El Salvador 4 - Suriname 0

El Salvador faced off with Suriname in the final match of FIFA World Cup qualifying for the day. The crowd at San Salvador was hoping to see El Salvador finish the first group stage with a perfect 6-0-0 record. In spite having already clinched the group title, El Salvador was using its strongest lineup, and it showed. El Salvador were granted too much time, too much space, and too many clear passing lanes on this night. Osael Romero scored the opener just beyond the half hour mark and La Selecta went into the break up 1-0.

Romero scooped up a loose ball in the box to slot home into an empty for his and the team's second goal. Just beyond the hour mark. Rafael Burgos finished one-on-one after a long through ball for the 3-0 lead, and he got a brace of his own six minutes later after deflecting a shot into the goal with his thigh. The 4-0 loss sends Suriname to a disappointing third-place finish in the group behind El Salvador and the Dominican Republic. El Salvador join Guatemala and Panama as the only perfect teams in the CONCACAF Second Round.

Goals

El Salvador

Osael Romero 32, 62

Rafael Burgos 77, 83

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elFNOiL8kk0

Panama 3 - Dominica 0

Panama played host to Dominica in Panama City in the final Group C match of the CONCACAF Second Round. Dominica gifted their hosts a one-nil lead with a lazy set of passes in their own third of the pitch leading to a turnover and goal when Panama swooped in and stole the ball. Panama were simply toying with their opponents when their second goal came. A nicely executed one-two-one passing sequence from forty yards out led to a two-on-one opportunity with a goalkeeper which Panama easily finished. The 2-0 score held until halftime thanks to three great saves by Dominica goalkeeper Glenson Prince.

In the second half, Panama should have had three more goals, but Prince smothered all the chances until six minutes remained in the game. Panama finally got their third goal to secure the win by a final score of 3-0, though Prince prevented what could easily have been an 8-0 scoreline. Dominica finish the qualifiers with four losses and no goals scored whereas Panama move onto round three.

Goals

Panama

Roland Manrique Blackburn 7

Ricardo Buitrago 21

Blas Perez 84

Match Reports:

http://www.fepafut.com/noticias_detail.asp?id=2628

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avYv-NYwB90&feature=player_embedded

Venezuela 1 - Bolivia 0

In the final match in CONMEBOL qualifying for the year, Venezuela hosted Bolivia with three points on their minds. The crowd in San Cristobal was ready as they fully expected La Vinotinto to make yet another step toward their first ever appearance in a FIFA World Cup finals tournament in Brasil 2014. A heavy downpour that was ongoing throughout the match marked the second time this week that Venezuela have had to contend with a soaked pitch. A shot from Bolivia's Rudy Cardozo drew a great sprawling save from Renny Vega (pictured, black), and the rebound was cleared by Fernando Amorebieta (pictured, maroon). Venezuela nevertheless had the better of Bolivia in the first half, and though Carlos Arias was up to the challenge in Bolivia's goal on a free kick from Cesar Gonzalez, he was outjumped for the resulting corner kick off the boot of Julio Alvarez by Venezuelan center back Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, who headed the ball home for a 1-0 lead for Venezuela midway through the first period. Venezuela held the lead for a 1-0 halftime score in their favor.

The second period continued to feature difficult balls as the water made parts of the pitch fast and parts slow. Venezuela had the best chance in the second period, but the two forwards failed to connect on a simple pass across the box to defeat the only defender. The final ten minutes were all Bolivia, but Vega made a save off a direct free kick where Vega's body was completely behind the line. Luckily for Venezuela, Vega's hands prevented the ball from crossing, and Venezuela win the final match in South American qualifying for the year 1-0 over Bolivia. Bolivia remain rooted to the bottom of the table whereas Venezuela move joint top with Uruguay and Argentina.

Goals

Venezuela

Oswaldo Vizcarrondo 24

Uruguay 7 pts +6

Argentina 7 pts +3

Venezuela 7 pts 0

Ecuador 6 pts +3

Chile 6 pts -3

Colombia 4 pts 0

Paraguay 4 pts -3

Peru 3 pts -2

Bolivia 1 pts -4

Match Reports:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/wires/11/15/2080.ap.soc.venezuela.bolivia.1st.ld.writethru.0211/index.html

http://espndeportes.espn.go.com/news/story?id=1418750&s=mundial&type=column

http://www.eluniversal.com/especiales/ruta-vinotinto-a-brasil-2014/111220/venezuela-1-0-bolivia

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44kxxqrxtlY

Haiti 2 - Antigua and Barbuda 1; Curacao 6 - U.S. Virgin Islands 1

A disappointed Haiti went home to Port-au-Prince to play their nemeses Antigua and Barbuda. Within the first ten minutes of the game, Haiti found themselves down yet again to Antigua after Tamarley Thomas scored his sixth goal of the tournament. Antigua held the 1-0 lead into the second half.

Haiti finally showed some pride at the hour mark. Haiti scored two goals in six minutes to grab a 2-1 lead and some self-respect back. Kervens Belfort will go down as the man who scored the game-winner as Haiti held strong for the 2-1 victory to end their sour campaign on a high note.

