Weather Tonight: 4°c Partly Cloudy Night Morning: 8°c Cloudy

Football

Diego Maradona
Under fire: Diego Maradona's time as coach of Argentina has largely been unimpressive

World Cup qualifying: group scenarios

Will Robson
14 Oct 2009


Europe

Group 1
- This group has the most high profile battle out of all the World Cup qualifiers. Due to Denmark's domination either Sweden or Portugal will take a play-off position, meaning that either Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, two of the most expensive players in history, will definitely miss out on the World Cup. At present Portugal are ahead and a win against Malta on Wednesday will see them progress. However Sweden look certain to beat Albania on Wednesday, so anything less than a win for Portugal and they could fall into third.

Group 2
- Group 2 is one of two European groups which no one has yet won. Switzerland are currently leading and the only way they can be caught is by Greece on goal difference. The biggest game in this group is between Switzerland and Israel because if Israel win then it opens the door for Greece to take 1st place if they beat Luxembourg, but if Greece lose and Israel win then Israel finish second and Greece third.

Group 3
- In the other group that has not yet been won, the Czech Republic have been very disappointing. The Czechs were expected to win the group comfortably given the skilled experienced squad. However they currently find themselves third and are relying on San Marino beating Slovenia, which would be a colossal upset, to have any chance. At the top of the group a win for Slovakia against Poland would guarantee them 1st.

Group 6
- Although England have walked to victory in this group, despite their stumble in Ukraine, second place is still open. Ukraine currently sit second, a point ahead of Croatia, after their win over England and should win against Andorra to finish second. Due to their goal difference Croatia will most likely still finish 3rd if they draw and Ukraine lose meaning that they will probably need to win and hope Ukraine suffer defeat in order to finish 2nd.

South America- Argentina's poor run in qualifying has been closely followed. After Martin Palermo's last gasp winner against Peru, Maradona's men sit 4th in the group a point clear of Uruguay. Wednesday's game in Uruguay will decide whether they qualify automatically or go into the play-offs. Above them, Brazil have finished top followed by Paraguay and then Chile.

Following the Wednesday's games the draw for the European play-off matches will be made on Monday the 19th October. The teams will be seeded on the 16th of October to make sure the top four teams don't meet each other in the play-offs.

In the South American group the team that finishes 5th will play against the 4th placed team in the North, Central America and Caribbean group.

Reader views (0)

 Add your view

No comments have so far been submitted.


Add your comment

 

Terms and conditions Make text area bigger You have  characters left.

We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.

For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.


 

 

  • PFA urged John Terry to quit England captaincy for European Championships John Terry Exclusive: John Terry refused a plea from the Professional Footballers' Association to step down as England captain until...
  • FA long game will only make muddle worse Alf Ramsey Patrick Barclay: According to Graham Taylor, it can take a manager 18 months to adjust from club football to the different...
  • Andre Villas-Boas has an impossible job at Chelsea, says Porto president Andre Villas-Boas Andre Villas-Boas' efforts to turn around Chelsea are being damaged by Jose Mourinho's regular contact with the players, it is claimed
  • Chris Powell: racist abuse between players was accepted in my day Chris Powell Exclusive: After high-profile allegations this season, Charlton's manager Chris Powell is pleased the issue is now being...
  • Has Arsene Wenger really found a new batch of San Siro heroes? Cesc Fabregas The Champions League clash between Arsenal and AC Milan will determine whether critics are right to question the strength and ability of...
  • Rangers appoint administrators  Craig Whyte Rangers have today appointed administrators Duff and Phelps after a court battle with Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs
  • Carlos Tevez targets Manchester City return in two weeks Carlos Tevez Carlos Tevez was due to arrive in England this morning determined to win back his place in the Manchester City team and prepared to...
  • Nicky Maynard itching to make his West Ham debut against Southampton Nicky Maynard Nicky Maynard is confident that he will be able to score if called upon to make his West Ham debut in the club's top-of-the-table showdown...
  • Celtic chief executive: Rangers' demise would not affect us Rangers Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell believes fans would continue backing the club in big numbers in the absence of Old Firm rivals Rangers
  • Steve Morgan's outburst was not key to Mick McCarthy's sacking, says Wolves chief executive Mick McCarthy Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey insists club owner Steve Morgan's dressing-room outburst after the home defeat by Liverpool earlier this...
  •