World Cup Qualification beckons for Europe

Its time for resumption of the World Cup qualifiers. Spain, England and the Dutch have already qualified from Europe but who else could be joining them this weekend? Lets take a look:

Group 1

Denmark(1) v Sweden(2); Portugal(3) v Hungary(4)

All 4 teams have a chance at qualifying and play-off spot. Denmark can ensure qualification with a win against Sweden. Portugal and Hungary can go 2nd with a win in case Sweden loses. Swedish win will give them same points as Denmark but inferior goal difference (unless they win by 5+ goals). If Denmark fail to win, the final round of matches can get really interesting.

My take: Portugal to bounce back from their poor form and win and Sweden to draw to take things to the final round of matches.

Group 2

Luxembourg(5) v Switzerland(1); Israel(4) v Moldova(6); Greece(2) v Latvia(3)

If Switzerland win, Israel can only have a shot at the play-offs at best. Greece and Latvia are on same points and a win will keep them both in the hunt for first place. A Swiss win with either of them dropping points means they are out of race for the direct qualification spot. A Swiss loss coupled with wins for Israel and result in the 3rd game can really spice up the final qualifying fixtures.

My take: Swiss, Israel and Latvia for wins.

Group 3

Slovakia(1) v Slovenia(2) ; Czech(4) v Poland(5)

Slovakia can ensure qualification with a win while Slovenia can run away from the chasing pack with a win and keep their hopes of automatic qualification alive. Czech have a chance to move to 2nd with a win in case Slovenia drop points. Poland can also join Slovenia and Northern Ireland on 14 points with a win and Slovenia loss. Northern Ireland can only sit and watch other results.

My take: Czech for a win and Slovakia and Slovenia to draw.

Group 4

Russia(2) v Germany(1)

These two teams will take the automatic qualification and the play-off spots from this group. Its only a matter of who takes what. Germany have a 1 point advantage over Russia but it can be overturned if the game doesn’t go their way. Germany can settle the group with a win.

My take: A draw. Both teams have huge talents and would cancel each other out.

Group 5

Estonia(5) v Bosnia(2); Belgium(4) v Turkey(3)

Play-off spot is the only way out of this group with Spain already taking the qualification spot. If Turkey drop points and Bosnia earn at least a draw, the play-off spot is a Bosnian territory.

My take: Bosnia to take the spot

Group 6

Ukraine(3) v England(1)

England have already qualified and the play-off spot is a competition between Ukraine and Croatia. Croatia can only sit and watch and hope that Ukraine don’t leapfrog them with a win. A loss of points for Ukraine makes the matter pretty easy for Croatia.

My take: Ukraine to drop points

Group 7

Serbia(1) v Romania(5); Austria(3) v Lithuania(4); France(2) v Faroe Islands(6)

Serbia can end the matters with a win and leave only play-off spot as a chance of qualification. A France win will push Romania and Lithuania out of the race as well as Austria if they fail to win. France need Serbia to lose to have a chance at automatic qualification. Austria need France to drop points to have a chance along with a win for themselves.

My take: Serbia and France ensuring their spots.

Group 8

Cyprus(4) v Bulgaria(5); Republic of Ireland(2) v Italy(1)

Italy get a point and they secure qualification, Bulgaria don’t win or they and Republic of Ireland both win, they are out of the race. A drop of points by Republic of Ireland gives Bulgaria a chance at play-off spot.

My take: Republic of Ireland to take the matters to the final round.

World Cup Qualifiers – Midweek Review (09/09/09)

The midweek qualifiers have surely sprung a surprise or two. If a team has qualified another has lost all hopes of qualification, others are still hanging in the balance. Here is a run down.

Europe Group 1

Malta 0-1 Sweden; Albania 1-1 Denmark; Hungary 0-1 Portugal

Only my prediction about Swedish win came true for this group. Portugal actually got a result against Hungary and Denmark could only draw their game. There results have turned the tables completely. Denmark still hold on to their 1st place but their lead is just 3 points. Sweden have moved to 2nd place. Both of them would be facing each in the next round of matches. Portugal and Hungary are on 3rd and 4th places respectively with 13 points and face each other again in the next round. All 4 teams still have a chance of qualification and the next round would be really interesting.