Curacao welcomed U.S. Virgin Islands to Willemstad in search of their second consecutive victory in both teams' final 2014 qualifier. It took Curacao over half an hour to break the deadlock, but they grabbed two in a six-minute span. Goalkeeper Rugenio Josephia was sent off for a red card in minute 41 for the home side, leaving the U.S. Virgin Islands a man up and only two goals down heading into halftime.

The numerical disadvantage at first seemed to unnerve Curacao. Five minutes after the restart, U.S. Virgin Islands scored just their second goal of the group stage to get within 2-1. However, the visitors were unable to creep any closer. With seventeen minutes to go, Curacao found their mojo again. They scored four unanswered goals from that point on to end their campaign with a resounding 6-1 victory.

Goals

Haiti

Judelin Aveska 60

Kervens Belfort 65

Antigua and Barbuda

Tamarley Thomas 9

Curacao

Shanon Carmelia 33, 78

Richmar Siberie 39, 85

Everon Espacia 73

Angelo Cijntje 89

U.S. Virgin Islands

Keithroy Cornelius 50

Match Reports:

http://www.defend.ht/sports/articles/soccer/2007-haiti-defeats-antigua-a-barbuda-2-1-at-home-to-end-group-play

http://stcroixsoccer.blogspot.com/2011/11/curacao-6-us-virgin-islands-1.html

Chile 2 - Paraguay 0

Chile had a chance to dust themselves off after losing Uruguay with a game in Santiago against perennial contenders Paraguay. Chile are a much different team at home than on the road, and they proved that again tonight. Chile had lost their two road games so far in the tournament, but they had won emphatically in their sole prior home match. With return of Barcelona playmaker Alexis Sanchez rejuvenating the Chile offense, Chile found themselves a corner kick midway through the first period. Matias Fernandez sent the ball into the back post, where Pablo Contreras (pictured, red #6) rose above above two Paraguay defenders and knocked home a header for a 1-0 lead. The result of the play was a four-player dogpile (pictured). Chile lead 1-0 at the half.

Paraguay could never get their offense going, but as evidenced in their second-half stoppage time goal to salvage a 1-1 draw against Uruguay, Paraguay are capable of magic moments. Chile were unable to put the game to rest until there remained only five minutes to play. Substitute Matias Campos drove a ball into a sliding Paraguay defender off whom the ball took a crazy hop into the back of the net. Chile's 2-0 win jumps them ahead of Paraguay in the group table.

Goals

Chile

Pablo Contreras 28

Matias Campos 85

Match Reports:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/wires/11/15/2080.ap.soc.chile.paraguay.1st.ld.writethru.0209/index.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTtPU0AYgbU

Canada 4 - St. Kitts and Nevis 0

In the Group D finale, Canada got to play a celebration match against St. Kitts and Nevis after having qualified for round three of qualifying four days ago. However, the crowd in Toronto surely wanted some of their doubts quieted after Canada's last two matches resulted in draws to unheralded Puerto Rico and St. Kitts. The cold weather appeared to freeze the St. Kitts team, though they had the first big chance of the match when Akil Grier fired off a post. Canada then began to flex their muscles. Olivier Occean (pictured, red #16) slid onto a wayward shot in the box to score Canada's opener. Soon thereafter, Canada's best player on the night Tosaint Ricketts drew a penalty kick. Dwayne de Rosario (pictured, red #14) converted the penalty kick to equal Canada's all-time scoring record with 19 international goals, six from the penalty spot. Canada scored from a header off a corner kick in stoppage time to end the first half up 3-0.

St. Kitts were unable to handle Canada on the night, so they sat back and defended in the second half. With two minutes to go, a hard de Rosario shot left a rebound for Ricketts to slide and kick in for the cap on a 4-0 win for Canada. Canada can feel good about themselves now as they move onto the the third round of qualifying next June.

Goals

Canada

Olivier Occean 27

Dwayne de Rosario 35 PK

Josh Simpson 45+3

Tosaint Ricketts 88

Match Reports:

http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/314541

http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/mls/story/?id=380538

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2011/11/15/wcq-recap-canada-rout-st-kitts-4-0-2nd-rd-finale

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpE28bpE6xg

Trinidad and Tobago 2 - Guyana 0

Trinidad and Tobago welcomed their conquerors into Port of Spain for their last hurrah. Trinidad were eliminated by Guyana on Friday, but they had the opportunity to pay them back at home and find a bit of solace. The fans did not show up due to their disappointment in the Soca Warriors' early elimination, so Guyana did not have to contend with the typical noise factor of Port of Spain. Trinidad nevertheless came out with the majority of the ideas, narrowly missing out on the opener on several occasions. The half ended 0-0.

In the second half, Trinidad showed some pride. In a match that lacked intensity, Trinidad's Kenwyne Jones (pictured, red) of Stoke City scored the opener, and Trinidad added the second six minutes later. All of about 400 or so fans got to celebrate Trinidad's 2-0 win, but Guyana will not be heartbroken by the result as they had already won the group and the right to participate in the next phase of North American qualifying.

