The tiny Faroe Islands took a big step towards their first World Cup with an impressive 2-1 win over the Czech Republic on Sunday.
Countries with a population of less than 55,000, ranked 136th in the FIFA rankings, are in a position to compete for a playoff spot in next year’s tournament, which will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Faroe Islands are located halfway between Scotland and Iceland and have a land area of only 540 square miles. For a long time, he was a small fry in the European soccer world, and his lowest ranking was 198th.
However, they have won four of their last five qualifying matches, moving them into third place in Group L. It means both teams are separated by just one point in a race where a win against second-placed Czech Republic would likely secure them second place in the group and a place in the play-offs.
Substitute Martin Agnarsson’s 81st-minute goal not only dealt a blow to the Czech Republic’s chances of automatically winning their group, but also left both teams in serious doubt as to the runners-up spot with one game remaining.
Hanus Sørensen put hosts Faroe Islands ahead in the 67th minute at the 6,000-capacity Torsvolur stadium in the capital Torshavn. Adam Karabec tied for 78th place.
Croatia lead the group on goal difference and will face Gibraltar later on Sunday. With two games remaining against the Czech Republic and the Faroe Islands, they are the favorites to win their group.
Depay plays again for the Dutch national team
The Netherlands continue to lead Group G with a 4-0 victory over Finland in Amsterdam.
Memphis Depay scored from the penalty spot for his country’s record 54th goal. The former Manchester United forward has scored seven goals in six qualifying games this season.
Donyell Malen, Virgil van Dijk and Codi Gakpo were also on target for the Netherlands, who lead the group with 16 points with two games in hand.
In Group C, Scotland defeated Belarus 2-1 for their third win.
Goals from Che Adams and Scott McTominay put Scotland in the lead at Hampden Park, while Gleb Kuchko pulled one back for Belarus in stoppage time.
Scotland remain top of their group heading into second-place Denmark’s home game against Greece later on Sunday.
___
James Robson is https://x.com/James Saran Robson
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
