Four Crew SC players traveled around the globe this past week to represent their countries in FIFA World Cup qualifying. They are returning to Columbus one step closer on the road to Russia.
George, Soca Warriors level with United States
Trinidad & Tobago with Crew SC midfielder Kevan George successfully kicked off their road to Russia staying undefeated in their first two matches in the Fourth Round of CONCACAF qualifying. After defeating Guatemala 2-1 last Friday, the Soca Warriors tied the United States 0-0 in Port of Spain on Tuesday night. George played 30 minutes in Guatemala and went the full 90 against the U.S.
After two matches, Trinidad & Tobago and the United States are level in points with four, but the U.S. lead Group C thanks to a better goal differential. Following a double round-robin format, the top two teams of the group will advance to the Fifth Round of CONCACAF qualifying, commonly known as the Hexagonal. The Soca Warriors next face St. Vincent and the Grenadines on March 25 and 29.
Meram, Iraq with important win over Chinese Taipei
Crew SC midfielder Justin Meram and the Iraq National Team visited Chinese Taipei on Tuesday for the Second Round of Asian Football Confederation qualifying. The Lions of Mesopotamia came away with an important 2-0 win that sets up an exciting clash with Thailand on March 24.
Iraq currently ranks second in Group F with eight points, five behind Thailand. But the Lions have one match in hand as they’ll also face Vietnam on March 29. There are eight groups in Second Round AFC qualifying; the eight group winners and the four best group runners-up advance to the Third Round.
Afful, Ghana move to Round Three of CAF qualifying
After being upset by Comoros in the First Leg, which ended in a 0-0 draw, Ghana took care of business at home, defeating the tiny island nation 2-0 to advance to Round 3 of African qualifying. Mubarak Wakaso and Jordan Ayew scored for the Black Stars. Crew SC defender Harrison Afful played the full 90 minutes in both matches.
Africa’s 20 Round 2 winners have advanced to Round 3, where they will be drawn in five groups of four. The five group winners will qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Mabwati, DR Congo defeat Burundi on aggregate
Crew SC midfielder Cedrick Mabwati will join his teammate in Round 3 after the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Burundi 5-4 on aggregate. After a last-minute 3-2 win in Burundi on Thursday, during which Mabwati saw 70 minutes of action, a 2-2 draw at home on Sunday was enough to see DR Congo through to the next round.
