Ukraine vs Poland October 11, 2013

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A crucial game between two neighbours and a victory for either side could see the winner in pole position to grad one of the coveted top two qualifying spots in Group H.

Ukraine and Poland will face off in a crucial World Cup Qualifier on Friday.
Both teams are still in the race for first place in Group H, but must win in order to stay alive. The Ukrainians sit in second place with 15 points, just one point behind first-place England. England and Ukraine recently faced off in Kiev and drew 0-0. Poland sits in fourth place with 13 and could pull within one of England if the Three Lions draw with Montenegro in their upcoming game.

However, Poland have been dealt a huge blow as Borussia Dortmund defender Lukasz Piszczek misses out unavailable through injury, and as a result Ukraine-based Mariusz Lewandowski sees his himself restored to the squad for the first time in four years.

Poland will be hoping to bounce back from the inexplicable goalless draw against lowly Moldova in their previous game with a positive performance against Ukraine.

As for a Poland a win is imperative. A draw in the other match is also of vital importance as it would keep Poland just one point behind England for the top spot in the group. However, the Poles take on the British on Tuesday and could lock up first place with a win in that game.
Prediction: Ukraine defeated Poland 3-1 in Warsaw and has a decided advantage here. Expect a 3-0 Ukrainian win.  

Ukraine are somewhat lucky to have a healthy squad, the only exception is Denys Garmash, but there was no danger of him making a return from long-term injury for this game.

Where: NSK Olympsijs, Ukraine

When: Friday October 11th, 2013 19:00

Albania vs Switzerland October 11, 2013

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Albania will host Switzerland on Friday in Tirana in a pivotal 2014 World Cup qualifying match.

The Swiss currently lead UEFA qualification's Group E by five points.

They are the favorites to win the group and earn a World Cup berth this fall. Albania are eight points back, in fifth place, ahead of only Cyprus with two matches left to play.

A draw for Ottmar Hitzfeld's squad would all but ensure they advance, as it would give them 19 points and a massive goal differential to fall back on.

Albania's only chance is to string together back-to-back positive results over the next few days and hope that Iceland, Slovenia and Norway falter. It's still possible for Gianni De Biasi's men to snag the No. 2 spot in the group, which could potentially earn them a play-off match in November for the right to go to Brazil.

With the stage set, let's get you ready with everything you need to know for Friday's matchup in the Albanian capital.

Albania vs Switzerland October 11, 2013

Time: 2:30 p.m. EDT, 7:30 p.m. BST

Where: Qemal Stafa Stadium, Tirana, Albania

Germany vs Republic of Ireland October 11, 2013

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Republic of Ireland face a daunting trip to the Rhein Energie Stadion in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Germany.

The struggling nation relieved Giovanni Trapattoni of his managerial duties after September’s losses to Sweden and Austria. Despite outlining a number of candidates for the vacant spot, Ireland Under 21 boss Noel King takes up the reins for the clash with DFB.

Ireland currently sit fourth in Group C and can only make next summer’s World Cup via a mathematical miracle. A win for Germany guarantees Joachim Loew’s unbeaten side a place in Brazil, ensuring the home team are unlikely to take their foot off the gas just yet.

Germany's task against the Republic of Ireland is fairly simple. Win or draw and you can start making travel plans for Brazil next summer. Unless the Germans slip-up massively, it's next to impossible for Sweden to catch them from their second place position, so at least we can avoid too much fancy math.

Germany vs Ireland October 11, 2013

Ireland are not yet eliminated from contention but it's going to take a wins in their final two matches and a whole lot of luck as well for them to avoid missing the World Cup. Interim manager Noel King will be missing Jonathan Walters and goalkeeper Kieren Westwood, but striker Robbie Keane is expected to play despite taking on knock on his ankle in training.

Germany will be without several players including Mario Gomez, Miroslav Klose, Lukas Podolski and Marco Reus, but there's still plenty of talent available including Mario Gotze and Mesut Özil.

Match Date/Time: 8:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET

France vs Australia October 11, 2013

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Australia's head coach Holger Osieck may be sacked if his side fail to produce a decent performance against France in Paris on Friday.

