The World Cup has now kicked off, and after Ecuador won a big opener against hosts Qatar, other matches also took place around the small Gulf nation. One of the biggest matches included the United States opening against Wales.
The European Qualifiers get back underway on Thursday and include some major matchups that will have huge implications for their respective groups. The top two sides in each group make it through to the tournament, while the third place sides duke it out in a playoff.
Here are the matches with biggest implications on Thursday.
The new FIFA world soccer rankings have officially been released. Huge surprises, disappointments and moves are listed. Damon Salvadore takes an in depth look at some of the biggest snubs and surprises.
Having lost two of their first three qualifier matches, the Netherlands finally came through with a huge 6-0 win over Latvia but ended up losing Daley Blind to a knee injury. Meanwhile, Italy and Croatia ended up unbeaten after playing to 1-1 tie while Israel stays undefeated at the top of Group B with a win over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
England is expected to face some tough consequences if Scotland's Sept. 18 referendum results in a split from the UK, a union that has lasted for about three centuries.
