FIFA World Cup qualifiers: A look ahead to the last round of matches in the European section

Group E

The Swiss have a very talented squad of players featuring the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, Tranquilo Barnetta and Gokhan Inler and that has allowed them to qualify ahead of time as group winners. They won 2-1 away at Albania on Friday night to clinch their place.

Lars Lagerback’s Iceland team with 16 points are second, a point ahead of Slovenia. Iceland play Norway away and a win there will make it impossible for Slovenia, who are away at Switzerland, to qualify.

If Iceland only manage a draw, and Slovenia win, then the Slovenians will go through.

Group F

It’s between Russia and Portugal in Group F.

Russia are in pole position at the moment as they lie at the top of the group with 21 points. They travel away to Azerbaijan and unless they get hammered, they are likely to take top spot and win the group.

Portugal host Luxembourg and need win big and at the same time hope that Russia get beaten badly for them to have any chance of topping. Else, it’s the playoffs for the Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portuguese.

All the other teams are out.