One matchday to go – and in three groups there are finals for the World Cup ticket on Sunday. Who is shaking? Who needs what? The standings before the finals in World Cup qualifying.
Group A: Showdown in Lisbon
Already qualified: –
Starting position: Portugal reclaimed top spot in Group A from Serbia with a tired 0-0 draw in Ireland – both teams have 17 points each, but the Iberians have the better goal difference and therefore the better starting position. Cristiano Ronaldo & Co. need only a draw at home to qualify for the World Cup – Pepe, however, was shown a yellow card in Dublin and is consequently condemned to watch the “final”. Serbia, who have secured second place in any case, must win in Lisbon.
Out: Luxembourg, Ireland, Azerbaijan
Group B: Showdown in Seville
Already qualified: –
Where to start: Sweden’s 2-0 defeat in Georgia wasted their excellent starting position and they slipped to second in Group B as Spain triumphed 1-0 on penalties in Greece, burying any hopes the Hellenes might have had. With a one-point lead, the Furia Roja now host Sweden on Sunday, who would only be helped by a win in Seville. The Scandinavians already have second place in the bag.
Out: Greece, Georgia, Kosovo
Group H: Showdown in Split
Already qualified: –
Starting position: Both Russia and Croatia completed their compulsory tasks with flying colours on Thursday. The Sbornayas pocketed half a dozen goals in a 6-0 rout of Cyprus, while the Croats triumphed 7-1 in Malta. The victory was also urgently needed for the runners-up, as it gave them the chance to knock the Russians off top spot in Group H on the last matchday in front of their home crowd. For that, however, a win is absolutely necessary. One thing is clear: both teams have already qualified for the play-offs.
Eliminated: Slovakia, Slovenia, Malta, Cyprus