Coming into the friendly on the back of a 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Brazil in September, the German is under intense pressure despite having helped Socceroos qualify for next year's World Cup.

It's been over a decade since France and Australia met on the pitch, but on Friday night in Paris, the two countries will renew their football rivalry in an international friendly.

Australia has already secured their place in the 2014 World Cup field, but friendlies with France and Canada will close out the year for manager Holger Osieck's squad. Socceroos have won two of their last three, but are fresh off a 6-0 thrashing handed out by Brazil on Sept. 7.

France has two draws and a win over Belarus in their last three matches, but also lost to Brazil earlier this summer and likely face the reality of a playoff lottery to determine their World Cup fate. Les Bleus are currently second in Group I of their European qualifying table with 14 points. 

We'll prepare you for this impending international friendly below.

France vs Australia October 11, 2013

That huge defeat, combined with Australia's failure at the East Asian Cup and an inability to regenerate an ageing squad, have put Osieck in the firing line, with reports suggesting that the Football Federation Australia (FFA) have already begun sounding out potential replacements.

Another heavy defeat could therefore signal the end for Osieck. Indeed, while the Socceroos may be coming up against one of the world's best teams for the second outing in a row, they must avoid embarrassment this time around.

In terms of team news, Brett Holman (quadriceps) and Tom Rogic (groin) have been withdrawn from the squad due to injury.

Osieck may decide to give opportunities to fresher faces against France,  or leave the experimentation until Tuesday's clash with Canada in London.

Veteran goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has been left out of the squad and that opens up a position for either Mat Ryan (Club Brugge) or Mitch Langerak (Borussia Dortmund).

Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough), Jason Davidson (Heracles) should get game time, as should Dario Vidosic (Sion) and possibly the likes of Oliver Bozanic (Luzern), Jackson Irvine (Kilmarnock) and Mathew Leckie (Frankfurt).

When: Friday, Oct. 11, at 3 p.m. ET (8 p.m. BST)

Where: Parc des Princes, Paris, France

Croatia vs Belgium October 11, 2013

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Belgium have one of the most exciting lineups in world football at the moment. And a draw against Croatia in Zagreb on Friday night, will give all those gifted footballers to showcase their ability in the greatest possible platform - the FIFA World Cup.

Group A is under Belgium's control, with Croatia's shock 1-0 defeat to Scotland in June denting their hopes of finishing first in the group. Croatia will finish at least second in Group A, nevertheless, and currently lie five points behind leaders Belgium.

A win for the hosts on Friday will make the group interesting again, with the Belgians then needing to win their final game to ensure they do not have to book their tickets to Brazil via the playoffs.

However, getting all three points against Belgium is easier said than done, with Marc Wilmots' men so far enjoying a near-perfect qualifying campaign with seven wins and a draw in eight matches.

Croatia vs Belgium October 11, 2013

Christian Benteke and Vincent Kompany miss out through injury, while Arsenal skipper Thomas Vermaelen is a slight doubt for Belgium. Moussa Dembele could also be ruled out after suffering an injury in training, while Manchester United's Marouane Fellaini is set to feature in spite of a wrist injury.

Croatia will be without defender Josip Simunic who is suspended.

Croatia: Pletikosa; Srna, Lovren, Corluka, Strinic; Rakitic, Modric, Kovacic; Eduardo, Mandzukic, Olic.

Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen, Lombaerts; Witsel, Fellaini, Defour; De Bruyne, Lukaku, Hazard.

Prediction: 2-1 to Belgium

Wales vs Macedonia October 11, 2013

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Wales will hope to give Craig Bellamy a winning home send-off as they host Macedonia in Cardiff in World Cup qualifying.

However, a major injury crisis means it is likely to prove immensely difficult for Chris Coleman's side on Friday night.

Bellamy will make his final appearance on home soil in a national-term shirt, having confirmed earlier this week that he will retire from international football after this double-header.

Aaron Ramsey has been passed fit for Friday's World Cup qualifier with Macedonia in Cardiff and will captain Wales in Ashley Williams' absence.
Williams will also miss next Tuesday's game with Belgium and is likely to miss several Swansea games after that.
Sam Vokes is also ruled out against Macedonia but Wales are hopeful the striker will be fit for Brussels.

