Skiddle's open goal: A weekly roundup of football news and events

There has been plenty of World Cup action since the last Open Goal and plenty of surprise results have happened. Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia 2-1 in a game that suggested that the South American side may be too reliant on Messi, given how there seems to be a lack of quality in the squad surrounding him.

France looked comfortable as they cruised to a win against Australia, who took a surprise lead. But it didn't last for long and even with all of their injuries France look like a force. They also beat Denmark to become the first team to qualify from the group stages.

Japan provided a shock as they beat Germany, in a game where Gundogan put the European side ahead through a penalty. Rudiger taunted his opponents by running stupidly on purpose but was mugged off minutes later thanks to goals from Asano and Doan that gave Japan the win.

Spain were quite the opposite as they easily beat a poor Costa Rica side, with Pedri and Gavi taking centre stage and making the future of Barcelona look very bright. They then took on Germany with the game ending 1-1 after goals from substitutes of both sides. It left Germany hanging on to qualification by a thread.

Belgium have had a terrible tournament so far and luckily beat Canada 1-0 with the Canadians somehow unable to find the net. They then got outran by Morocco who beat them 2-0 and it'll be a nervy wait to see if they can qualify. Qatar were embarrassingly the first team out of the World Cup.

They did score as they lost 3-1 to Senegal but it was a humiliating way to go out for the host nation who would never have made the tournament if they weren't hosting. England played out a boring 0-0 draw with the USA but they are still in a strong position to qualify.

Wales on the other hand lost to Iran 2-0 and are hanging on by a thread, they will need to beat England by at least a couple of goals and hope that USA and Iran draw to qualify. If you want more World Cup action then take a look at the screening below. There are plenty of twists and stories to be written as the final round of group games approaches.

 

England vs Wales

When: Tuesday 29th November

Where: Crane, Birmingham

England are going into their final group game as the favourites to qualify, even if their draw against the USA was uninspiring. Wales need to beat England by at least two goals and have the other game go their way to even have a hope of qualifying.This will be a fiery encounter.

 

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World Cup Screening- The Final

When: Sunday 18th December

Where: The Club House, Liverpool

If you want to book your place at the World Cup final screening at The Club House in Liverpool then you're able to now. Maybe you have a hunch England will be there or you just want to see one of the biggest matches in the footballing calendar. Either way, we're sure it'll be a good game.

 

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Ecuador vs Senegal

When: Tuesday 29th November

Where: Vauxhall Food and Beer Garden, London

Ecuador vs Senegal may not be at the top of your list for World Cup thrillers but a lot is riding on this game. Three teams for this group can qualify and the other game is Netherlands vs Qatar which the Dutch are expected to win to get through. The second place will be between these two, which means it is a vital game for both sides.

 

 

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Japan vs Spain

When: Thursday 1st December

Where: Propyard, Bristol

Spain are one step away from the knockout stage but need to pass a Japanese side who sprang a surprise upon an overconfident Germany. Spain must be aware of their quality and will want to round off the group stages with a win and a spot at the top of the table. 

 

 

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Wales vs England

When: Tuesday 29th November

Where: Invisible Wind Factory, Liverpool

Wales will be taking on England in their final group game and the Welsh supporters will want to see a much better performance from their side. The same can be said for England who need to show that they can fire on all cylinders to put some more belief in the fans after their draw with the USA.

 

 

 

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