5 big teams who could fail to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

4) Wales

Even second place in the group may not be enough for Wales

By the looks of it, UEFA's Group D doesn't exactly have any European heavyweights. But that has actually made the group a lot more competitive.

The sheer number of draws may actually prove to be this group's downfall. One might think that Wales could actually still qualify for the playoffs because they are in second place but it will not be easy for the Euro 2016 semi-finalists.

Wales' current points tally and Goal Difference do not work in their favour to qualify as one of the best second-placed teams. Of the nine groups, Wales are the worst second-placed team at the moment with just 14 points.

Bosnia & Herzegovina (Group H) are also on 14 points but they have a superior Goal Difference. The rest of the teams have anywhere between 16 and 21 points.

UEFA Group D table - 2018 World Cup qualfiers

Who do they play next?

Wales' last two games are against Georgia (away) and Republic of Ireland (home). Again, the final game could be a virtual semi-final since Ireland play Moldova before the final game in Cardiff.

Georgia had also come away from Cardiff with a draw in the reverse fixture. They may not have won any games but they are no pushovers with five draws in the eight games they have played so far.

To qualify, the Dragons must win their remaining games by a convincing margin and also hope that other results go their way. Things will be clearer in all groups after the penultimate game is done and dusted.