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)

Benin 2 - Rwanda 0

 Porto-Novo was the site of Benin's home match against Rwanda with both teams unable to advance to the next round.  The visiting Amavubi came out with a very offensive posture, but the Squirrels had their goal under lock and key.  Rwanda managed two shots on goal, but neither affected the scoreboard.  Mickael Pote used a great strike to put Benin ahead with ten minutes left in the half.  Benin led 1-0 going into the break.

Bello Babatunde doubled the Benin lead before ten minutes had gone by in the second period.  This was enough to allow the Squirrels to see out the game comfortably.  Benin win 2-0.

Goals
Benin
Mickael Pote 36 (pictured)
Bello Babatunde 53

Match Reports:
http://in2eastafrica.net/rwanda-lose-to-benin-in-final-match/

Kenya 1 - Namibia 0

Nairobi was the scene for Namibia's visit to Kenya.  Francis Kahata (pictured, red #20) provided the service on an early corner for Kenya, and defender David Owino swung a superb volley into the Namibia net to put Kenya ahead 1-0.  Kenya kept up their early pressure for good chunks of the opening half, but they could not extend their lead.  1-0 was the halftime score.

Namibia were good coming out of their locker room.  Jackob Pinehas came closest to the equalizer, but it was not to be.  Allan Wetende nearly doubled the Kenyan lead after they had withstood the Namibian pressure, but his strong effort from distance struck flush with the crossbar as he was being marked by Chris Katjiuka (pictured, white #12).  Kahata nearly sealed the match in stoppage time, but his shot went wide.  In spite of the miss, the Harambee Stars secure their only win of the campaign, 1-0.

Goals
Kenya
David Owino 5

Match Reports:
http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4522/kenya/2013/09/08/4247228/kenya-1-0-namibia-stars-finish-qualifiers-on-a-high

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3puSXxOwPPs

Mozambique 1 - Zimbabwe 1

Harare was the site for Zimbabwe's final home game of the tournament with Mozambique visiting.  Both sides were looking to exit the tournament with their first win of round two of qualifying.  Both sides failed to provide good passes in the attacking third for the first forty minutes.  Peter Moyo (pictured, green) was able to hit the woodwork for Zimbabwe with five minutes to go, and Masimba Mambare put away the rebound.  At the half, the score was Zimbabwe 1, Mozambique 0.

Zimbabwe made a pair of substitutions that sapped the spirit from their attack.  Maninho snuck through for Mozambique.  His shot was initially saved, but a poor clearance from Oscar Machapa gave Maninho a second chance, which he gleefully converted.  The match ends 1-1, meaning Zimbabwe fail to win a match in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Goals
Zimbabwe
Masimba Mambare 41

Mozambique
Maninho 69

Match Reports:
http://www.thezimbabwemail.com/sport/18046-warriors-held-at-home-held-by-mozambique.html
http://www.mtnfootball.com/international/fifa-world-cup-2014/matches/reports/2013/sep/08-zimbabwe-v-mozambique.html

Senegal 1 - Uganda 0; Angola 4 - Liberia 1

Liberia paid a visit to Angola in Lubango as both teams ended their campaigns today.  Eddie Wulue misplayed an attempted clearance off an Angolan corner in the second minute, allowing Guedes a free swing at a volley from within the six-yard box to put Angola ahead 1-0.  That proved to be the only goal of the half.  Angola were ahead 1-0 at intermission.

Mabululo made a fantastic solo run, slaloming around two Liberian defenders before crossing to the back post.  Ary Papel received the pass, dribbled backward with the goalkeeper coming to pressure, and then shot at goal.  The ball rolled along the goal line until Mabululo tapped in for 2-0.  A one-two-one play from Guilherme Afonso and Guedes was finished from seventeen yards by Afonso for 3-0.  Three minutes after that it was 4-0 after Abdul scored from a completely unmarked header in the box off a corner kick.  Liberia pulled back a consolation goal with ten minutes to play.  A Sylvanus Nimley pass set up Marcus Macauley to finish from eighteen yards away.  Gideon Williams received a red card for Liberia in minute 88 to end all home of a comeback.  Angola win convincingly 4-1.

Marrakesh, Morocco was the site of Senegal's nominal home matchup against Uganda.  Uganda needed a victory or else Senegal would win Group J and advance to round three.  Defender Godfrey Walusimbi was kicked off the pitch for a red card in minute 36 after a studs-up challenge on Gassama Lamine, leaving Uganda a man down.  Uganda were able to make it to halftime with the score 0-0.

