After the European seasons come to a close there’s usually a lull of interest in football. People start to decompress following the drama of the season and the Champions League Final. One can be forgiven for not comprehending the gravity of the international break that follows.
In previous years, teams tend to play friendlies during this time when there is no major tournament. This can be dull affairs. I find that this year is unique. This is a World Cup year but it’s scheduled for the winter due to it taking place in the hot arid climate of Qatar. In its place this summer are the final World Cup qualifying matches, The Nations Leagues and the AFCON qualifying matches.
World Cup Qualifying
There are a few spots remaining in World Cup qualifying at this time. One remaining spot in Europe and of course the Intercontinental playoffs between Asia, Oceania, North and South America. At the time of my writing, some have already been decided. Wales triumphed over Ukraine. Despite the hopes of many that we would see the war-torn country compete in this year’s finals. Gareth Bale once again led his Welsh compatriots to victory 1-0 in Cardiff, booking their tickets to Qatar. Ukraine did well to eliminate Scotland on the way there, but couldn’t solve the Welsh and fell to a narrow defeat.
Elsewhere, Australia booked their place in the playoffs defeating UAE at home in the final AFC qualifying match. This confirmed them as hosts against Peru in June 13. Across the pond, Costa Rica host Australia’s neighbours New Zealand and the two winners will qualify for the finals. Australia has picked up their form. After dropping two in a row against Saudi Arabia and Japan, they defeated Jordan and UAE to finish off their campaign. For the Kiwis, it was the usual smooth sailing in OFC qualifying. Now they face a much sterner test in Costa Rica in a meaningful match.
Since losing to Canada in November, Costa Rica have been on quite the run. Starting with defeating Honduras and Panama, then went on to draw 0-0 with Mexico at the Azteca. Then defeating in succession, Jamaica, Canada, El Salvador and USA to qualify for the playoffs. Things started to look bleak for them towards the end of 2021 and they completely turned it around. I would put them as the favourites against New Zealand in San Jose. Peru and Australia I think is much tighter to call and I expect a cagey affair between those two. There is still lots to be decided next week.
Nations Leagues and AFCON qualifying
The new season of Nations Leagues has kicked off in Europe and North America. Some big sides have already conceded defeat in the first round of fixtures. England, France, Croatia and Belgium have already dropped points in the first round of fixtures. However, things are starting to turn around already in round 2. It’ll be interesting just to analyze the big nations form through this campaign in the run up to the World Cup in November. Who will be relegated and win those qualification spots for the next Euros in 2024?
In North America, Canada is looking to win some silverware for the first time in decades via the CONCACAF Nations League. However they are embroiled in a row with Canada Soccer over revenue distribution. Casting a shadow over an otherwise promising group heading into their first World Cup in 36 years. They will face familiar foes for the Nations League title. I think USA, Mexico and Costa Rica look to be the other favourites for the competition. The Nations League also decides qualifying spots for the next Gold Cup in North America.
In AFCON Qualifying, 12 groups of 4 will determine qualification for the next Africa Cup of Nations Tournament in 2023. Egypt has already dropped points, losing 2-0 to Ethiopia. Ivory Coast already qualifies as hosts of the tournament, but still play matches in Group H (for some reason). Other than that there have been no major shocks as of yet. Mali laid a beating on Congo 4-0 at home. Which looks the only standout scoreline after a couple of match days.
Conclusion
Despite most domestic leagues outside of the Americas finishing their seasons over the past few weeks. There’s still plenty of football to watch.
Some matches to check out this weekend;
Friday June 10
Denmark v Croatia – UEFA Nations League
Austria v France – UEFA Nations League
USA v Grenada – CONCACAF Nations League
Saturday June 11
Republic of Ireland v Scotland – UEFA Nations League
Netherlands v Poland – UEFA Nations League
Wales v Belgium – UEFA Nations League
England v Italy – UEFA Nations League
Hungary v Germany – UEFA Nations League
Charlotte FC v New York Red Bulls – MLS
Nashville SC v San Jose Earthquakes – MLS
Atletico MG v Santos – Serie A
Internacional v Flamengo – Serie A
Cavalry FC v HFX Wanderers – CPL
Mexico v Suriname – CONCACAF Nations League
Washington Spirit v North Carolina Courage – NWSL
Racing Louisville v Angel City – NWSL
Kansas City v NY/NJ Gotham – NWSL
Sunday June 12
Norway v Sweden – UEFA Nations League
Spain v Czech Republic – UEFA Nations League
Switzerland v Portugal – UEFA Nations League
Godoy Cruz v Racing Club – Primera Division
Central Cordoba de Santiago v Boca Juniors – Primera Division
Colon Santa Fe v Union Santa Fe – Primera Division
Sporting Kansas City v New England Revolution – MLS
Sao Paulo v America Mineiro – Serie A
Coritibia v Palmeiras – Serie A
Fortaleza EC v Atletico Paranaense – Serie A
Forge FC v Pacific FC – CPL
San Diego Wave v OL Reign – NWSL
Chicago Red Stars v Orlando Pride – NWSL
Houston Dash v Portland Thorns – NWSL