Europe Group 2

Israel 7-0 Luxembourg; Latvia 2-2 Switzerland; Moldova 1-1 Greece

I predicted Israel to win and Switzerland to draw. Greece drew against my prediction. Switzerland are still in 1st place with 17 points. Greece and Latvia are level on 14 points while Israel are 4th with 12 points. The results suit Israel the most since it puts them back into contention for qualification.

Europe Group 3

Czech Republic 7-0 San Marino; Northern Ireland 0-2 Slovakia; Slovenia 3-0 Poland

I was way off with my predictions on this one. Predicted two draws and there was none. The results suit Czechs the most, who have 2nd place in their sights now, and Northern Ireland the least, who having played a game more than their rivals, are in 3rd place with 14 points. Slovakia stay top with 19 points, Slovenia 2nd with 14 points while Poland are 5th with 11 points but still can aim for 2nd place.

Europe Group 4

Liechtenstein 1-1 Finland; Wales 1-3 Russia; Germany 4-0 Azerbaijan

Predicted 3 results in this group, got 2. The first two places in this group would now go to Germany and Russia not necessarily in that order. Germany are on top with 22 points while Russia are 2nd on 21 points.

Europe Group 5

Bosnia Herzegovina 1-1 Turkey; Armenia 2-1 Belgium; Spain 3-0 Estonia

Belgium prediction went wrong while predicted correctly about Spain win and Turkey draw. Spain have now qualified for the World Cup and its a fight to enter the play-offs between Bosnia and Turkey now with Bosnia having an upper hand in that fight with 4 points difference.

Europe Group 6

England 5-1 Croatia; Belarus 0-0 Ukraine; Andorra 0-3 Kazakhstan

Predicted an English win, got it. Predicted Ukraine win didn’t get it. England have now qualified for the World Cup while its a fight for 2nd place between Croatia and Ukraine. Croatia are currently 2nd with 17 points while Ukraine are on 15 points but they have a game in hand over Croatia.

Europe Group 7

Faroe Island 2-1 Lithuania; Romania 1-1 Austria; Serbia 1-1 France

Predicted 2 draws for this group, got 2 draws. The results don’t change anything in this group. Serbia are still on top with 19 points with France in 2nd with 15 points. Austria are 3rd with 11 points and have an outside chance at 2nd place.

Europe Group 8

Montenegro 1-1 Cyprus; Italy 2-0 Bulgaria

Predicted a draw for Italy v Bulgaria game but Italy won this one. Italy are now in 1st place with 20 points, 4 points ahead of Republic of Ireland. Bulgaria are 3rd with 11 points and can still hope of qualifying through 2nd place.

Europe Group 9

Scotland 0-1 Netherlands; Norway 2-1 Macedonia

This was already a dead group with Netherlands already qualified and no other team having a chance at qualification since they at max could become worst placed 2nd team from all groups. And its still the same story.

South America

Brazil 4-2 Chile; Venezuela 3-1 Peru; Paraguay 1-0 Argentina; Uruguay 3-1 Columbia; Bolivia 1-3 Ecuador

Wins for Uruguay, Venezuela keep them in contention for qualification. Brazil stay on top while dooming Chile to 3rd place. Ecuador move to 4th place with a win. Argentina have shot themselves in the foot with the loss. They are now in serious danger of missing out on the World Cup. They are right now out of the automatic qualification spots in 5th place with Uruguay and Venezuela right behind with a difference of 1 point. The South American qualifiers would be a real dog fight now as if they already were something else.

WC Qualifying Europe – Midweek Preview

The results of weekend qualifiers and given a new importance to the midweek qualifiers. Here is a run down what these mean to the various teams.

Group 1

Malta v Sweden; Albania v Denmark; Hungary v Portugal

Denmark and Sweden are expected to win their respective matches against the bottom two of the group. Denmark can ensure qualification if the results go their way though in my opinion they would need to wait till the next round to ensure qualification. Sweden can move to second place with a win, if Hungary fail to win their match.

