
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/public/2013/09/10/u.s.-mexico.html
http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/usnationalteam/id/646?cc=5901
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/9/10/4717196/usa-vs-mexico-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fc7Phg7sec

Jamaica 1 - Costa Rica 1

Costa Rica made the trip to the Office in Kingston to take on local boyz Jamaica.  In the first half, both teams have various chances, though Jamaica were the only team to take any shots from inside the box.  At the tail end of the half, Costa Rica began to control the game.  However, the first half ended without having seen a goal.

The match calmed down significantly for thirty minutes only an errant pass from Jamaica goalkeeper Richard McCallum was picked up by Randall Brenes.  McCallum doubled his trouble by failing to keep a soft Brenes shot out at his near post, so the Ticos were up 1-0.  The calls for Jermaine "Tuffy" Anderson to play for the Reggae Boyz have been incessant ever since he became the top scorer in the Jamaican league, and finally he got his chance tonight, coming on midway through the second half.  In stoppage time, Jamaica centerback Jermaine Taylor lofted a ball over the top from midfield.  Anderson outsprinted Michael Umaña to the quickly dipping ball.  Anderson's outstretched foot sent the ball rolling slowly into the far side of the goal, tying the match in the dying moments.  The 1-1 draw delays Costa Rica's qualification party for the time being, but if both Mexico and Panama fail to win later tonight then Costa Rica qualify anyway.

Goals
Costa Rica
Randall Brenes 75

Jamaica
Jermaine Anderson 90+2

Match Reports:
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20130911/sports/sports1.html
http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Football/2013/09/11/Costa-Rica-close-to-qualification-despite-late-equaliser.aspx

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxVcyPOzJhE

Venezuela 3 - Peru 2

By kickoff, Venezuela knew they had no choice but to win their final two matches at home if they wanted to avoid being eliminated.  First up were Peru in Puerto La Cruz tonight.  Peru were ahead after twenty minutes.  A soft pass from out to Cristopher Hurtado forced Hurtado to hurdle a sliding Venezuela centerback Fernando Amorebieta.  That Hurtado did, and he finish smartly under no pressure to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.  On a short pass from Cesar Gonzalez, Venezuela striker Salomon Rondon nearly tripped over the ball.  Miraculously, Rondon kept his balance and three-stepped through three defenders to somehow get a shot off and into the Peruvian net.  The match was all square at one goal apiece at halftime.

Gonzalez hit a rocket shot five minutes after the restart that was batted aside on the dive by Peru goalkeeper Raul Fernandez.  Venezuela were fortunate to receive a penalty kick after the ball played the hand of a Peru defender from a Yohandry Orozco flick.  La Vinotinto would convert for the 2-1 lead.  With a huge goal differential to overcome should they wish to qualify, Venezuela could not rest on such a slim lead.  Fifteen minutes after their second, Venezuela found a third.  Lazy defending on a throw-in allowed Orozco room to roam up the right flank.  He cut in and laid off to Romulo Otero at the half circle.  Otero one-timed a finish into the bottom corner and Venezuela were away 3-1.  With three minutes to go, Carlos Lobaton curled a free kick dangerously into the Venezuelan penalty area, and Carlos Zambrano was able to head the ball into the goal to cut the gap to 3-2.  Venezuela were able to hold on, but the late Peruvian goal could hurt them in the chase for Brasil 2014.  Venezuela win 3-2 to remain alive in the chase for a berth in the intercontinental playoffs.  Peru have been eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup by their loss tonight.

Goals
Venezuela
Salomon Rondon 36
Cesar Gonzalez 62 PK
Romulo Otero 77

Peru
Cristopher Hurtado 20
Carlos Zambrano 89

Match Reports:
http://www.peruthisweek.com/news-peru-loses-3-2-to-venezuelan-soccer-team-100870
http://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/2013/09/11/venezuela-beat-peru-3-2-keep-world-cup-hopes-alive

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDJptLUiAH4

Uruguay 2 - Colombia 0

The home cooking of Montevideo was just what the doctor ordered for Uruguay as they looked to pull into a tie for fourth place with Ecuador.  Colombia were the visitors on this day.  Colombia and Uruguay were trading blows in the first half.  Perhaps the biggest blow was a Luis Suarez (pictured, blue #9) free kick that had to be punched aside at the post by Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina.  The half ended scoreless.

A Walter Gargano through ball put Edinson Cavani in with a chance on goal for Uruguay, but his shot rocked the crossbar under pressure from Luis Perea (pictured, yellow #14).  However, La Celeste were not to be denied, and their insistence and persistence paid off.  A straight-on cross from Maxi Pereira was headed into the goal by Cavani with less than a quarter hour to play.  It was 2-0 but three minutes later.  From a throw-in, Gaston Ramirez chested a ball down and turned with Stefan Medina on his back before he slotted across the box for a Cristian Stuani finish.  It was an odd decision to give right back Medina his first cap in such an important game, and his lack of experience cost Colombia quite often in this match.  Uruguay win 2-0 and go joint fourth with Ecuador in the CONMEBOL table.  With this result, Paraguay have been eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  A point in either of their final two matches will assure Uruguay of at least a spot in the intercontinental playoffs.

Goals
Uruguay
Edinson Cavani 77
Cristian Stuani 80

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/9/10/4717136/uruguay-vs-colombia-final-score-2-0-celeste-back-in-the-qualification

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbQVH30_Lkw

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_9ZdbPa37c

Bolivia 1 - Ecuador 1

Already-eliminated Bolivia and La Paz played host to Ecuador.  Ecuador, with much more for which to play, were on the front foot early.  In an unremarkable first half, no goals were scored.

Early in the second period, Bolivia scored a goal from a wonder strike from Jaime Arrascaita.  Arrascaita smacked a line drive from twenty-seven yards out to put Bolivia on top 1-0.  Marcelo Martins and Arrascaita were linking up splendidly as dual strikers for Bolivia.  Arrascaita received a headed pass from Martins and struck the post from a tight angle.  Later, Martins drove a ball from thirty-five yards into the crossbar.  Unfortunately, terrible luck struck Bolivia ten minutes after they had taken the lead.  Ronald Raldes tripped in his penalty area and his arm landed on the ball, resulting in a penalty kick which Ecuador converted.  Ecuador showed a little more initiative than did Bolivia in the latter stages of the match, but nothing would come of it.  The match ends in a 1-1 draw.

