Italy 3 - Denmark 1; Bulgaria 0 - Czech Republic 0

Prague was the site of the clash between hosts Czech Republic and their opponents Bulgaria.  Bulgaria fired a warning shot wide in the first minute, but from then on the match was played on Czech terms until the final minute of the half.  A short-angle free kick from Georgi Iliev was flicked on at the near post by Ivelin Popov to the far post just out of the reach of a sliding Stanislav Manolev.  The half ended scoreless.

A dozen minutes after the restart, Bulgaria had a golden chance when a Georgi Milanov cross found a diving head of Popov, but the ball sailed just wide of the far post.  Midway through the period, Czech substitute Vladimir Darida nearly had a goal from distance, but Bulgaria goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov was there for a tip over.  With under ten minutes remaining, the Czechs had an attack that result in a ball being chipped over Mihaylov on a cross, but the Bulgarian defense was first to the ball to toe poke to safety.  The exciting 0-0 draw will leave the Czechs wondering what might have been had midfield playmaker Tomas Rosicky been healthy for the match.

A crowd in Milan was witness to the get together between visiting Denmark and group leaders Italy.  Simon Kjaer (pictured, white #3) was the Danish hero early as he headed one ball for a save on a shot from Riccardo Montolivo (pictured, blue) and then block another from Pablo Osvaldo.  Kjaer could only do so much, however, as Italy eventually had their goal.  Italy forward Mario Balotelli backheeled around Denmark defender Daniel Agger to set up Montolivo from the half-circle for the opening goal with a dozen minutes left in the half.  Balotelli went down in pain, having had his ankle been stepped on by Agger.  Four minutes later the lead was doubled when an Andrea Pirlo cross was headed in for Italy by a leaping Daniele De Rossi.  In stoppage time, William Kvist volleyed a cross from Lar Jacobsen with authority from the half circle for the goal of the match.  Denmark were down only 2-1 going into intermission.

Pablo Osvaldo took a red card in minute 46, leaving Italy a man down for the final half of play.  Denmark, for the second straight match, were unable to make the extra man count and in fact hemorrhaged another goal.  A long Pirlo ball over the three-man Danish back line found Balotelli, who lifted his leg high into the air to get a redirecting touch as the Denmark goalkeeper was rushing to block him.  Denmark had the majority of chances over the remainder of the match but were unable to trouble the Italian defense seriously.  Italy win 3-1 to consolidate their lead in Group B.

Italy 10 pts +6
Bulgaria 6 pts +1
Czech Rep 5 pts +2
Armenia 3 pts -2
Denmark 2 pts -2
Malta 0 pts -5

Goals
Italy
Riccardo Montolivo 33
Daniele De Rossi 37
Mario Balotelli 54

Denmark
William Kvist 45+1

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785752/index.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2218792/Italy-3-Denmark-1--Mario-Balotelli-target.html
http://www.goal.com/en/match/92437/italy-vs-denmark/report
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785811/index.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1787136/index.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbKlopSdrwc (Bulgaria v. Czech Republic)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1h0zgVlbujM (Italy v. Denmark)

Netherlands 4 - Romania 1; Hungary 3 - Turkey 1; Estonia 1 - Andorra 0

A trip to Andorra La Vella to face Andorra proved to be tougher task than anticipated for Estonia.  Both sides struggled mightily to create any offense in a scoreless first forty-five minutes, though Estonia attacking midfielder Joel Lindpere did have one decent opportunity.

Andorra nearly scored a miraculous goal as a half-field floated shot from Victor Moreira nearly sneaked in over a backpedaling goalkeeper, who had to tip over the bar.  Lindpere nearly picked up an assist, but his cross was headed just wide by Andres Oper.  Oper soon made amends after chesting down a ball for Martin Vunk.  Vunk smacked the crossbar with some side spin, kicking the ball out to where Oper was standing.  Oper made a diving header attempt for the opening goal with thirty-five minutes left in the match.  Andorra nearly made a serious attempt at equalizing, so Estonia escape with their first points in a 1-0 win.

Bucharest was the site for the showdown of two undefeated teams as Romania played hosts to Netherlands. Jeremain Lens scored a stunning opener off a punched clearance from Romania goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu.  Lens headed the ball home from the half circle to put Netherlands ahead by one goal.  Twenty minutes on, a Rafael van der Vaart free kick beat the Romanian offsides trap and fell to the foot of Bruno Martens for the second goal, though John Heitinga was there at the far post for a tap in should Martens have failed.  In response, Ciprian Marica took a goal all for himself after dribbling for over twenty yards to get into shooting position inside the half circle.  Marica finished to pull Romania within one goal, but the lead would increase on the stroke of halftime for the visitors.  Gabriel Tamas committed a foul on Luciano Narsingh in the Romanian penalty area, and the Netherlands converted the penalty kick for a 3-1 lead at the break.

Romania were never up to the challenge in the second period.  An early Robin van Persie effort was tipped away by Tatarusanu, but it did not motivate his side to glory.  With only five minutes left in the match, Romania were caught on the counterattack.  Netherlands converted on the three-on-three with Narsingh providing the assist on van Persie's goal.  Netherlands win 4-1 to take sole possession of first place in Group D.  Netherlands are one of two perfect teams in European qualifying along with Russia.

Budapest was the site of the clash between visiting Turkey and Hungary, who were looking to join Romania in second place with a victory today.  Turkey struck first midway through the period after a nice bit of intricate passing in the final third.  Mehmet Ekici slotted to Caner Erkin, who then slotted for Mevlut Erdinc who was able to put the ball into the net from short range to give Turkey a 1-0 lead.  Hungary were not fazed by this proceeding and maintained their game plan.  Hungary were a bit fortunate on the equalizer that came eight minutes later as a long-range shot range from Vladimir Koman ate up Turkey goalkeeper Volkan Demirel on the bounce and went into the goal off Demirel's knee.  The half ended 1-1.

Hungary did not let their good fortune cause a let down; they wanted to convert it into three points.  Adam Szalai, whose presence may have distracted Demirel on the first goal, made no mistake from close range after a rolled cross across the box from Tamas Kadar put him through.  Hungary led 2-1 and were looking for more.  A dozen minutes into the half, Turkey midfielder Hamit Altintop was beaten on a run by Koman into the box.  Altintop accidentally tripped Koman as the cross was coming, leading to a Hungary penalty kick that was converted for 3-1.  Turkey could not summon a fight back, and their dreams of Brasil 2014 appear to be vanishing into the air.  Hungary win 3-1.

Netherlands 12 pts +11
Hungary 9 pts +5
Romania 9 pts +4
Turkey 3 pts -2
Estonia 3 pts -5
Andorra 0 pts -13

Goals
Estonia
Andres Oper 56

Netherlands
Jeremain Lens 8
Bruno Martens 28
Rafael van der Vaart 45+1 PK
Robin Van Persie 85

Romania
Ciprian Marica 39

Hungary
Vladimir Koman 31
Adam Szalai 50
Zoltan Gera 57 PK

Turkey
Mevlut Erdinc 22

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785736/index.html
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/world/story/romania-1-4-netherlands-uefa-2014-world-cup-qualifier-match-report-robin-van-persie-seals-win-101612
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785757/index.html
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkey-hits-rock-bottom.aspx?pageID=238&nID=32670&NewsCatID=362
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785772/index.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHUTsBwVnBo (Estonia v. Andorra)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cW5jL1aN2xI (Netherlands v. Romania)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkUDb_vifQo (Hungary v. Turkey)

Greece 1 - Slovakia 0; Bosnia and Herzegovina 3 - Lithuania 0; Latvia 2 - Liechtenstein 0

Liechtenstein came to Riga to visit Latvia.  Latvia, in spite of having earned no points, were heavy favorites against their opponents on this.  On the half hour mark, Latvia took advantage of an injured Liechtenstein player inside of the visitors' penalty area, scoring a goal rather than playing the ball out of bounds so that he could be treated.  Liechtenstein goalkeeper Cengiz Bicer made a great double save from his knees with five minutes to go in the half.  Latvia led 1-0 at recess.