His chances of finishing the group on a positive note and improving a record of just three wins in 13 games look slim, but he will hope in-form Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey - skippering the side again - can inspire the Dragons to a victory which could have an effect on February's Euro 2016 qualifying draw.

Since beating Wales and then losing at home to Scotland last month, Macedonia have seen coach Chedomir Janevski quit the post. Zoran Stratev has been placed in temporary charge and will be looking to boost his chances of landing the role full-time by claiming all three points.

Wales vs Macedonia October 11, 2013

Wales go into Friday's clash against Macedonia at Cardiff City Stadium bottom of Group A and travel to leaders Belgium on Tuesday, 15 October.
Coleman's side have six points from eight games, leading to speculation over his future as Wales boss.
He is still in negotiations to extend his deal beyond the qualifying campaign.

When: Friday, Oct. 11, at 2:45 p.m. ET; 7:45 p.m. BST

Where: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales

England vs Montenegro October 11, 2013

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Roy Hodgson goes into the games against Montenegro and Poland knowing the outcome may define his career as England manager.

England currently lead Group H by a point ahead of their final two fixtures on Friday and Tuesday with their World Cup destiny firmly in their own hands.

Victories in the Wembley double-header will guarantee their place in Brazil next summer, but the danger of dropping points in either match will throw automatic qualification into serious doubt.

Roy Hodgson is confident in a England win for their vital World Cup qualifier against Montenegro.
Ukraine and Montenegro are just a point adrift, with Poland two further back, meaning Hodgson's men cannot relax as Ukraine play Poland at home on Friday before travelling to San Marino for their final qualifier, on the same night Montenegro face Moldova at home.

Four of the six nations in Group H can still qualify automatically for next year's World Cup in Brazil.

Two of them, England and Montenegro, will meet at Wembley on Friday night. The home side currently top the group with 16 points and if they emerge victorious, then it will end Montenegro's chances of finishing at the summit.

However, should Branko Brnovic's team win, then they would leapfrog the Three Lions and could even replace them at the top of the standings, depending on the Ukraine against Poland result.

Finishing second would likely pitch England into a two-legged play-off for the right to reach the World Cup, while the unthinkable prospect of third would mark the first time the 1966 winners have failed to qualify for the global showpiece since 1994.

England vs Montenegro October 11, 2013

England can point to their unbeaten record through qualification so far, but one concern is that their four victories have come against group minnows Moldova and San Marino, with their meetings against Ukraine (twice), Poland and Montenegro all ending in deadlock.

Hodgson predictably refused to reveal his team selection in his final pre-match press conference on Thursday, but one man who is certain to start is goalkeeper Joe Hart, who has the backing of the international manager despite his patchy club form for Manchester City


England: Hart; Walker, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Lampard, Gerrard, Milner, Wilshere; Rooney, Sturridge

Montenegro: Bozovic; Basa, Džudovic, Bozovic, Savic; Zverotic; Boskovic, Drincic, Krkotic; Jovetic; Vucinic

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Spain welcome Belarus in their 2014 World Cup qualifier on Friday knowing that three points would move them one step closer to securing their spot in Brazil next summer.

Reigning World Cup champion Spain will host Belarus on Friday in a World Cup 2014 qualifying match in Palma de Mallorca.

La Roja dismantled Belarus in Minsk last October, winning 4-0 on the road behind a hat-trick from Pedro. And with Belarus having won just one of seven UEFA group matches thus far, many are expecting another Spanish clinic on Friday.

The Spanish have had two draws over the past year against Finland and France, but have yet to lose a single match in Group I action, picking up 14 points through six matches. With just two matches left to play against Belarus and Georgia, Spain are heavy favorites to win the group and earn a trip to Brazil next summer.

Meanwhile, Belarus have already been eliminated from World Cup contention, having lost five of seven group matches to this point.

Here, we'll get you set with everything you need to know for Friday's qualifying tilt.

