Group E - Albania, Cyprus, Iceland, Norway, Slovenia, and Switzerland
Group E is spearheaded by Switzerland and the-- Switzerland? Yes, Switzerland. They are by no means blue bloods in the football world and they lack the pedigree of any traditional power. Their best FIFA World Cup result was reaching the quarterfinals, which they achieved in 1934, 1938, and 1954.
Team Played W D L GF GA GD Pts Switzerland 5 3 2 0 7 1 6 11 Iceland 5 3 0 2 6 5 1 9 Albania 5 3 0 2 6 5 1 9 Norway 5 2 1 2 6 6 0 7 Cyprus 5 1 1 3 4 8 -4 4 Slovenia 5 1 0 4 4 8 -4 3 This is a very muddled field. Each team has a realistic shot to win it, even 2002 and 2010 Finals qualifier Slovenia. Each team scores about one goal a game and allows less than two on average. The simplest way to break this down is team by team. Switzerland (FIFA Ranking: 15) With three home fixtures left and playing on the road against Norway and Albania, the Swiss control their own destiny. The average 6-team group winner achieved 24 points with a high of 30 (Spain) and a low of 21 (Denmark and Switzerland). Luckily for them, none of their opponents in this group poses much of a threat. Two wins (ICE, CYP), three draws (SLV, ALB, NOR), and no losses (9 points) seems conservative for their final five matches. Iceland (FIFA Ranking: 73) Along with Cyprus and Albania, Iceland has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup Finals. They've defeated Albania and Slovenia on the road while suffering their only home defeat against Switzerland. They have three matches in Reykjavik which can only encourage the home fans. Two wins (ALB, CYP), one draw (SLV), and two losses (SWI, NOR) seems likely for 7 points. Albania (FIFA Ranking: 48) The current Albanian squad is their greatest in history. As of April 2013, they
rank 48th in the world. Their two remaining home fixtures are against Norway and Switzerland. It's a good thing they've been slotted into the most offensively challenged group, as it gives them a fighting chance to advance. In a year's worth of friendlies and qualifications, they have only scored more than two goals twice: Three
vs. Cyprus and four
vs. Lithuania. This is the dark horse to jump to the top of the group. Two wins(CYP, NOR), two draws (SLV, SWI), and one loss (ICE) for eight points, but under current form is much deadlier. Norway (FIFA Ranking: 30) A baffling team that doesn't seem to have any momentum. They lost a heartbreaker to Albania in Oslo most recently
1-0, but had solid victories over Slovenia and Cyprus. They are are currently ranked 30th in the world, but haven't acted like it at all. Their only victories outside of qualification have been against Hungary (33rd) and South Africa (62nd). If they don't play like their ranking, they will certainly have to find enjoyable lodging next summer. Two victories (CYP, ICE), one draw(SWI), and two losses(ALB, SLV) for seven points. However, those victories are penciled in very lightly. Cyprus (FIFA Ranking: 123) The Cypriots are essentially the giant killers of the group, gaining their only points against the two at home. However, they will not have a Cinderella similar story to APOEL F.C. last season in which they reached the quarter-finals. This qualification season will be seen as a great success, but they have accumulated most of the points they will earn. Cyprus should fall to the bottom with one victory (SLV) and four losses (SWI, ICE, ALB, NOR). Slovenia (FIFA Ranking: 55) The Green Dragons have alternated appearances at the FIFA World Cup Finals, showing up in 2002, dropping out in 2006, and appearing in 2010. By the looks of how they have started this year, they will drop out in 2014. Their only victory has been against Cyprus at home
2-1. Otherwise, they could only muster one or no goals at all in all other matches. With only two home fixtures remaining, they need strong play and help from fellow bottom dweller Cyprus. They are still one of the stronger sides in the group, so they should perform admirably for their own pride. One win (NOR), three draws (ALB, ICE, SLV), and one loss (CYP) for six points. If for some magical reason these prediction comes true this means that Switzerland (surprise...) will qualify while Albania will go on to the play-off round with a chance for its first-ever FIFA World Cup Finals appearance. There is no one important match at this point, as mathematically every team is in the thick of things.