Daniel Kaufmann picked up his second yellow in minute 60 after having been booked only two minutes prior, leaving Liechtenstein to cope with ten players.  A through ball breakaway chance was converted by Edgars Gauracs to put the home side up two goals.  Latvia win 2-0.

A loud crowd gathered in Zenica to cheer on Bosnia and Herzegovina as they took on Lithuania.  The match was decided in a twelve-minute run that began just before the half hour mark.  Miralem Pjanic is the creator in the Bosnian midfield, and he came through tonight.  For the first goal, he nutmegged his defender with a short through ball that allowed Vedad Ibisevic to latch on at full speed and delivered a roof finish for 1-0.  Six minutes later, another Pjanic assist was recorded when his pass to the penalty spot was converted by Edin Dzeko, who had run free of his marker in the process.  Dzeko paid his teammate back after a bit of excellent hold up play.  Dzeko fielded the ball with his back to goal and drew a double team before turning and chipping a cross that was knocked home on the half volley by Pjanic.  Twelve minutes of genius gave Bosnia a 3-0 lead at halftime.

The second half was much more subdued.  In fact, Lithuania had the only two real chances in the period, but neither was well-taken.  Bosnia win 3-0 to remain atop the Group G standings with six matches left to play.

Slovakia hoped that some home cooking Bratislava would be the recipe for success against a stubborn Greece defense as both teams needed a win to keep pace with high-flying Bosnia.  Slovakia were the better team for much of the night, but that often is not enough to beat the Piratiko.  With seven minutes left in the half, Slovakia attacking midfielder Marek Hamsik had a chance at goal, but his shot grazed the outside of the post.  Slovakia really should have scored after a nice one-two-one play beat the Greek defense, but over-dribbling led to the initial chance being knocked away by a sliding goalkeeper, but the rebound led to an open shot.  Greece center back Nikos Spiropoulos retreated to the goal line during the play and was there to clear the shot off the line.  The half ended 0-0 with Greece lucky to be even.

Slovakia took a few long distance shots in the hopes that the rain would cause a mistake, but they were never rewarded for the strategy.  A frustrated Slovakia team had one defensive lapse during the match, and it  cost them dearly.  A ball fell wide of the penalty box after an initial clearance.  Greece captain Konstantinos Katsouranis played a ball in to Dimitrios Salpingidis.  Salpingidis had been played onside by Martin Skrtel, who compounded his mistake by allowing Salpingidis to stay goal side of him for multiple seconds.  Slovakia had two chances for the equalizer in the final five minutes, but neither one fell with the better of the two being a Michal Breznanik laser that met the crossbar and the point at the same time and flew many yards out of bounds of the rebound.  Greece hold on to win 1-0 in typical Greek fashion.

Bosnia 10 pts +13
Greece 10 pts +4
Slovakia 7 pts +2
Lithuania 4 pts -3
Latvia 3 pts -3
Liechtenstein 0 pts -12

Goals
Latvia
Vladimirs Kamess 29
Edgars Gauracs 77

Bosnia
Vedad Ibisevic 29
Edin Dzeko 35
Miralem Pjanic 41

Greece
Dimitrios Salpingidis 63

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785743/index.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/oct/18/bosnia-herzegovina-world-cup
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785745/index.html
http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite5_1_16/10/2012_466351
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785783/index.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LyMjDPHMDg (Latvia v. Liechtenstein)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6JCX4x_-eY (Bosnia v. Lithuania)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9-NUVnucKw&feature=related (Greece v. Slovakia)

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwmdWGnA3-Y (Bosnia v. Lithuania: 1st half)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw_mm-JSLtc&feature=relmfu (Bosnia v. Lithuania: 2nd half)

Montenegro 1 - Ukraine 0; Moldova 2 - San Marino 0

Serravalle, home to San Marino, welcomed Moldova in a match given little attention on a busy day in qualifying.  The two teams played an end-to-end first half, but neither side could convert its chances into goals as the half ended scoreless.

Moldova quickened their rate of play in the second half, and it eventually paid off with eighteen minutes left in the match.  Vitalie Bordian drew a penalty that Moldova side would convert for a 1-0 lead on the road.  Eight minutes later, a Moldova corner kick found a completely unmarked Alexandru Epureanu at the six-yard box, and he made no mistake with his header as he gave his side a two-goal cushion that would hold until the final whistle.  Moldova win 2-0.

Ukraine returned home to Kyiv in the hopes of moving into second spot in the group and leapfrogging their opponents on the day, Montenegro.  The visitors were on the accelerator from the opening whistle, and always looked more likely to score.  It took them until the final minute of the half, but they found a goal.  A lackadaisical pass from Ukraine defender Taras Mykhalyk was intercepted by Elsad Zverotic.  Zverotic passed forward to Steven Jovetic, who then sent a through ball down to center of the pitch to a wide open Dejan  Damjanovic.  His finish sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and sent Montenegro into their locker room with a 1-0 lead.

Montenegro remained the better team in the second half, and they drew a penalty when Miodrag Dzudovic was hugged to the ground by Yevhen Selin inside the Ukrainian six-yard box on a corner kick.  A poorly placed effort by Montenegrin captain Jovetic was easily saved by Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.  Ukraine never truly challenged for an equalizer, even with the support of the crowd.  Montenegro deservedly win 1-0.

England 7 pts +10
Montenegro 7 pts +7
Poland 4 pts +2
Moldova 4 pts -5
Ukraine 2 pts -1
San Marino 0 pts -13

Goals
Moldova
Serghei Dadu 72 PK
Alexandru Epureanu 78

Montenegro
Dejan Damjanovic 45

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785780/index.html
http://www.uefa.com/worldcup/season=2014/matches/round=2000294/match=2008745/postmatch/report/index.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785762/index.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8BDkpTrSBc (Moldova v. San Marino)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlI5Kh23uik (Montenegro v. Ukraine)

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNrjeqE5sOQ (Montenegro v. Ukraine)

England's visit to Warsaw to take on Poland was delayed by torrential rain that made the pitch unplayable just before kickoff was to take place.  The match will instead take place tomorrow, meaning that the matchup will be the only one on Wednesday's schedule for Brasil 2014.

Match time is given in Central Time (GMT-5).

17 October 2012
England at Poland 10:00 Warsaw

Iran 1 - South Korea 0; Uzbekistan 1 - Qatar 0

Qatar welcomed Uzbekistan to Doha for the first qualifier of the day.  Qatar had the majority of the attacking ideas on the night, but that did not stop Uzbekistan from converting one of their few chances  a dozen minutes into the match as a Akmal Shorakmedov cross was laced home on the volley from the penalty spot by Sanjar Tursonov.  Qatar defender Lawrence Quaye had a go from distance, but Uzbekistan goalkeeper Ignatiy Nesterov dove to knock the ball to safety.  Nesterov was called upon again at the stroke of halftime to tip aside a header from Wesam Abdulmajid.  The half ended 1-0 to the visitors.

Uzbekistan had no motivation to go forward in the second half, but their defense was quite stout.  The heat began to slow do the Qataris as they were forced to do all the running in search of the equalizer.  By the end of the match, Uzbekistan were simply knocking the ball around as a tired Qatar were trying to summon energy to steal the ball.  The final whistle blew to give Uzbekistan a 1-0 win and a ticket off the bottom of the table in Group One.

Tehran's famed Azadi Stadium raucously greeted Iran as the home side took on group leaders South Korea. Twenty minutes into the match, Reza Ghoochannejhad ripped a shot from twenty-one yards to force a sprawling save by Korean goalkeeper Jung Sung-Ryong.  From there on out until halftime, the Taeguek Warriors were on the offensive.  A Kim Bo-Kyung header crashed the underside of the bar over the outstretched hands of the Iran goalkeeper, but the ball somehow came down on the line and spun back out without scoring.  Iran were relieved to go into their locker room tied at zero goals apiece.

