With the World Cup qualifying stage nearing its end, some of the world’s most notable national teams still face a tough battle in order to reach Brazil 2014.
Several sides have already booked their place in next summer’s competition – the likes of Japan, Australia, Iran, South Korea, the Netherlands, Italy, Argentina, Costa Rica and the USA are already joining the hosts in their samba-themed festivities.
However, several big names’ World Cup dreams still hang in the balance. These nations will need to secure wins in their last few games or face the reality of watching football’s biggest party from the comfort of shame of their living-rooms.
England
After a 0-0 draw in Ukraine earlier this week, England remain top of Group H. However, with just three points separating first from fourth place, the Three Lions still have it all to do. If they beat Montenegro at Wembley and Poland beat Ukraine, then Roy Hodgson's side will be all but qualified for the World Cup. England would be three points ahead of Poland with a superior goal-difference. But if they fail to do so, the final group match versus the Poles will be an all-or-nothing affair.
Mexico
Mexico have been present at every World Cup after Italia 90, where they were banned for fielding an over-age player in a youth competition. But they could fail to make the cut for next year. The Mexicans currently wallow in fifth place, behind Panama on goal-difference, with two games to go. They now face a three-way battle with Honduras and Panama in order to stand any chance of securing the third place play-off position.
Uruguay
2010’s semi-finalists Uruguay could face an early elimination this summer after securing just 22 points in 14 fixtures. The South Americans, who had drawn their last two qualifiers at the Estadio Centenario, are now level with Ecuador, but remain fifth by virtue of their inferior goal-difference. In their two final fixtures they face Ecuador and then Argentina. Defeats in either game could destroy any dreams of automatic qualification.
Portugal
Portugal currently occupy second place in Group F, but qualification is far from guaranteed. Leaders Russia are separated from the Portuguese by a point with two games to play. Both face fixtures against minnows, with Russia travelling to Luxembourg and Portugal hosting Israel. A surprise victory for the Israelis would see them close to within two points of Portugal with a game to play. Qualification is far from a certainty for Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.
Sweden
With two matches to play, the Swedes still need to perform as Austria sit in third place, just three points behind. They host Austria in their next fixture, and a win in this match would guarantee a second-place finish. A loss, on the other hand, could prove detrimental to their qualification chances