Goals
Bolivia
Jaime Arrascaita 47

Ecuador
Felipe Caicedo 58 PK

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/9/10/4716666/bolivia-vs-ecuador-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result
http://au.eurosport.com/football/world-cup/2014/controversial-penalty-decision-hands-ecuador-1-1-draw_sto3918805/story.shtml

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi-_3jC7ffc

Algeria 1 - Mali 0

Blida was the site of the final CAF Second Round match with Algeria hosting Mali.  Algeria had already won Group H, so this match was for pride only.  The opening half was very quite until an Algerian outburst in the final three minutes.  Abdelmoumene Djabou's free kick was sent aside by Mali goalkeeper Soumaile Diakite.  Diakite had to make another save late from a Saphir Taider (pictured, white) volley in the box.  Mali were relieved to be tied 0-0 at the break.

Madjid Bougherra picked out El Arabi Soudani from beyond midfield with a thumped through ball for Algeria early in the second half.  Soudani beat Adama Tamboura to the ball and then beat Diakite one-versus-one as Soudani was losing his balance to give Algeria the opener.  The game opened up a bit more after the goal, but this proved to be the lone noteworthy attack of the second half.  Algeria win 1-0 to close round two of African qualifying.

Goals
Algeria
El Arabi Soudani 51

Match Reports:
http://en.dzfoot.com/2013/09/soudanis-lone-goal-gives-algeria-1-0-victory-over-mali/
http://www.dzfoot.com/article-2631-cm-2014-algerie-1-0-mali-les-notes.php

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RONdG8dSuUE

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hulY-lpmDI

Switzerland 2 - Norway 0; Iceland 2 - Albania 1; Slovenia 2 - Cyprus 0

Norway desperately wanted a win at home in Oslo in order to maintain second place in Group E.  Group leaders Switzerland were in town for today's match.  Gokhan Inler sent in a speedy cross off a free kick that was won by Fabian Schar (pictured, white #16) over Norway defender Espen Ruud (pictured, red, jumping).  Schar's header bounced in unimpeded to put Switzerland ahead 1-0.  Norway lost Marcus Pederson to an injury, but they looked better as the half wore on.  The Swiss led 1-0 at the halftime whistle.

Five minutes after the restart, Ruud was soundly beaten again on a run by Schar to win the header off a free kick.  Schar and Ruud were the only ones not standing still on the play, but Schar was able to head a bouncer between the goalkeeper's legs for his second goal of the night.  The kick-taker?  Inler, again from the left side of the pitch.  Tom Hogli then had to come off due to an injury for Norway.  The deficit was too much for the home side to overcome.  Switzerland win 2-0 and are within striking distance of reaching the FIFA World Cup finals the next matchday.

Cyprus were at home in Nicosia to take on Slovenia.  Zlatan Ljubijankic rolled a slow cross just ahead of three Cypriot defenders, the last two of whom never saw the ball.  The ball was met by the foot of Milivoje Novakovic for the easy finish and a 1-0 lead to the visitors.  Vincent Laban had a powerful attempt at an equalizer batted aside by Slovenia goalkeeper Samir Handanovich.  Slovenia led 1-0 at the break.

With ten minutes to go, Novakovic slowly dribbled inside the Cypriot penalty area to draw both nearby defenders before pushing a pass to his right to Josip Ilicic.  Ilicic provided the simple finish.  Slovenia win 2-0.  The loss proved to be the final straw for Cyprus, and they are now eliminated from the  2014 FIFA World Cup.

Albania made the trip north to Reykjavik to clash with Iceland.  Gylfi Sigurdsson nearly provided a stunning opener five minutes in on a twirling side volley attempt, but a flying save by Albania goalkeeper Etrit Berisha denied him.  Valoet Rama gave the Albanians the lead when his hesitation dribble-cut in combination freed himself for a low drive from twenty yards that pounded the net.  Five minutes later, Iceland were level.  Albania defender Admir Teli swung and missed while off-balance at a rolling cross along the Albanian six-yard box.  Birkir Bjarnason said "thank you very much" and preceded to cash in the gift for the equalizer.  The two sides went into the break even at one goal apiece.

Birkir Saevarsson wasted no time coming out of the locker room to initiate an Icelandic goal-scoring sequence.  His drove up the right side, got into the box, and then passed to the near post.  Kolbeinn Sigthorsson used his outstretched toe to redirect the pass into the goal and make it 2-1 in favor of the hosts.  For an Iceland team used to high-scoring matches, one would have doubted the score to remain in place for over forty minutes, but that is how the match ended.  Iceland win 2-1 and move into sole possession of second place in Group E.

Switzerland 18 pts +9
Iceland 13 pts 0
Slovenia 12 pts +1
Norway 11 pts
Albania 10 pts -1
Cyprus OUT

Goals
Switzerland
Fabian Schar 12, 51

Slovenia
Milivoje Novakovic 12
Josip Ilicic 80

Iceland
Birkir Bjarnason 14
Kolbeinn Sigthorsson 47

Albania
Valoet Rama 9

Match Reports:
http://bostonherald.com/sports/revolution_soccer/soccer/2013/09/switzerland_wins_2_0_at_norway_in_wcup_qualifier
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/9/10/4715850/switzerland-norway-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result
http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008642/postmatch/report/index.html
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-slovenia-beat-cyprus-stay-qualifying-contention-205047685--sow.html
http://au.eurosport.com/football/world-cup/2014/iceland-beat-albania-2-1-to-keep-brazil-dream-alive_sto3918782/story.shtml
http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008644/postmatch/report/index.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4HfvfYItiE (Switzerland v. Norway)
http://espnfc.com/video/espnfc/video?id=1549383&cc=5901 (Slovenia v. Cyprus)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8V36-GkSa8 (Iceland v. Albania)

France 4 - Belarus 2; Finland 1 - Georgia 0

Finland were visiting Tbilisi looking to defeat hosts Georgia.  Georgia were the more offensive-minded outfit in the first half, but they were caught on the counter midway through the period.  A long ball forward from Kasper Hamalainan gave Teemu Pukki a route to goal.  Pukki dribbled beyond the slide of Aleksander Amisulashvili and dodged the goalkeeper thirty yards off his line, but Pukki missed his shot at the completely empty net. The half ended 0-0.