Masoud Shojaei made a terrible challenge in minute 56 on Oh Beom-Seok, leading to his second yellow card and expulsion.  Team Melli did not suffer as badly from being a man down as one would have expected playing against a powerful team like South Korea.  In fact, Team Melli outplayed the visitors over the final half hour.  With a dozen minutes left in the match, a short free kick for Iran was deflected to the penalty spot, from where Jevad Nekounam half-volleyed into the bottom corner to give Iran a lead they would not relinquish.  Iran win 1-0 to go joint-top of the group with South Korea.

South Korea 7 pts +5
Iran 7 pts +1
Uzbekistan 5 pts 0
Qatar 4 pts -3
Lebanon 4 pts -3

Goals
Uzbekistan
Sanjar Tursunov 13

Iran
Jevad Nekounam 78

Match Reports:
http://football.thestar.com.my/2012/10/16/uzbekistan-beat-qatar-to-reignite-world-cup-hopes/
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785975/index.html
http://www.sbnation.com/2014-world-cup-qualifying/2012/10/16/3512734/iran-vs-south-korea-final-score-match-report-result
http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2012/10/16/10-man-iran-downs-south-korea-1-0-in-qualifier/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OfZqjQeBAM (Uzbekistan v. Qatar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9HbplOeJbY (Iran v. South Korea)

Australia 2 - Iraq 1; Oman 2 - Jordan 1

Muscat was the scene welcomed Oman home to take on Jordan.  Oman were two points adrift of Jordan for second place in Group Two coming into the night.  The first half was relatively quiet until the final minute, when Fouzi Bashir's shot beat the goalkeeper, but luckily for Jordan fullback Mohammed Al-Dmeiri was on the line to make a clearance.  The half ended scoreless.

In the opening minute of the second half, a long cross from Jordan captain Amer Deeb led to a sliding shot by Ahmad Ibrahim inside the six-yard box, but he knocked the ball wide of frame.  A couple of minutes beyond the hour mark, Oman scored off a messy corner kick play.  Ismail Al Ajmi headed down weakly , but his teammate Ahmed Mubarak was first to go to ground and was able to toe poke through two Jordan defenders and into the goal for the opener.  With three minutes left to play, Oman sealed the victory.  Confusion between a Jordanian center back and his goalkeeper on how to deal with a cross that landed on the six-yard box allowed the ball to bounce to Jumaa Darwish for a sharp-angled tap-in at the far post, leading to a four-person choreographed dance routine in celebration.  In the final minute of regulation, a very smooth one-two-one-three-two play by Jordan led to a goal from Thaer Bawab.  Oman would not allow Jordan to take advantage of any further lapse in concentration in stoppage time, however, so Oman win 2-1 to leapfrog Jordan in the standings.

Doha, Qatar was the nominal home venue for Iraq as Australia came to town.  Both teams were mired in joint last-place on the table coming into the match but knew that a victory could catapult them into second place.  The first half was woefully devoid of offense and ended 0-0.

Robbie Kruse nearly opened the scoring for Australia, but he sent a shot centimeters wide of the post.  Australia looked like the more dangerous side, but it would be Iraq who would come through with eighteen minutes left to play.  A Younis Mahmoud header off a beautiful floated cross half the length of the field from his right back was nodded perfectly behind Matthew Spiranovic, the one defender back, and into the path of substitute Alaa Abdul Zahara.  Zahara slotted to the bottom corner to give Iraq a 1-0 lead and life in the group standings.  A determined Australia were not about to lose again and go bottom of the group, however.  A mistake on the marking scheme on an Australia corner ten minutes from time left forward Zahara on Tim Cahill, one of the best headers of the ball in the history of the sport.  Matt McKay's outswinging corner kick came to Cahill on the penalty spot, and he rose above Zahara to push an excellent header back toward the near post for the equalizer.  The Socceroos were not down scoring.  Spiranovic had a header chance two minutes later but he sent his shot wide.  Two minutes after that, another breakthrough happened when two fresh Australia substitutes combined on the match winner.  A perfect cross from Tommy Oar allowed Archie Thompson to have a free look at a flick header in the six-yard box, and Thompson converted, giving Australia the lead and the fans an opportunity to witness Thompson and Cahill joining forces as they boxed with the corner flag in celebration.  Australia win 2-1.

Japan 10 pts +10
Australia 5 pts 0
Oman 5 pts -2
Jordan 4 pts -6
Iraq 2 pts -2

Goals
Oman
Ahmed Mubarak 62
Jumaa Darwish 87

Jordan
Thaer Bawab 90

Australia
Tim Cahill 80
Archie Thompson 84

Iraq
Alaa Abdul Zahara 72

Match Reports:
http://main.omanobserver.om/node/115577
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1785977/index.html
http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/football/230713/football-socceroos-back-track-iraq-win
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/no-room-for-complacency-20121019-27wnc.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeqnE9qpNuE (Oman v. Jordan)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sN80pWzPaI&feature=related (Australia v. Iraq)

New Zealand 3 - Tahiti 0; New Caledonia 5 - Solomon Islands 0

Photo by Martin Hunter

Christchurch was the scene as hosts New Zealand were looking for a win that would eliminate visiting Tahiti from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  A nervy start from Tahiti saw a couple of poor passes at the back lead to a turnover that gave the All Whites an opening chance.  Chris Killen's initial shot was blocked, but Michael McGlinchey finished far post from the half circle, putting New Zealand up a goal within three minutes.  The half ended with the hosts up 1-0.

The second period continued the trend of few attacking possibilities. Only in the final minute of regulation did the scoreline change again. A Kosta Barbarouses (pictured, white) shot was spilled by Tahiti goalkeeper Mikael Roche, and Killen was there to tap home the rebound immediately over the offside protests of the Tahitian defenders.  In stoppage time, a long rebound off a good save rolled out to McGlinchey who floated a curling ball from the half circle into the upper ninety for the finishing touch.  New Zealand win 3-0 to remain top of the group, and in the process Tahiti have been eliminated from Brasil 2014.

With the earlier result in New Zealand, Solomon Islands knew that anything less than a win would eliminate them from Brasil 2014.  Their hosts New Caledonia were none too sympathetic, and they did not provide very much hospitality in Noumea.  A throw-in at the five-minute mark led to a break down the right flank by Bertrand Kai, who hit a cross to George Gope-Fenepej.  Gope-Fenepej headed in before the goalkeeper could touch the ball away, giving Les Cagous a 1-0 lead.  It took only seven minutes for New Caledonia to find the second, with Roy Kayara making a solo run through the middle of the defense, shaking the two center backs with a juke, and dribbling around the goalkeeper before finishing into an open net.  On the half hour mark, Les Cagous found through a wonder strike from Iamel Kabeu.  The ball had fallen loose after a blocked shot twenty-five yards from goal, so the oncoming Kabeu fired first-time off the bottom of the crossbar in the upper ninety.  On the stroke of halftime, Cesar Loholea made it four with a chip goal from eighteen yards over a caught-out goalkeeper.  Les Cagous took the 4-0 lead into the break.

The majority of the second half saw little action.  Georges Bearune, a late substitute for Les Cagous, made a long cross that floated over the Bonitos' back line and into the airspace of Loholea, who volleyed the cross into the goal from sixteen yards to finish the scoring.  New Caledonia win 5-0 to eliminate the Solomon Islands from Brasil 2014.  New Caledonia next play New Zealand in March in a match that may very well decide the group championship.

