WCQ's That Matter

Some big games coming up, and I'll make my calls on them here and now. We're due to see some surprise berths in South Africa next summer, but a few of the ailing big boys aren't yet out of it. The rundown:

Denmark vs. Sweden - Although Denmark would have to lose 3-0 to hand over 1st place to Sweden, they still need to get a result from this match. A draw and then a loss could see Sweden overtake them with a draw and a win. Two losses in a row and two wins a row for Portugal or Hungary could see them drop out of qualifying altogether, so yeah, this one matters. Denmark takes it 2-0

Portugal vs. Hungary - Portugal needs to beat the living shit out of Hungary or they will not qualify at all, and that would be a shame. No Ronaldo in the World Cup? Who will we hate on? Portugal needs to get their shit together and they need to do it now, because if they even get a draw in this match THEY WILL NOT QUALIFY. The same goes for Hungary, but let's be honest, nobody gives a shit if Hungary qualifies. Portugal leaves it late 2-1

Germany vs. Russia - This match is a big one because it will determine the winner of the group, and who gets seeded where. That's important, because if Russia is seeded they could end up in a much better spot than they otherwise would. Regardless, the second place finisher in this group will be in the GROUP OF DEATH in the Cup. You heard it here first. Russia starts early and fades poorly, but the Germans can't put it away. 1-0 Russia

England vs. Ukraine - Ukraine blows, Shevchenko blows, and Croatia needs a favor. The good news for Ukraine is that England won't really care that much about winning. The bad news is that they'll win anyway, or at least draw. Croatia is in charge of their own destiny, and I'd MUCH rather see them than Ukraine in the Cup. Hopefully they'll pull it out. England 4-1

Czech Republic vs. Poland - If the Czechs lose, they're out. Hell, if the Czechs win, they're probably still out. One can always dream, can't one? Petr Cech, Jankulovski, Ujfalusi, and Grygera make the backline stable, but not brilliant. Milan Baros up top and MAYBE the return of Rosicky gives them a fighting chance, but don't bank on it. Poland are a scrappy squad. A boring match ends 1-1

Turkey vs. Belgium - If Turkey want any chance of playing in this Cup, (and they deserve to be there) then they need a convincing victory over Belgium. With Vermaelen in form, and Fellaini freakishly tall, they might have their hands full from set pieces, but the fundamentals will keep them sound. Turkey takes it 3-1, with the scoreline not really showing how close the game was.

Serbia vs. Romania - Romania has a much stronger squad than their points suggest, but they definitely underperform. They're like Spain from the last 30 years. Serbia, on the other hand, has been quietly growing in squad power. With the return to fitness of Nikola Zigic, who may score a late headed goal, Serbia won't have any trouble putting down Romania. Serbia 3-0

I may do predictions for Wednesday's matches as well, but probably not because by that point, who cares? If France is still in crisis, we'll see.