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

#7. Group G

Spain are almost certain of their qualification to the 2018 World Cup

Spain’s 3-0 win against Italy at the Bernabeu has given them the upper hand over the Azzurri and the 2010 champions are assured of at least a play-off spot. A minimum of four points from their final two matches against Albania and Israel will be enough for La Roja to qualify for their 15th World Cup.

Even if Spain win one and lose the other and Italy win both their matches, the Spaniards’ superior goal difference will be enough to take them to Russia. Hence, the only hope Italy have of qualifying is that they win both their matches against Macedonia and Albania while Spain lose both theirs.

Even though Albania have a chance of finishing second, it is impossible for them to beat both Spain and Italy. Hence, their campaign can be considered as over.

Winner: Spain

Runner-up: Italy

#8. Group H

Greece have a good chance to end in second place in Group H

Group H’s top spot has already been taken by Belgium, so it leaves Bosnia and Herzegovina (14 points), Greece (13 points), and Cyprus (10 points) to fight out for second position. Out of the three, Cyprus has the least chance of finishing second as their final two games are against Greece and Belgium. Besides, their goal difference of -4 is highly inferior compared to Greece’s +6 and Bosnia’s +11.

Bosnia also do not have a very favorable as they might be second now but their next match is against Belgium. The Dragons are bound to make easy work of Estonia, but defeating Belgium - even at home - will not be an easy task.

However, if they manage to win both matches, then they take second position or else they’ll have to hope that Greece lose both their matches, which is almost impossible as one of them is against Gibraltar.

Provided Greece beat Cyprus and Gibraltar and Bosnia do not win both their matches, then they will finish in second place.

Winner: Belgium (already confirmed)

Runner-up: Greece