Paris (AFP)
Russia and Turkey remain leaders of their group in the European qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup, after their victories on Saturday for Matchday 2, while the Netherlands and Croatia have recovered from their initial defeat.
Russia won (2-1) against Slovenia in Group H, with a double from Zenit Saint Petersburg striker Artem Dzyuba (26th, 35th).
The Slovenes, who had knocked down the Croatian vice-world champions at the start, did not repeat the performance despite a goal (36th) from Josip Ilicic, the striker of Atalanta Bergamo.
The Croats did minimum service against Cyprus (1-0) with a goal from Mario Pasalic (40th) which prevents them from being already dropped in the race for the Qatari World Cup.
Turkey confirmed its status as a serious candidate for the trip to the Gulf by winning easily in Norway (3-0), second victory in two matches after that against the Netherlands, their most serious rival in Group G .
Ozan Tufan scored twice (4th, 59th) and Leicester defender Caglar Söyüncü also rattled the nets, while Erling Haaland's teammates finished at ten after the exclusion of Kristian Thorstvedt (80th).
The Netherlands have spent their frustration on weak Latvia, beaten 2-0 with goals from Steven Berghuis (32nd) and Luuk de Jong 69th).
The Oranje, who have not taken part in a final phase since 2014, are third in their group, behind Montenegro who benefit from a calendar confronting them from the start with the weaker teams.
The selection of the Balkans, already victorious over Latvia, this time disposed of Gibraltar (4-1).
Before the clash between the two favorites of Group E, the Czech Republic and Belgium, Belarus put the pressure behind by beating Estonia (4-2), with two goals in the last minutes played at 11 against 10.
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