The draw for the qualifying groups for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil took place on Saturday, producing interesting results. Scotland and Wales were paired together in Group A. Republic Ireland face a tough task against Sweden and Germany in group C. Northern Ireland face Portugal in group F and England face Montenegro again in Group H.
Group A: This could be an extremely close group as both Scotland and Wales will have a decent chance of qualifying. Croatia and Serbia will stand in their way, although Serbia have qualified for the last two World Cups. Belgium could also have a say with the likes of Hazard, Fellaini and Vermaelen. Macedonia are the ranked outsiders. Croatia to win the group.
Group B: Again there's possibly a four way battle for the qualification and play-off spots. Italy and Denmark both qualified in 2010 but didn't cover themselves in any glory. Czech Republic and Bulgaria could potentially have a say. Armenia and Malta are the two minnows. Italy to win the group.
Group C: Republic Ireland will probably look to get second place as Germany are the huge favourites. Ireland face strong competition from Sweden but Austria will probably just finish fourth. Faroe Islands and Kazakhstan will battle it out at the bottom. Germany will win the group.
Group D: Netherlands face quite an easy task to qualify for the World Cup. Turkey, Hungary and Romania will look for that play-off place whereas Estonia and Andorra will be at the bottom. Netherlands will win the group.
Group E: This group is split down the middle. Norway, Slovenia and Switzerland will fight at the top. Albania, Cyprus and Iceland will fight at the bottom. I think Switzerland will actually win this group.
Group F: Northern Ireland look to miss out on this World Cup. Portugal and Russia should get the top two places. Leaving Ireland to fight with Israel for third. Azerbaijan and Luxembourg will be the bottom two. Portugal should win this group, just.
Group G: Greece and Slovakia could be surprised by Bosnia-Herzegovina but it could just be a two way battle at the top. Lithuania and Latvia will fight for fourth with Liechtenstein languishing in last place. I think Slovakia might steal this group.
Group H: England should qualify from this group quite comfortably. Montenegro, Ukraine and Poland will fight for the play-off spot and Moldova and San Marino getting two points from the group. England will win this group.
Group I: A World Cup without France or Spain could never be envisioned. But that is what could happen with this group. The lowest scoring runner-up fails to make the play-offs and with Group I having a team fewer, the runner-up from here will struggle to qualify. Belgium, Georgia and Finland will battle for third. Spain should win this group.
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