Another game, another goal for young Estêvão, who started for Brazil in their friendly against Tunisia. Granted, this one was “just” from the penalty spot, but that’s just a technicality — especially as then
Lucas Paquetá would miss a penalty later in the game and consign Brazil to just a 1-1 draw.
“It was an order that came. I supported my team-mate so he could score the goal. Unfortunately, he missed, but he held his head high.
“[We must improve] because in a World Cup we have to take advantage of these opportunities.”
-Estêvão; source: SporTV via beIN Sports
So apparently it was the manager’s orders? What are you doing, Uncle Carlo?
Estêvão, who also hit the post with the last kick of the game, has now scored in four straight starts for his national team, and, better yet, he’s starting to show similar tendencies for Chelsea as well. The sky’s the limit for the kid, and he’s starting to spread his wings.
Elsewhere, Marc Cucurella picked up an assist on Spain’s opening goal in their 2-2 draw against Turkey, which confirmed their spot at next summer’s World Cup as well. Spain were pushed by Turkey all the way for first place in their group and automatica qualification, but Spain’s near-perfect campaign proved a tall order in the end.
Meanwhile, Scotland also secured an unlikely automatic qualifying spot at the World Cup by beating Denmark, 4-2 and thus winning Group C. Steve Clarke’s charges scored twice in added-on time, including one from the halfway line. Filip Jörgensen was watching from the bench as Kasper Schmeichel got chipped by Kenny McLean to put the exclamation point on this famous night for Scottish football.
So, the 12 group winners in Europe thus going to the World Cup include: England, France, Croatia, Portugal, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, and Scotland.
Four more will join them through the playoffs, with Italy, Denmark, Turkey, and Ukraine seeded in Pot 1 for the upcoming draw.