Goals

Trinidad and Tobago

Kenwyne Jones 59

Lester Peltier 65

Match Reports:

http://www.trinidadexpress.com/sports/VICTORY_IN_VAIN-133934378.html

http://www.cbc.bb/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3160:trinidad-wins-final-match-against-guyana&catid=25:local-sports&Itemid=88

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WA2RHSHBUY

Argentina 2 - Colombia 1

Argentina, looking to right their sinking ship, paid a visit to Barranquilla to face a Colombia team missing both Falcao Garcia and Fredy Guarin, whose absences made Argentina the favorite to win. Early on, the play was predominantly in Argentina's attacking third, with Lionel Messiin particular troubling the Colombian backline. However, Argentina's Nicolas Burdisso went down with an injury with fifteen minutes or so left to go in the first half, and once he was substituted, Colombia began dominating the possession. A free kick at the end of regular time, a Dorlan Pabon free kick from one yard outside the penalty area was deflected in for an own goal by Argentina's Javier Mascherano, though the goal was credited to Pabon. Otherwise, the ball would have been easily saved. Colombia lead 1-0 at the half, much as they had against Venezuela in the same stadium four days earlier.

Argentina certainly did not want to be in the position where they would have to answer to angry Argentine media after failing to win in three consecutive qualifiers, so they called upon the world's best player to bring them a victory. Lionel Messi (pictured, blue and white) ran the ball up the Colombia defense, pushed a pass out wide, and followed the play to slot home a rebound at the hour mark to level the affair at one-goal apiece. Then, with just six minutes left in regular time, Messi again dribbled through multiple defenders before unveiling a beautiful pass that should have led to an assist. This time, however, the rebound fell to Sergio Aguero, who knocked it home for a much-needed 2-1 road victory for Argentina. Colombia were heartbroken and now look out of sorts after failing to win at home this week in two opportunities.

Goals

Argentina

Lionel Messi 60

Sergio Aguero 84

Colombia

Dorlan Pabon 45

Match Reports:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1543611/index.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/wires/11/15/2080.ap.soc.colombia.argentina.3rd.ld.writethru.0525/index.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgTbtRSlZrE&feature=related

Ecuador 2 - Peru 0

Ecuador welcomed southern neighbors Peru to their high altitude national stadium in Quito for each team's third FIFA World Cup qualifier. Ecuador defender Ericson Erazo suffered a knee ligament injury and had to be replaced with just under a quarter hour remaining in the first half. The first half featured open play, with the ball seemingly always in the final third and never in the midfield. Nevertheless, not a single troubling shot ever threatened an opposing goalkeeper in the scoreless first half.

Ecuador were the better team on the night, and it seemed only a matter of time before their superiority paid off. It took seventy minutes, but the first goal came off a great Edison Mendez finish off the inside of near post. With just a minute left in the match, Jaime Ayovi made a great cut and chip pass across the face of the open goal to Cristian Benitez, who tapped in for a well-deserved 2-0 home victory that places Ecuador in the top four in South American qualifying thus far.

Goals

Ecuador

Edison Mendez 70

Cristian Benitez 89

Match Reports:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/wires/11/15/2080.ap.soc.ecuador.peru.1st.ld.writethru.0159/index.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P2BmmhL0Z0

Guatemala 4 - Grenada 1; Belize 2 - St. Vincent and the Grenadines 0

Play in Group E came to its conclusion today. Guatemala (pictured) were looking to complete the group stage with a perfect 6-0-0 record, and all that stood between them and that goal was a road game against Grenada in St. George's. The field was a wide stripe of mud down the middle of the pitch, and the penalty boxes were full of puddles from heavy rains. Grenada converted on a penalty kick with less than ten minutes until the half, and the 1-0 held into the break.

Guatemala were in serious danger of losing for the first time in the tournament. However, with thirteen minutes to go, Grenada completely unraveled. An embarrassing own goal by Michael Mark on a full swing shot the ball into their own net at full force, leveling the affair at 1-1. Guatemala took advantage of a stunned defense to score twice more in quick succession, their second goal coming just a minute after the own goal. As if the sudden loss were not enough, Mark knocked yet another ball into his own net to become the first player to score two own goals in the tournament. Guatemala win 4-1 to maintain their perfect record.

Belize, the first team to kick off their FIFA World Cup campaign, saw their final action of the tournament today in Kingstown as they faced St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Both teams figured with a probable Guatemala win in the other Group E outing, whoever won this match would end up in second place behind Guatemala. The two teams played to a scoreless draw in the first period, so the drama would be left late.

In the second period, Deon McCaulay once again proved hero for Belize. With fifteen minutes to go in the match, he put Belize ahead with the opener, his tenth goal of the tournament. Just three minutes later, McCaulay found himself at the penalty spot, from which he converted for a 2-0 lead for Belize. Belize held on for the 2-0 road victory, their fourth victory in eight qualifiers to go along with two draws and two tight losses to Guatemala. Belize will surely shoot up the rankings board after their performance in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

With his two goals today, McCaulay becomes the first player to hit double-digit goals in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Although his tournament has now concluded, McCaulay scored an amazing eleven goals in his eight games, including the first goal of the tournament against Montserrat on his way to a hat trick in the opening match. Given the fact that the three weakest teams in Oceania will be eliminated before getting to play the likes of Fiji and Solomon Islands, there is a good chance that McCaulay will go down as the top scorer in 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying when the final ball is kicked in November 2013.

