Every nation goals of lifting the World Cup. Not one squad has come to Qatar only for the enjoyable of it — they’re all in it to win.
However the first stage of eliminations is almost upon us because the match’s group stage attracts to an in depth. Half of the 32 groups that began in Qatar will likely be packing their baggage and heading dwelling.
So, who wants what to outlive into the Spherical of 16?
Group A
Host nation Qatar, discovering themselves fourth of 4 of their group, had the ignominious honour of being the primary staff knocked out of this yr’s match. However no less than they don’t have far to get dwelling.
Ecuador and the Netherlands are tied on the high of the group desk heading into the ultimate spherical of group video games, with 4 factors every. Senegal are only one level behind.
- The Netherlands want a win or a draw towards Qatar to qualify for the final 16.
- Ecuador have to beat Senegal to ensure qualification.
- Senegal have to beat Ecuador to ensure qualification.
- If Ecuador vs Senegal is a draw, Ecuador will qualify — until Qatar beat the Netherlands, by which case Senegal will undergo.
Group B
This was all the time prone to be essentially the most aggressive group in addition to essentially the most politically charged. The remaining matches see previous rivals and geopolitical enemies dealing with off, and any of the 4 groups can nonetheless qualify, even when Wales — of their first World Cup since 1958 — solely stand a mathematical probability.
England high the desk with 4 factors from two video games. Iran are second with three, after two injury-time targets towards Wales on Friday. The US are third within the group desk with two factors from two attracts, whereas Wales have the hardest battle for qualification with only one level.
- England will undergo to the Spherical of 16 until Wales beat them by 4 targets or extra.
- The USA have to beat Iran to progress to the knock-out phases.
- Iran have to beat the USA to ensure qualification, however a draw with the USA can be sufficient for Iran to progress — if Wales can not beat England.
- Wales want a minor miracle; they should beat England and have Iran vs USA finish with a draw. They might additionally progress with no attract that match so long as they will get a four-goal margin of victory over England. Don’t maintain your breath.
Group C
That is one other open group by which all 4 groups may nonetheless qualify. Mexico have only one level on the backside of the group desk, whereas Saudi Arabia and their shock victims Argentina have three factors every. Poland, with 4 factors, lead the group however they don’t seem to be secure but.
- Poland solely want a draw towards Argentina to ensure qualifying, although they might undoubtedly favor a win.
- Argentina have to beat Poland to ensure their place within the Spherical of 16. A draw right here and Argentina are susceptible to being picked off on objective distinction.
- If Saudi Arabia beat Mexico, they’re by means of to the subsequent spherical. A draw with Mexico mixed with a loss for Poland towards Argentina would additionally see them qualify. If Poland beat Argentina with an enormous objective distinction, the Saudis should declare the second qualifying spot.
- Mexico have to win towards the Saudis, and have Poland beat Argentina.
Group D
World champions France, with six factors from two video games, have been the primary staff in Qatar to e book their place within the Spherical of 16. That makes the remainder of the group permutations rather less complicated.
Australia have three factors, whereas Denmark and Tunisia have one every.
- Australia play Denmark — the winner will undergo with France
- Tunisia have to beat France by no less than two targets and hope Australia and Denmark draw
Group E
Everybody anticipated Spain and Germany to sail by means of Group E. And everybody was half-right, no less than, with Spain cruising comfortably on the high with 4 factors from two video games. Germany, nevertheless, languish on the backside of the group, as coach Hansi Flick’s mission to get well Germany’s pre-2018 soccer glory seems a longer-term mission than first hoped for.
Japan and Costa Rica have three factors every after their assembly on Sunday, that means any of the 4 groups may nonetheless qualify.
- Spain simply want a draw towards Japan to qualify for the knock-out rounds.
- If Japan win towards Spain, they’re by means of with six factors. In the event that they draw, they want Costa Rica and Germany to additionally draw. If Japan draw and Germany win, there may be nonetheless an opportunity Japan may undergo on objective distinction.
- Costa Rica should beat Germany of their remaining group match to progress to the Spherical of 16.
- Germany have to beat Costa Rica and have Spain beat Japan with the intention to assure the second qualifying spot. But when Spain and Japan draw, Germany might want to beat Costa Rica by no less than two targets. They might probably nonetheless undergo with a one-goal margin of victory over Costa Rica in the event that they rating greater than Japan of their hypothetical draw with Spain – eg, a 1-1 draw between Spain and Japan, and a 2-1 win for Germany over Costa Rica will see the Germans progress.
Group F
Canada have been the second staff to be reserving their flights dwelling. Which means Croatia, Morocco and Belgium can nonetheless qualify. The Belgians, ranked second on the planet, have been anticipated to high this group, however their 2-0 mauling by Morocco on Sunday modified every part.
- Croatia and Morocco are sitting fairly with 4 factors every; Belgium have three.
- Croatia solely want a draw towards Belgium on Thursday to ensure progress to the ultimate 16
- Belgium have to win that match to progress.
- Morocco simply want a draw towards Canada to qualify from the group.
Group G
All 4 groups can nonetheless qualify from Group G, with two video games nonetheless to play at this finish of the World Cup schedule. Brazil and Switzerland have one win every, whereas Cameroon and Serbia stay with out making a mark on the group desk.
Cameroon tackle Serbia on Monday afternoon, earlier than Switzerland tackle Brazil. Whoever wins the second recreation will qualify comfortably from the group with six factors. A draw and issues get attention-grabbing.
Group H
Group H groups have additionally simply performed one recreation to this point, with all to play for. Portugal are sitting fairly on the high of the desk with three factors; South Korea and Uruguay have a degree apiece. Ghana has but to register a degree. Anybody may nonetheless qualify or get eradicated on the first hurdle.
A win for Portugal over Uruguay on Monday, which is way from assured, would put Cristiano Ronaldo’s males by means of to the Spherical of 16. South Korea face Ghana in Monday’s earlier recreation. Watch this house.