New Zealand 12 pts +12
New Caledonia 9 pts +11
Solomon Islands OUT
Tahiti OUT

Goals
New Zealand
Michael McGlinchey 3, 90+4
Chris Killen 90

New Caledonia
Georges Gope-Fenepej 5
Roy Kayara 12
Iamel Kabeu 31
Cesar Loholea 45, 90

Match Reports:
http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/415784f3-4589-48aa-aeee-411d0a0422e5/language/en-US/Default.aspx
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/7823580/All-Whites-too-good-for-Tahiti
http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/football/230666/football-all-whites-take-scrappy-win-over-tahiti
http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/0b0b60d7-0622-4686-80b6-16932e895f67/language/en-US/Default.aspx
http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/785bf075-52ef-438a-aba9-56ce291dd8e9/language/en-US/Default.aspx

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5T-mwC4_3X4 (New Zealand v. Tahiti)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLppeCJxm0k&feature=g-all-u (New Caledonia v. Solomon Islands)

New Zealand 2 - Tahiti 0

Photo by Federation Tahitienne de Football employee

Tahiti kicked off their home match in Pirae against New Zealand twenty-six hours after the other OFC Third Round Matchday Three match but on the same date.  Such occurrences only are seen in Oceania, where the International Date Line plays tricks with the schedule.  Tahiti were showing good skill on the ball, but as always the no-nonsense Kiwis were nonplussed.  A free kick for the Kiwis turned into a mad scramble in the box.  Following an initial save, the rebound happened to spill to the far post for a Shane Smeltz tap-in and a New Zealand lead.  The halftime score was 1-0 to the visitors.

In the second period, a Leo Bertos blocked shot a Tahiti shot to preserve the lead.  Later, striker Chris Wood shook Angelo Tchen and fought off a second Tahiti defender before blowing his shot well over the crossbar.  With under ten minutes to play, New Zealand turned a corner kick into 2-0 when Tony Lochhead's ball was volleyed goalward by Ben Sigmund.  Tchen stuck his foot out but only managed to turn the ball into the side net, angering his goalkeeper who may have been able to save had Tchen not interfered.  New Zealand win 2-0 to regain the lead in the OFC Third Round group.  The return match between Tahiti and the Kiwis will take place in four days' time on the calendar, but in three days' time in reality as the scene shifts forward a day.  Anything short of a win for Tahiti and they will be eliminated from Brasil 2014.

New Zealand 9 pts +9
New Caledonia 6 pts +6
Solomon Islands 3 pts -7
Tahiti 0 pts -8

Goals
New Zealand
Shane Smeltz 24
Ben Sigmund 82

Match Reports:
http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/4c05d9b8-e59c-46f8-ae29-c6f6fbde893f/language/en-US/Default.aspx
http://www.oceaniafootball.com/ofc/News/ViewArticle/tabid/125/Article/7fe19fa5-1ea4-46ae-9356-ff3bd0622f01/language/en-US/Default.aspx

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JmP7VARXW8&feature=g-all-u

Honduras 0 - Panama 0; Canada 3 - Cuba 0

Canada welcomed short-handed Cuba to Toronto.  Cuba showed up to the match with only eleven players as one player was ill and another three had escaped from the team hotel in order to defect to the United States.  Canada were in no position in the standings to show mercy to the Cubans even though their visitors were without substitutes; Canada needed a win to keep on track for Brasil 2014.  Canada were battering the Cuban goalmouth from the opening whistle, but three chances went begging early.  Simeon Jackson played a ball up to Ante Jazic that led to a slotted ball across the box.  Tosaint Ricketts found the ball in space and fired home for 1-0 to Canada.  Cuba goalkeeper Odelin Molina made a fine save off a close-range header to keep his team within touching distance.  The half finished 1-0 to the Canucks.

Julian de Guzman created a turnover in the Cuban defensive zone and worked his way in for a shot, but Molina was up to the task yet again, this time with a kick save.  In minute 70, Roberto Linares was sent off for a rash tackle against Andre Hainault, leaving Cuba to cope with ten men.  Will Johnson headed Canada's second goal home after a monster deflection left a jump ball up for grabs on Cuba's goal line with no Molina in site.  In the ensuing celebration, Olivier Occean was given a straight red for shoving Molina in the net as Canada tried to grab the ball the hasten the ensuing kickoff.  The final seventeen minutes plus were played ten versus ten.  Five minutes later, a Jazic cross was met on a volley by the outside of David Edgar's foot, leading to a screamer for Canada's third goal.  Canada win 3-0 and need only a draw on the road in Honduras to advance to the final six in CONCACAF.

Panama City was the site as Panama and La Marea Roja welcomed Los Catrachos of Honduras.  Panama knew that a win at home would seal their progression to the next phase of qualifying.  Armando Cooper had a golden opportunity to put Panama ahead but he let Honduras off the hook as he beat the goalkeeper but not the post on his through-ball induced breakaway.  Honduras came back with two close calls, but neither required a save to be made.  Cooper came right back and forced Donis Escober (pictured, yellow) in the Honduran goal to saved on the stretch, and the resulting rebound came too quickly for Blas Perez (pictured, red) to put the ball back on target.  The half ended poised precariously at 0-0.

Luis Tejada jumped onto the offensive in the first minute of play upon resumption, but Escober was so well placed that he had to use his hands to save his face from taking the brunt of the shot.  Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo was called into action to save at the lower corner of his goal when a turn-and-shoot from twenty yards by Carlo Costly was sent with pace at his goal.  Boniek Garcia had another chance for Los Catrachos one minute later, but this time Penedo went airborne to knock the ball to safety.  Victor Bernandez took a short angled free kick from nineteen yards, but his rocket sailed just over the crossbar.  Panama held on for dear life and the result is a 0-0 draw.

Panama 10 pts +4
Canada 10 pts +3
Honduras 8 pts +2
Cuba OUT

Goals
Canada
Tosaint Ricketts 14
Will Johnson 73
David Edgar 79

News Reports:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/soccer/10/13/missing-cubans.ap/index.html?eref=sircrc

Match Reports:
http://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/article/1270979--world-cup-soccer-cuba-faces-canada-with-no-subs-in-qualifying
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/canada-beats-undermanned-cuba-3-0-in-world-cup-qualifying/2012/10/12/1a2aafda-14d9-11e2-9a39-1f5a7f6fe945_story.html
http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Canada+final+World+qualifying+game+Honduras/7387071/story.html
http://fepafut.com/noticias_detail.asp?id=3095

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrIMpvJCRCY (Canada v. Cuba)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKtJZRuxzP0 (Honduras v. Panama)

Guatemala 2 - Jamaica 1; United States of America 2 - Antigua and Barbuda 1

North Sound and its tiny pitch was the site as the Benna Boys of Antigua and Barbuda hosted group favorites United States of America.  Much had been made of the American's decision to leave striker Jozy Altidore at home, but his replacement Eddie Johnson seemed intent on making all the pundits pipe down.  A Graham Zusi cross allowed Johnson to raise up and meet it with his head, giving the Americans a lead after twenty minutes.  However, Antigua would not allow themselves any time for pity.  Forward Peter Byers bolted to the endline, beating American center back Geoff Cameron in time to slot back across the box for an onrushing Dexter Blackstock to equalize with his first ever international goal.  Seven minutes elapsed before another Zusi cross found Johnson's head, but this time there would be no goal as the header went wide.  Tim Howard was forced into a diving catch by a long-distance effort from Randolph Burton.  The half ended with the teams level at 1-1.

The Americans controlled possession in the second half, but the lion's share of attacking chances went to Antigua.  None of the Antigua chances truly bothered Howard, but their frequency must have been disconcerting.  American midfielder Jermaine Jones picked up a yellow card in his appearance as a substitute for an intentional handball, thereby getting himself suspended for the game against Guatemala on Tuesday.  In the final ten minutes, the tide of momentum turned. Substitute Sasha Kljestan hit a knuckling curveball from twenty-five yards, but Antigua goalkeeper Molvin James was able to parry it away.  James then tipped a well-struck header from Michael Bradley onto his crossbar and out of play five minutes later.  Just when it seemed the spoils would be shared, a cross from Alan Gordon found Johnson's head for a stoppage time winner for the United States.  The Americans win 2-1 on their first trip to Antigua and take the lead in Group One.

Guatemala City was the scene as Guatemala welcomed Jamaica to town.  Carlos Figueroa received a pass twenty-six yards from goal and then proceeded to slalom through five defenders before finishing from eight yards over an oncoming goalkeeper to give Los Chapines a 1-0 lead.  The Reggae Boyz had a chance at the equalizer after a lofted through ball beat the offsides trap, but an amazing recovery run by Elias Vasquez allowed him to make a saving tackle and clearance.  The half ended with Guatemala up 1-0.