A flying sideways scissor kick effort from five yards was bounced over the Finnish goal by Tornike Okriashvili.  Roman Eremenko was brought down in position for a dangerous Finnish free kick by Georgian captain Jaba Kankava.  Eremenko earned a penalty kick when his free kick was handled in the box, and Eremenko converted the chance to put Finland ahead with just over a quarter hour left in the match.  Adding to the difficulty level of a potential comeback, Georgia lost Kankava for a second yellow card one minute after conceding.  Pukki hit the underside of the crossbar and was not rewarded with a goal though it appeared the ball bounced over the line before spinning back into play.  Finland win 1-0 and eliminate Georgia from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Gomel was the site of a goalkeeping error festival as France came into town to visit Belarus.  France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris somehow failed to stop a soft header off a Belarusian corner by Egor Filipenko, allowing the opening goal to slip under his body.  Belarus took a surprising 1-0 lead into the break, and Finland were pleased to know they had a good chance to remain alive in the competition.

Georgia goalkeeper Sergei Veremko committed a foul on Franck Ribery (pictured, blue) in the box, so Ribery dusted himself off and converted the penalty kick for 1-1.  A twenty-one yard strike from Timofei Kalachev was poorly judged by Lloris, who for some reason thought a hands-interlocked attempted punch one foot in front of his face was proper technique to make the save.  He was wrong, and the ball zoomed past him into the goal to make it 2-1 to the hosts.  Mathieu Valbuena sent in a low cross off a slide that somehow evaded multiple defenders on its way to the back post.  Ribery was there to tap in for the equalizer.  Ribery started a third goal sequence with a short pass to Valbuena who made another short pass immediately thereafter to Samir Nasri.  Nasri rolled his strike into the corner to give France a 3-2 lead.  Two minutes later, Veremko dropped a catch on an inswinging cross.  Paul Pogba won the ball in the resulting goalmouth scramble and pushed the ball over the line to put France ahead by two goals.  France win 4-2 and eliminate Finland from the tournament.

Spain 14 pts +8
France 14 pts +6
Finland OUT
Georgia OUT
Belarus OUT

Goals
Finland
Roman Eremenko 74 PK

France
Franck Ribery 47 PK, 64
Samir Nasri 70
Paul Pogba 73

Belarus
Egor Filipenko 32
Timofei Kalachev 57

Match Reports:
http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008423/postmatch/report/index.html
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/92553/belarus-vs-france/report?
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/story/belarus-2-4-france-world-cup-qualifier-franck-ribery-match-report-091013
http://www.france24.com/en/20130910-france-beat-belarus-4-2-world-cup-qualifier-football

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov6_27InJ74 (Finland v. Georgia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWJ6I4GsoXU (France v. Belarus)

England 0 - Ukraine 0; Poland 5 - San Marino 1

Poland traveled south to Serravalle with designs on soundly defeating San Marino.  Sebastian Boenisch lofted a ball upfield to Piotr Zielinski, whose finish gave the Poles a lead after ten minutes of play.  Matteo Vitaoli swung in a perfect cross of a Sammarinese set piece that was met by the head of Alessandro Della Valle for a top-notch finish and a shock equalizer.  This was San Marino's first competitive goal since 2008.  But one minute later, Poland had their lead restored through a Jakub Blaszczykowski goal.  Pawel Brozek set up the third Polish goal for Waldemar Sobota, whose struck ended the scoring for the opening forty-five.  Poland lead 3-1 at intermission.

A thirty-yard free kick from Zielinski made it 4-1.  Adrian Mierzejewski added a fifth to conclude the scoring.  Poland win 5-1 and remain in the hunt for a berth at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Kyiv was the site of the titanic clash between visiting England and Ukraine.  Both teams had come out to win, and the match was an open affair.  Steven Gerrard (pictured, red) came closest in the first half for England, but his shot dropped onto the roof of the net.  Neither team conceded in a scoreless first half.

Yevhen Konoplyanka nearly made it two goals for him in two games against England in this tournament, but his short free kick just nicked enough of the wall to be sent wide.  England by now appeared happy to leave with a draw, and their attack became non-existent.  The Three Lions did succeed in maintaining their clean sheet, so the match ends in a 0-0 tie that keeps England atop the group table.

England 16 pts +22
Ukraine 15 pts +15
Montenegro 15 pts +7
Poland 13 pts +9
Moldova OUT
San Marino OUT

Goals
Poland
Piotr Zielinski 10, 66
Jakub Blaszczykowski 23
Waldemar Sobota 33
Adrian Mierzejewski 75

San Marino
Alessandro Della Valle 22

Match Reports:
http://www.thenews.pl/1/5/Artykul/146842,-Poland-hammers-San-Marino-51-in-World-Cup-Qualifier
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2169524/index.html?intcmp=fifacom_hp_module_news
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2416887/Ukraine-0-England-0--Martin-Samuels-match-report
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24002800
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/10/ukraine-england-world-cup-qualifying-match-report

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc-PYxOCHR8 (Poland v. San Marino)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uaKM9u2Vn2w (England v. Ukraine)

Austria 1 - Ireland 0; Germany 3 - Faroe Islands 0; Sweden 1 - Kazakhstan 0

Sweden were on the road in Astana to take on Kazakhstan.  Kazakhstan were caught on a counterattack less than thirty seconds into the match.  Albin Ekdal supplied the final pass forward and Zlatan Ibrahimovic provided the finish to stun the Kazakhs with a goal in the opening minute.  Kazakhstan nearly pulled level as a nice through ball allowed Sergey Khiznichenko to beat the Swedish centerback in a foot race, but a sprawling save by Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson preserved the lead.

Khiznichenko was again denied by Isaksson, this time off a cheeky backheel from a Kazakh cross that Khiznichenko surely thought would have fooled Isaksson.  Ekdal nearly had a superb goal, but the inward curl did not beat the far post as the ball bounced back into play.  Ibrahimovic was denied his second goal by the trailing leg of Kazakhstan goalkeeper Andrey Sidelnikov.  Sweden were nonetheless able to come out victorious on this night by a score of 1-0.