The interesting match up is Hungary v Portugal. Hungary can throw Portugal out of the WC qualification contention with a win which they would themselves need to stay ahead of Sweden in pursuit of that second place. Portugal need to win all their remaining games to have a chance at qualifying but it is a tough ask considering their form and the form of other teams.

My take: Denmark, Hungary and Sweden to win their matches. Portugal will try to win this one and end up losing.

Player to watch: Zlatan Ibrahimovic – scored really late to give Sweden a win over the weekend. More than capable of scoring again to boost Sweden.

Group 2

Israel v Luxembourg; Latvia v Switzerland; Moldova v Greece

If Latvia and Greece win their matches, the two teams would be tied with Switzerland on 16 points and it would be interesting fight to the qualification places. Israel would be expected to beat Luxembourg but qualification seems far away from them considering the forms of other 3 teams. Switzerland can consolidate their first place if they beat Latvia.

My take: Greece and Israel to win, Switzerland and Latvia to draw.

Player to watch: Blaise N Kufo – played every game for Swiss and scored in almost every.

Group 3

Czech Republic v San Marino; Northern Ireland v Slovakia; Slovenia v Poland

Its 2nd v 1st, 4th v 3rd and 5th v 6th in this group. Czech would be expected to beat San Marino and need to as well and would be hoping results elsewhere go their way to stand any chance of qualification. Poland and Slovenia both on same number of points would want to win to come close to second place. Slovakia would want to win to consolidate their first position while Northern Ireland would want that first place and considering that they have played a game more than rest of the contenders, would be desperately looking to beat Slovakia.

My take: Slovakia and Northern Ireland to draw, Poland and Slovenia to draw and Czech to win.

Player to watch: Jonny Evans – was part of the defense that kept Poland’s continuous attacks at bay over the weekend and gave Northern Ireland a crucial draw.

Group 4

Liechtenstein v Finland; Wales v Russia; Germany v Azerbaijan

Russia are within a point of Germany but have a tough trip to Wales. Germany would be expected to win again Azerbaijan who have not won yet in the group. Wales need a miracle to qualify but would really like to spoil the party here which would suit Finland the most who can close in on 2nd place with a win themselves.

My take: Germany, Russia and Finland to win.

Player to watch: Andrei Arshavin – can create from anywhere on the pitch. Would be vital for Russia.

Group 5

Bosnia-Herzegovina v Turkey; Armenia v Belgium; Spain v Estonia

Spain have a perfect record and would be expected to maintain that against 5th placed Estonia. Belgium can qualify only with a miracle like Bosnia losing all their games and other things to add. Bosnia and Turkey would be fighting for the 2nd place. Bosnia are 4 points ahead of Turkey and can throw Turkey out of contention for second place with a win.

My take: Spain, Belgium for wins. Bosnia and Turkey to draw.

Player to watch: Edin Dzeko – Bosnian striker has already scored 7 goals this campaign.

Group 6

England v Croatia; Belarus v Ukraine; Andorra v Kazakhstan

England have a perfect record till now and would want to maintain that. Croatia are 2nd but have played 1 game more than everyone else and with Ukraine just 3 points behind, would be wanting to win this one to consolidate their 2nd place and maybe go for the first place as well. Ukraine, fresh from 5-0 victory, would want to win against Belarus, who themselves have no chance of qualifying, to try and overtake Croatia if they lose. Andorra and Kazakhstan match would not impact the qualification spots.

My take: England, Ukraine to win.

Player to watch: Wayne Rooney – played his part in winning the penalty but more than capable of winning the game for England by right means.

Group 7

Faroe Island v Lithuania; Romania v Austria; Serbia v France

Austria, Romania and Lithuania – all can come close to 2nd place with wins and can hope of taking that spot considering France’s indifferent form. I don’t expect France not to qualify though. Serbia can qualify with a win in this match and wouldn’t they love to do so at France’s expense.

My take: Lithuania to win. Serbia, France, Austria and Romania all to draw.

Player to watch: Frank Ribery – creative midfielder can make or break France’s campaign.

Group 8

Montenegro v Cyprus; Italy v Bulgaria

Result of Cyprus v Montenegro won’t have any impact on the qualification spots but result of Italy v Bulgaria match would. Bulgaria can come within 2 points of Republic of Ireland in 2nd place and 3 points of Italy in first place. Italy, on the other hand, can go 4 points clear in first place and push Bulgaria out of contention for first place.

