Tips for Soccer: Which European Nations will Make it Through to World Cup in Brazil?

With the World Cup 2014 in Brazil more than a year away the teams are engaged in an intense battle to get a ticket to Brazil. Top European nations are vying for spots in these qualifiers. 53 European nations are competing for a place in the finals at Brazil. Out of these only 13 nations will make it through. The group winners will directly qualify for Brazil while the eight runners up go into play-offs against best record third, fourth and fifth teams. This week saw many World Cup qualifiers being played.  So let us analyse where the top teams stand.

Group A is wide open

Featuring the likes of Belgium, Croatia, Serbia, Wales, Macedonia and Scotland there are many possibilities in this group. Belgium and Croatia are the runaway leaders with 5 wins and 1 draw in their six matches. Serbia is nine points adrift. In the last match Belgium got over the line against Macedonia with a solitary goal from Eden Hazard, while Croatia won after a struggle against the Welsh in a 2-1 tie.

Italy Breaking Away from the Pack in Group B

Italy is clearly the favourites among the betting systems to book a place in Brazil. They have won 4 off their 5 matches, ending in level terms in one match. This week Italy had an easy win over Malta thanks to the brace by Mario Balotelli. The second placed Bulgaria has played one game extra and they face stiff competition for the runners-up spot from Czech Republic and Denmark.

Germany the Clear Favourites in Group C

Clinical Germany just like Italy are ahead of the pack with 5 wins in their 6 matches played so far. Germany had a comfortable 4-1 win over Kazakhstan with a brace from Marco Reus. Austria are cherishing the second position though they have played one match more than Sweden, who are looking favourites to end in second place.

Group D belongs to the Dutch

Netherlands have again performed admirably in their qualifiers winning all their matches. They are only a couple of good performances from booking a place in Brazil. Hungary and Romania will be vying for the second place. Some experts writing tips for soccer are even giving Turkey an outside chance.

Group E still Remains Uncertain

Switzerland is leading this group but there are many other contenders. Iceland and Albania would be looking to perform well in the remainder of ties and make World Cup debut while Norway is also not out of reach.

Russia Leading with Buffer Matches in Hand

Russia is only the other team than Netherlands who have won all their 4 matches. This means they have two more matches in hand. Portugal and Israel have a chance to get through to the top if Russia happens to slip.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Surprise all in Group G

Bosnia and Herzegovina who suffered heartbreak in the play-offs are latching onto the pole position in this group. They have a three point lead over Greece. Slovakia is the other challenger in this group.

England’s Woes Lead to Montenegro’s gain in Group H

Stunningly enough Montenegro is still leading in this group thanks to the draw against England. England is in second place and they will also have to contend with Poland and Ukraine.

Spain Redeeming Themselves in Group I

Spain and France are the clear favourites in all betting systems to go through. At the present moment Spain is leading France by a single point. Other teams in this group seem to be merely making up numbers.