Calhanoglu’s Penalty Kick Gives Turkey a Win Over Bulgaria. Belgium’s Qualification Postponed After Being Held by Kazakhstan
Spain Defeats Georgia and Secures Its Fifth Win in Five Group Matches. De la Fuente’s team thrashed their opponents 4-0 and is virtually through to the World Cup. The Red Fury climb to 15 points, three ahead of Turkey. For Montella’s men, a penalty by the ever-reliable Calhanoglu and an own goal by Chernev were enough to beat Bulgaria. A head-to-head matchup is scheduled for the next round, but Oyarzabal and his teammates hold a massive advantage in goal difference (+19 versus +4). In Group H, Arnautovic’s two-goal performance led Austria to victory over Cyprus, bringing Rangnick’s team closer to a historic qualification that has eluded them for 27 years. Bosnia, however, defeated Romania, with Dzeko also scoring. The head-to-head matchup on the final matchday will be decisive.
In Group J, Wales (already assured of a playoff spot) defeated Liechtenstein. Belgium was held to a draw by Kazakhstan, delaying their qualification. A shocking result in Group C: Denmark was held to a 2-2 draw by already-eliminated Belarus. Lazio forward Isaksen scored the equalizer in the 79th minute. Scotland, meanwhile, nearly pulled off a comeback against Greece. Jovanovic’s men took a 3-0 lead; Doak and Christie tried to close the gap but the match ended 3-2. Everything will be decided in the final round, while the Danes extend their lead to +1 in the standings. In Group B, Switzerland didn’t slip up against Potter’s Sweden in his coaching debut. Riemer’s team is very close to qualifying for the World Cup. Kosovo defeated Slovenia and remains three points behind the leader, trailing on goal difference.
results— Today’s results and scorers: Kazakhstan–Belgium 1–1; scorers: 9’ Satpaev (K), 48’ Vanaken (B). Red cards: 79’ Chesnokov (K)
Cyprus–Austria 0–2; scorers: pen. 18’ and 56’ Arnautovic
Georgia–Spain 0–4; scorers: 11’ pen. and 63’ Oyarzabal, 22’ Zubimendi, 34’ Torres
Liechtenstein–Wales 0–1; scorers: 62’ James
Turkey–Bulgaria 2–0; scorers: 18’ Calhanoglu, 83’ own goal by Chernev
Bosnia–Romania 3–1; scorers: 17’ Birligea (R), 48’ Dzeko (B), 79’ Bajraktarevic (B), Tabakovic (B). Red cards: 68’ Dragus (R)
Denmark–Belarus 2–2; scorers: 11’ Damsgaard (D), 62’ Gromyko (B), 65’ Demchenko (B), 79’ Isaksen (D)
Greece vs. Scotland 3-2; scorers: 7’ Bakasetas (G), 57’ Karetsas (G), 63’ Tzolis (G), 65’ Doak (S), 70’ Christie (S). Red cards: 84’ Bakasetas (G)
Slovenia–Kosovo 0–2; scorers: 6’ Asllani, 63’ own goal by Karnicnik. Red cards: 53’ Stojanovic (S)
Switzerland–Sweden 4–1; scorers: 12’ Embolo (Swi), 33’ Nygren (Swe), 60’ pen. Xhaka (Swi), 75’ Ndoye (Swi), 94’ Manzambi (Swi)
