The second day of the qualifying tournament for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil commences, with the world and European champions, Spain, beginning their qualifying campaign in Group I with a travel to Georgia, while England host Ukraine after a 5-0 start to the qualifiers while Italy try to rebound from their disappointing start with a home match against Malta.
Group A
Belgium’s win in Wales set their talented side as the probable class of this group. Their home match against Croatia, who also won their opener (1-0 against Macedonia), seems like a huge statement waiting to be made, to prove that all the talent on this team is here to achieve things. Serbia should win the weak Welsh at home, while Macedonia could come up with more than just a draw against the Scotland team.
Serbia vs Wales, 20:30
Belgium vs Croatia, 20:45
Scotland vs Macedonia, 20:00
Group B
Bulgaria, who surprised many by drawing with Italy on the opening match, will host the group leaders, Armenia, who really didn’t impress anyone with their win over Malta. Italy play in Modena against Malta, which means a win, although they’ll probably be far from impressive, as they usually tend to be.
Bulgaria vs Armenia, 21:00
Italy vs Malta, 20:45
Group C
Austria open their qualifying campgain with a home match against Germany, which probably means it’ll start with a loss, although the neighbours rarely make it easy for the Euro semifinalists, who beat the Faroe Islands in the opening match. Sweden are favorites to win against Kazakhstan, who shouldn’t be a problem to anyone when they play away from home.
Austria vs Germany, 20:30
Sweden vs Kazakhstan, 20:30
Group D
Romania opened their campaign with a harder than it looks win over Estonia (2-0), and get a comfortable home match against Andorra to keep the momentum going. Turkey host Estonia in a must win for them after the opening loss in the Netherlands, where they outplayed their hosts. The Dutch travel to a tough away fixture in Hungary, who beat Andorra 5-0 in the opening match. Still, the Van Gaal side, while far from brilliant in style, should win their second match.
Romania vs Andorra, 20:30
Turkey vs Estonia, 21:00
Hungary vs Netherlands, 20:30
Group E
The toughest group to predict, with Norway and Slovenia already losing in their opening matches. Iceland have a chance against a weak Cyprus side in Larnaca to claim the top spot in the group. Norway host Slovenia in a match that both teams feel they must win before Switzerland run away with it, as the Swiss host Alabnia with a projected win.
Cyprus vs Iceland, 20:00
Norway vs Slovenia, 20:00
Switzerland vs Albania, 20:30
Group F
Russia travel to a tricky away match in Israel, although after their away draw at Azeribajan, I’m not sure how fearsome of a home side they might seem. Portugal host Azerbaijan in what should be another win while Northern Ireland host Luxembourg.
Israel vs Russia, 20:00
Northern Ireland vs Luxembourg, 19:45
Portugal vs Azerbaijan, 20:15
Group G
Bosnia got the impressive result of the weekend, even if it was against Lichetenstein, with an 8-1 win, which should be followed with another win at home against Latvia. Greece won in Latvia to open the campaign, and should continue against Lithuania. Slovakia host Lichetenstein in a breezer.
Bosnia vs Latvia, 20:00
Slovakia vs Lichetenstein, 20:15
Greece vs Lithuanaia, 21:45
Group H
England lead the group from the first moment, making the most of an easy opener in Moldova. A home test against the Ukraine, three months after the two sides met in the Euro, should be a bit tougher. Montenegro have an easy San Marion visit while Poland host Moldova in a match they should win.
San Marino vs Montenegro, 20:30
Poland vs Moldova, 20:45
England vs Ukraine, 20:00
Group I
The World and European champions Spain begin their qualifying campaign with a visit to Georgia, who won their opening match against Belarus, in what should be a Spanish win. France, who looked terrible in their win over Finalnd, host Belarus, hoping to look a bit better while winning.
Georgia vs Spain, 21:30
France vs Belarus, 21:00