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#3 Ecuador
Not many football fans expected Ecuador to be placed third at this stage of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The South American side have been terrific and hold a four-point gap over Chile, Colombia and Uruguay.
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Ecuador, who failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, are in a great position to gain direct qualification this time around. Their attack has been the talk of the town as they have netted 21 times in 13 games. Along the way, they have beaten Colombia 6-1 and Uruguay 4-2.
While it has been smooth sailing for Ecuador in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, they are set to face Chile, Brazil and Argentina in three of their last five matches. With that being said, their four-point lead over the chasing pack should ensure they qualify.
#2 Switzerland
Switzerland made headlines yesterday as they finished first in Group C of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They were consistent in both attack and defense throughout the qualifiers, and they deservedly bagged a spot at next year’s World Cup.
It is quite remarkable that Switzerland finished above European champions Italy. Both teams were on 15 points as they kicked off their final group game last night. While Switzerland defeated Bulgaria 4-0, Italy failed to score and shared the spoils with Northern Ireland.
Although Switzerland produced an attacking masterclass at Luzern, their defense has been brilliant in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. No one in their right mind would have bet against Italy topping the group, but the Granit Xhaka-captained side made it happen.
#1 Serbia
Serbia has been the biggest surprise package during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Despite being placed in the same group as Portugal, the Dusan Tadic-led nation overcame all odds and went unbeaten. Overall, Serbia finished the qualifiers with 20 points from eight matches in Group A.
The crucial result that decided the fate of Group A came on Sunday. Portugal and Serbia, both on 17 points, faced each other in Lisbon. Although Portugal were the favourites to win the match, Serbia registered a 2-1 victory.
Skipper Tadic scored near the half-hour mark to cancel out Renato Sanches' opener, before setting up Aleksandar Mitrovic for a late winner. Mitrovic’s eighth goal in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers took Serbia above Portugal in the group, confirming their place in the World Cup next year.
