|
Russia can take a giant step towards qualifying for the 2014 World Cup and dent the hopes of rivals Portugal in one of the key World Cup qualifying matches in Europe tomorrow. |
Euro 2012 losing finalists Italy, the 2006 world champions, can also put a gap between themselves and rivals Czech Republic in Prague in another key meeting of the evening’s qualifiers.
Russia’s Italian coach Fabio Capello travels to Lisbon on the back of four straight victories without conceding a goal which have put his side top of Group F, a point ahead of Israel and Portugal but with two games in hand.
Russia beat Portugal 1-0 in Moscow in October courtesy of an early Alexander Kerzhakov goal, and another win will cement their position at the top — particularly as Capello’s side has yet to play minnows Luxembourg.
Portugal’s results have been far from convincing, including a home draw with Northern Ireland and a narrow 2-1 win in Luxembourg.
“The qualifier at Lisbon is without doubt a match of great importance both for the Russian squad and for our opponents,” Capello was quoted as saying in a Russian Football Union (RFU) statement. “A positive result in this clash will definitely bring us closer to our main goal — a place in the World Cup finals.”
Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Roman Shirokov said he expected Portugal to attack but Russia would be going for all three points. “We’re going to Lisbon for the win even if we have to defend throughout the match.” he said. “We’re set to obtain a positive result in this match. And the only positive result for us is a win.”
A win for Italy in Prague against the Czech Republic will put the Azzurri closer to a World Cup ticket, while the Czechs could go second ahead of Bulgaria. Waiting for any slip-up are Denmark, who are at home to Armenia on Tuesday.
Group A table-toppers Belgium and Croatia, both on 16 points, could both put themselves beyond rival teams with wins. Belgium host Serbia, lying third on seven points, while Croatia entertain bottom side Scotland in Zagreb.
With runaway Group C leaders Germany not in action, Sweden, Austria and Ireland — all on eight points — have an opportunity in the likely race for runners-up spot.
Austria and Sweden meet, while Ireland are favoured to collect the points in Dublin against the Faroe Islands. Sweden, who take on the Faroe Islands in Solna on Tuesday, know that two wins will put them within two points of the Germans.
Sweden coach Erik Hamren expects Austria to have most of the possession in Vienna, but says he does not want striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic working back in midfield too much.
“We will likely have to work hard in the defence. Not the least in the (midfield). They are good there. One of our forwards has to drop back and shut them off, otherwise we will have a very tough time in the centre midfield,” he said.
Unbeaten Group E leaders Switzerland are in action on Saturday at home to Cyprus, giving both Iceland and Albania — at home to Slovenia and Norway respectively — the chance to go top tomorrow.
Montenegro could go five points clear of England in Group H when Ukraine are the visitors in Podgorica. Both Ukraine and Poland — who are in Moldova — need the points to stay in the race.
Group G leaders Bosnia-Herzegovina will be out to keep the likes of Greece and Slovakia at bay with a win in Riga against Latvia. Greece have a trip to Lithuania while Slovakia, third in the group, are at tail-enders Liechtenstein.