The World Cup qualifiers continue as in most groups it’s not very hard to determine who will qualify from, especially in the UEFA matches. The United States hosting Mexico seems to be the biggest thing happening around the world, while Uruguay playing Colombia in the South American group should also provide fireworks.
England travelling to the Ukraine is probably the biggest match of the match-day, as they hope to move a step closer towards qualifying from a very tough group, with a draw enough to make Roy Hodgson happy.
Group A: Two matches that have nothing to do with the leaders in the group, as both Belgium (already qualified) and Croatia (at least second place) have nothing to play for. Macedonia will host Scotland, with a 1-1 draw between the sides happening last time they met, while Wales host Serbia, hoping to do better than their 6-1 defeat in Novi Sad a year ago.
Group B: Busy day, as group leaders Italy are quite close to securing their place in the World Cup. Italy host the Czech Republic after a 0-0 draw between the sides last time; A draw wouldn’t be surprising, as the Italians don’t have to win this one. Armenia will host Denmark, hoping that their shocking 4-0 over the Danes from June wasn’t a one time thing, while Bulgaria play in Malta, where anything but a win would be a great shock.
Group C: Three matches as Germany are very close to achieving qualification, playing in a sure-thing match against the Faroe Islands. Sweden need to improve their standing among the second-placed teams and will play in Kazakhstan, who aren’t easy to beat at home, while Austria hosts the Republic of Ireland, in a must-win match for both sides which will end in a draw.
Group D: The Netherlands won’t cut off any heads because of their draw against Estonia, as one more win will clinch them qualification. A visit to Andorra will be that easy win they need. Romania host Turkey (beat them 1-0 last time) in a match both sides have to win, but is likely to end in a draw, while Hungary host Estonia in a match they’ll win to improve their position in the second-place battle.
Group E: The toughest group to call continues with Switzerland playing in Norway, as a win for the Swiss (it’ll be a draw) will almost clinch their place in the World Cup. Meanwhile, Slovenia, who have done quite well on the road, will travel to Cyprus, probably getting a win, pushing them up to second place, while Albania travels to Iceland in what will end in an Icelandic victory.
Group F: Russia have an excellent chance to win back first place as they host Israel, something they shouldn’t have a lot of trouble doing, while Northern Ireland play in Luxembourg in a match that means nothing.
Group G: Greece host Latvia, in a match they should win, hoping that Bosina continue to mess up as they visit Slovakia, with Bosnia likely to regroup and keep first place in this match. Lithuania playing Liechtenstein doesn’t really matter to anyone.
Group H: England travel to the Ukraine for an incredibly difficult match, probably pleased to end it in a draw, like the first meeting between the sides, keeping first place. Poland play San Marino in a laugher.
Group I: While the Finland and Georgia match doesn’t mean anything, France, struggling on the road in this campaign, shouldn’t have too many problems beating Belarus in Minsk.
South America: Bolivia host Ecuador in a match that could push the visitors into third place, but they’ve yet to win a single match away from home in the competition. Uruguay host Colombia (ended 4-0 in Colombia last time) with revenge on their mind, and hoping to move up from fifth place. Venezuela host Peru, as both teams still have a chance to make it into the top 5 (Venezuela will win) while Paraguay, in a disastrous campaign, won’t be able to stop Argentina from holding on to first place.
North & Central America: Jamaica host Costa Rica, who will continue to lead the table after this match, Honduras will beat Panama as they continue to pile on pressure behind the United States while the Americans host Mexico in what should end with a draw, keeping Mexico at a very tight spot.