World Cup 2014: 5 Major European Nations That Will Fail To Qualify

4. Portugal

Now to most observers, the passage to the World Cup was a matter of fighting with Russia for the top spot in Group B when the draw was announced, but that observation has turned out to be anything but true with a three way tussle ensuing for the play off position. For the Portuguese, defence has been the problem throughout the campaign, with the star-studded forward line, more often then not, having to bail them out of tricky situations and dropped points most recently against Israel on Friday. Gaps must be plugged among Pepe, Coentrao et al for a smoother outcome of game and clean sheets to be achieved. Games vs. Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan may pose a problem as those two will be up for a home game against Ronaldo and co. Those games are the sort of ones that require three points to allow them to overhaul Israel and take 2nd (Russia look safe for 1st). The Israel game in Lisbon on 11th October may prove pivotal, as whoever wins may gain 2nd because both nations may be level on points at the end, but the victors of that encounter due to superior goal difference. Russia, also visit, where they will look to continue their 100% record in the group and a win then will possibly be a clincher for 2nd, along with the aforementioned game. The surprise package of Israel occupy 2nd at the moment and their campaign has been characterised by plenty of goals dished out by 7 different players, including group top scorer with 6, Tomer Hemed. Home games vs. Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan are tricky but are a must win to maintain the pressure on the Portuguese to match them. Away games require at least 1 win to ascertain 9 points taking them to 17 points, which may prove enough, if only just due to a better goal difference to Portugal Northern Ireland harbour outside ambitions of reaching Rio, but actually haven't gained a win yet- only three draws. Fighting spirit against Portugal mixed in with a scrape of a point against Luxembourg at home, shows a vast extreme in term of performances, manager Michael O'Neill will hope to address. Motivation to maintain the fight against the bigger teams may bring them unexpected points with home games against Russia and Portugal, but wins vs. Luxembourg and Azerbaijan are a must, if not to qualify for the World Cup, but to get 3rd place, a better coefficient and a better draw for the European Championship qualifiers starting in the autumn following the tournament.