2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers UEFA: Netherlands on brink of elimination while Poland on the cusp of their first World Cup since 2006

#3. Group C

Germany only need a point to qualify for the 2018 World Cup

Group C is another group where the top two teams have been decided in Germany and Northern Ireland. Ever since making the last 16 of last year’s Euros, Northern Ireland have done brilliantly in an attempt to qualify for their first ever World Cup since 1986, having won 6 games, drawing once against Czech Republic, and losing against Germany.

However, if they are to qualify directly, then they will have to win both their remaining matches against Germany and Norway and hope that Germany lose their match against Azerbaijan as well. In this event, Northern Ireland will edge out Germany by one point. However, the possibility of this happening is extremely low.

Germany on the other hand, just need a point from their last two games to qualify as their goal difference of +33 is their insurance.

Winner: Germany

Runner-up: Northern Ireland

#4. Group D

After a terrible Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, Serbia have made a remarkable comeback by going unbeaten in the World Cup qualifiers which has currently put them in a very comfortable position at the top of the table.

Serbia’s next two matches are up against Austria and Georgia and a win in any one match will hand them a ticket to their second World Cup since separating from Montenegro. A loss in both their matches will be a spot of bother for the Serbs as they will end in second place, but qualification to the play-offs is not assured.

Austria are in a very delicate position at fourth place with only 9 points and if they do anything but win in their final two matches, then they will have to wait another four years to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998.

Wales and Republic of Ireland are in close competition with 14 and 13 points respectively. Wales, who stunned all by reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2016, have been unbeaten in the qualifiers with three wins and five draws.

However, if they are to qualify directly then they will have to win both their matches and hope that Serbia draw one match and lose one. The mist around Group D will be cleared when Wales take on Republic of Ireland at Cardiff as both sides will be expected to beat Georgia and Moldova respectively.

The Irish have a very low chance of qualifying directly as their goal difference is quite modest and hence, they will have to win both their matches by a considerable margin and hope that Serbia get only one point from their final two matches.

Winner: Serbia

Runner-up: Wales