Vienna was the site for Ireland's visit to Austria.  Both teams needed a win to remain within touching distance of Sweden for second place.  David Alaba (pictured, red) had a dipping shot from distance parried aside by Ireland goalkeeper David Forde.  Richard Dunne was able to block a subsequent Alaba strike, and the shot off the rebound from Martin Harnik was denied by Forde.  The teams exited the field tied at zero.

The Irish remained resolute in defense.  A double block with a diving header and then a body block from Irish defender Seamus Coleman could have become the stuff of legend had Ireland produced a result.  Instead, Alaba was again the hero for Austria.  An odd clearance deflection landed at his feet with time and space in the box.  Alaba made no mistake with the finish and gave Austria the lead with just over five minutes left in the match.  Ireland managed no shots on goal in this match.  Austria win 1-0.

Germany had made the trip north to Torshavn to face the Faroe Islands.  Midway through the first half, Germany made a corner kick opportunity pay off.  Two defenders combined for the goal as a Jerome Boateng flick header at the near post lead to a high-leg finish from Per Mertesacker at the fall post.  Germany took the 1-0 lead with them into their dressing room.

Minute 73 saw the Faroese go down a man when Atli Gregersen was sent off for a red card.  Thomas Muller, who was in with a chance to score after latching onto a long through ball, decided to use a dirty flopping technique rather than actually attempt a shot, and he was rewarded for his chicanery.  Germany would convert the penalty kick for a 2-0 lead.  Germany converted their ill-begotten penalty kick.  They added a third when Muller scored off a rolled cross from Philipp Lahm.  Germany win 3-0 and clinch at worst a spot in the UEFA Playoffs.

Germany 22 pts +21
Sweden 17 pts +6
Austria 14 pts +8
Ireland 11 pts 0
Kazakhstan OUT
Faroe OUT

Goals
Sweden
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 1

Austria
David Alaba 84

Germany
Per Mertesacker 23
Mesut Ozil 74 PK
Thomas Muller 84

Match Reports:
http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008593/postmatch/report/index.html
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/austria-1-0-republic-ireland-lacklustre-2265712
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24007947
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2416911/Austria-1-Republic-Ireland-0--match-report-David-Alabas-winner-heaps-pressure-Giovanni-Trapattoni.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2416971/Faroe-Islands-0-Germany-3-Mesut-Ozil-Per-Mertesacker-combine-away-win.html
http://www.dw.de/germany-beat-faroe-islands-3-0-superior-not-sensational/a-17081528
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/9/10/4716498/faroe-islands-germany-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnk6gh22iP0 (Sweden v. Kazakhstan)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gi3QhE8F-QQ (Austria v. Ireland)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMnU3pHL3kc (Germany v. Faroe Islands)

Scotland 2 - Macedonia 1; Serbia 3 - Wales 0

On this night, no teams playing in Group A were in contention to qualify for Brasil 2014.  Macedonia were at home against Scotland in Skopje.  Macedonia were the better side in the first half, but neither team could breach the other's goalmouth in a scoreless first period.

Barry Bannan volleyed a pass forward from a Scotland goal kick on the hour mark to Ikechi Anya.  Anya did not have his angle cut down by the goalkeeper in spite of Anya's position wide of the post, so Anya had plenty of time to shoot and score his first international goal to the far post.  Mirko Ivanoski almost equalized for the hosts, but his rapid shot was pushed over the crossbar on the dive by Scotland netminder David Marshall.  Adis Jahovic was the next to have his fine strike saved by Marshall.  Goran Pandev performed his captain's duties well to pull Macedonia level.  His fine chipped pass was brought down by Jovan Kostovski, whose double-touch trickled around Marshall and into the goal.  Shaun Maloney gave Scotland the full three points with a curled free kick from the half circle two minutes from time.  Scotland win 2-1 and move off the bottom of the table.

Wales were at home to take on Serbia in Cardiff.  The visitors took the lead when Filip Djordjevic was able to leap and scored off a header from a high rebound surrended by Wales goalkeeper Glyn Myhill.  Alexander Kolarov doubled the lead through an absolutely wicked strike from twenty-six yards out that nearly ripped the net apart.  Why no pressure was applied to Kolarov is a mystery.  Serbia were deservedly ahead 2-0 at the break.

A heavy barrage ten minutes into the second half resulted in a third goal for the Serbs.  Dusan Tadic did a double feint before passing out wide.  The ball came back to Tadic, but his effort was well saved by Myhill.  However, Lazar Markovic smacked the rebound in to complete the scoring on this night.  Wales were somewhat useful once Gareth Bale was substituted into the match, but by then it was already decided.  Serbia win 3-0.

Belgium 22 pts +13
Croatia 17 pts +6
Serbia OUT
Scotland OUT
Macedonia OUT
Wales OUT

Goals
Scotland
Ikechi Anya 60
Shaun Maloney 89

Macedonia
Jovan Kostovski 84

Serbia
Filip Djordjevic 8
Aleksandar Kolarov 38
Lazar Markovic 55

Match Reports:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24007618
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/10/scotland-macedonia-world-cup-qualifier
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/macedonia-1-2-scotland-shaun-maloney-2265156
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/scotland/10300246/Macedonia-1-Scotland-2-match-report.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24011041
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-match-reports/wales-0---3-serbia-5906582
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/sep/10/wales-serbia-world-cup-qualifier

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpwqOX-PioQ (Scotland v. Macedonia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gh34trcStZg (Serbia v. Wales)

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnhafEjexZc (Serbia v. Wales)

Bosnia and Herzegovina 2 - Slovakia 1; Greece 1 - Latvia 0; Lithuania 2 - Liechtenstein 0

Liechtenstein made the trek north to Marijmapole to take on Lithuania.  A poor giveaway a dozen minutes in should have cost the visitors, but Deivydas Matulevicius directed his shot straight at the goalkeeper.  Michele Polverino was soon thereafter dispossessed by Matulevicius, who this time made no mistake with his finish.  An Edgaras Cesnauskis cross was turned into the Liechtenstein goal by a side header from Tadas Kijanskas with five minutes left in the half.  Lithuania were up 2-0 after the opening forty-five.

