Germany and Belgium tremble before the third day, France quiet
The situation group by group:
. GROUP A:
The Netherlands need just one point on Tuesday (4:00 p.m.) against already-eliminated hosts Qatar to finish top as the battle looks uncertain between Ecuador and Senegal, which is still ongoing. . A draw would qualify the Central American team, which is worried about its captain Enner Valencia, co-top scorer of the tournament (3 goals) and injured in the right knee. Opposite, the African champions must win to qualify.
. GROUP B:
Practically qualified, England saw first place in the group with a victory on Tuesday (8:00 p.m.) in the “derby” against Wales, last but who can qualify if they win. At the same time, Iran, 2nd, and the United States, 3rd, compete for the second in a World Cup in a match with crucial sporting stakes in a hot political context: Team Melli can obtain a first ticket historic for the 1/8 finals if it wins against the historic enemy that the Islamic Republic accuses of stirring up protest in the country. But a defeat would mean elimination.
. GROUP C:
Argentina will qualify by winning Wednesday (8:00 p.m.) against Poland, in the lead with 4 points. But a multitude of scenarios are possible: Saudi Arabia, surprise winners of the Albiceleste on the opening day, must win over Mexico, last with a unit, to dream of a new exploit and a qualification historical. A draw combined with an Argentine defeat would also suffice. Even the Mexicans can stay in the race if they beat the Saudis and Messi’s teammates lose to the Poles.
. GROUP D:
France, reigning world champion and first qualified for the Qatari tournament by beating Denmark (2-1), will rotate its squad on Wednesday against Tunisia (4:00 p.m.). But the Tunisians, last with one point, can accompany the Blues if they beat the French “hairdressers” and the Australia-Denmark match ends in a draw. The Danes, third, must beat the Australians and hope for a draw or a French victory in the other match to reach the round of 16.
. GROUP E:
Germany will once again play their qualification on Thursday (8:00 p.m.) against Costa Rica, but their destiny 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 brightly against La Roja. Leading the group with 4 points and in a very favorable tie, the Spaniards only need a draw.
. GROUP F:
With a narrow victory against Canada and a defeat against Morocco, Belgium will play their qualification on Thursday (4:00 p.m.) in a stressful clash against Croatia, first in the group and finalist of the World Cup 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 joining the top-16 of the tournament, as in 1986. The Croats, finalists of the last World Cup, can be satisfied with a draw to pass.
. GROUP G:
Brazil, qualified after their victory against Switzerland thanks to a goal from Casemiro, will aim for first place in the group on Friday (8:00 p.m.) against Cameroon, third after saving a draw against Serbia on Monday. Facing the “Nati”, the Seleçao again showed its defensive rigor and that it could win without Neymar, injured in the right ankle. Switzerland, second with three points, will have to validate their ticket against Serbia, who have only one point after two games.
. GROUP H:
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, qualified after their victory against Uruguay, faces South Korea on Friday (4:00 p.m.). Ghana, second in the group, must ensure their place in the eighth during an appointment not to be missed against Uruguay, who beat the Black Stars in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup. The situation is complicated for South Korea and Uruguay, but both teams can still qualify.