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

#5. Group E

Poland have the best chance of qualifying directly from Group E

Group E will witness a three-way battle between Poland, Montenegro, and Denmark to take the top two spots. Poland’s 4-0 thrashing against Denmark at Copenhagen has made the group more open as they are at first position with only a three-point gap between them and Denmark and Montenegro.

If the Poles beat Armenia today and the match between Denmark and Montenegro is tied, then they will qualify for their 8th World Cup and their first since 2006, regardless of how their final game against Montenegro goes.

However, if Poland draw against Armenia and lose to Montenegro and either of Montenegro and Denmark win both their matches, then the Whites and Reds will be pushed to second place.

Things could go even worse for the Poles if they lose both their matches as it may result in Poland being eliminated due to inferior goal-difference compared to Denmark and Montenegro.

If Poland wins both their games, then the match between Denmark and Montenegro will determine the second place in the group. For either of Denmark and Montenegro to qualify directly, they need to win both their matches and hope Poland lose at least one match.

Winner: Poland

Runner-up: Montenegro

#6. Group F

England are on the brink of qualification for the 2018 World Cup

England are the team to beat in Group F as with 20 points, they are well on course to make the finals in Russia. If England win both their matches against Slovenia and Lithuania or win any one, they are through.

Even if England get a point against Slovenia today and second-placed Slovakia do not beat Scotland, then they are into the finals. However, in an unlikely event of England losing both their matches, they might be pushed to a play-off spot.

While England are almost assured of the top position, the second position will be determined in a three-way battle between Slovakia, Slovenia and Scotland. If Slovakia win both their matches against Scotland and Malta, then they are assured of a play-off and might even get the top spot provided England get no or one point from their remaining games.

Either of Scotland and Slovenia can take second position by winning both their matches.

Winner: England

Runner-up: Slovakia