Predicting All of Friday's 2014 World Cup Qualifiers
A year out from the World Cup in Brazil, many national teams face pivotal matches Friday.
A total of 25 qualifiers will be played across four continents, giving fans a better idea of the participants in the world's greatest tournament.
What's at stake and what should one expect in each of these matches?
Here's a quick thought and prediction on each of Friday's World Cup qualifying matches.
Libya vs. DR Congo
1 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Libya (106) vs. Democratic Republic of Congo (98)
What's at Stake
With Libya sitting on five points and DR Congo with four through three of the six matches in their group, this match could easily prove vital in Group I.
A loss will leave the loser with some ground to make up, a daunting task given that there are just two matches after it.
Meanwhile, a draw would afford Cameroon the opportunity to build a substantial lead and move one step closer to the African playoffs.
Prediction
While DR Congo are slight underdogs according to the bookies, they are good enough to fight for a draw here.
1-1 sounds about right.
Armenia vs. Malta
2 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Armenia (75) vs. Malta (138)
What's at Stake
The match pits the two teams at the bottom of Europe's Group B.
Both are in desperate need of a win here to give them any hope at a comeback.
Should either lose or draw, their campaigns will likely be over.
Prediction
Armenia are good enough to pose a slight threat to the upper echelon of the group, while Malta are more likely to lose every match.
2-0 Armenia.
Finland vs. Belarus
3 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Finland (69) vs. Belarus (68)
What's at Stake
Europe's Group I is almost certain to finish with Spain and France in the top two spots, leaving the rest to fight for pride.
If either Finland or Belarus are to have any chance at changing that outcome, they will need to win this match.
Finland will hope to capitalize on their incredible draw with Spain.
Prediction
This one's tough to predict as it's hard to tell which Belarus will show up.
A 1-1 draw sounds plausible.
Luxembourg vs. Azerbaijan
4 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Luxembourg (134) vs. Azerbaijan (99)
What's at Stake
These two teams have very little control over the outcome of Europe's Group F.
Russia, Israel and Portugal have run away from them completely, leaving them little to no hope of a spot in the World Cup.
For the loser of this match, elimination might be right around the corner.
Prediction
Azerbaijan are the better team, but there shouldn't be much to separate them.
It could very well end 2-1 for Azerbaijan.
Latvia vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina
5 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Latvia (91) vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina (27)
What's at Stake
A loss would all but end Latvia's hopes at topping the group, as they'd fall 12 points behind Bosnia-Herzegovina with four matches remaining.
Meanwhile, a victory would keep the Bosnians atop the group and out of Greece's reach.
Prediction
Bosnia-Herzegovina have been too good in this group and will likely continue their dominance.
3-1 Bosnia.
Sudan vs. Ghana
6 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Sudan (104) vs. Ghana (34)
What's at Stake
A loss for Sudan would end their World Cup bid, eliminating them from contention for Brazil.
Meanwhile, Ghana probably need a win to keep up with Zambia in the group.
Prediction
In Sudan's only home match of the group so far, they shockingly defeated Zambia only to have the result overturned to a 3-0 loss because they fielded ineligible players.
Meanwhile, Ghana destroyed Sudan at home just a few weeks ago.
Expect a similar result this time around.
3-0 Ghana.
Lithuania vs. Greece
7 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Lithuania (102) vs. Greece (20)
What's at Stake
Both teams are in need of a win entering this match.
Lithuania need a victory just to keep any hope alive entering the final four matches.
Greece, meanwhile, have to win to keep pace with Bosnia-Herzegovina and a Slovakia side that are breathing down their necks.
Prediction
Greece always seem to get the job done in these sorts of matches.
2-0 Greece.
Liechtenstein vs. Slovakia
8 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Liechtenstein (137) vs. Slovakia (51)
What's at Stake
Liechtenstein are just looking to stave off elimination and maintain some pride.
Slovakia, meanwhile, are looking to keep pace with Greece in pursuit of the second spot in their group.
Prediction
This should be a mismatch.
3-1 Slovakia.