Spain vs Belarus October 11, 2013

Time: 4 p.m. EDT, 9 p.m. BST

Where: Iberostar Stadium, Palma, Spain

The European and world champions currently sit top of Group I having won four and drawn two of their six matches thus far, but they are level with France on 14 points.

France, however, have played one game more than La Roja and, therefore, three points against Belarus would leave Vicente del Bosque's side needing just one point from their final clash with Georgia to secure automatic qualification.

Belarus, meanwhile, currently sit bottom of the group having taken just four points from their seven matches, but they could move above Georgia with all three points in Spain. The corresponding match in Belarus took place in October 2012, when Spain picked up all three points with a 4-0 win.

Denmark vs Italy October 11, 2013

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The home side currently sit third in Group B on 12 points, one point behind second-placed Bulgaria with two matches remaining. They have won three, drawn three and lost two of their eight matches thus far, but they head into the fixtures on the back of successive wins over Malta and Armenia.

The Azzurri stamped their pass for Brazil last month, having wrapped up Group B with two games to spare. However, the playoff spot is still very much up for grabs.

Bulgaria (13) are one point better off than the Danes, who in turn, are three points ahead of the Czech Republic and Armenia. That picture will become a lot clearer after this current round of games, with Denmark needing at least a point to stay in realistic contention. Eight of the nine second-placed sides will compete in the playoffs. The team that finishes second with the lowest number of points scored will miss out completely.

After a stuttering start to their campaign, Denmark come into this game on the back of consecutive victories over Malta and Armenia. However, none of their three qualifying victories in this campaign have come at home. A shock 4-0 loss to Armenia back in June highlights the unpredictability of the Danes on Scandinavian soil.

Italy, meanwhile, have already secured their spot in Brazil having won six of their eight Group B matches, remaining unbeaten in the process and amassing 20 points.

The Azzurri also enter the contest on the back of two successive wins over Czech Republic and Bulgaria and will take confidence from the last time they faced Denmark – a 3-1 win in the corresponding match in October 2012.

Denmark will once again be led by Liverpool defender Daniel Agger, while Tottenham Hotspur's Christian Eriksen and Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner are also familiar names in their squad.

Highly-rated Ajax attacker Viktor Fischer is also expected to start against the Italians, while 22-year-old Thomas Delaney could win his first cap for his country.

Denmark vs Italy October 11, 2013

Match date/time: Friday, 8:15 p.m. local, 2:15 p.m. ET

Venue: Parken, Copenhagen, Denmark

Netherlands vs Hungary October 11, 2013

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The Netherlands' victory over Andorra last month ensured their place at next year's World Cup in Brazil, meaning you might expect this match at home to Hungary to be a dead rubber; one for Louis van Gaal to experiment with. Unfortunately for the Oranje, that isn't the case -- they've still got important FIFA ranking points to fight for, trying to squeeze into a seeded spot for the group stage draw.

Hungary and the Netherlands will face off in the World Cup Qualifiers on Friday.
Hungary desperately needs to win this game if it has any hopes of winning a spot in the second-place playoff. The club has 14 points in eight games but only leads Turkey and Romania by one point in the race for second. While those teams face lesser opponents like Estonia and Andorra, Hungary has the most difficult draw and must make the most out of it.

Making things even worse is that the Dutch are facing a Hungary team currently locked in an intense battle with Turkey for Group D's second-place playoff spot, currently only a point ahead. That means the visitors won't be short on motivation, and will be as determined as ever to add three points to their Group D tally.

For the hosts, Robin van Persie is a notable early doubt with a toe problem, while Gregory van der Wiel, Jonathan de Guzman and Stijn Schaars pulled out of van Gaal's initial squad with injuries.

