One match day is still to go – and there will be decisions in two groups on Monday. England just have to take the last step, while the long-distance duel between Italy and Switzerland for the WM ticket promises great suspense Who is shaking? Who needs what? The standings before the final in the World Cup qualifiers
Group C: Tricky long-distance duel
Already qualified: –
Beginning position: After the 1:1 between Italy and Switzerland in Rome the decision in Group C will be made in a long-distance duel. Both the Italians and the Swiss have 15 points each, but the Azzurri have a two-goal better goal difference and therefore at least a small advantage. The disadvantage, however, is that they have to play away in Northern Ireland, while Switzerland has a home game against Bulgaria.
The Nati must either hope for a slip-up by the European champions or catch up on Italy by at least two goals to reach the World Cup on their own merits. It will be tricky if Italy wins 1:0 and Switzerland 3:0. In this very special case, both teams would be tied on points and goals and would have drawn twice in the direct comparison. Then the away goals rule would come into play – and that would benefit Switzerland.
Eliminated: Northern Ireland, Bulgaria, Lithuania
Group F: Does Denmark keep its clean sheet?
Already qualified: Denmark
Beginning position: In Group F everything has already been decided. Denmark travel to Qatar, while Scotland are through to the hopefuls. The Bravehearts will host the group winners on the final matchday and could ensure that the Danes, who have nine wins from nine games so far, do not end the qualifiers with 30 points and a clean sheet.
Outcast: Israel, Austria, Faroe Islands, Moldova
Group I: England practically through, but theoretically not yet
Already qualified: –
Beginning position: With the 5:0 over Albania England made sure that a three-way fight in Group I turned into a two-way fight. The Albanians are out, England lead the relay with 23 points. Poland, who easily solved their compulsory task in Andorra with a 4:1 win, have 20 points and must win at home against Hungary in any case if they want to keep their theoretical chance for first place. For the Poles to finish first, however, England would have to lose in San Marino and, on top of that, gamble away a goal difference that is currently six goals better than that of Poland. If that happens, it would be an unprecedented miracle in football.
Out: Albania, Hungary, Andorra, San Marino