Croatia vs. Scotland
9 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Croatia (9) vs. Scotland (78)
What's at Stake
Croatia must win in order to keep pace with Belgium, with whom they are tied at the top of Group A.
Scotland have nothing to gain but pride, as they have already been eliminated from contention.
Prediction
Croatia should have an easy go of it in this match.
A Croatia win, 3-0.
Moldova vs. Poland
10 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Moldova (103) vs. Poland (52)
What's at Stake
Moldova will be looking to put some serious space between them and the bottom of the group.
Poland, meanwhile, could put pressure on England with a win, improving to just one point behind them for second.
Prediction
As surprising as Moldova has been so far in getting to four points, it's hard to see them getting many more.
Poland in a landslide, 2-0.
Albania vs. Norway
11 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Albania (73) vs. Norway (45)
What's at Stake
These two teams enter the match in a wide open Group E.
A victory for either one could put them in contention for an automatic bid to Brazil.
Prediction
Albania has been shockingly good thus far, especially in defeating Norway in Oslo back in March.
However, it's entirely possible that the victory was just a fluke for Albania. Norway have a good opportunity to right the ship.
Don't put too much money on it, but 1-0 Norway.
Montenegro vs. Ukraine
12 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Montenegro (43) vs. Ukraine (41)
What's at Stake
This is one of the best match ups of the day and has the most on the line.
Montenegro currently sit atop their group, two points clear of England.
A loss, though, would open the door for the Englishmen, Polish and Ukrainians to catch them.
Ukraine, meanwhile, need a victory to keep the pressure on.
Prediction
The Montenegrins have been impressive thus far.
However, I see a Ukrainian side desperate to scrap together a win.
Montenegro might get the better of play, but 0-0.
Belgium vs. Serbia
13 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Belgium (29) vs. Serbia (38)
What's at Stake
Serbia's only hope to qualify for the 2014 World Cup is to win every match from here on out.
For Belgium, they must win in order to keep pace with a tough opponent in Croatia.
Prediction
It should be a straightforward victory for this talented Belgian side.
Belgium 2-0.
Czech Republic vs. Italy
14 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Czech Republic (28) vs. Italy (7)
What's at Stake
An Italy win in this match would give them a solid lead in Europe's Group B, all but cementing their place in Brazil.
The Czech Republic, meanwhile, will hope for a huge win to vault into second and reopen the discussion for the top spot.
Prediction
It will be a tough match for both sides, but the Czech Republic are coming off a demoralizing 3-0 loss at home to Denmark.
Italy will take this one, 1-0.
Austria vs. Sweden
15 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Austria (63) vs. Sweden (14)
What's at Stake
In what has quickly become a race for second behind Germany, this match will prove pivotal for both teams.
Austria, Sweden and Ireland all sit on eight points right now, though Sweden has played one less match.
Hence, an Austria loss could destroy any hopes they harbor of making it to Brazil.
Meanwhile, a Sweden loss would make the race as wide open as any in the qualification process.
Prediction
Austria has come up big over the last few months, while Sweden has struggled a bit since their friendly victory over England.
The Swedish have the talent advantage, but Austria's home-field advantage could be enough to pip a 1-1 draw.
Ireland vs. Faroe Islands
16 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Ireland (25) vs. Faroe Islands (146)
What's at Stake
A victory for Ireland would put pressure on their two rivals for the second spot in Europe's Group C.
Meanwhile, the Faroe Islands are hoping for any points they can get in this tough group.
Prediction
This should be a walk in the park for Ireland, especially considering that it's in Dublin.
The Irish have messed up a bit so far in this group, but it's hard to see them losing in this one.
4-1 Ireland sounds doable.
Iceland vs. Slovenia
17 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Iceland (90) vs. Slovenia (48)
What's at Stake
Iceland has a chance to actually take the lead in a wide-open Group E, as a win would vault them ahead of Switzerland—at least temporarily.
Meanwhile, 2010 finalists Slovenia are merely hoping to get out of the cellar.
Prediction
Iceland has been the surprise of this qualification process.
They will hope to continue that with a 2-1 victory.
