There’s everything to play for in tonight’s penultimate World Cup qualifiers with 24 of the 32 places at next summer’s tournament still up for grabs.
Hosts Russia can sit back and enjoy all the action over the next few days when the final two rounds of matches are played, as can Brazil, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Belgium, Saudi Arabia and South Korea.
They’ve already qualified but for dozens of other nations the future is uncertain.
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In Europe, the winners of the nine groups automatically qualify while the eight best second-placed sides go through to the play-offs.
They’ll be two-legged affairs, the first tie to be staged on 9-11 November and the return fixture between the 12-14 November.
So how are the scores on the doors for the four home nations as the qualifiers reach their climax?
England – Group F
Blessed with being drawn in the Group of Dearth (of quality teams), the unbeaten Three Lions have coasted through the pool, winning six and drawing two of their matches.
Tonight they host Slovenia at Wembley and on Sunday they travel to Lithuania, but it should be job done this evening.
A win will secure their passage to Russia, or failing that two draws in their remaining matches. Then again, a point will suffice should second-placed Slovakia fail to take maximum points from their final two games.
Northern Ireland – Group C
Northern Ireland are guaranteed to finish in the top two of their group, but it’s unlikely they’ll pip Germany to top spot.
The two will clash tonight in Belfast. The reigning world champions require just a point to book their place in next year’s tournament.
Should Northern Ireland defeat Germany this evening they will still need to beat Norway in Oslo on Sunday, and hope that the Germans lose their final match at home to Azerbaijan.
Scotland – Group F
After a slow start in Group F, collecting just four points from their first four matches, the Scots have come good in the second half of qualification. They still have a slim chance of reaching their first World Cup since 1998.
To make it to Russia they must win their remaining two matches, at home to Slovakia this evening and away in Slovenia on Sunday, and hope that other results go their way so that they leapfrog Slovakia and Slovenia into second place.
Wales – Group D
Currently second, four points shy of leaders Serbia, Wales are a point ahead of the Republic of Ireland. Monday night’s clash in Cardiff between the pair could be a classic sporting occasion.
Before then, however, the Welsh – who are missing injured Gareth Bale – must win in Georgia. Should they accomplish that feat, and should the Irish fail to take maximum points from their home match against Moldova, Wales will be guaranteed second spot in group D.
Leaders Serbia need to beat either Austria or Georgia for automatic qualification but it’s the battle for second that is sure to provide the headlines in the coming days as Wales bid to make it to the World Cup for the first time since 1958.
Tonight’s World Cup qualifying fixtures (kick-off times 7.45pm UK unless stated)
Group C
- Azerbaijan vs. Czech Republic (5pm)
- Northern Ireland vs. Germany
- San Marino vs. Norway
Group E
- Armenia vs. Poland (5pm)
- Montenegro vs. Denmark
- Romania vs. Kazakhstan
Group F
- England vs. Slovenia
- Malta vs. Lithuania
- Scotland vs. Slovakia
Tomorrow’s fixtures (kick-off times 7.45pm UK unless stated)
Group D
- Georgia vs. Wales (5pm)
- Austria vs. Serbia
- Republic of Ireland vs. Moldova
Group G
- Italy vs. FYR Macedonia
- Liechtenstein vs. Israel
- Spain vs. Albania
Group I
- Croatia vs. Finland
- Kosovo vs. Ukraine
- Turkey vs. Iceland