Goals

Guatemala

Michael Mark 77 OG, 90+2 OG

Fredy Thompson 78

Guillermo Ramirez 85

Grenada

Shane Rennie 37 PK

Belize

Deon McCaulay 75, 78 PK

Match Reports:

http://www.prensalibre.com/deportes/futbol_nacional/listo-visita-Guatemala-Granada_0_591541007.html

http://fedefutguate.org/index.php?news=1398

http://deportescl.terra.cl/futbol/mundial/2014/eliminatorias/noticias/0,,OI5472211-EI18623,00-Guatemala+derrota+a+Granada+y+cierra+invicta+eliminatoria+de+Concacaf.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/wires/11/15/2080.ap.soc.belize.st.vincent.0082/index.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DTb_D_5v2I (Guatemala v. Grenada)

Togo 1 - Guinea-Bissau 0; Mozambique 4 - Comoros 1; Namibia 4 - Djibouti 0

Togo welcomed forward Emmanuel Adebayor back to the fold for their second leg home qualifier against Guinea-Bissau today in Lome. Though his return was an inspiration, it was FC Nantes's Serge Gakpe who scored his second goal of the CAF First Round in the second minute of play, giving Togo a 1-0 lead. The two teams tied the first leg 1-1. Togo took its 1-0 lead into the half.

Adebayor went the full ninety minutes, put all credit for today's effort must go to the defense, who made the one goal hold up for the next ninety minutes and pitched a shutout to eliminate Guinea-Bissau with a 1-0 victory. Togo advance to CAF Second Round Group I with Cameroon, Libya, and DR Congo.

Mozambique came home with a 1-0 aggregate lead after their first leg win in Comoros. Mozambique were hoping for an easier go of things in Maputo. Mozambique grabbed two first half goals for a 2-0 lead in the match and a 3-0 lead in the aggregate.

In the second period, Mozambique extended their lead on the night to 3-0, but with twenty minutes to go Comoros scored their first, meaning that the road-goals tiebreaker was even at 1-1. However, Mozambique still led the tied 4-1, and a fourth goal on the evening gave Mozambique a 4-1 home victory and a 5-1 aggregate win. Comoros are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup whereas Mozambique advance to the CAF Second Round Group G with Egypt, Guinea, and Zimbabwe.

Namibia brought a secure 4-0 aggregate lead to Windhoek to take on and take out visiting Djibouti. A dipping free kick from Heinrich Isaacks put Namibia on top 1-0 just beyond the quarter hour mark. Lazarus Kaimbi (pictured, red) notched the teams second goal with little more than ten minutes to play in the first period, and Namibia took the 2-0 lead into the break.

In the next period, Djibouti held out well defensively for the first fifteen minutes, but Kaimbi broke through for 3-0 and a brace. Seven minutes from time, Namibia secured their final goal in a 4-0 victory. The 8-0 aggregate demolition of Djibouti eliminates Djibouti and sends Namibia to Group F of the CAF Second Round, alongside Nigeria, Malawi, and Kenya.

Goals

Togo

Serge Gakpe 2

Mozambique

Domingues 26

Jermias Sitoe 44

Whiskey 58

Clesio Baque 81

Comoros

Mohamed Youssouf 70

Namibia

Heinrich Isaacks 17

Lazarus Kaimbi 34, 60

Sadney Urikhob 83

Match Reports:

http://www.mtnfootball.com/international/fifa-world-cup-2014/matches/preview/nov/15-togo-v-guinea-bissau.html

http://www.nfa.org.na/node/553

Australia 1 - Thailand 0; Oman 0 - Saudi Arabia 0

Australia needed to rebound from their loss to Oman on Friday by earning at least a draw in Bangkok. A draw on the road to Thailand would be enough to see Australia through to round four of Asian qualifying with a game to spare. Thailand had to move their match from the larger national team stadium due to its use as a refugee center for those displaced by the massive flooding in the capital city. Josh Kennedy was a first-half menace, rising above the shorter Thai defense to knock two headers on frame, but goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Hathairattanakool was up to the challenge. Thailand forward Suree Sukha blew a one-on-one six yards out from the Australian goal by firing over the bar. The half ended knotted at zero.

In the second period, Brett Emerton put in a great cross to the head of an open Brett Holman, who nodded home the eventual game-winner with a quarter hour left in the match. The 1-0 road victory gives Australia the Group D title and a spot in the AFC Fourth Round. Thailand have to hope that Saudi Arabia do not win at home to Oman later today, or else Thailand will be eliminated.

Saudi Arabia hosted Oman in Riyadh, with a win being enough to secure the home side a spot in the next phase of qualifying. Saudi Arabia thought they had done enough to grab a lead in the twenty-fifth minute, but their chance went begging off a post. The half ended in a 0-0 tie.