Uganda held tough despite being a man down, but they had to open up and go for goal or else be eliminated.  Finally, the man advantage paid dividends for Senegal with six minutes to play in the match.  Moussa Sow ran onto a ball forward from Dame Ndoye inside the Uganda area.  Sow got a pass off beyond the coverage of Andrew Mwesigwa (pictured, yellow) to a wide open Sadio Mane at the far post.  Mane made the tap-in to put Senegal ahead.  Senegal win 1-0 and secure a spot in the next round of qualifying by virtue of winning Group J.  Uganda are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Senegal 12 pts IN
Uganda OUT
Angola OUT
Liberia OUT

Goals
Angola
Guedes 2
Mabululu 47
Guilherme Afonso 60
Abdul Nyazinawo 63

Liberia
Marcus Macauley 80

Senegal
Sadio Mane 84

Match Reports:
http://www.redpepper.co.ug/senegal-10-uganda/
http://www.kawowo.com/index.php/football/item/16073-cranes-player-rating-senegal-1-1-uganda.html
http://www.redpepper.co.ug/live-senegal-vs-uganda/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARwexo88kGY (Angola v. Liberia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAaGFnIHS-Q (Senegal v. Uganda)

Cape Verde 2 - Tunisia 0; Sierra Leone 3 - Equatorial Guinea 2

Freetown was the site for Sierra Leone's home match against Equatorial Guinea.  Sierra Leone took a lead soon after the twenty-minute mark passed through a Mustapha Bangura goal.  A penalty kick was converted by Sierra Leone to double their lead with just over five minutes to play in the first period.  The hosts lead 2-0 going into halftime.

Twenty minutes from time, Alhassan Kamara scored a goal for Sierra Leone to put the match beyond doubt.  3-0 was the score.  Equatorial Guinea pulled back two goals in the final three minutes, but they could not complete the miraculous comeback.  Sierra Leone win 3-2.

Cape Verde, previously eliminated but later given new life due to sanctions against Equatorial Guinea, needed a victory and only a victory to avoid elimination in Rades today.  Hosts Tunisia needed only a draw to advance and had yet to lose in the tournament.  Tunisia had the first decent chance of the match, but Cape Verde were not overawed by the occasion.  A Cape Verdean cross was not swept away by Aymen Abdennour, leaving Platini a simple finish once the ball reached him.  The visitors had their vital 1-0 lead.  Not quite a quarter hour had elapsed before the Blue Sharks struck again.  A run up the right side of the pitch by Marco Soares dragged both Tunisian defenders wide, allowing for a simple pass into the box to put Heldon Ramos (pictured, blue) in against the goalkeeper.  Ramos won that battle, and Cape Verde took a 2-0 advantage with them into their locker room.

Tunisia had the better of play in the second half, but Cape Verde had the best chance.  Ryan Mendes was alone against the Tunisia goalkeeper but struck his shot straight into the body of Moez Ben Chirifia.  Cape Verde shock the world and win 2-0 in Tunisia, eliminating Tunisia from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  The Blue Sharks will now be one of ten African teams awaiting their fates at the CAF Third Round draw ceremony on 16 September 2013.

Cape Verde 12 pts IN
Tunisia OUT
Sierra Leone OUT
Equatorial Guinea OUT

Goals
Sierra Leone
Mustapha Bangura 21
Ibrahim Kargbo 39 PK
Alhassan Kamara 70

Equatorial Guinea
Jimmy Bermudez 87
Juvenal 89

Cape Verde
Platini 28
Heldon Ramos 42

Match Reports:
http://www.cafonline.com/competition/world-cup_2014/news/17880-cape-verde-shock-tunisia-in-world-cup.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ztiG7efJao (Cape Verde v. Tunisia)

Azerbaijan 1 - Israel 1

Azerbaijan made the trek to Ramat Gan to face off against Israel.  Israel had the better of the possession in the first half, yet it would be Azerbaijan who twice forced saves out of Israel goalkeeper Dudu Aouate (pictured, yellow).  The half ended as it began, 0-0.

A sloppy Israel team were made to pay shortly after the hour mark.  Rahid Amirguliyev picked up a long rebound and decided to have a go from thirty yards.  The result was a wonder goal to put Azerbaijan ahead 1-0.  Israel then threw more men into attack.  Lior Refaelov advanced the ball up the pitch for Israel and then hit a through ball out left for Ofir Davidzada.  Davidzada quickly passed laterally to an open Itay Schechter, who managed to get enough on the ball to push it into the goal for the equalizer.  Israel could not find a second goal, so the match ends in a 1-1 draw that does Israel no real good in the chase for Brasil 2014.

Portugal 17 pts +8
Russia 15 pts +9
Israel 12 pts +7
N. Ireland 6 pts -5
Azerbaijan OUT
Luxembourg OUT

Goals
Azerbaijan
Rahid Amirguliyev 61

Israel
Itay Schechter 73

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/9/8/4704868/israel-vs-azerbaijan-final-score-result

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncjqO9dZdYc

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_cxYcCCz28

Morocco 1 - Cote d'Ivoire 1; Gambia 2 - Tanzania 0

Gambia closed their qualifying campaign at home in Bakau against Tanzania.  Mustapha Jarjue scored with the half coming to a close to give Gambia a 1-0 lead at the break.

Jarjue scored his second of the day six minutes after the restart to double the Gambian lead.  The home side coasted to the finish line, and Gambia win 2-0.

Morocco made the trip south to Abidjan to square off against Cote d'Ivoire in the final Group C match.  Abdelaziz Barrada had a volleyed shot attempt for Morocco that Cote d'Ivoire goalkeeper Boubacar Barry was able to save.  Didier Drogba (pictured, orange) had a shot cleared off the line by the Moroccan defense. Gervinho and Drogba were a dangerous pair up front for the Elephants, but no goals were found in the opening stanza.

