Football Powers Close To Missing World Cup
Sweden, Portugal, Czech Republic, Turkey Fighting To Reach 2010 Cup
Oct 6, 2009
The 2010 World Cup in South Africa will very likely be without a series of big-name European teams as Sweden, Portugal, Czech Republic and Turkey are all fighting for their lives to qualify for next summer's football spectacle.
Group 1: Sweden Or Portugal Out Most Likely
Both Portugal and Sweden lag behind Denmark in Europe's qualifying Group 1. The Danes have 18 points with two games left while Sweden have 15 and Portugal are third with 13 points - even with Hungary. The group winner qualifies automatically and the second place side goes to the Play-Offs.
Denmark by far have the toughest final stretch playing against Sweden and Hungary - though both games are at home. Sweden play at Denmark and host Albania while Portugal host both Hungary and Malta.
Not making the 2010 World Cup would be a huge blow to the Portuguese, who would also rob the world of stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Deco and Nuno Gomes.
Group 2: Greece Fighting Latvia
Switzerland have a three-point lead (17 points) on both Greece and Latvia, who face off on 10 October 10 in Athens. The winner will more or less book at least a Play-Offs spot. Israel (12 points have an outside chance but host Moldova and travel to Switzerland.
Group 3: Czechs, Poland Need Loads Of Help
Group 3 could see both the Czech Republic and Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland get eliminated. Slovakia have 19 points and a five-point lead on Slovenia and Northern Ireland (both 14). The Czechs trail in fourth with 12 points ahead of their home showdown against fifth placed Poland (11 points) on 10 October.
Group 4: Germany Take On Russia For Lead
The only thing to decide in Group 4 is if three-time world champions Germany (22 points) or Russia (21) will take first place. The two face off on 10 October in Moscow and Germany would secure first place with a victory.
Group 5: Spain Through, Turkey Still Hopeful
Spain have already secured the top spot in Group 5 with Bosnia-Herzegovina holding a four-point lead (16 points) over third placed Turkey (12) with two games left. After finishing third in 2002, Turkey could miss their second straight World Cup.
Group 6: England Top, Croatia Lead Ukraine
England have also booked a berth for 2010 South Africa as Group 6 winners. Croatia are second with 17 points - two more than 2012 Euro co-hosts Ukraine, through Ukraine have a game in hand. Croatia take on Kazakhstan while Ukraine hosts England and then head to Andorra.
Group 7: Serbia Ahead Of France
Serbia lead Group 7 with 19 points - four more than France (15 points). The French are four points ahead of third place Austria (11) but the two face off on 14 October in Saint-Denis.
Group 8: Italy Close To Automatic Bid
Defending World Cup champions Italy lead Group 8 with 20 points - four more than Ireland (16), where they travel on 10 October. A draw in Dublin would secure first place for the Italians. It would also leave the door slightly open for third placed Bulgaria, who have 11 points and must win both games at Cyprus and against Georgia.
Group 9: Netherlands Top, Norway Second
The five-team Group 9 has already been decided with the Netherlands winning the group with 24 points - ahead of Norway and Scotland (both 10 points). Norway clinched second place but will likely draw the short straw as the sole second placed team left out of the Play-Offs.
Play-Offs
The four Play-Off series will be played on 14 and 18 November. The draw for those ties will take place on 19 October.