Portugal vs. Russia
18 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Russia (10) vs. Portugal (6)
What's at Stake
Russia will all but guarantee qualification with a victory over Portugal, moving four points clear of the Portuguese with two matches in hand.
A win for Portugal would put them in first place, though Russia would still have two matches to make up the two-point deficit.
Prediction
The talent at Portugal must show up in this do-or-die match.
Russia, meanwhile, can certainly afford a loss.
Though they will obviously be looking to avoid it, Russia might succumb to the desperation of a fine Portuguese side.
Portugal 3-1
Bolivia vs. Venezuela
19 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Bolivia (83) vs. Venezuela (35)
What's at Stake
Time is running out on Bolivia's World Cup hopes, as a loss would push them to the brink of elimination.
Meanwhile, Venezuela is looking to at least solidify its playoff position, and maybe earn an automatic berth, with a victory.
Prediction
Venezuela has done fairly well on the road thus far, and one would expect that to continue against a Bolivian side that has so far failed to impress.
Venezuela 2-1.
Argentina vs. Colombia
20 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Argentina (5) vs. Colombia (18)
What's at Stake
Argentina appear to be a safe bet to qualify for the World Cup, though a loss to Colombia would open up the race to the top of the South American group.
A Colombian loss, on the other hand, would crack the door for pursuing teams.
Prediction
Colombia has been very impressive thus far, but Argentina seem like a step too far for them.
The talent at the Argentinians' disposal should be enough to get them a 2-1 home win.
Paraguay vs. Chile
21 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Chile (21) vs. Paraguay (31)
What's at Stake
Paraguay is all but out of the race for World Cup qualification, sitting dead last in the South American group.
Chile is in a dogfight at the bottom of qualification, sitting level on points with Venezuela for the last automatic berth and just two points clear of Uruguay.
Prediction
Paraguay has the talent to win this one, but they have been so disappointing in this campaign that it's hard to expect much from them.
Chile 2-0.
Peru vs. Ecuador
22 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Peru (39) vs. Ecuador (19)
What's at Stake
Ecuador are the most surprising side of this South American process, sitting second in the group and looking to hold onto that spot.
Peru, meanwhile, could leapfrog Uruguay with a victory and inch their way closer to the qualification spots.
Prediction
What seems to be flying under the radar is the fact that, while amazing at home, this Ecuador side seems to play much worse on the road.
Through four matches, they are winless with two draws and two losses.
Remember where you heard it first: The upset special is Peru 1-0 over Ecuador.
Costa Rica vs. Honduras
23 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Costa Rica (66) vs. Honduras (64)
What's at Stake
Two well-matched teams enter this match with a must-win attitude.
Costa Rica and Honduras both sit on four points right now, a spot that spans from third to fifth in this hexagonal.
The winner of this match could vault as high as the top of the group, while the loser will likely be out of all qualification spots.
Prediction
Honduras have already shown that they are a different side away from home as they are in their homeland.
After all, they defeated the USA and drew Mexico, yet lost in Panama in this group so far.
However, the Hondurans have some better talent than the Costa Ricans, leading one to think that a draw might be in the cards.
2-2 in an interesting matchup.
Panama vs. Mexico
24 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Panama (40) vs. Mexico (13)
What's at Stake
Early momentum and the top spot in the hexagonal group is on the line.
Prediction
Panama has been surprisingly feisty thus far, while Mexico has failed to impress.
However, that is too small a sample to put much stock into.
Mexico has huge amounts of talent, so it's hard to see them losing.
A 0-0 isn't out of the question, but a 1-0 Mexico win is a better bet.
Jamaica vs. USA
25 of 25World Rankings (based upon the Wagner World Rankings)
Jamaica (76) vs. USA (30)
What's at Stake
Jamaica is desperate for a win in this match, as they sit at the bottom of the hexagonal having played one more match than most of the other sides.
The USA, meanwhile, need to win to keep pace with this extraordinarily well-matched group.
Prediction
American fans will remember just how much trouble their team had in Jamaica in the last round.
Hopefully, the players will have learned from that experience and dominate a Jamaican side that just played a few days ago.
USA 2-1