A defensive lapse cost the Ivoirians early in the second half.  Omar El Kaddouri played a through ball straight up the middle of the pitch for Youssef El Arabi, who scored from the half circle as Barry was retreating toward his line.  With less than ten minutes to go, Ya Konan struck a cross the El Kaddouri handled inside the Moroccan penalty area.  Cote d'Ivoire converted their penalty kick to tie the game.  The match ends in a 1-1 draw.

Goals
Gambia
Mustapha Jarjue 45, 51

Morocco
Youssef El Arabi 53

Cote d'Ivoire
Didier Drogba 83 PK

Match Reports:
http://us.soccerway.com/news/2013/September/07/fifa-world-cup-qualifying-ivory-coast-1-morocco-1/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcScxb4DzoI (Morocco v. Cote d'Ivoire)

Burkina Faso 1 - Gabon 0; Niger 2 - Congo 2

Ouagadougou and hosts Burkina Faso welcomed Gabon to town for their crucial final qualifying match of the CAF Second Round.  Gabon needed a win and a Congo loss in the other Group E match being played simultaneously in order to advance.  Burkina Faso needed a win and for Congo not to win in order to advance.  No goals were scored in the first period.

Nearly ten minutes into the second period, Burkina Faso played a cross into the danger area.  Prejuce Nekoulma headed a powerful strike into the goal to give The Stallions a lead.  Burkina Faso were now hoping for help from Niger, having already held up their end of the bargain.  Burkina Faso win 1-0.  The result eliminates Gabon from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Niamey and hosts Niger looked to spoil the dreams of visiting Congo.  A Congo victory over the last-place hosts would see Congo through to the next round, but a slip-up would likely see their dreams shattered.  Mahamane Cisse drove up the left side of the Congolese defense and then shot from a very obtuse angle to score at the near post for the opener.  Niger were ahead 1-0 at halftime, but Congo were still in position to advance with Burkina Faso and Gabon all square at halftime in the other match.

Congo drew level midway through the second half.  A cross from the right bounced just out of reach of a pair of players, freezing the Niger goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda (pictured, blue) at his near post.  Fabrice Nguessi then finished at the far post to level the match.  But four minutes later the hosts had restored their lead.  Daouda Kamilou finish a half volley under pressure from the half circle to make it 2-1.  Six minutes after that, Congo forward Christopher Samba (pictured, red with ball) won a header against Daouda.  His header softly bounced back into play off the crossbar, allowing Ulrich Kapolongo to score the equalizer with a diving header.  Congo were unable to push the third goal across and received no help from Gabon in the other match.  Niger pull out a 2-2 draw against favored Congo, eliminating Congo from the 2014 FIFA World Cup and handing Burkina Faso a berth in the last round of African qualifying.

Burkina Faso 12 pts IN
Congo OUT
Gabon OUT
Niger OUT

Goals
Burkina Faso
Prejuce Nekoulma 54

Niger
Mahamane Cisse 34
Daouda Kamilou 70

Congo
Fabrice Nguessi 66
Ulrich Kapolongo 76

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6tWa67zzBc (Burkina Faso v. Gabon)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxaj2_Y0f0k (Niger v. Congo)

Nigeria 2 - Malawi 0

Nigeria were at home in Calabar to take on Malawi with Group F on the line.  Malawi needed to win to survive, otherwise Nigeria would win the group and advance to round three.  Malawi began the game in a defensive shell, seemingly hoping to catch Nigeria on the counter.  Malawi never found the opening in the first half, but Nigeria rarely were success with their own forays forward.  Ogenye Onazi was given a bit too much team with the ball at his feet, so he lofted a sublime pass from midfield into the box.  The pass found Emmanuel Emenike, who used his second touch to pop the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper to give Nigeria a lead in first half stoppage time.  The Super Eagles were ahead 1-0 after the first forty-five.

Malawi were forced to abandon their shell of safety
 and play football in the second half.  Nnamdi Oduamadi drew a penalty kick for the home side five minutes after the restart when Flames captain James Sangala brought him down inside the Malawi box.  Nigeria converted for a 2-0 cushion.  Malawi now needed three goals to survive, a task made nearly impossible after Limbikani Mzava was given his marching orders for Malawi for a second yellow card in minute 53.  Nigeria thereafter coasted to the finish line.  Nigeria win 2-0 to clinch the Group F title and a spot in the CAF Third Round.  Malawi are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria 12 pts IN
Malawi OUT
Namibia OUT
Kenya OUT

Goals
Nigeria
Emmanuel Emenike 45+1
Victor Moses 51 PK

Match Reports:
http://sport.ng.msn.com/local-football/nigeria-2-0-Malawi
http://allafrica.com/stories/201309090228.html
http://www.punchng.com/sports/nigeria-beat-malawi-2-0-advance-to-final-round/
http://www.goal.com/en-ng/match/82105/nigeria-vs-malawi/report?

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGC3Oznuefs

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGh-prv7MDg