Liechtenstein were improved in the second half.  It took a brave charge from Lithuania goalkeeper Zhidrunas Karchemarskas to block a hard shot from Mathias Christen.  Both teams had a dangerous set piece play go begging.  Matulevicius on a late run again muffed a goal chance by hitting straight into the goalkeeper.  Lithuania win 2-0 in spite of their poor finishing.

Zilina was the site of the return match as Slovakia hosted Bosnia and Herzegovina in the teams' second meeting in five days.  Bosnia were looking to rewrite the script from the first meeting, a Slovakian victory.  The name Jan Mucha will be giving the Bosnians nightmares for years to come.  The Slovakia goalkeeper put on a show in Zilina today as his side hosted Bosnia before a surprisingly pro-Bosnia crowd.  Within the first five minutes, Mucha had already made diving saves to rob both Misimovic and Edin Dzeko on quality strikes.  Slovakia were working the counterattack well, which was a necessity given their dearth of possession.  Slovakia really should have opened the scoring, but Adam Nemec push his header wide from six yards in spite of the lack of pressure from the defense. Nemec made up for his miss with a nice pass to put Marek Hamsik in with a chance inside the box.  Hamsik struck his shot well and Slovakia had the opener.  In stoppage time, Mucha made a reaction kick save off a header from Pjanic, who was unmarked on a curling run to meet a Mujdza cross.  Slovakia escaped the half up 1-0.

Vladimir Weiss nearly made it 2-0 after he had shaken the mark of Ermin Bicakcic, but Weiss pushed his shot just wide of target.  Emir Spahic flicked on a corner kick to the back post, where Bicakcic tipped the ball in for his first international goal.  The match was suddenly level again.  With a dozen minutes left in regulation, Izet Hajrovic took a running start before lacing a rocket strike from thirty yards that sent the visiting crowd into delirium.  Bosnia were able to hold on with the crowd's support.  Bosnia win 2-1.

Piraeus and hosts Greece welcomed Latvia for a FIFA World Cup qualifier.  Konstantinos Mitroglou thought he surely had the opener from a close-range diving header, but Latvia goalkeeper Aleksandrs Kolinko made a miraculous reaction save and collection of the rebound before it crossed the line.  Greece were far superior but left the scoreless first half with nothing to show for their efforts.

As so often happens, Greece's lone goal came from a counterattack.  Georgios Samaras run the ball up the pitch and burned two defenders before slotted a perfect through ball in for Dimitrios Salpingidis.  His shot was weak but it had the placement to give the Greeks the lead.

Latvia lost Ritvars Rugins to a straight red in minute 86, ending their bid at a comeback.  Rugins was banished for a choke hold on Kostas Katsouranis's neck.  Katsouranis later joined Rugins on the sideline when he was sent off in second half stoppage time, but by then the mission for Greece had already been accomplished.  The results eliminates not only Latvia but also Slovakia from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  The group is now down to just Bosnia and Greece for the title.

Bosnia 19 pts +20
Greece 19 pts +5
Slovakia OUT
Lithuania OUT
Latvia OUT
Liechtenstein OUT

Goals
Lithuania
Deivydas Matulevicius 18
Tadas Kijanskas 40

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Ermin Bicakcic 70
Izet Hajrovic 78

Slovakia
Marek Hamsik 42

Greece
Dimitrios Salpingidis 58

Match Reports:
http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008717/postmatch/report/index.html
http://www.thestar.com.my/Sport/Football/2013/09/11/Bosnia-march-on-with-21-win-in-Slovakia.aspx
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/Bosnia-march-on-with-2-1-win-in-Slovakia/articleshow/22471176.cms
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/9/10/4715986/slovakia-vs-bosnia-herzegovina-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-bosnia-march-2-1-win-slovakia-213721244--sow.html
http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite5_1_10/09/2013_518161
http://neoskosmos.com/news/en/Greece-push-through-1-0-win-against-Latvia

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgVd7nhslGM (Lithuania v. Liechtenstein)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHm6oxRfo6I (Bosnia v. Slovakia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBh-1wG8JRo (Greece v. Latvia)

Italy 2 - Czech Republic 1; Denmark 1 - Armenia 0; Bulgaria 2 - Malta 1

Giant-killing Armenia were at home in Yerevan to take on Denmark.  The Danes were out for revenge for the 4-0 loss Armenia inflicted on them earlier this year.  Denmark were nowhere close to avenging their loss looking at their play in the first half, but Armenia could not take advantage.  The half ended as it began, 0-0.

Armenia nearly had a lead midway through the period as an odd bounce off a corner kick hit Christian Eriksen and then went off the Danish woodwork.  Armenia lost Varazdat Haroyan to a second yellow in minute 73 as he committed a foul on Viktor Fischer inside the Armenian penalty area.  Denmark converted the penalty to take a 1-0 lead to go along with their extra man.  Denmark were able to see the result through to the finish.  Denmark win 1-0.

Ta'Qali was the site for Malta's home match against Bulgaria.  The Maltese were ever so close to an early breakthrough but twice were unable to push the ball over the line.  Bulgaria were thankful for the let off and went ahead themselves soon thereafter.  An overhit floated cross by Radoslav Dimitrov miraculously fell in under the crossbar in spite of a touch from Malta goalkeeper Justin Haber to give Bulgaria a 1-0 lead.  Clayton Failla nearly restored parity with a free kick for Malta, but the far post saved the day for Bulgaria.  With less than five minutes to go, Haber denied a first-time shot by Ivelin Popov, who had been put in by a pass from Georgi Milanov.  Bulgaria were ahead at the break, 1-0.

Andre Schembri nearly equalized for Malta, but his shot under heavy marking pressure hit off the outside of the near post.  Milanov tried to slip a pass across to an open Todor Nedelev, but Haber was alert and dove to parry the pass away.  Sadly, the ball rolled straight to Emil Gargorov, who nearly broke the net with his massive shot to put Bulgaria ahead by two goals.  To their credit, Malta nearly quit and they played the rest of the match with their foot on the accelerator.  Their breakthrough came off a Terence Vella drive.  Vella ran at defenders and then slipped a ball forward for Edward Herrera.  Herrera tailed wide to make a better angle for his shot, which he put away to close to gap to 2-1.  To be fair, Malta were the more creative side throughout the match, but goals win football matches.  Bulgaria win 2-1 to regain second place after Denmark had taken it earlier in the day.  The loss eliminates Malta from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Italy were in Turin to welcome the visit of Czech Republic.  The Czechs took a lead with a quick counterattack.  A through ball from midfield when to a streaking Petr Jiracek down the left flank.  When Jiracek was even with the penalty area, he rolled a fast pass across the box that beat the four Italian defenders.  Libor Kozak slid to make the finish at the far post and give the visitors the early lead.  Italy should have gone a man down shortly after conceding the first goal when Leonardo Bonucci decided to do a flying stomp kick to the groin of Kozak, but apparently the referee did not consider this sort of act to be even a minor foul.  Italian striker Mario Balotelli missed a few good chances in the first half, allowing the Czechs to take a 1-0 lead with them into their locker room.

Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech misplayed a corner, missing his punch and allowing a basic header from Giorgio Chiellini to bounce meekly into the goal for the equalizer.  But two minutes later, Balotelli had drawn a penalty kick when his movement led to a foul from Theodor Gebre Selassie.  Balotteli converted the kick himself, and Italy were ahead 2-1.  A frustrated Kozak got revenge for that earlier groin stomp by opening a gash in Manuel Pasqual's head with an elbow.  First-half substitute Daniel Kolar was sent off for a second yellow card offense with a minute left in the match, leaving the Czechs down a man at the end.  Italy win 2-1 and become the second European team to qualify for Brasil 2014.

Italy 20 pts IN
Bulgaria 13 pts +7
Denmark 12 pts -1
Czech Rep 9 pts 0
Armenia 9 pts -2
Malta OUT

Goals
Denmark
Daniel Agger 73 PK

Bulgaria
Radoslav Dimitrov 9
Emil Gargorov 59

Malta
Edward Herrera 78

Italy
Giorgio Chiellini 51
Mario Balotelli 54 PK

Czech Republic
Libor Kozak 19

Match Reports:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-agger-penalty-gives-denmark-1-0-win-184439662--sow.html
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20130910/football/malta-bulgaria-world-cup-qualifier-result.485613
http://www.novinite.com/view_news.php?id=153550
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2416982/Italy-2-Czech-Republic-1-Mario-Balotelli-Giorgio-Chiellini-cancel-Libor-Kozak-strike-book-World-Cup-spot-Brazil.html
http://us.soccerway.com/news/2013/September/10/fifa-world-cup-qualifying-italy-2-czech-republic-1/n239449/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXN4vamRqjI (Denmark v. Armenia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-jQEvus8ko (Bulgaria v. Malta)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXJeYTbFu7A (Italy v. Czech Republic)

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QBLZ-ltsO0 (Denmark v. Armenia 1st half)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KWorYOwtYA (Denmark v. Armenia 2nd half)

Turkey 2 - Romania 0; Hungary 5 - Estonia 1; Netherlands 2 - Andorra 0

Bucharest was the site as Romania hosted Turkey.  Caner Erkin swung in a cross midway through the first period for Turkey.  Burak Yilmaz rose between two Romanian defenders who had been unsighted by the jump of a Turkish player.  Yilmaz directed his header on frame, and the ball fell into the goal for the opener.  Turkey looked the stronger side throughout the half and deserved to lead 1-0 at intermission.

Romania were grateful to still be in the game, and they nearly found an equalizer.  With half the period gone, Adrian Popa took a shot that rocked the post, coming so agonizingly close to tying the match.  Deep into stoppage time, Turkey finally put the game away.  Mevlut Erdinc put a couple shimmies together with a couple slow steps before curling a shot to the far corner underneath the goalkeeper.  Turkey win 2-0 and are suddenly a factor once again in the chase for the playoffs.

Estonia were on the road in Budapest to take on Hungary.  Krisztian Nemeth nearly put the home side early on, but his effort from ten yards hit the crossbar and shot back into play.  Hungary did take the lead within a dozen minutes through the flukiest of all goals, a double-deflection own goal by Estonia.  Danger man Balazs Dzsudzsak had started the goal sequence from the left wing on the first goal, and he did it again on the second goal.  Vladimir Koman provided the final pass for Tamas Hajnal to ram home for a 2-0 lead to Hungary.  A spectacular solo forty-yard run through more than four Estonian defenders by Daniel Bode was capped off by his finish from the half circle.  Hungary lead 3-0 at halftime.

Tarmo Kink picked up a loose ball and scored for Estonia very early in the second half, reviving hope for the visitors.  Twenty minutes later, that hope was squashed.  Koman settled a loose ball at the half circle and push wide for Nemeth, who scored his first international goal with his shot, sending Hungary ahead by three goals.  Dzsudzsak scored on a free kick with less than ten minutes to go, seeing a deflection off the wall wrong-foot the goalkeeper.  Hungary win 5-1 and eliminate Estonia from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Andorra la Vella was the unlikely site of the first celebration party in European qualifying.  Netherlands were in town to face Andorra.  Wesley Sneijder was the danger man for the Oranje in the first half, but his best effort was kept out by the knee of Andorra goalkeeper Ferran Pol.  The first half score was Andorra 0, Netherlands 0.

A special strike from Robin van Persie gave Netherlands the lead.  His shot from twenty-five yards bent around Ildefonso Lima and in off the far post.  Four minutes later, a missed punch by Pol and the hard rebound of the chest of his defender Emili Garcia allowed van Persie to scoop up the ball and easily chip in for his second goal of the night.  Sneijder was again robbed by Pol, this time on a full dive to Pol's right.  Pol prevented a hat trick with a dive to his left to deny a van Persie header.  Netherlands win 2-0 on the road and become the first European team to clinch a spot at Brasil 2014.