Saudi Arabia pushed for a win in front of their home fans, mindful that anything less would necessitate Saudi Arabia getting a positive result in Australia come Matchday Six. However, it was Oman that earned the best chance of the second period with a free kick in the seventy-fourth minute. The dipping kick was turned away, however, and the match ended 0-0. A frustrated Saudi Arabia picked up four yellow cards in the final fifteen minutes plus stoppage time. With this result, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Thailand are all still in contention for the final round of Asian qualifying come the final matchday in February.

Australia 12 pts - IN

Saudi Arabia 6 pts +1

Oman 5 pts -5

Thailand 4 pts -2

Goals

Australia

Brett Holman 76

Match Reports:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1542918/index.html

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/emerton-admits-socceroos-not-pretty/story-e6frf9if-1226199171976

http://www.theroar.com.au/2011/11/18/socceroos-performances-need-some-perspective/

http://english.alarabiya.net/articles/2011/11/15/177380.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcP5isJSnHc&feature=related (Australia v. Thailand)

Qatar 0 - Bahrain 0; Iran 4 - Indonesia 1

Iran made the trip to Jakarta looking for a win that would all but assure themselves of a spot in the AFC Fourth Round. Iran made sure that there would be no slip-up today as there was in Bahrain on Friday. Iran blitzed the Indonesia goal and scored three times in the first hour of play, sapping all hope from their opponents. Indonesia did manage one goal just before the halftime whistle, and the hosts went into the locker room down 3-1.

It nearly took another half hour, but Iran were able to extend the lead on a converted penalty kick. Their fourth goal ended the scoring, and Iran win 4-1 on the road. So long as Bahrain do not win in Qatar later today, Iran will advance into the AFC Fourth Round on the back of this result.

Qatar hosted Bahrain in Doha in the final Group E match of 2011. Qatar knew that a win would be enough to qualify them for the next phase of qualifying. They also knew that a loss would leave them level on points with Bahrain and facing a difficult situation where they would be needing points on the road against Iran in the final group match. However, Qatar went onto the pitch with the purpose of playing for a draw and Bahrain went all out in attack. A draw would maintain Qatar's three-point lead on Bahrain going into the final matchday next February, and along with overcoming the three-point deficit, Bahrain would have to overcome a nine-goal deficit to Qatar in the goal-differential compartment in order to advance. Qatar's strategy to play defensively and risk nothing resulted in a safe 0-0 halftime score, though they had to survive a scare in the twenty-third minute when a Bahrain player blew a tap-in goal at the far post.

Qatar continued to play defensively and frustrate Bahrain. A Qatar counterattack sprang a one-on-one situation with Sayed Jaffer, who made a great save to deny Qatar the victory. However, Qatar achieved their mission on the day with the 0-0 home draw. Barring a pair of blowouts through which Bahrain can overcome their goal differential issue (Iran 5, Qatar 0 and Bahrain 5, Indonesia 0 for instance), Qatar have assured themselves of a spot in the final round of Asian qualifying. This scoreless draw guarantees Iran its spot in the final round.

Iran 11 pts - IN

Qatar 9 pts +5

Bahrain 6 pts -4

Indonesia OUT

Goals

Iran

Milad Midavoodi 7

Mojtaba Jabari 19

Gholam Rezaei 24

Javad Nekounam 72 PK

Indonesia

Bambang Pamungkas 43

Match Reports:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1542961/index.html

http://www.payvand.com/news/11/nov/1162.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/wires/11/15/2080.ap.soc.qatar.bahrain.0136/index.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FhC1uWJuMI (Iran v. Indonesia)

Iraq 3 - Jordan 1; China 4 - Singapore 0

China paid a visit to Singapore knowing that only a huge margin of victory in Singapore could keep their hopes of advancing alive. China needed to win their final two qualifiers and overcome their deficit in goal differential to Iraq to advance. They also needed Iraq to lose their final two matches. As has been the case throughout round three, Singapore were thoroughly dominated in all aspects of the match, though China only broke the deadlock late in the first half to take a 1-0 lead into the locker room.

In the second period, China's superiority continued to shine through. An early second-half scare from Singapore hit the crossbar, but after that China began to coast through the match. Goal number two came ten minutes into the half and was followed by a brace from Zheng Zheng to give China a 4-0 lead, a margin of victory large enough to give China a simple formula for advancing to the next phase of qualifying. If China win their final match and Iraq lose both of their last two, China will advance.

Jordan came home to Amman to take on Iraq. A home victory would secure the Group A crown for Jordan; a draw or better would seal progression for Iraq and end China's hopes of survival. The crowd exploded upon Jordan scoring the opener after Hasan Mahmoud broke the offside trap and calmly finished a one-on-one with the goalkeeper with a chipped shot. Jordanian fans continued to rock the stadium for the remainder of the half as the team lead 1-0 after forty-five minutes of play.

Iraq had to change the tide in the second half, and that they did. After a cross was headed down at the far post, the ball bounced to star Iraq midfielder Nashat Akram (pictured, green) who volleyed the ball into the side netting for an equalizer, stunning the crowd ten minutes into the half. A dozen minutes later, a close range free kick was headed down in the box from where it was volleyed home for a 2-1 Iraq lead. Akram added the third with less than ten minutes on the clock after shooting into an open net. Iraq win the match 3-1 and earn their ticket into the AFC Fourth Round.

