"Could the unthinkable happen? Germany have never failed to qualify for the World Cup but the four-time champions can't afford slip-ups if they are to seal top spot after losing against Slovakia in their opening game. Julian Nagelsmann's side lead Slovakia on goal difference and need to beat Luxembourg on Friday and see whether Northern Ireland guaranteed a playoff after finishing top of their Nations League group can do them any favours in Slovakia on the same night."
"Switzerland will qualify on Saturday if they achieve a better result at home to Sweden than Kosovo secure in Slovenia. Switzerland's vastly superior goal difference means they will be virtually assured of a World Cup place if they match Kosovo's result. But if Kosovo close the three-point gap to the leaders, things will be excitingly poised for their final game at home to Switzerland in Pristina on Tuesday."
"With Greece and Belarus eliminated, it is a straight fight between Denmark and Scotland for automatic qualification. Steve Clarke's side head into the final two matches trailing on goal difference so will in all likelihood need at least a point in Athens on Saturday to have a chance of taking top spot when they meet Denmark at Hampden Park on 18 November."
Germany, four-time World Cup winners, trail Slovakia on goal difference after an opening defeat and must beat Luxembourg while hoping Northern Ireland's result in Slovakia helps; Germany finish against Slovakia in Leipzig in a possible winner-takes-all match. Switzerland can secure qualification if they achieve a better result at home to Sweden than Kosovo obtain in Slovenia, with superior goal difference meaning a matching result would likely suffice; Kosovo could close the gap and force a decisive home tie in Pristina. Scotland and Denmark contest Group C, with Scotland needing at least a point in Athens. France hold a playoff berth via the Nations League and will top Group D with victory over Ukraine.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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