Belgium first European team to qualify for Russia 2018

Belgium first European team to qualify for Russia 2018

Belgium became the first European side to join host nation  Russia at the FIFA 2018 World Cup finals as goals from Jan Vertonghen and Romelu Lukaku gave them a 2-1 victory against Greece.


Romelu Lukaku
AFP

Belgium lead Group H by eight points with two games to play.


The Red Devils join Brazil, Mexico, Iran and Japan in qualifying for the World Cup, with Russia automatically getting a place as hosts.


Bosnia-Herzegovina have moved ahead of Greece in the race to claim a play-off spot as Edin Dzeko scored twice in a 4-0 win in Gibraltar to take them up to second place.


Kenan Kodro and Senad Lulic got the other goals for Bosnia , who have 14 points, one more than Greece.


France were held to a surprising goalless draw by Luxembourg.


Les Bleus  had 76% of possession, 34 shots and hit the woodwork twice but could not find a winner.


It is the first time they have failed to beat Luxembourg since 1914.


The point does keep them top of Group A, although their lead over second-placed Sweden is now just one point.


Switzerland maintained their three-point advantage over European champions Portugal after both claimed wins on Sunday.


Meanwhile South Africa  have arrived in Durban ahead of the return leg against Cape Verde on Tuesday in a World Cup 2018 qualifier.


Bafana lost 2-1 in Cape Verde on Friday and also had Eric Tower Matoho sent off.


The defeat leaves Bafana third in a group D and trail log leaders Burkina Faso by a point


Action at the Moses Mabhida Stadium gets underway at  7pm Tuesday night.



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