Jordan 12 pts - IN
Iraq 12 pts - IN
China OUT
Singapore OUT

Goals

China

Yu Hai 42

Li Weifeng 55

Zheng Zheng 73, 82

Iraq

Nashat Akram 55, 81

Qusai Munir 67

Jordan

Hasan Mahmoud 17

Match Reports:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1542934/index.html

http://www.straitstimes.com/BreakingNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_734178.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/wires/11/15/2080.ap.soc.jordan.iraq.1st.ld.writethru.0292/index.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGGQGGXYSrg&feature=related (China v. Singapore)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gyUtbFpJXU (Iraq v. Jordan)

Sao Tome and Principe 1 - Congo 1; DR Congo 5 - Swaziland 1

Congo welcomed Sao Tome and Principe to Pointe Noire with a 5-0 lead in hand. Congo certainly wanted to repeat the performance they had put on in the first leg to please their home crowd. Congo could not find the same level of motivation that they had displayed in the first leg, which is understandable but not acceptable. The first period was goalless.

In the second half, Sao Tome scored their first goal of the 2014 FIFA World Cup four minutes after the restart. Congo were motivated enough to avoid losing at home to the lowest-ranked team in Africa, and the equalizer was netted just seven minutes later. The subpar performance saw Congo go through with a 1-1 draw in the second leg, but a 6-1 victory in the aggregate score. Congo go to the CAF Second Round, where they will play in Group E with Burkina Faso, Gabon, and Niger, all three of which are taking part in the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo brought a 3-1 aggregate lead back home to Kinshasa as they looked to close out Swaziland. Captain Mabi Mputu opened DR Congo's account on the night quite early, but his goal was the only one in a 1-0 first half.

After the break, DR Congo came out on fire. Within sixteen minutes, Mputu had completed his brace, as had teammate Alain Kaluyituka, and DR Congo were rolling 4-0. Swaziland pulled on back two minutes after DR Congo's fourth, but DR Congo answered with its fifth just three minutes after Swaziland's opener. Five goals were scored in the first twenty-one minutes of the half, which afterwards ended quietly. DR Congo win the day 5-1 and the series 8-2, so they now join CAF Second Round Group I with Cameroon, Libya, and the winner between Togo and Guinea-Bissau.

Goals

Sao Tome and Principe

Orlando Gando 49

Congo

Francis N'Ganga 56

DR Congo

Mabi Mputu 7, 49

Alain Kaluyituka 46, 61

Ilunga Diba 66

Swaziland

Sdumo Shongwe 63

Match Reports:

http://www.mtnfootball.com/international/fifa-world-cup-2014/matches/reports/nov/15-congo-v-san-tome.html

http://www.observer.org.sz/index.php?news=32300

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuHyckoU8yo (DR Congo v. Swaziland)

Full Match Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKF9yNtIjcI (Sao Tome v. Congo)

Lebanon 2 - South Korea 1; Kuwait 2 - United Arab Emirates 1

Red-hot Lebanon welcomed group leaders South Korea into Beirut. In the opening match of the group, South Korea stomped Lebanon 6-0, but this Lebanon team has made significant strides since the start of group play. In the fifth minute, a mishit shot turned into a chipped pass onto which Lebanon defender Ali Al Saadi (pictured, white #2) swung his boot and blasted the ball into the goal for Lebanon's opener. Al Saadi undid his good work earlier in the match fifteen minutes later when his overeager challenge brought down a South Korean in the penalty box, conceding a penalty that was converted for 1-1. Lebanon found themselves at the penalty spot just ten minutes later, and they restored their advantage with a conversion, giving the home crowd a 2-1 halftime lead to cheer.

In the second half, neither team could breach the other's defense, and Lebanon held on for the greatest win in their national team's history, 2-1 over South Korea. The loss left South Korea's coach pitifully looking for excuses, but nevertheless his team need only a draw at home to Kuwait to advance to the AFC Fourth Round. Forward Park Chu-Young will return for that match after he served a yellow-card suspension against Lebanon. Lebanon are now joint top of the table with South Korea and need only a draw at the United Arab Emirates to advance to the final round of Asian qualifying for the first time ever.

Kuwait saw the early group result and knew that in order to avoid elimination they had to win at home against UAE. The crowd in Kuwait City surely must have been having metaphorical heart attacks when UAE scored a goal less than twenty minutes into the match. The 1-0 halftime score certainly did not calm their nerves.

Kuwait found the equalizer less than five minutes into the second half, giving themselves forty minutes in which to take the lead. An Emirati own goal would provide the difference as a ball took a funny spin of Walid Abbas's leg and over the goal line. Abbas did his best to clear the ball with a bicycle kick, but it had already broken the plane of the goal. Kuwait ended up winning today's match 2-1, with the own goal being the winner. This was the second own goal that has saved Kuwait already in qualifying; the first came in the closing minutes of their 2-2 home draw against Lebanon. Without the own goals, Kuwait would be on five points instead of eight and would be eliminated. However, as it stands, a win in South Korea on the final matchday would send Kuwait into round four of Asian qualifying.