My take: Draw for Italy and Bulgaria.

Player to watch: Dimitriv Berbatov – Bulgaria need a win and he can certainly provide the goals.

Group 9

Scotland v Netherlands; Norway v Macedonia

Neither of Norway and Macedonia can qualify now. They can at max get a total of 10 points which would be less than all 2nd placed teams of other groups. Scotland are currently on 10 points and have a chance only if they beat Netherlands who, for the record, have a perfect record till now. Even then Scotland would need to improve on their goal difference a lot to qualify for play offs. So both the matches are kind of dead rubber.

My take: Really doesn’t matter.

Player to watch: Entire Netherlands team – its a delight to watch them play.

What are your predictions for the games? Let me know through comments…

United Players on International Duty – Review

Here is how the Manchester United players performed over the weekend.

• Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown, Michael Carrick, Ben Foster
  • England v Slovenia: Wayne Rooney helped England win the controversial penalty against Slovenia in the friendly while Michael Carrick looked impressive in his 2nd half display. Wes Brown and Ben Foster were not used.
• Nani
  • Denmark v Portugal: Nani was used as a late substitute in 1-1 draw – Review
• Patrice Evra
  • France v Romania: Evra played entire 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw – Review
• Jonny Evans
  • Poland v N Ireland – Evans had a good defensive display against continuous Poland attack during the 1-1 draw – Review
• Antonio Valencia
  • Colombia v Ecuador: Only United player to lose this weekend.
• Dimitar Berbatov
  • Bulgaria v Montenegro: Scored a penalty in the 4-1 win – Review
• John O’Shea, Darren Gibson
  • Cyprus v Republic of Ireland – O’Shea played at right back for Republic of Ireland in the 1-2 win while Gibson was not used – Review
• Ji Sung Park
  • Korea v Australia: Captained Korea to a 3-1 win and set up the final goal.
• Darren Fletcher
  • Scotland v Macedonia: Played a good 90 minutes in the 2-0 win – Review
• Ritchie Da Laet
  • Spain v Belgium: Not used in the 5-0 loss – Review
• Federico Macheda
  • U21 Wales v Italy: Came on in the final minutes of the 2-1 loss.
• Tom Cleverly
  • U21 Macedonia v England: Made his debut as a late substitute in the 2-1 victory.

World Cup Qualifying Europe – Groups Review

Group 1

Denmark 1-1 Portugal

Portugal have shot themselves with this result. Though they would be thinking if it wouldn’t have been a late equalizer, they would have not got any points. They are now lying 4th with 10 points while Denmark are sitting on top with 17 points. 1st place seem distant for the Portuguese now.

Hungary 1-2 Sweden

Really late goal by Zlatan Ibrahimovic gave Sweden the much needed win against Hungary. Hungary are still lying 2nd with 13 points but Sweden have moved closer with 12 points leapfrogging Portugal on the way.

Group 2

Switzerland 2-0 Greece

Two late goals gave Swiss the win which saw them move to the top of the table moving Greece to the second place. Both teams are still in it for the first place which gives them automatic qualification for the World Cup.

Israel 0-1 Latvia

Israel lost the chance to move to 3rd place with this loss while Latvia consolidated their 3rd place. Things could get really interesting with midweek results since Latvia are now tied with Greece on 13 points and just 3 points from the top place.

Group 3

Poland 1-1 Northern Ireland

Poland move to 3rd place with this draw while Northern Ireland remain in 2nd place. Poland were lucky they got a point out of this one but their one point means that now there are 3 teams in the running for 2nd place – Northern Ireland, Poland and Slovenia with Czech having an outside chance for the same.

Slovakia 2-2 Czech Republic

1 point is really good for Slovakia who have consolidated on their first place and it is definitely not good for the Czechs. They needed a win in this one. Now their only chance is winning all the remaining games which is a tough ask considering their form. They are currently in 5th place behind Slovenia with just 9 points from 7 games.

