Two Years of Graft and It Comes Down to 90 Minutes

Since late November 2007, when Sepp Blatter held the draw for the qualification process towards South Africa 2010, all over the world countries have vigorously competed to book their place at the finals’ extravaganza. On Wednesday night, we encounter the biggest night in deciding the winners and losers across three of FIFA’s five confederations. Careers are made and broken on nights like these so let’s look ahead to the key games on what is sure to be an exceptional evening.

South America

Uruguay v Argentina

All eyes will be on Montevideo on Wednesday evening, when, this normally explosive local derby, has its intensity upped to a nuclear level, in this winner take all clash. Following Saturdays results, the neighbours find themselves a point apart in fifth and fourth place respectively so both teams will be all out attack in search of the automatic berth for the finals. Uruguay is clearly the form team for this clash after their highly impressive victory in Quito against a normally impenetrable Ecuador. Their close neighbours failed to impress against a poor Peru side, relying on a late Martin Palermo goal to salvage a 2-1 victory. Nevertheless, you cannot count Argentina out due to the rivalry in a game like this.

My prediction: 1-1.

Both teams will cancel each other out, leaving Argentina to qualify directly for the finals and Uruguay to face the playoffs for the third time in succession.

Chile v Ecuador

Ecuador was dealt a fatal blow over the weekend with their final home match, a game which would have secured a playoff at least, ending in defeat. Will they be able to raise themselves for the long teak south to face the already-qualified Chile? Chile have shown no signs of taking it easy, demolishing Colombia 4-2 away from home on Sunday so the match will be tough for the team, who have appeared at the last two World Cups.

My prediction: 3-1

I cannot see that Ecuador will have the ability to raise their game against the highly-talented Chileans. The home team will want to impress before their first appearance at the finals in 12 years and will run out clear winners.

Elsewhere, Venezuela has a remote chance at qualification but find themselves three points away from a playoff place, with a difficult match away in Brazil.

North America

El Salvador v Honduras

Up in the northern half of the Americas, possibly the most interesting match of the entire qualification period will be played in San Salvador, where neighbours Honduras will be the visitors. Memories of the ‘Soccer War’ from 1969, where, a four-day war between the two countries was inflamed by extensive rioting between fans of both countries in a qualifier for the 1970 World Cup, will surely intensify the battle. Honduras needs all three points to give them a chance of automatic qualification therefore we can expect an intense battle although they have already secured a playoff place.

See link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_War

My prediction: 1-2

With such a prize on offer, it is difficult to foresee anything other than a victory for the visitors. It should be a close game due to the rivalry between the nations but Honduras should have enough to get home.

USA v Costa Rica

As the USA has already qualified, the question hanging over the game is if the USA will take the game seriously? ‘Los Ticos’ have not won any qualification game on United States soil for over 24 years and must readdress this scenario if they want to guarantee their place at the finals. Last weekend saw Costa Rica climb out of a slump with an emphatic 4-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in Rene Simoes first game in charge. Nevertheless, the game in Washington D.C will be a different task and they must surely produce an unbelievable performance to defeat the USA.

My prediction: 3-2

I cannot see Los Ticos being able to defeat the USA. I believe that they will have to settle for a playoff place, most likely against Uruguay.

Europe

In the UEFA zone, there are vast arrays of issues that still need settling, despite the majority of group winners already being confirmed.

Group 1

Demark are already confirmed as group winners, with Portugal looking most likely to enter the playoffs. Christiano Ronaldo’s team only need to win their home match against Malta to secure second position.

Group 2

Switzerland should pick up at least a point in their home match against Israel, to ensure automatic qualification. Whilst Greece face the easy task of defeating Luxemburg at home to secure their place in the continental playoffs.

Group 3

This group should provide the most interesting night based on the fixtures this week. Slovakia (presently two points ahead of Slovenia) face a difficult task away against a tough Poland team whilst Slovenia face a trip to bottom of the group San Marino. I can see the Slovakians possibly entering the playoffs on goal difference. Although they are two goals ahead at the moment, San Marino have lost each game on average by four goals (you do the maths).

Group 4

Done and dusted! Germany automatic and Russia to the playoffs.

Group 5

Done and dusted again! This time Spain automatic and Bosnia to the playoffs.

Group 6

England had already secured qualification prior to the defeat in Kiev, which opened the door for Ukraine. Ukraine faces the simple task of defeating Andorra (away) to enter the playoffs.

Group 7&8

Both are completed with Serbia & Italy the group winners whilst France & Rep of Ireland entering the playoffs.

Group 9

The first group to finish with Holland booking their passage for South Africa last June. Although Norway finished second, I expect them to miss out on the playoffs due to their poor record.

Do you agree or disagree? Let me know.