World Cup dream is fading away (part 2)

World Cup in South Africa is just around the corner and decisive qualifying battles are set to commence. In the first part of my article I have commented on the European Zone of World Cup qualifiers and now it’s time to see what is happening around the globe. In Asia and Oceania there are just play-offs to be played, but plenty of excitement awaits us in South America, Africa and CONCACAF.

Australia, Japan, Korea Republic and Korea DPR have already qualified, while Bahrein and Saudi Arabia will contest for the chance to face New Zealand in the fight for one place at the World Cup.

Things are hotting up in South America, where 8 teams are still in the race for first five places, four of which lead directly to South Africa, while the fifth-place side enter a play-off with fourth-placed team from the CONCACAF Zone. With just four games to go, Argentina and Uruguay are the big guns that could miss out on the final tournament. Maradona’s Argentina are just two points clear of the fifth-placed Ecuador and with some tough games coming in, they are yet to secure the place at the World Cup. Uruguay are four points behind Argentina and it is interesting that the two teams will meet in the final round in Montevideo. What a match that will be. Brazil, Paraguay and Chile have virtually booked their tickets to South Africa.

Now, let’s talk about the teams that will not have to travel much if they make it to the World Cup. Cameroon is probably the most high-profile team in danger of being eliminated after group stage and they are currently bottom-placed side in group 1, behind surprise package Gabon, Togo and Morocco. Eto’o and co. have taken just one point from the first two games and they will have to win at least three of the last four games if they want to go through.

Nigeria are always one of the major disappointments and this time it’s no different. They are two points behind leaders Tunisia and even though they will host the leaders in September, that is no guarantee that the Eagles will go through.

The winner of the last two editions of the African Cup of Nations, Egypt are also in difficult position as they are three points adrift of Algeria with just three games to go. The Pharaohs are very inconsistent lately and their showing at the Confederations Cup is the perfect proof.

I will end the article with the CONCACAF Zone, where two strongest teams are very much struggling. The Confederations Cup runners up USA are currently third, one point clear of Mexico after they lost to Tricolores in Mexico City. Let us remind you that first three teams from this section will qualify directly, while the fourth-placed team will have extremely difficult job as they will face play-off matches against fifth-placed team from South America.

Next three months will decide the destiny of many proud footballing countries as the decisive qualifiers will be played in September and October, while November is reserved for play-off matches. Stay tuned for the latest developments from all qualifying zones.

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