South Korea 10 pts +8

Lebanon 10 pts -2

Kuwait 8 pts +1

UAE OUT

Goals

Lebanon

Ali Al Saadi 5

Abbas Atwi 31 PK

South Korea

Koo Ja-Cheol 20 PK

Kuwait

Fahad Al Enezi 49

Walid Abbas 68 OG

United Arab Emirates

Ismail Matar 18

Match Reports:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1543009/index.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/wires/11/15/2080.ap.soc.lebanon.south.korea.2nd.ld.writethru.0478/index.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/wires/11/15/2080.ap.soc.kuwait.uae.0126/index.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39j-c_GJBGw&feature=related (Lebanon v. South Korea)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZQVz3xGKeA (Kuwait v. UAE)

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0i5mtdx54Q (Lebanon v. South Korea)

Lesotho 2 - Burundi 2; Rwanda 3 - Eritrea 1

Lesotho, 1-0 winners at home in the first leg, made the trip to Bujumbura to face off with Burundi for a second time. Burundi also made the trip, but due to airline trouble, they landed at home late the night before the match whereas Lesotho had been in town for two days already. The lack of rest showed as Lesotho jumped all over their hosts by scoring twice in the first quarter of the match, taking a 3-0 aggregate lead in the series and forcing Burundi to score four unanswered goals to avoid an unexpected elimination. Burundi pulled one back at the half hour mark, and the halftime score read 2-1 in favor of Lesotho.

Lesotho knew their objective, and they held strong in defense. They conceded a late penalty which Burundi converted for an equalizer with two minutes to go in the match, but it was not enough for the home side as the 2-2 draw leaves them eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Lesotho win the series 3-2 on aggregate and join CAF Second Round Group D with Ghana, Zambia, and Sudan.

Eritrea visited Kigali to take on hosts Rwanda. The road match is Eritrea's first since their entire team defected at a match in Kenya in 2009. Rwanda did not plan on letting Eritrea leave with positive memories (though all 18 Eritrea players did fly back to Eritrea with the team). A goal less than five minutes into the proceedings gave Rwanda a 1-0 lead they would take into the half, and a 2-1 lead in the aggregate score after the first leg ended 1-1.

In the second period, no goals were scored until just twenty minutes remained. Rwanda scored twice in an eight-minute span to seal the match. Eritrea added a consolation goal just before the end of regulation, but the 3-1 home victory sends the Amavubi of Rwanda into the CAF Second Round, where they will face Algeria, Mali, and Benin in Group H. Eritrea are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Goals

Lesotho

Thapelo Tale 16

Bokang Mothoana 23

Burundi

Cedric Amissi 29

Yamin Ndikumana 88 PK

Rwanda

Olivier Karekezi 4

Jean Claude Iranzi 71

Labama Kamana 78

Eritrea

Abraham Tedros 90

Match Reports:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/sports/2011-11/16/c_131250128.htm

Madagascar 2 - Equatorial Guinea 1; Chad 1 - Tanzania 0; Kenya 4 - Seychelles 0

Madagascar came home to Antananarivo looking to overcome a two-goal deficit in the aggregate score against Equatorial Guinea. Equatorial Guinea had other plans in mind. Though they were the lower seed, Equatorial Guinea are going to take part in the upcoming 2012 African Cup of Nations, and they were looking to remain part of the FIFA World Cup action for 2014. A first half goal slightly beyond the midway point meant that Equatorial Guinea had taken a 3-0 lead in the aggregate with a road goal in hand. Madagascar needed to score four goals to avoid elimination. The first half ended 1-0 in favor of the visitors.

In the second half, Madagascar had to push forward. They managed a goal twenty minutes from time and the game-winner in stoppage time, but they fell short of the required four goals. Madagascar end their 2014 hopes with a 2-1 at home but a 3-2 loss in the aggregate score. Equatorial Guinea advance into CAF Second Round Group B with Tunisia, Cape Verde, and Sierra Leone.

Tanzania got the road win against Chad 2-1 four days ago, so they were supremely confident of finishing off the tie at home in Dar Es Salaam. However, the fans were to be treated to a disappointing performance. After playing better than the visitors for the first ten minutes or so, Chad started to take control of the match. However, neither side netted a goal in the first forty-five minutes.

The second period took just three minutes to see a goal. It was Chad's Mahamat Ahmat Labo, who scored their goal in the first leg, who scored Chad's goal in the second leg. Chad continued to push and push, but they were unable to net the second goal. Chad got a fine 1-0 win on the road to tie the aggregate score at 2-2; unfortunately for Chad, they were eliminate 2-1 on the road goals tiebreaker. Tanzania, in spite of qualifying for CAF Second Round Group C with Cote d'Ivoire, Morocco, and Gambia, were booed out of their home stadium. Surely losses at home in the next phase will spell doom to their qualification hopes.

The Harambee Stars were welcomed home to Nairobi with a 3-0 aggregate leg from their first leg win in Seychelles. Kenya were not satisfied with the three-goal advantage, though, and they sought a second win against their opponents. Seychelles got a quick one-on-one break to start the match, but a kick-save prevented a goal. After that, Kenya, as expected, thoroughly dominated the proceedings and scored thrice in the opening period to go up 3-0 at the break, including the opener from a header off a corner kick.