Group 4

Russia 3-0 Liechtestein

Victory was expected for Russia and they wrapped it up by half time. Liechtenstein were not expected to give any challenge and they are sitting at bottom right now with no wins. With this victory Russia have come within a point of Germany and it would be an interesting fight for the first place.

Azerbaijan 1-2 Finland

Azerbaijan actually were leading for quiet some time in this one but in the end Finland proved too much for them. Finland needed this win to stay in touch of the top two of the group though it will be a tough ask for them.

Group 5

Spain 5-0 Belgium

This loss means that Belgium stay in 4th place with 7 points and would need a miracle to qualify now for the World Cup. Spain are now on 21 points and are running away with the first place.

Armenia 0-2 Bosnia Herzegovina

As expected Bosnia have consolidated on their 2nd place with a win. They have Turkey lurking close to them though.

Turkey 4-2 Estonia

Turkey were pushed in this one but in the end they prevailed and are still in sights of that important 2nd place. The next match could make or break their campaign.

Group 6

Ukraine 5-0 Andorra

Win for Ukraine moves them within 3 points of Croatia with a game in hand and of course improves their goal difference as well.

Croatia 1-0 Belarus

Croatia needed to win this one to stay ahead of Ukraine and within touching distance of England. The midweek fixtures would be really interesting in this group.

Group 7

France 1-1 Romania

France lost their chance to close in on Serbia. They could just manage a draw in this one. Romania could have closed in on Austria but they didn’t. Draw suited neither of these teams.

Austria 3-1 Faroe Islands

Austria needed this win to stay in touching distance of France and with France drawing their match, the result was great for them. Their defence would be a worry as they keep on conceding every match.

Group 8

Georgia 0-2 Italy

Bread and Butter clash for Italy but they needed to win to stay ahead of Republic of Ireland. 17 points from 7 games is not that a bad return but the good part is that are still unbeaten in the group.

Cyprus 1-2 Republic of Ireland

Cyprus don’t have a shot at qualifying anymore but this is an important win for Republic of Ireland as it keeps them within a point of Italy but the have played a game more than Italy. 2nd place is theirs to lose though.

Bulgaria 4-1 Montenegro

Bulgaria have given themselves a chance with this win to qualify for the World Cup but they need to perform really well in the remaining fixtures.

Group 9

Scotland 2-0 Macedonia

It was a chance for both teams to consolidate 2nd position but Scotland did it. First position has already gone to Netherlands and 2nd place is the only shot at qualification. Macedonia have now dropped to 4th place with this loss.

Iceland 1-1 Norway

Draw suited neither of these teams though Norway have overtaken Macedonia into 3rd place. They are within 3 points of 2nd place and have an outside shot at qualifying.

Man Utd Players on international duty

Manchester United have around 17 players on international duty during this international break who might feature in the various friendlies and world cup qualifiers. Here is a list of who is going where:

• Wayne Rooney, Wes Brown, Michael Carrick, Ben Foster
  • England v Slovenia 5 Sept
  • England v Croatia 9 Sept
• Nani
  • Denmark v Portugal 5 Sept – Preview
  • Hungary v Portugal 9 Sept
• Patrice Evra
  • France v Romania 5 Sept – Preview
  • Serbia v France 9 Sept
• Jonny Evans
  • Poland v N Ireland 5 Sept – Preview
  • N Ireland v Slovakia 9 Sept
• Antonio Valencia
  • Colombia v Ecuador 5 Sept
  • Bolivia v Ecuador 9 Sept
• Dimitar Berbatov
  • Bulgaria v Montenegro 5 Sept – Preview
  • Italy v Bulgaria 9 Sept
• John O’Shea, Darren Gibson
  • Cyprus v Republic of Ireland 5 Sept – Preview
  • Republic of Ireland v S Africa 9 Sept
• Ji Sung Park
  • Korea v Australia 5 Sept
• Nemanja Vidic, Zoran Tosic
  • Serbia v France 9 Sept
• Darren Fletcher
  • Scotland v Macedonia 5 Sept – Preview
  • Scotland v Holland 9 Sept
• Ritchie Da Laet
  • Spain v Belgium 5 Sept – Preview
  • Armenia v Belgium 9 Sept
• Federico Macheda
  • U21 Wales v Italy 4 Sept
  • U21 Italy v Luxembourg 8 Sept

Who among these would have the best performance during the  internationals? Let me know your thoughts….