Dane Richards, a first-half substitution, made a world of difference in the second half for the Reggae Boyz.  Richards beat Jose Contreras to a loose ball on the hour mark and was tripped just inside the top of the box, giving Jamaica a penalty.  After the conversion, the match was tied at one goal apiece.  With five minutes to go, the all-time leading goal scorer for Guatemala Carlos Ruiz (pictured, white) came through in the clutch.  He ran to the near post on an inswinging corner kick and rose before his defenders to head home with authority.  Los Chapines held on through to the end, and Guatemala win 2-1 to move within one point of the CONCACAF Fourth Round.

USA 10 pts +3
Guatemala 10 pts +3
Jamaica 7 pts 0
Antigua OUT

Goals
United States of America
Eddie Johnson 20, 90

Antigua and Barbuda
Dexter Blackstock 25

Guatemala
Carlos Figueroa 16
Carlos Ruiz 85

Jamaica
Luton Shelton 61 PK

Match Reports:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/soccer/10/12/us-soccer-survive-antigua-barbuda.ap/index.html?sct=sc_t12_a1
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/grant_wahl/10/12/us-survives-antigua-barbuda/index.html?sct=sc_t12_a0
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/avi_creditor/10/12/us-player-ratings-antigua-barbuda/index.html?sct=sc_t12_a2
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/blog/_/name/espnfcunited/id/1064?cc=5901
http://boxscorenews.com/late-ruiz-goal-lifts-guatemala-over-jamaica-in-world-cup-qualifying-p49185-68.htm

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uNjawxKPzw (USA v. Antigua)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tg0fQbTDNfw (Guatemala v. Jamaica)

Costa Rica 1 - El Salvador 0; Mexico 5 - Guyana 0

Houston, United States of America was the nominal home for Guyana as they faced Mexico, though the majority of the fans in attendance were supporting Mexico.  They had much to cheer, beginning with an early penalty earned by striker Javier Hernandez as he was tripped by the goalkeeper's hand.  However, Hernandez sent his penalty kick into the crossbar, so the opener decided to be fashionably late.  Mexico winger Javier Aquino beat his men down the field on a delayed break, but his wonderful chip found the far post and rebounded away for an easy clearance.  With only a dozen minutes left in the half, it appeared Mexico would pay for their lack of finishing.  Mr. Richardson stripped Francisco Rodriguez up Mexico's right flank and proceeded unimpeded into the box, where his shot was saved by the knee of Mexico goalkeeper Javier Orozco.  On the ensuing corner kick, the ball fell for Charles Pollard in the box, but his shot sailed high over the bar.  The Guyana goal continued its charmed existence as the crossbar turned away a one bounce volley from Israel Jimenez.  The half finished as it began, 0-0.

Derrick Carter in the Guyanese goal was having a great afternoon as it was, but he smothered a free header from Hector Moreno off an early second-half corner kick, and surely Guyana must have thought that today would be their day.  Guyana's Walter Moore made a diving block of an Oribe Peralta shot a dozen minutes in, and Mexico's frustration must have been impossible to contain any further.  With thirteen minutes left to play, Jamaal Smith blocked a Hernandez shot, but a well-timed strike by Andrew Guardado off a loose ball soon thereafter finally breached the Guyanese goal for a 1-0 lead to Mexico.  Two minutes later, an Angel Reyna through ball put Hernandez one-on-one with an onrushing Carter, so Hernandez slotted to Peralta in open space for the easy finish for 2-0.  An own goal made it three goals in six minutes to Mexico.  Hernandez finally got his goal on a Guardado cross and suddenly it was 4-0 nine minutes after it had been 0-0.  One minute later, Reyna scored the best goal of Mexico's bunch from just beyond the half circle, giving Mexico their fifth of the night and Reyna his first ever for the national team.  Carter stopped a one-on-one with Hernandez, but he must really have wondered what happened to his defense in the final minutes of the match.  The final scoreline was rather harsh to a Guyana side that went stride for side with the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup champions for the first seventy-five minutes, but football is not about scorelines that reflect the story; it is about goals scored.  Mexico win 5-0 and maintain their perfect record on route to the CONCACAF Fourth Round.  With the loss, Guyana are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

San Salvador was the site for the most important CONCACAF qualifier of the day as the hosts El Salvador would eliminate Costa Rica with a win but would be all but eliminated with anything short of three points.  On the half hour mark, Costa Rica forward Alvaro Saborio made a great effort to save a ball off the end line with his head, and, after a touch from Cristian Bolaños, Jose Cubero had a running start onto the ball.  Cubero placed his shot beautifully, tucking it into the corner by the far post and giving the visiting Ticos a 1-0 lead.  Costa Rica had all the scoring chances in the half but only lead 1-0 at the break.

Costa Rica nearly doubled their lead just after the hour mark, but the one-on-one opportunity of Randall Brenes was saved by the foot of an onrushing Dagoberto Portillo in the El Salvador goal.  Portillo made another kick save to preserve hopes for El Salvador, but the offense never got going.  With three minutes left in regulation, Eliseo Quintanilla went crazy, elbowing Tico defender Michael Umaña in the face and then shoving another Tico in the eyes as he came to accost Quintanilla.  The straight red all but ended El Salvador's hopes of reaching Brasil 2014.  Alfredo Pacheco got his own red card one minute into stoppage time as he viciously slapped the back of Bolaños's neck and then stepped on him as he walked away from the play.  El Salvador finished with nine men and with little hope of advaning to the CONCACAF Fourth Round after Costa Rica defeat them 1-0.

Mexico 15 pts IN
Costa Rica 7 pts +2
El Salvador 5 pts -1
Guyana OUT

Goals
Mexico
Andres Guardado 77
Oribe Peralta 79
Charles Pollard 83 OG
Javier Hernandez 84
Angel Reyna 86

Costa Rica
Jose Cubero 31

Match Reports:
http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2012/10/12/guardado-peralta-score-late-to-help-mexico-rout-guyana-5-0-in-neutral-site-wc/
http://www.chron.com/sports/dynamo/article/Mexico-explodes-in-second-half-beats-Guyana-5-0-3944542.php
http://futbol.univision.com/centroamerica/costa-rica/article/2012-10-13/aplauden-costa-rica-que-la-victoria-en-el-salvador#axzz29F5ovnce

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APHqcDynJK8 (Mexico v. Guyana)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ur6TUbTyT6s (Costa Rica v. El Salvador)

Argentina 3 - Uruguay 0

The match was between hosts Argentina and visiting Uruguay, but what the fans in Mendoza actually witnessed was the pure brilliance of the undisputed best player in the world, Lionel Messi (pictured, blue #10).  Argentina had more of the ball than did Uruguay in the opening forty-five minutes, but no goals were to come of it.  The best play was when Messi took on four defenders and got through them all before attempting an audacious chip that landed on the roof of the goal twenty-eight minutes into the match.  Messi took a short free kick from the side of the box and drew a nice save out of Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.  The halftime score read Argentina 0, Uruguay 0.

It was only a matter of time before Messi broke the deadlock, for Uruguay have been in a terrible run of form lately and offer little of offensive value.  Five minutes in, Uruguay captain and center back Diego Lugano executed a two-footed slide into the chest of Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero but was somehow only shown a yellow card rather than a straight red.  Messi had enough of teasing the crowd by the sixty-fifth minute, so he executed a give-and-go with Angel Di Maria.  Di Maria's return pass nutmegged his marker and found its way to a sliding Messi for the finish and a 1-0 lead.  Five minutes later, Messi was the playmaker as his perfectly weighted ball found Di Maria in stride, whose resulting perfectly weighted ball found Sergio Aguero in stride for a tap-in and a 2-0 lead.  With ten minutes left in the match, Messi had a twenty-yard free kick opportunity against a five-man wall.  Messi decided to simply curl the ball along the ground as the wall jumped completely over it, allowing his goal an unimpeded course into the bottom corner of the goal.  Argentina win 3-0 and stand alone atop the CONMEBOL standings at the midway point of the qualification cycle for Brasil 2014.

