World Cup 2014: 5 Top Countries Who Face Oblivion

3. Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal are also sweating over their place at the 2014 World Cup. A late blunder by goalkeeper Rui Patricio in the shock 1-1 draw with Israel last week all but ended his country's hopes of automatic qualification. The Portuguese trail surprise group leaders Russia by three points in Group F, who can wrap up first place by seeing off Azerbaijan tomorrow. That would leave the 1966 semi-finalists fretting over qualification over the course of a two-legged play-off next month. Portugal do have a chance of qualifying outright, but it's a slim one. The Russians can only be overtaken if they lose in Azerbaijan and Portugal beat Luxembourg, while overturning a seven-goal swing on goal difference. Star Performer(s): Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Nani