World Cup qualification
Scotland finally shot its way into pole position in the fight for second place in ÖFB Group F in the World Cup qualification. The European Championship participant celebrated a 3: 2 (1: 2) victory against Israel in Glasgow’s Hampden Park on Saturday evening and is four points ahead of the Israelis coached by Willi Ruttensteiner with three games to go.
In a fast game from the start with many chances on both sides, Israel took the lead with a free kick from Eran Zahavi (5th). The home side equalized thanks to a flick from John McGinn from the edge of the penalty area (29th), before Munas Dabbur two minutes later made it 2-1 for Israel. Shortly before the break, Lyndon Dykes failed with a penalty against Israeli goalie Ofir Marciano. In the 1-0 win against Austria in Vienna in September, the striker scored the decisive goal from the point.
Despite the shock shortly before the break, the Scots fought their way back into the game. Dykes scored the 2-2 in the 55th minute, although the goal was initially not given because of an allegedly stretched leg of the attacker, but was then recognized after VAR use. The Scottish lucky punch through Scott McTominay from close range after a corner (94th).
Sweden sits on Spain’s neck
In Group B, Sweden prevailed 3-0 (1-0) against Kosovo and, in one game less than twelve points, moved up to one point against leaders Spain. Emil Forsberg converted a penalty in the 29th minute. The alleged compensation by Vedat Muriqi was not given due to a previous offside position by Milot Rashica (58th). Shortly afterwards, Alexander Isak made it 2-0 (62nd), Robin Quaison made the final decision (79th).
In Group D, Ukraine regained second place, which they had briefly lost to Bonien-Herzegovina, thanks to a 2-1 (2-1) win in Helsinki over Finland. Andrei Jarmolenko was already successful with a 25-meter shot after four minutes, Roman Yaremchuk ensured the final score after 34 minutes. Teemu Pukki had previously equalized in his 98th international match.
The Bosnians had previously recorded their first victory with a 2-0 (1-0) win in Kazakhstan thanks to two goals from ex-Salzburg striker Smail Prevljak (25th, 66th). This means that Inter-Milan star Edin Dzeko’s team is in third place with six points behind world champions France (12 points) and the Ukraine (8).