World Cup Qualifying Europe Preview – Part 3

For a preview of Group 1,2,3 go here

For a preview of Group 4,5,6 go here

Group 7

Group 7 includes France, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria, Romania, Faroe Islands. Group leaders Serbia are not playing this weekend.

France v Romania

France are second in the group behind Serbia on 13 points. Their fans have been indifferent to their performances since their poor showing in Austria and Switzerland and therefore France would want to win the trust of their fans with impressive showings. Their previous meeting with Romania was a 2-2 draw. Romania would want to leapfrog Lithuania with a win who are not playing this weekend.

Key Players:

• Franck Ribery (France): The in demand playmaker with a hefty price tag. Has the ability to change the game with one flick.
• Adrian Mutu  (Romania): Striker with amazing skills. More than capable of causing trouble for French defenders.

Austria v Faroe Islands

Austria are sitting 4th and would be hoping to leapfrog Lithuania in 3rd place with a win against Faroe Islands who have just 1 point from 6 games which actually came against Austria.

Key Players:

• Defence (Austria): They have conceded in every game they have played in this qualifying campaign.

Group 8

Group 8 includes Italy, Republic of Ireland, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Montenegro and Georgia. Its top 3 playing against bottom 3 in this group.

Georgia v Italy

Italy sit top and are yet to lose while Georgia sit bottom and are yet to win. Italy have won 4 and Georgia have lost 4. Italy have scored 9 goals and Georgia have conceded 9 goals. Seems like Georgia are bent on matching Italy for everything just that in opposite direction.

Key Players:

• Team (Italy): There is talent everywhere on the pitch and anyone can change the game on their day.

Cyprus v Republic of Ireland

Republic of Ireland are 2nd in the group with 13 points. They are among the 3 unbeaten teams in this group and would want to push Italy for first spot with a win against Cyprus. They have previously beaten them 1-0 at home. Cyprus have just 1 win from 6 games and that too against Georgia.

Key Players:

• Robbie Keane (Republic of Ireland): Currently playing with Tottenham Hotspur and prolific in front of goal, has already scored 4 times.

Bulgaria v Montenegro

Bulgaria are another unbeaten team in this group (Does anybody lose in this group???) but they have won only 1 of their 6 games. They have a low scoring return of only 6 goals in 6 games. Montenegro are one of the winless teams in this group (3 teams with no losses, 2 teams with no wins…phew…what a group).

Key Players:

• Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria): Manchester United striker is off form but has really tricky feet.

Group 9

Group 9 includes Netherlands, Scotland, Norway, Iceland and Macedonia. Netherlands have already qualified and will not be playing this weekend.

Scotland v Macedonia

Both teams have a lot in common. 2 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses, 7 points after scoring 4 goals each. Only difference is that Macedonia have conceded 7 while Scotland have conceded 10 which gives Scotland 3rd position in the group against Macedonia’s 2nd. Its a chance for both teams to consolidate second position since play offs are the only shot left at world cup qualification in this group.

Key Players:

• Darren Fletcher (Scotland): Impressing for Manchester United this season, it would be interesting to see how he performs for Scotland.

Iceland v Norway

Bottom of the table clash with 5th v 4th. Norway are on 6 points and a win coupled with a draw in the other game can see them leapfrog to 2nd position while a win with a result in the other game would give them 3rd position but close to 2nd place with a difference of 1 point.

A win for Iceland with a win for Macedonia would shoot them to 3rd place while any other result in the other match would give them 4th place provided they win.

A draw suits neither of them. Should be an interesting match.

Key Players:

• Eidur Gudjohnson (Iceland): Top scorer for them and more than capable of scoring more goals.
• John Carew (Norway): Yet to score this qualifying campaign but definitely due one.

This finishes the three part preview of the European World Cup weekend Qualifiers. I am very tempted to preview the midweek qualifiers as well but would wait till the results of the weekend are out to see if there are any changes in the tables.

