LEAGUE A
Holland, Switzerland, Portugal, England qualify for next summer’s finals
Germany, Iceland, Poland, Croatia relegated
Attention was held until the final minutes in many key matches, with dramatic comebacks by Switzerland, Holland and England providing excitement until the last moments of the campaign.
The three-team format in Leagues A and B certainly contributed to the drama, but even in Leagues C and D there were many notable storylines, including the emergence of UEFA’s newest member, Kosovo.
The promoted teams from all 16 groups will now compete in play-offs, which will add a new – if somewhat confusing – element to the qualifying campaign for Euro 2020 which kicks off in March.
Holland confirmed their revival under Ronald Koeman by winning Group 1, ahead of world champions France and 2014 World Cup winners Germany.
France’s 2-0 reverse in Rotterdam ended their 15-game unbeaten run and took the group to the final game. Didier Deschamps’ side were missing injured midfielder Paul Pogba and it was his replacement, Steven Nzonzi, who was at fault for Holland’s opening goal, when his poor clearance was punished by Georginio Wijnaldum. Memphis Depay added a penalty in injury time.
This story is from the December 2018 edition of World Soccer.
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This story is from the December 2018 edition of World Soccer.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
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