The second half was a bit calmer with Kenya making substitutions to give younger players a chance to perform on a global stage. Kenya did manage to best their margin of victory from the first leg after scoring for a fourth time. The 4-0 win sealed progression as Kenya win the series 7-0 and eliminate Seychelles. Kenya advance to CAF Second Round Group F and will face Nigeria, Malawi, and Namibia, barring a collapse against Djibouti.

Goals

Madagascar

Yvan 70

Ferdinand Ramanamahefa 90+2

Equatorial Guinea

Donvalla Elongue 26

Chad

Mahamat Ahmat Labo 48

Kenya

Brian Mandela 20

Dennis Oliech 38

Titus Mulama 45+1

Victor Wanyama 76

Match Reports:

http://www.mtnfootball.com/international/fifa-world-cup-2014/matches/reports/nov/15-madagascar-v-equatorial-guinea.html

http://allafrica.com/stories/201111170488.html

http://allafrica.com/stories/201111160732.html

http://www.goal.com/en/news/89/africa/2011/11/15/2758380/kenya-4-0-seychelles-harambee-stars-rip-their-opponents

http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/InsidePage.php?id=2000046804&cid=38&story=Kenya%20thrash%20Seychelles

http://www.nation.co.ke/News/Fans+joy+as+Stars+harvest+goals/-/1056/1274450/-/5boxmmz/-/

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q4k-ybIafo (Kenya v. Seychelles)

North Korea 1 - Japan 0; Uzbekistan 3 - Tajikistan 0

North Korea welcomed group leaders Japan to a packed stadium in Pyongyang in today's first FIFA World Cup qualifier. Surprisingly, North Korea were more dangerous in attack from the get-go, and a couple of free kicks went close to the goal in the first period. North Korea were obviously amped up and ready to go, perhaps too much so as they received eight yellow cards during the match. The young Japanese team held for a 0-0 halftime score, but they were really up against the wall, the score notwithstanding.

Five minutes into the second period, a North Korea free kick was headed twice in the box, and as they saying goes, two headers in the box equal a goal. Pak Nam-Chol (pictured, red #4) finished with a vicious header from the penalty spot, and North Korea were leading. Both of North Korea's goals in the tournament thus far have been scored by a Pak Nam-Chol, but there are two players with that name. In minute 77, Jong Il-Gwan was ejected for his second yellow card, leaving North Korea down a man and the crowd antsy. However, North Korea's vaunted defense held firm, and the crowd got to celebrate a well-earned 1-0 victory over the 2011 AFC Asian Cup champions. Although North Korea have already been eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup, they do take away the Unofficial Football World Champions title from Japan. This marks North Korea's first reign holding the title.

Uzbekistan were warming up for their home match in Tashkent against last-place Tajikistan when news of Japan's loss came in. Uzbekistan knew that a would win put them three points clear in firs place. Uzbekistan were completely dominant in this matchup, but were only able to put one goal in the net in the first period.

In the second period, Uzbek dominance continued over their hapless neighbors. Uzbekistan converted goals on two more occasions, taking the victory by a 3-0 scoreline. Eraj Rajabov had taken a red card for Tajikistan, leaving his side down a man for the final four minutes of play. Uzbekistan move to thirteen points in the group and need only a tie in Japan to clinch the group title. One can only imagine how the group would have played out had Syria been allowed to compete in place of Tajikistan.

Goals

North Korea

Pak Nam-Chol (midfielder) 50

Uzbekistan

Sanjar Tursunov 34

Odil Ahmedov 60

Alexandr Geynrikh 72

Match Reports:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1542794/index.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/wires/11/15/2080.ap.soc.nkorea.japan.2nd.ld.writethru.0468/index.html

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/wires/11/15/2080.ap.soc.uzbekistan.tajikistan.1st.ld.writethru.0247/index.html

Highlights:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59_dg-5mL8o (North Korea v. Japan)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y82uV3oBkI4 (Uzbekistan v. Tajikistan)

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqvmB622Pb8 (Uzbekistan v. Tajikistan)

Cayman Islands 1 - Dominican Republic 1

The Cayman Islands welcomed the Dominican Republic to George Town for each team's final 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier. The Dominican Republic were surely licking their chops for another chance to defeat the Cayman Islands after a 4-0 just three days before today's match. Four minutes before the half, the Dominican Republic grabbed a 1-0 lead, improving hopes for a fifth win in qualifying.

Midway through the second period, the score remained 1-0 in favor of the Dominican Republic. However, the Cayman Islands found an unexpected equalizer through what was just their second goal of the entire tournament, and the first in the run of play. The Cayman Islands were able to see the result through to the finish, and the 1-1 draw is just the third point that the Cayman Islands have earned in five FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns. Their last point came in a draw at Bermuda on 3 February 2008. With the draw, the Dominican Republic have placed themselves in position to finish an unexpected second in the group ahead of Suriname pending tomorrow's result. If Suriname are unable to defeat unbeaten and untied group leaders El Salvador, the Dominican Republic will have their silver medal.

Goals

Dominican Republic

Cesar Garcia 41

Cayman Islands

Mark Ebanks 74