Netherlands 22 pts IN
Hungary 14 pts +6
Turkey 13 pts +7
Romania 13 pts +1
Estonia OUT
Andorra OUT

Goals
Turkey
Burak Yilmaz 22
Mevlut Erdinc 90+5

Hungary
Ragnar Klavan 11 OG
Tamas Hajnal 21
Daniel Bode 41
Krisztian Nemeth 69
Balazs Dzsudzsak 85

Estonia
Tarmo Kink 48

Netherlands
Robin van Persie 49, 53

Match Reports:
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-defeats-romania-2-0-passing-first-do-or-die-test-on-road-to-world-cup-.aspx?pageID=238&nid=54237
http://www.goal.com/en/match/92579/romania-vs-turkey/report?
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/sports/2013-09/11/c_132710500.htm
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-hungary-revive-world-cup-hopes-5-1-211529423--sow.html
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/9/10/4716380/andorra-vs-holland-world-cup-qualifying-result-final-score

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGB_CyH7FDw (Turkey v. Romania)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HoCUJVZd9U (Hungary v. Estonia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-URZhalm6og (Netherlands v. Andorra)

Russia 3 - Israel 1; Luxembourg 3 - Northern Ireland 2

Saint Petersburg was the site of Israel's trip to face Russia.  The first half was a very quite one without anything to highlight in particular.  The half ended 0-0.

A deflection inside the Israeli box led to a perfect bounce for Vasili Berezutskiy, who took advantage of the good fortune and shot between the legs of Bebras Natcho to give Russia a 1-0 lead.  Two minutes later, the Russians struck again.  Alexander Samedov slotted across to the top of the half circle from where Alexander Kokorin smacked a ball into the upper ninety for a goal.  Yuri Shirokov missed a penalty kick chance to put Russia ahead 3-0, but his miss ricocheted heavily off the post for a long rebound to Denis Glushakov, who pushed home into the now vacant net for the third goal.  Israel scored a consolation goal in stoppage time.  Ofir Davidzada swung in a cross that was headed in by Eran Zehavi in spite of the tight coverage from Vladimir Bystrov.  Russia win 3-1 in spite of the late goal against.  The result eliminates Northern Ireland from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Luxembourg were home to Northern Ireland in Luxembourg.  The visitors went ahead just before the quarter hour mark when a Shane Ferguson angled through ball gave Martin Paterson a running start with which to work.  Paterson's shot was taken just before the desperate block of Laurent Jans could block it, and the shot was in the goal soon thereafter.  Stefano Bensi dribbled straight at Northern Ireland defender Lee Hodson and created space for Lars Gerson, but the shot curled into the crossbar and back into the field of play.  On the stroke of halftime, Luxembourg were level.  A fast breakaway needed only two passes to get from the Luxembourg box to the opposite box.  A ball forward from David Turpel gave Aurelien Joachim a shot at goal from outside the box.  A deflection off the block of Daniel Lafferty did the work for Joachim as the ball fell perfectly into the goal.  The score at the break was 1-1.

Bensi scored on a fast counter with a low, driven shot from twenty-two yards out to put Luxembourg out front 2-1.  Oliver Norwood responded with a free kick cross that was nodded into the ground and then into the goal off the bounce by Gareth McAuley to even the match again.  With three minutes to go, Luxembourg secured their first win of the tournament.  Joachim won a tough header off a corner, and the ball fell for an outside-of-the-boot effort from Mathias Jaenisch that secured Luxembourg's first competitive win since defeating Albania in September 2011.

Russia 18 pts +11
Portugal 17 pts +8
Israel 12 pts +5
N. Ireland OUT
Azerbaijan OUT
Luxembourg OUT

Goals
Russia
Vasili Berezutskiy 50
Alexander Kokorin 52
Denis Glushakov 74

Israel
Eran Zehavi 90+3

Luxembourg
Aurelien Joachim 45+2
Stefano Bensi 78
Mathias Jaenisch 87

Northern Ireland
Martin Paterson 14
Gareth McAuley 82

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/9/10/4715614/russia-israel-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result
http://www.jewishjournal.com/sports/article/russia_overtakes_portugal_in_world_cup_qualifying_with_3_1_win_over_Israel
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24007945
http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/news/luxembourg-stun-northern-ireland-1-5475246

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skJmrqnUeoA (Russia v. Israel)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIH91ZgGG84 (Luxembourg v. N. Ireland)

Jordan 1 - Uzbekistan 1; Jordan advance on PKs

Tashkent was the site of the second leg between hosts Uzbekistan and visiting Jordan.  The series was tied 1-1 heading into tonight's game.  Jordan conceded a close free kick five minutes into the affair.  Server Djeparov's dipping shot brought out a nice save from Jordan goalkeeper Amer Sabbah, but Uzbek centerback Anzur Ismailov was there to push home the rebound and put the home side ahead 1-0 on the night.  With the first half nearing its close, Jordan had an equalizer appear out of thin air.  Jordan midfielder Saeed Murjan settled a clearance from Uzbekistan and then half-volleyed off the bounce from twenty-nine yards away.  The score at recess was 1-1, and the series was knotted at 2-2.

The second half featured a more cautious approach to the game, with both teams fearing a conceded goal that would see them eliminated from the competition.  Uzbekistan were nowhere nearly as good as they were in the first leg, while Jordan look decidedly more apt tonight than they did four days ago.  The second half ended with the score tied 1-1.  Extra time would be needed to decide this match as the teams were tied 2-2 on aggregate and 1-1 on away goals.  Away goals apply to extra time in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, so Uzbekistan still had to be wary of conceding one goal and thusly needing two to avoid elimination.

The floodlights in the stadium shut off ten minutes into the first period of extra time with Uzbekistan in possession.  The unexpected cessation in play sapped the energy and flow from the match, and it was little surprise that no attacking initiative was presented in the second period of extra time.  Both teams were too fearful of conceding to go for the victory.  The final whistle blew for a second time with the teams still even on the scoreboard and in the series.

Penalties would be needed to decide which side would go to the intercontinental playoffs against the fifth-place team in South America.  Jordan had a chance to win in the fifth frame, but Ahmad Hayel could not put the match away, missing well wide of target.  However, Jordan won the shootout in the tenth frame when Ismailov could not score for Uzbekistan as he shot was pushed straight and softly into Sabbah.  Jordan take the shootout 9-8 and will host the first leg of the intercontinental playoffs in November.  Uzbekistan see their hopes of making it to Brasil 2014 extinguished in excruciating fashion.

