After another week of World Cup qualifying games, the picture in Europe is starting to take shape with two nations already qualified for next year’s finals in Qatar, and seven others guaranteed a top two spot. The final phase of matches takes place in November.
In Group A, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a record tenth international hat-trick in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Luxembourg. After visiting Ireland on November 11th, Portugal will then face Serbia three days later in a crucial game that will decide which of those two teams advances automatically, and which one will enter the play-offs.
Sweden and Spain are battling it out for top spot in Group B and will meet each other on November 14th. Greece still have a slim chance of qualifying but would need to win their two remaining games against Spain and Kosovo
ITALY SHOWDOWN
Italy and Switzerland have secured the top two spots in Group C, both on 14 points. They will meet on November 12th in a showdown for top place. Recently crowned European Champions Italy will surely be amongst the sports betting online favorites to win the tournament.
Group D is still open with France looking favorites to win the group. They play Kazakhstan and Finland in their remaining two matches in November. Ukraine are currently in the play-off spot but could be overtaken by Finland or Bosnia & Herzegovina who both have a game in hand. Ukraine will need at least a point, probably 3 from their remaining match against Bosnia & Herzegovina on November 16th in Zenica.
Belgium need just one point from their remaining two matches against Estonia or Wales to secure top spot in Group E. Second place is being contested between Czech Republic and Wales who are both on 11 points but Wales have a game in hand.
The Czechs host Estonia in their one remaining match on November 16th while Wales will probably need to pick up points against both Belarus and Belgium in Cardiff next month. Wales are also contenders to qualify for one of the two bonus play off spots due to their Nations League ranking.
SCOTLAND HOPEFUL
Denmark have already won Group F with a perfect 8 wins and no goals conceded and will be playing in next year’s finals. The play-off spot is being contested between Scotland and Israel who have two games each remaining, although Scotland have a four point lead over their rivals. A win against bottom placed Moldova in their next match would be enough to see the Scots clinch second place.
The Netherlands currently top Group G and a win against Montenegro in their next game would secure a top two spot for the Dutch. Norway and Turkey are also in contention, both with two games to play.
ENGLAND CLOSE
Russia and Croatia have already secured the top two spots in Group H. The eventual winners could be determined when the two teams meet on November 14th in Croatia.
A win in one of their two remaining matches against Albania or San Marino should be enough to see England qualify as winners in Group I. Poland are favorites to grab the play off spot although they could be beaten to it by Albania.
Germany have qualified by winning Group J where second spot could be clinched by Romania, North Macedonia, or Armenia.