Netherlands vs Hungary October 11, 2013

Netherlands: Michel Vorm; Daley Blind, Bruno Martins Indi, Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat; Rafael Van der Vaart, Wesley Sneijder, Kevin Strootman; Jeremain Lens, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben

Hungary: Ádám Bogdán; Vilmos Vanczák, Zsolt Korcsmár, Tamás Kádár, Richárd Guzmics; Tamás Hajnal, Ákos Elek; Balázs Dzsudzsák, Dániel Böde, Vladimir Koman; Krisztián Németh

Match Date/Time: Friday, 8:30 p.m. local, 2:30 p.m. ET

Lithuania vs Latvia October 11, 2013

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Latvia has opened its tournament with a 2-1 loss against Greece and a 4-1 against Bosnia - Herzegovina. In their third game , the team lost 2-1 to Slovakia. The team then defeated and tied with Liechtenstein in consecutive games , but was annihilated 5-0 Bosnia - Herzegovina. A victory finally came to Lithuania in September, but that result was followed by a 1-0 defeat against Greece.

Neither team has much to play for as they have already been eliminated from the World Cup Qualifiers.
Latvia is fifth in the group with seven points thanks to two wins, one draw, and five losses. The squad has scored eight goals but has conceded 16 times.

Aleksandrs Cauna leads the team in scoring with two goals in the country , six players have scored for Latvia

Lithuania vs Latvia October 11, 2013

Start Time: The match gets underway at 2:30 p.m. EST.

Lithuania is one point ahead of Latvia , thanks to a record of two wins , two draws and four defeats . Their offense produced seven goals, while their defense has been the victim of 10 times. Slovakia 's team in its opening before losing 2-0 to Greece in monitoring . A 2-0 victory over Liechtenstein followed, but a 3-0 against Bosnia - Herzegovina has reminded fans that the team was far from being a competitor. The remaining games , including a draw with Slovakia , a loss to Greece, a loss to a win over Latvia and Lithuania.

Serbia vs Japan October 11, 2013

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Japan and Serbia are ranked 42 and 43 respectively on the FIFA/ Coca-Cola World Rankings.
Japan has improved in recent months after a poor showing at the FIFA Confederations Cup in June.

In August, the team at 4-2, Uruguay was destroyed, but rebounded in September, a friendly against Guatemala with a 3-0 victory. His most recent game was a 3-1 victory against Ghana in Yokohama.

With a 3-0 away win against Wales in a World Cup qualifier in September attachment Europe, hosts trust their shape longer when they are in a friendly against Japan. First victory over Wales, Serbia were held 1-1 by Croatia in a World Cup Qualification match.

Serbia vs Japan October 11, 2013

Start Time: The match gets underway at 11:30 a.m. EST.

Today is a day to play matches Friday on the day of encounter groups encounter played in Japan with Serbia. 2013sportsblog information about the match, of course!

After disappointing performance in FIFA Confederations cup back in June, Japan has improved a lot in recent months.  Japan won two friendly fixtures in a row in September, 3-0 over Guatemala and 3-1 over Ghana, both at home.

Serbia has in the last five games, starting with marta.Natsiya defeated Scotland 2-0 in the World Cup qualifiers before losing 2-1 against Belgium in Brussels on June qualifications.  The game was followed by a 1-1 draw against Croatia in Belgrade, which damages the chances of winning the Croats in the first group of participants. In his last match Serbia Wales in Cardiff has destroyed 3-0.

This is the second game between the two off storonami.Komandy 7 April 2010 faced finished with a score of 3-0 in a friendly European side on the top.

Armenia vs Bulgaria October 11, 2013

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There are nine World Cup groups but only the top eight second place teams get a chance to play in the second round playoffs. Since one of the groups only has five teams and the others have six, the second-place teams in six-team groups lose any points that they have acquired against the last-place team in the group. Bulgaria has 13 points but has earned six of them from last place Malta. As a result, the Bulgarians are currently out of the running for the second round; the team is four points out of the eighth spot at the moment.

Played for the biggest fight of Armenia and Bulgaria started countdowns. 2014 World Cup team for the struggle of the match stats you are sharing information with you at all 2013sportsblog!

Armenia vs Bulgaria October 11, 2013

Start Time: Kick-off starts at 11 a.m. EST.

Bulgaria to the table runner can be considered, taking second place in Group B Denmark trails by just one point and win Armenia and Denmark are at close range with nine. A victory connected to Denmark by a loss in his first game with Italy could keep second place to Bulgaria.

Armenia must win this game if you have any hope for the second place. With nine games in eight games, the team can still finish with 15 points, only three of them would be against Malta.