World Cup Qualifying Europe Preview – Part 2

For a preview of Group 1,2,3 go here

Group 4

Group 4 includes Germany, Russia, Wales, Finland, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein. Germany and Wales are not playing this weekend.

Russia v Liechtenstein

Russia are currently second in the group behind Germany. They have been winners against everyone in the group except Germany. They have scored 12 goals and conceded only 3. If they win this game, they would be within a point of Germany.

Liechtenstein are lying bottom of the group with just 1 point and at best can overtake Azerbaijan in the group. They are the whipping boys in the group with the highest number in the goals conceded column.

This should be a mouth watering clash for Russia who would look to improve their goal difference even further.

Key Players:

• Andrei Arshavin (Russia): The Russian captain is a diminutive midfielder and moves like a rat and can be a trouble for any defence in the world.

Azerbaijan v Finland

Azerbaijan are just above Liechtenstein on goal difference and should not cause much trouble for Finland who are currently in third place 1 point above Wales. Finland would be looking at this fixture as a chance to improve their negative goal difference.

Key Players:

• Mikael Forsell (Finland): Former Chelsea striker has played every game till now and should score a couple of goals to keep Finland challenge alive.

Group 5

Group 5 includes Spain, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Turkey, Belgium, Estonia, Armenia and will test Spain’s perfect record this weekend.

Spain v Belgium

Spain are siting comfortably on top of the group with 6 wins out of 6 conceding only 2 goals in the process. They have scored 13 goals till now. They have among the meanest defences in entire Europe.

Belgium are lying 4th in the table with 7 points. They have scored 10 goals but have also conceded 11.  They need to close in on Turkey and Bosnia-Herzegovina soon to have a realistic chance of qualifying for the world cup.

Key Players:

• Spain: Take your pick. There is talent everywhere on the pitch. All players have the ability to practically rip apart the opposition.
• Wesley Sonck (Belgium): With 6 goals in 6 games he is Belgium’s top goal scorer in this qualifying campaign but it would be tough to break down Spanish defence.

Armenia v Bosnia-Herzegovina

Armenia are bottom of the group and have not won a single game till now. They have conceded 15 goals till now and this should be a damage limitation exercise for them.

Bosnia-Herzegovina are second in the group with 4 wins and 2 losses. They would be looking to consolidate their second place since Spain look invincible. They are the top scorers in the group and should look to improve that column as well.

Key Players:

• Edin Dzeko (Bosnia-Herzegovina): Wolfsburg striker was a hot property last season helping them to Bundesliga title. He has already netted 7 times during this qualifying campaign.

Turkey v Estonia

Another of those whipping boys clash for Turkey. 8 points from 6 games is not a return Turkey fans would be happy with and they would expect a statement be made through this clash so that they stay in hunt for second place. Estonia at max would be hoping for low scoring game.

Key Players:

• Turkey: No single players has stood out this qualifying campaign and someone needs to stand up and make his presence felt.

Group 6

Group 6 features England, Croatia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Andorra. England – group leaders and top scorers are not playing this weekend.

Ukraine v Andorra

Ukraine are currently third and within touching distance of Croatia. They are against an Andorra team which has conceded 25 goals till now. They should be looking at vastly improving their goal difference.

Key Player:

• Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine): Was out of favor at Chelsea but no one can doubt his class. A proven goal scorer.

Croatia v Belarus

Croatia go into this game sitting 2nd in the group way behind England. With Ukraine lurking behind, they would want to win this one to consolidate on second place. Injuries are taking their tole on Croatia though with Luka Modric out injured. Belarus need to win this to have a realistic chance of qualifying. The previous meeting between these two resulted in Croatian win.

Key Players:

• Eduardo (Croatia): Arsenal striker would be the key being fresh from scoring against Celtic in the Champions League.
• Aleksandr Hleb (Belarus): Former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder has found playing time again with move to Stuttgart and would relish performing on big stage as well.

World Cup Qualifying Europe Preview – Part 1

Group 1

Group 1 includes Denmark, Hungary, Portugal, Sweden, Albania and Malta and has couple of really interesting match ups lined up. The top 4 teams are facing each other over the weekend.

