World Cup News & Information
World Cup Draw: European Countries Zone
European Clubbing Guide / London Clubbing Guide
World Cup Draw: European Countries Zone
The qualifiers began on 15 June, and will be concluded by 19 November 2013, and the complete match schedule will be announced in October.
The 2014 World Cup will be played 12 June-13 July.
Qualification Criteria
The winners of each group below automatically qualify for the finals in Brazil . The 8 runners up will play take part in a two legged play off with the four winners also then qualifying for the finals.
Group A: Croatia, Serbia, Belgium, Scotland, Macedonia, Wales
I expect Croatia and Serbia to advance from Group A. This is hardly a ''Group of Death'' and the two Eastern European countries will be in a shoot out for top place. Don't expect much opposition from minnows Wales and Macedonia but Belgium or Scotland could potentially be dark horses.
Group B; Italy, Denmark, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia, Malta.
In Group B I can only see one side winning ot despite losing their status as one of the top footballing nations in the world, Italy should top the group. Denmark and Czech Republic are likely to fight it out for the runners up spot and I think the Danes will have a little more quality which should secure them the vital second place finish.
Group C: Germamy, Sweden, Republic of Ireland, Austria, Faroe Is, K'stan.
Germany are the runaway favourites to win Group C and are likely to be one of the main contenders to win the Jules- Rimet Trophy in 2014. Sweden should finish second but if Republic of Ireland can get their best players on the pitch then they'll have every chance of beating the Swedes to second place.
Group D: Netherlands, Turkey, Hungary, Romania, Estonia, Andorra
In Group D we have the consistent Netherlands who were finalists in South Africa 2010. The Oranges should cruise to victory in this group and are likely to be joined by Turkey who are likely to fight off competition from Romania and Hungary.
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Group E: Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, Albania, Cyprus, Iceland.
Slovenia and Switzerland were the only countries who appeared at the World Cup in South Africa but Group E side Norway will believe they have a good chance of making it to Brazil in 2014. I expect Norway and the Swiss to progress from this weak looking group.
Group F: Portugal, Russia, Israel, N Ireland, Azerbaijan, L'bourg
Portugal will be hot favourites to top Group F with only the Russians likely to offer them stiff competition. Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg are just too smaller countries to really compete but Israel may feel they can claim second place and make their first ever appearance at a World Cup finals.
Group G: Greece, Slovakia, Bosnia-H, Lithuania, Latvia, Lichtenstein
In Group G Greece will fancy themselves to top the table but Slovakia and Bosnia will both feel happy with the group they've been placed in and feel that qualification for Brazil is realistic. Lithuania should give a proud showing and minnows Latvia and Lichtenstein should finish in the bottom two with barely a point between them
Group H: England, Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, S Marino
England are the big name country in Group H but they have failed to live up to their reputation on so many occasions that I wouldn't place money on their qualification yet. Montenegro are an improving nation and the Ukraine are more than capable of landing a spot at the finals in Sunny Brazil. The English and The Ukrainians are most likely to be on that plane to South America.
Group I: Spain, France, Belarus, Georgia, Finland
In Group I Spain and France will not be pleased to have drawn each other but the Spaniards will feel most confident of topping the group. The French side has seen a slight up turn in fortunes and I cannot envisage the likes of Belarus and Finland preventing them from finishing second and the current World Champions should qualify with real ease
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