Argentina 17 pts +12
Colombia 16 pts +8

Ecuador 16 pts +3

Uruguay 12 pts +1

Chile 12 pts -3

Venezuela 11 pts -1

Peru 8 pts -4

Bolivia 5 pts -5

Paraguay 4 pts -11

Goals
Argentina
Lionel Messi 65, 80
Sergio Aguero 70

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/2014-world-cup-qualifying/2012/10/13/3496758/argentina-vs-uruguay-final-score-match-report-result-lionel-messi/in/3258483
http://www.goal.com/en/match/82143/argentina-vs-uruguay/report

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW3VIIsiBls

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U2YgsyTkh8 (1st half)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9KskQxBvJE (2nd half)

Ecuador 3 - Chile 1

Quito was the site as Ecuador tried to make it five home wins from five in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  Chile were the invitees on this day to Estadio Atahualpa.  Cristian Benitez had a header off a corner kick saved by a diving Miguel Pinto in goal for Chile.  Minutes later, Gabriel Achilier sent a header off the Chilean crossbar.  Moments after that, Benitez had another header sent goalward, but this time it was Felipe Seymour who was present to clear off the line and save Chile's goal from being breached.  Three minutes later, disaster struck against Ecuador.  Juan Carlos Paredes scored perhaps the worst own goal of the entire qualifying tournament worldwide as he faced a cross with the goal to his left and decided to clear the ball with his right foot, which was pointed directly at his own goal, rather than with his left foot, which was facing away from his goal.  Anyhow, the result of his decision was inevitable, so Chile had an undeserved 1-0 lead.  Mattias Fernandez basically gave the goal back eight minutes later with an awful back pass over fifteen yards deep that was intercepted by Felipe Caicedo.  Caicedo slipped around Pinto and finished into an open net for the 1-1 score.  That was the score at the break.

Benitez nearly had a goal when he shot just wide from the top of the box three minutes into the second period after Caicedo had given him a perfect lay-off.  Chile defender Pablo Contreras smashed into Reinato Ibarra inside the penalty area, resulting in Contreras's second yellow card and a sending off in minute 54.  Caicedo had his penalty attempt saved, but he ran up to knock home the rebound, giving Ecuador a one-goal lead with a man advantage.  Luis Saritama nearly had the third for Ecuador eight minutes from time, but his shot got stuck under the body of Pinto, who honestly could not have known much about the save he had just made.  Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal threw a cheap shot elbow to Saritama's face, so he was bounced from the field in minute 86.  Ecuador made their two-man advantage pay off in stoppage time when a short-corner free kick from Jefferson Montero met the head of Segundo Castillo (pictured, yellow) at the near post for a headed goal.  Ecuador win 3-1.

Goals
Ecuador
Felipe Caicedo 33, 56
Segundo Castillo 90+3

Chile
Juan Carlos Paredes 25 OG

Match Reports:
http://www.santiagotimes.cl/sports/soccer/25278-ecuador-defeats-chile-3-1-in-world-cup-qualifier

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMXMRiD2n-g

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGhZPzpa0Jg

Colombia 2 - Paraguay 0

Colombia picked hot and steamy Barranquilla as the site for their match against Paraguay.  The first half would have done nothing to turn a casual fan onto football as the match was completely devoid of any remarkable plays.  The half ended as a nondescript 0-0.

Radamel Falcao (pictured, yellow), currently the best striker in the world and playing for Atletico Madrid, decided that the second half needed some flair and some goals, so he provided it all himself.  Macnelly Torres hit a pass into Falcao, who then cut back onto his left foot, leaving Paraguay defender Paulo Da Silva on the ground in his wake.  Falcao then calmly placed a lofted finished into the side net at the far post.  Falcao even decided to play defense for Paraguay to make things interesting later on as he blocked a Teofilo Gutierrez goalbound shot with his chest. Paraguay nearly equalized off a corner kick, but Victor Cacedes flashed his power header wide.  Colombia waited four minutes to fire off a string of chances, but the first from Gutierrez was blocked off a kick save by
Paraguay goalkeeper Diego Barreto.  The second chance came when Juan Cuadrado flashed a wicked cross along the ground into the six-yard box, but Falcao's leg could not reach it on a dive.  With nine minutes left, Falcao chipped over Barreto, but Ivan Piris was back to clear off the goal line for Paraguay.  With only a minute left, Falcao finally put the match to rest as he dropped another heavy cut back onto his left foot with two defenders on him (and Richard Ortiz hanging on to him) to replicate his left-footed lofted finish from the first goal.  Colombia win 2-0 and temporarily move to the top of the CONMEBOL standings.

Goals
Colombia
Radamel Falcao 52, 90

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/2014-world-cup-qualifying/2012/10/12/3495556/colombia-vs-paraguay-final-score-2-0-falcao-continues-to-dominate
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/soccer/general/view.bg?articleid=1061167388&srvc=sports&position=recent

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

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlV3cdWY-Qw

Bolivia 1 - Peru 1

Peru decided to bring a team full of local players accustomed to playing in altitude during their club football seasons to high-altitude La Paz in order to face Bolivia on the road.  The tactic seemed to work early on as Peru completely dominated the match in the first half.  Bolivia defender Cristian Vargas forgot to take the ball with him as he moved up the field, allowing a sprinting Juan Elias Cominges to fire at goal, but goalkeeper Hugo Suarez made the save.  All the heaps of pressure applied by Peru finally resulted in the breakthrough twenty minutes into the match.  Juan Carlos Mariño walked up to a ball slowly thirty-five yards away.  Mariño saw that no one was applying coming to close him down, so he took a confident rip and off the ball went into the upper ninety throw the hands of a diving Suarez.  Peru took the 1-0 lead into the second half.

Bolivia finally had a shot on goal six minutes into the second half, and what a shot it was.  Marcelo Martins laid a ball off from the half circle to an oncoming Alejandro Chumacero, who on the dead run unleashed a laser into the exact corner were Mariño's goal had entered.  Each side had now scored a wonder strike in a 1-1 match.  The field must have been tilted toward one side because in the second half Bolivia had all the offensive opportunities.  Martins had a crack with fifteen minutes to play, but his twenty-four yard strike connected flush with the post.  Neither team managed a second goal.  The 1-1 draw really does not serve either team well on their respective journeys to Brasil 2014.

Goals
Peru
Juan Carlos Mariño 21

Bolivia
Alejandro Chumacero 51

Match Reports:
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/peru-field-reserves-high-altitude-bolivia-223427165.html
http://sifutbol.com/bolivia-1-peru-1-un-resultado-que-no-conforma-a-ninguno/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkZGIErsoH8

Moldova 0 - Ukraine 0; England 5 - San Marino 0

Moldova played host to Ukraine in Chisinau.  Ukraine dominated the possession and the scoring chances, but they produced nothing to show for it.  Roman Zozylya sent a ball just over the bar off a slotted ball midway through the opening period and nodded another off the post as his misses gave Moldova a reprieve.  The first half ended scoreless.

In the second period, Ukraine came even closer to finding an opener.  Taras Mykhalyk wasted the best chance of all when a cross landed two yards from goal.  Mykhalyk threw himself at the ball, but the ricochet off his knee took the ball over the crossbar.  Ukraine thought they had an opener eighteen minutes after the restart, but the goal was called back.  Alexandru Epureanu saved the match for Moldova six minutes from time with a wrong-footed clearance on a slotted ball that was about to reach a Ukrainian attacker for a tap-in winner.

London was the site as the Three Lions of England welcomed San Marino for their qualifier today.  Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tried to welcomed the visitors with a stunning strike from distance, but San Marino goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini was having none of it and tipped over for the save. Simoncini later ran to the edge of box to clear a ball before violently crashing into England forward Theo Walcott, who will now miss England's next match against Poland due a hip injury sustained in the collision.  Wayne Rooney had a diving header chance go wide, letting San Marino off the hook.  England's Michael Carrick and Danny Welbeck hit the same post within a span of four seconds, unbelievably leaving the match on level terms.  San Marino hung tough for more than thirty minutes, but a Simoncini hand tackle in the box allowed England to win and convert a penalty kick for the opener.  An Aaron Lennon slotted ball was cleverly finished with an instep rabona by Welbeck three minutes after the penalty kick to give England a 2-0 lead at the half.