Goals
Uzbekistan
Anzur Ismailov 5

Jordan
Saeed Murjan 42

Penalty Kick Shootout:
Jordan (kicked first)
Anas Bani Yaseen - goal
Odai Al-Saify - goal
Abdallah Deeb - goal
Saeed Murjan - goal
Ahmad Hayel - miss
Adnan Adous - goal
Mohammad Mustafa - goal
Amer Deeb - goal
Oday Zahran - goal
Mohammad Al-Dmeiri - goal

Uzbekistan (kicked second)
Odil Ahmedov - miss
Server Djeparov - goal
Timur Kapadze - goal
Islom Tukhtakhodjaev - goal
Igor Sergeev - goal
Akmal Shorakhmedov - goal
Vitaliy Denisov - goal
Ivan Nagaev - goal
Sanzhar Tursunov - goal
Anzur Ismailov - saved

Match Reports:
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/football/jordan-stun-uzbekistan-in-penalty-shootout-to-reach-world-cup-intercontinental-play-off/story-fni2wcjl-1226716556598

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41UAsq-K1ug

Penalty Shootout:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ePIR6mfxQc

Egypt 4 - Guinea 2

El-Gouna was the site of Egypt's final home match of Group G against Mali.  With a win, Egypt would be the only team to complete the CAF Second Round with six wins out of six matches.  Guinea came flying out of the gate.  Seydouba Soumah forced a save  A horribly poor defensive header clearance by Guinea inside their own box feel to Hossam Ghaly, who equalized with a calm finish.  The score is this rather subdued after was 1-1 at the break.

Kamil Zayatte, the Guinean captain, was given his marching orders for a red card offense in minute 49 when he handled the ball on an Egyptian shot as it was about to enter the goal, giving Egypt a penalty kick opportunity.  Egypt converted for 2-1.  On a hard deflection, Guinea's sole striker Soumah found himself on a breakaway, and he sped past two defenders for the score to make it 2-2.  With under ten minutes to play, Mohamed Aboutrika (pictured, red) performed a beautiful backheel pass in traffic into the box, giving Mohamed Salah a ball with which to score, and score Salah did to put Egypt back out in front.  The extra man finally showed in Guinea's weariness late on.  Aboutrika made another pass that spliced the defense inside the box, and Amr Zaki finished to give the Pharaohs their fourth goal.  Egypt win 4-2 and remain the only team still in the competition with a perfect record, having recorded six wins from six matches.

Goals
Egypt
Hossam Ghaly 38
Mohamed Aboutrika 51 PK
Mohamed Salah 83
Amr Zaki 87

Guinea
Adam El Abd 4 OG
Seydouba Soumah 57

Match Reports:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24034966
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130910/egypt-guinea-4-2-bob-bradley-world-cup-qualifying.ap/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H-QkeTGMF4

Lesotho 3 - Sudan 2

Sudan hosted Lesotho in Omdurman to close out Group D play.  Sudan grabbed an early lead in the third minute and tacked on a second goal midway through the period.  However, the young Crocodiles were not giving up, and a goal one minute from time made the score at halftime 2-1 in favor of Sudan.

Ahmed Abdalla was sent off for a second yellow in minute 63, leaving Sudan down a man for the final half hour of play.  With renewed belief, Lesotho pressed forward in attack.  They leveled the match at two goals apiece with a quarter hour to go.  Tsepo Koetle completed the comeback bid two minutes later to give the Crocodiles their first lead.  Lesotho hold on and win 3-2.

Goals
Lesotho
Tsepo Seturumane 45 (pictured)
Tsepo Lekhoana 75
Tsoanelo Koetle 77

Sudan
Bekry Amaldina 2
Muhannad El Tahir 23

Match Reports:
http://www.supersport.com/football/africa/news/130908/Lesotho_stun_Sudan_in_thriller

Cameroon 1 - Libya 0; Togo 2 - Democratic Republic of Congo 1

Yaoundé was the site of the deciding match in Group I today with Libya visiting Cameroon.  A win for Libya would give them the group, but any other result would send Cameroon through to phase three of Africa qualifying.  A good through ball from Mohamed El Mughrabi put his Libyan teammate in against the Cameroon goalkeeper Charles Itandje, but Itandje won the battle with his sliding block.  Midway through the period, Samuel Eto'o struck a nice dipping free kick from twenty-four yards, but a stab by Libya goalkeeper Mohamed Nashnush saved a goal.  On a Cameroon corner with three minutes left, Enoh Chedjou (pictured, green #14) got behind three Libyan defenders and headed into the goal for the opener.  Cameroon were ahead 1-0 at the halftime whistle.

Midway through the second half, Alexandre Song forced Nashnush into pushing away from his driven attempt from distance.  Libya looked closer to the equalizer than Cameroon did to a second in the second period.  Two minutes from time, Libya should have scored.  A Libyan cross found an open Omar Abdelsalam, but his header into the ground was miraculously saved by a reflex kick from Itandje.  Eric Choupo-Moting should have scored for Cameroon in stoppage time, but his shot was wide of frame after he snuck through four defenders via his dribble.  Cameroon win 1-0 and advance to the final round.  Libya are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Togo finished their campaign at home in Lome against the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Dove Wome orchestrated the first goal of the match.  Wome drove across the top of the Congolese area before passing to Lalawele Atakora inside the box.  Atakora finished his chance to put the Sparrowhawks in front.  Togo led 1-0 after the opening period.

The crowd were stunned ten minutes from time.  Zola Matumona swung a short free kick into the six-yard box for an onrushing Saoule Ebunga.  Nobody marked Ebunga, so he powered a simple header away for the equalizer.  Togo did not give up on securing a victory, however.  In stoppage time, the Togolese secured a dramatic victory on a crazy sequence.  First, a Togolese shot bounced off the crossbar and was gathered by Wome.  Wome then reversed course and spun around to deliver a cross.  A volley from Backer Aloenouvo bounced into the turf and used its topspin to sink into the net to give Togo a last-gasp win.  Togo win 2-1.

Cameroon 13 pts IN
Libya OUT
DR Congo OUT
Togo OUT

Goals
Cameroon
Aurelien Chedjou 42

Togo
Lalawele Atakora 35
Backer Aloenouvo 90+2

Democratic Republic of Congo
Saoule Ebunga 81

Match Reports:
http://www.camfoot.com/cameroun-libye-c-est-parti-0-0.html
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000093116&story_title=togo-defeats-drc-2-1-with-late-goal-in-group-I

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4UbW7qQ0ZM (Cameroon v. Libya)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7LO60KSvU4 (Togo v. DR Congo)