Denmark v Portugal

Denmark are currently sitting on top of Group 1 with 16 points and are on a 5 match winning streak which includes beating the likes of Portugal and Sweden. They have scored 13 goals and conceded only 2.

Portugal on the other hand are lying 3rd with 9 point. They have won only 2 of their 6 games with 1 loss being against Denmark at home. They have had three 0-0 draws which clearly shows for their lack of firepower upfront even though they have likes of Cristiano Ronaldo (who I feel will be a big flop at Madrid), Deco etc in their ranks.

With just 4 matches left and Portugal playing Denmark and Hungary (top 2) three times, it is very important for them to win these games else they are in serious danger of missing out on world cup qualification. Denmark on the other hand would want to continue their winning form and try to secure qualification as soon as possible.

Key Players:

• Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – can change the entire game with one flash of brilliance. Needs to fire to get Portugal going.
• Tomas Sorenson (Denmark) – can shut out best attackers on his day.

Hungary v Sweden

This is 2nd v 4th in the group. Hungary are on 13 points with 4 wins while Sweden are on 9 points with just 2 wins. Sweden too like Portugal have had three 0-0 draws.

Hungary are on a 4 match winning streak but their only loss of the qualifiers was against Sweden. They have a very good chance of qualifying at the expense of Portugal and Sweden and would relish this opportunity. Sweden on the other hand are in same situation as Portugal and need to find their winning touch again.

Key Players:

• Henrik Larsson (Sweden): Among the best strikers in the world. If he fires there barely anyone who can stop him.
• Zlatan Ibrahamovic (Sweden): Highly over-rated in my opinion but can cause trouble for opposition.

Group 2

Group 2 includes Greece, Switzerland, Latvia, Israel, Luzembourg and Moltova and have a top of the table clash this weekend.

Switzerland v Greece

Greece are top of the group just ahead of Switzerland on goal difference. Both teams have won 4 games and drawn 1 and lost 1 with Switzerland getting the better of Greece away from home. Both teams are close to qualifying but with Latvia and Israel not far away in terms of points, both of them would want to secure it at the earliest. Switzerland have a chance to go top if they win this one.

Key Players:

• Angelos Charisteas (Greece): Current top scorer for Greece in this qualifying campaign.
• Blaise N Kufo (Switzerland): Current top scorer for Switzerland in this qualifying campaign and has scored in almost every match Swiss have played.

Israel v Latvia

This is 3rd v 4th. Previous encounter between these two finished in a 1-1 draw. Israel are just 1 point behind Latvia in the group and have the incentive of leapfrogging them if they win this one and if the Switzerland v Greece match has a winner, they can actually come very close to the second placed team (loser of the other game).

Key Players:

• Yossi Benayoun (Israel): Currently playing with Liverpool, had the creativity to unlock the meanest defences in the game.

Group 3

Group 3 includes Slovakia, Northern Ireland, Slovenia, Poland, Czech Republic and San Marino and has a mouth watering fixture with Czech visiting Slovakia.

Slovakia v Czech Republic

Slovakia sit at the top of this group with 5 wins out of 6, only loss being against Slovenia. Other than that they have beaten every other team in the group including the Czechs at their home and scored an amazing 17 goals. Czechs on the other hand have had an indifferent campaign till now with 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses and scoring only 6 goals. They are currently lying 5th with 8 points just above San Marino and in serious danger of losing out on qualification. No single Czech player has scored more than one goal which would be a serious concern for their fans.

Key Players:

• Slovakia: Entire team since there 17 goals are spread out through the entire team.
• Petr Cech (Czech): The Chelsea goalkeeper needs to be at his best to help Czech win this game.

Poland v Northern Ireland

Its 4th v 2nd with Poland having a game in hand over Northern Ireland. Poland are the current top scorers of the group and are fresh from scoring 10 against San Marino. Both teams have won their previous qualifier fixtures. Poland have an incentive of replacing Northern Ireland at second place in the group if they win this one since they already have a better goal difference.

Key Players:

• Poland: Like Slovakia their 18 goals are spread across entire team with Edi Ebi Smolarek being their top scorer.
• Jonny Evans (Northern Ireland): I am not sure if he is fit enough to play but if he plays, his defensive skills could be the deciding factor in the match.