San Marino held for another twenty-five minutes in the second period, but a Rooney strike from eighteen yards made it 3-0 to the Three Lions.  Two minutes later, Tom Cleverley slotted a ball through the box for a simple Welbeck tap-in.  On a quirky play where four England players touched the ball in the box, Oxlade-Chamberlain finished for the fifth and final goal.  England win 5-0 and take the lead in Group H.

England 7 pts +10
Montenegro 4 pts +6
Poland 4 pts +2
Ukraine 2 pts 0
Moldova 1 pts -7
San Marino 0 pts -11

Goals
England
Wayne Rooney 35 PK, 70
Danny Welbeck 38, 72
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 77

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784146/index.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/9529017/Moldova-0-England-5-match-report.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784275/index.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deqWQXh3j9E (Moldova v. Ukraine)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMylKeeFeQ0 (England v. San Marino)

Russia 1 - Portugal 0; Israel 6 - Luxembourg 0

Russia welcomed Portugal to Moscow in the most anticipated match of the day.  Russia took an early Portuguese turnover inside of their own half and turned it into a two-pass fast break that left Alexander Kerzhakov alone with an onrushing goalkeeper Rui Patricio after a perfect one-timed curled pass on the ground into space by Igor Denisov.  Patricio dove to one side as Kerzhakov's shot was hit straight at where his body would have been, allowing Russia to take a 1-0 lead.  Five minutes on, a Portuguese corner eventually led to a close-range header from Helder Postiga, which was sent over the bar.  Five minutes from that, a Portuguese free kick from the side of the box was met violently by the head of center back Bruno Alves from seven yards out, but Russia's goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev read the bounce and parried away to safety.  The half would end with Russia ahead 1-0.

In the first twenty minutes of the second period, Russia center back Sergey Ignashevich blocked three shots, one from a runner at the far post, one from an attacker winding up for a power shot at the edge of the penalty area, and one from Nani off a volley attempt from fourteen yards.  However, the continued involvement of the Russia defense was a sign that Portugal had commandeered the game and were the likelier side to breach the other's goal.  Kerzhakov was left more and more on an island in attack, tiring him out to the point that he was substituted midway through the period.  With under ten minutes left to play, Russia broke on the counterattack with a three-on-three, but Alexander Kokorin's shot was saved on the stretch by Patricio.  In spite of conceding more than four times as many corners as they earned, Russia win the match 1-0 and take control of Group F.

Israel paid a visit to Luxembourg to face surprisingly potent Luxembourg in a match that would allow one of the teams to rise into third place behind Portugal with a win.  It took less than five minutes for a Gal Alberman through ball to beat a five-man offside trap and put Mahran Radi one-on-one with Luxembourg's goalkeeper, a battle which Radi won for 1-0.  Maor Melicoshn sent a through ball beyond the trap eight minutes later, and this time Eden Ben Basat calmly finished for a 2-0 lead to the visitors and his first international goal.  Luxembourg were nowhere near their form from September, and Israel began to pile on the goals.  A Yuval Shpungin cross was smacked home on the fly by the outstretched leg of Tomer Hemed, and Israel were up 3-0 at the break.

In the second period, nothing changed in terms of the flow of the match.  After thirty minutes without a score, Melicsohn dribbled away from the goalie and rolled a shot in from a tight angle for 4-0.  Hemed scored two more goals of his own later in the match to complete a hat trick and a 6-0 win for Israel, their first of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  Luxembourg had a penalty kick for 5-1, but Daniel Da Mota could not make it three goals from three games as he skied well over the bar.

Russia 9 pts +7
Portugal 6 pts +3
Israel 4 pts +2
Northern Ireland 1 pts -2
Azerbaijan 1 pts -3
Luxembourg 1 pts -7

Goals
Russia
Alexander Kerzhakov 6

Israel
Mahran Radi 4
Eden Ben Basat 12
Tomer Hemed 27, 73, 90+1
Maor Melicsohn 60

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1783770/index.html
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/world/story/ussia-1-0-portugal-world-cup-qualifier-2014-match-report-alexander-kerzhakov-scores-winner-101212
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784353/index.html
http://www.jpost.com/Sports/Article.aspx?id=287621

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c74eNYB-cxg (Russia v. Portugal)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpHSCfSmtu8 (Israel v. Luxembourg)

Belgium 3 - Serbia 0; Croatia 2 - Macedonia 1; Wales 2 - Scotland 1

On a rainy day in Belgrade, hosts Serbia took on group co-favorites Belgium.  Christian Benteke nearly put the visitors one to the good, but Serbia goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic knocked it away.  However, Belgium were not to be denied on this night, and a Kevin de Bruyne swinging cross found Benteke at the far post behind two defenders.  Benteke headed in at the near post for 1-0.  Belgium took that lead into the break.

In the second period, a desperate Serbia pushed many men forward, leaving themselves susceptible to multiple counterattacks.  Mousa Dembele dragged the only two defenders to his side, allowing de Bruyne to run unguarded with the ball for twenty-five yards before slotting home from inside the box, an embarrassing defensive lapse that left the hosts down 2-0 midway through the half.  Serbia continued to push forward and were caught on the break one last time in stoppage time, though the goal in all fairness should have been called back for offside as it was not even that close of a call.  Belgium win 3-0.

Macedonia played before their fans in Skopje against Croatia.  Croatia had won the first match between the two side 1-0 at home.  It took fifteen minutes for 1-0 in this match, but it was Macedonia who found the opener.  Agim Ibraimi (pictured, red #19) took a pass and cut across his defender before finishing in the bottom corner near post to give his side the lead.  Croatia kept plugging away undeterred, and their equalizer came one quarter hour later.  A corner kick fell to an unmarked Vedran Corluka at the back post.  Corluka had to to settle the ball before slotting home for 1-1.  That would be the score at the half.

Ivan Rakitic gave Croatia the lead at the hour mark from a misread free kick.  Macedonia goalkeeper Martin Bogatinov came out ready to punch a cross off the heads of the tall players in the box, but the ball played by Rakitic floated on target.  Bogatinov was helpless to return to his line and the ball floated in for a 2-1 lead to Croatia. In stoppage time, Croatia almost had a third, but Darijo Srna's free kick clanged a post.  Goran Pandev tried to equalize in the dying seconds, but his shot was saved.  Croatia win 2-1 to go joint-top with Belgium.

Wales returned to Cardiff after a horrid start to their 2014 FIFA World Cup to take on Scotland.  The much was an open affair from the opening whistle.  A Gareth Bale cross found Steve Morison's head, but he flashed wide of the far post with a header that could have put Wales up 1-0.  Scotland ended up getting the opener after a flick-on header from a long goal kick led to scoring chance for James Morrison that Morrison converted for a 1-0 lead.  Scotland would take that lead into their locker room.

In the second period, Wales began their tactic of simulation in the box.  Aaron Ramsey tried but failed early in the second half.  Morrison nearly made it two for Scotland, but his close-range effort merely stung the hands of Welsh goalkeeper Lewis Price. A Charlie Adam cross from the left side floated to Darren Fletcher's head inside the Welsh six-yard box, but the resulting goal was disallowed after Adam's cross was incorrectly deemed to have gone out-of-bounds while on its flight.  In the final ten minutes, Bale brought Wales out of the doldrums.  Bale feigned getting tripped in the box and slid through the rain-soaked box.  He was awarded the penalty, which he converted.  With two minutes left in the match, Bale stole all three points for the Dragons with a running twenty-two yard bomb that screamed into the side net.  Wales win the match 2-1 while Scotland are left to wonder what the outcome would have been with a different set of officials.

