GROUP A
The Netherlands need just a single point against already eliminated hosts Qatar on Tuesday to finish top as the battle looks uncertain between Ecuador and still-running Senegal. A draw would qualify the South American team, worried about its captain Enner Valencia, co-top scorer of the tournament (3 goals) and with a right knee injury. Opposite, the African champions must win to qualify.
GROUP B
Virtually through, England aim to top their group with a derby victory against Wales on Tuesday, who are bottom of the game but can go through if they win. At the same time Iran, 2nd, and the United States, 3rd, face off for the second time in a World Cup in a match with crucial sporting implications, in a hot political context. The Melli team can obtain a first historic card for the round of 16 if it wins against the historic enemy that the Islamic Republic accuses of having fomented protests in the country. But a defeat would mean elimination.
GROUP C
Argentina will qualify by winning on Wednesday against Poland, leading with 4 points. But a multitude of scenarios are possible: Saudi Arabia, surprise winner of the Albiceleste on the opening day, must prevail over Mexico, last by a piece, to dream of a new exploit and a historic qualification. Even a draw combined with a defeat for Argentina would be enough. Even the Mexicans can go through if they beat the Saudis and Messi’s teammates lose to the Poles.
D GROUP
France, reigning world champions and first qualified for the Qatar tournament by beating Denmark (2-1), will rotate against Tunisia on Wednesday. But the Tunisians, last with a point, can accompany the Azzurri if they beat the French “hairdressers” and the Australia-Denmark match ends in a draw. The Danes, in third, must beat the Australians and hope for a draw or a French victory in the other game to reach the round of 16.
E GROUP
Germany will once again play a qualifier against Costa Rica on Thursday, but their fate is no longer in their hands. They desperately need a win against goalkeeper Keylor Navas’ side – who conceded seven goals against Spain – hoping Japan don’t shine too much against La Roja. Leading the group with 4 points and in a very favorable draw, the Spaniards are just missing a draw.
F GROUP
With a narrow win against Canada and a defeat against Morocco, Belgium will play their qualifier on Thursday in a stressful clash against group winners and World Cup finalists Croatia in Russia. A success and the Red Devils will be in the round of 16. A defeat would mean elimination, and in the event of a draw, their fate would be in Morocco’s hands. With four points, the Atlas Lions face Canada, already eliminated, and can logically dream of entering the top-16 of the tournament, like in 1986. The Croatians can settle for a draw to go through.
G GROUP
Brazil, who qualified after a win against Switzerland, will be aiming for first place in their group against Cameroon on Friday, third having saved an equalizer against Serbia on Monday. Against Nati, the Seleção once again showed their defensive penalty and that they could win without Neymar, who was injured in his right ankle. Switzerland, second with three points, will have to validate their ticket against Serbia, who have only one point after two games.
H GROUP
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, who qualified after defeating Uruguay, face South Korea on Friday. Group runners-up Ghana must secure a place in the round of 16 in a must-win against Uruguay, who beat their Black Stars in the quarterfinals of the 2010 World Cup. Complicated situation for South Korea and Uruguay, but both teams can still qualify.