Belgium 7 pts +5
Croatia 7 pts +2
Serbia 4 pts +2
Wales 3 pts -6
Scotland 2 pts -1
Macedonia 1 pts -2

Goals
Belgium
Christian Benteke 34
Kevin de Bruyne 68
Kevin Mirallas 90+1

Croatia
Vedran Corluka 33
Ivan Rakitic 61

Macedonia
Agim Ibraimi 16

Wales
Gareth Bale 81 PK, 89

Scotland
James Morrison 27

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784268/index.html
http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Belgium-beats-Serbia-3-0-in-WCup-qualifier-3944186.php
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784177/index.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/soccer/wires/10/12/2080.ap.soc.wales.scotland.1st.ld.writethru.255/index.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784224/index.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784814/index.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJlUIqu4qD4 (Belgium v. Serbia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shdjp9YUWvA (Croatia v. Macedonia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z53cnJOhylc (Wales v. Scotland)

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

Albania came home to rainy Tirana, but it would be their opponents Iceland who truly rained on their homecoming.  Iceland won a throw-in that led to disastrous results for the Albanian defense.  The throw in was headed three times by Iceland players inside the box, and eventually the ball came to Birkir Bjarnason's feet for a tap-in opener.  Barely more than ten minutes later, Alban Meha nutmegged his marker with his ball across the box, and his teammate Edgar Cani tapped home the equalizer to revive Albania's hopes for eventual victory.

Odise Roshi nearly curled a ball in from the half-circle ten minutes after the restart, but Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson was up to make a desperate sliding save to push aside for a corner kick.  Roshi nearly scored on a later occasion as well, but he flashed a laser just wide.  Iceland drew a free kick from inside the half-circle with ten minutes to play.  Gylfi Sigurdsson bent the ball over a four-man wall and off the inside of the near post, giving Iceland a 2-1 lead late in the match.  Iceland hold on to win 2-1 and leap into second place in Group E.

Switzerland came to Bern in first place after having won their two matches in September, but their opponents today were Norway, the nominal top seed in the group.  Norway nearly took a lead at the quarter hour when a flicked header by Brede Hangeland nearly found its way into the net, but a diving two-palmed stab by Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio prevented the goal.  Benaglio saved Vegard Forren's header off the resulting corner kick, pumping up the crowd his heroics.  Tranquillo Barnetta nearly gave Switzerland the opener, but his header bounced away off the far post.  The half ended 0-0.

The second half was less lively but actually produced all the goals.  A Swiss corner kick was flicked on from the near post by Granit Xhaka to a double-marked Mario Gavranovic, who maneuvered his back leg to push the ball goalward and in on short notice.  Norway were not looking to be defeated on the night, however, so they equalized off a corner kick two minutes on.  Hangeland rose above every marker with a mighty jump, and he headed home to give his team the equalizer.  Norway almost scored on a deep throw-in that was allowed to bounce, but Benaglio saved yet another Forren header to preserve the tie.  Norway truly wanted the victory, and they had a counterattack with one minute left in the match that nearly proved decisive.  The initial two-versus-one was turned away, but the clearance fell to Tarik El Younoussi.  El Younoussi fired a ball the crashed into the far post and out from twenty-five yards.  Norway and Switzerland play to a hard-fought 1-1 draw that is sure to leave a bitter taste in the mouths of the Norwegian players.

Slovenia came to Maribor with no points in their campaign but hope that a date with visiting Cyprus would prove fruitful.  With only seven minutes left in the first half, a Zlatko Dedic cross was a bit behind Tim Matavz, but Matavz took the opportunity to gather the ball on a spin, dumping his defender in the process before firing home for a 1-0 Slovenia lead.  The half would end 1-0 to the home side.

In the second half, Matavz continued his goal scoring.  A long free kick was headed back to his feet, so he decided to have a go, so he slotted home for his second of the night.  A inswinging free kick soon thereafter nearly provided a third, but Cypriot goalkeeper Tasos Kissas majestically flew through the air to knock the ball to safety.  A box-to-box break by the Cypriots led to a goal from the top of the box by substitute Efstathios Aloneftis, giving the visitors hope with seven minutes to play.  Slovenia's Bostjan Cesar was ejected for a second yellow in minute 89, but Cyprus ran out of time.  Slovenia win 2-1 to claim their first points.

Switzerland 7 pts +4
Iceland 6 pts +2
Norway 4 pts -1
Albania 3 pts -1
Slovenia 3 pts -2
Cyprus 3 pts -2

Goals
Iceland
Birkir Bjarnason 18
Gylfi Sigurdsson 81

Albania
Edgar Cani 29

Switzerland
Mario Gravanovic 79

Norway
Brede Hangeland 81

Slovenia
Tim Matavz 38, 61

Cyprus
Efstathios Aloneftis 83

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784027/index.html
http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Switzerland-held-1-1-by-Norway-in-WCup-qualifier-3944052.php
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784262/index.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784324/index.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i6KRpHXNhU (Iceland v. Albania)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZcM8Tp0_v4 (Norway v. Switzerland)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzU6SnFfMe4 (Slovenia v. Cyprus)

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

Liechtenstein welcomed Lithuania to Vaduz on UEFA Matchday Three.  The first half was played on Lithuania's terms, but no goals were to be had.  The scoreboard read 0-0 after the first forty-five.

In the second frame, Edgaras Cesnauskis brought the full complement of three points to Lithuania.  He scored the first five minutes in from twelve yards when he beat the goalkeeper to the far post despite a touch from the gloves.  His second goal came from a rocket from distance with one quarter hour left.  Lithuania win 2-0.

Slovakia made their way home to Bratislava for their match against Latvia.  Slovakia jumped all over their opponents early.  Vladimir Weiss drew a penalty after the goalkeeper came out to challenge him, setting up a penalty conversion and a lead after five minutes.  Three minutes after that, the second goal was found by the Slovaks.  A Marek Sapara free kick from the corner of the penalty area was struck low and goalward, somehow going through the mass of bodies untouched and disappearing to the point where the goalkeeper had no chance to read the strike before it went into the net.  Slovakia would take the 2-0 lead into halftime, but only after a late Latvia goal was disallowed for offsides.

The second half was mostly uneventful as the Slovaks clearly had lost enthusiasm going forward.  Latvia capitalized in the final ten minutes as they drew a penalty kick from a foul just inside the side of the box.  A Panenka-style chip into the roof of the net made it 2-1 to Slovakia and set up a dramatic finish.  Slovakia held onto their slim lead and win 2-1.

Hosts Greece and Bosnia faced off in the Group G showdown of the day in Piraeus.  Five minutes in, the Greeks had their golden opportunity.  Georgios Samaras drew both defenders on a two-on-two break before slotting across the box with the outside of his foot.  Theofanis Gekas had the goal at his mercy, but he somehow managed only to find the post, breaking the hearts of thousands in the stands.  Zvjezdan Misimovic  cracked a shot for Bosnia toward the far post midway through the first half, but a brave Ioannis Maniatis rose to clear the violent shot with his forehead.  Vassilis Torosidis found a shot inside the box for Greece but his lasered nicked the top of the crossbar on it s way into oblivion.  Senad Lulic nearly pulled a goal out of a quick break, but the Bosnians were denied by a one-handed lunge across the grass by Greece goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis.  The half ended 0-0.

The second period proved that the action in this match was frontloaded as the final forty-five failed to produce the excitement of the first period.  A dull second half allowed the match to end 0-0.

Bosnia 7 pts +10
Slovakia 7 pts +3
Greece 7 pts +3
Lithuania 4 pts 0
Latvia 0 pts -5
Liechtenstein 0 pts -11

Goals
Lithuania
Edgaras Cesnauskis 51, 75

Slovakia
Marek Hamsik 5 PK
Marek Sapara 9

Latvia
Maris Verpakovskis 84 PK

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784045/index.html
http://football.thestar.com.my/2012/10/13/nowhere-to-turn-for-tiny-liechtenstein/
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784155/index.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/soccer/wires/10/12/2080.ap.soc.greece.bosnia.1st.ld.writethru.330/index.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=1784346/index.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhPMs1qc6Bs (Lithuania v. Liechtenstein)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qsa0ZThYRSE (Slovakia v. Latvia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWoBy-29XHU (Bosnia v. Greece)