World Cup Qualifying Preview- Copa America final rematch

Getty Images

Bolivia

v

Colombia

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Arias Vargas, Raldes, Rivero, Gutierrez Flores, Robles, Campos, Edivaldo, Escobar Martins		Ospina Zuniga, Perea, Yepes, Armero Guarin, Sanchez Ramos, G. Moreno, D. Moreno Gutierrez
KEY FACTS
Bolivia lost their first game of qualifying last week, falling 4-2 to Uruguay in Montevideo. The team has not qualified for the World Cup since the 1994 tournament in the United States.  The Bolivians are still looking for their first victory of 2011.		Colombia defeated Bolivia in this year's Copa America, winning 2-0 as Radamel Falcao bagged a brace. Teofilo Gutierrez will start at striker in place of Falcao, who will be on the bench for tactical reasons, due to the Racing man's ability to posses the ball, according to coach Leonel Alvarez. Since the Copa America, Colombia defeated Honduras 2-0 in their only friendly.

Chile

v

Peru

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
Bravo Jara, Ponce, Contreras Isla, Vidal, Beausejour Fernandez, Valdivia Pinilla, Suazo		ButronRodriguez, Acasiete, Yotun, Revoredo Balbin, Cruado, Vargas, Farfan Guerrero, Pizarro
KEY FACTS
Claudio Borghi's men started off qualifying with a 4-1 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires. Chile have lost three straight games, falling to Spain and Mexico in friendlies and losing on Friday to their neighbours to the east. In qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, Chile defeated the Peruvians twice.		Sergio Markarian's men are off to a cracking start in qualification, dominating Paraguay to the tune of a 2-0 victory at the weekend. Paolo Guerrero scored two goals in the fixture. Peru fell to Chile in July during the Copa America as Andre Carillo's 90th minute own goal awarded the Chileans the 1-0 victory in the group stage.

 

Paraguay

vs

Uruguay

PROBABLE LINE-UPS
D. Barreto Piris, Da Silva, Veron, Marecos E. Barreto, Riveros Perez, Ramirez, Estigarribia Santa Cruz		Muslera M. Pereira, Lugano, Coates, Fucile Perez, Gargano, A. Pereira  Forlan Suarez, Cavani
KEY FACTS
Paraguay are looking for revenge against their opponents, having lost to Uruguay 3-0 in the Copa America final this year. In the 2-0 loss to Peru in the first game of qualifying, the Paraguayans did not manage a shot on goal. The team last defeated Uruguay in a 2007 World Cup qualifier, winning 1-0 after an early Nelson Valdez strike.		Oscar Tabarez's men have scored at least three goals in their last three games, all victories.  Defender Diego Lugano scored twice in the 4-2 victory over Bolivia on Friday. Uruguay are undefeated in their last nine contests.

Read More

11.10. (Tue) 21:00 France - Bosnia and H.

Panoramic

PROBABLE LINEUPS

FRANCE Lloris Reveilliere, Kaboul, Rami, Evra Diarra, M'Vila Remy, Nasri, Malouda Gomis

BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA Begovic Papac, Spahic, Mujdza, Lulic Misimovic, Zahirovic, Rahimic Pjanic Dzeko, Ibisevic

An already depleted France squad have been rocked by further injury woes ahead of the winner-takes-all clash at the Stade de France. Patrice Evra, Adil Rami (both thigh) and Yohan Cabaye (ankle) all picked up knocks with the latter expected to make way for Alou Diarra in the heart of midfield.

Laurent Blanc was without Kevin Gameiro and Eric Abidal for Friday's convincing 3-0 win against Albania. Gameiro, out with an inflamed knee, is doubtful to face the Bosnians, whilst Abidal may not be risked, with the management adherent to parent club Barcelona's request. Loic Remy and Bafetimbi Gomis are set to continue filling in Gameiro and the injured Karim Benzema.

Bosnia coach Safet Susic has said in the build-up to the crunch game on Tuesday that he could be set to make some changes. The majority of the side who featured in Friday's crushing 5-0 win against Luxembourg are expected to start, with Adnan Zahirovic and Boris Pandza set to take part at some stage to add some defensive steel to the side.

DID YOU KNOW?

• A depleted France side secured a convincing 3-0 home win against Albania thanks to goals from Florent Malouda, Loic Remy and Anthony Reveilliere.

• Les Bleus top Group D with 20 points, a single point ahead of nearest challengers and opponents Bosnia & Herzegovina.

• France are unbeaten in 14 internationals, stretching back to the opening round of qualifiers last September. Belarus secured a shock 1-0 win in Paris.

• Laurent Blanc's men prevailed 2-0 in Sarajevo in the corresponding fixture. 

• France will qualify for Euro 2012 if they avoid defeat to the Dragons at the Stade de France. A win for the visitors will see them pip the hosts to the top of the group and to Poland/Ukraine leaving Laurent Blanc's men to negotiate the play-offs in November.

• Bosnia & Herzegovina thrashed Luxembourg 5-0 on Friday evening to stay in the hunt for automatic Euro 2012 qualification.

• The big win ensured that the Bosnians stretched their unbeaten run to five games, also not conceding a goal in that time.

• The eastern Europeans have never qualified for a major tournament as an independent nation. They could do so if they beat France - something they are yet to achieve in three attempts.

Prediction

A spate of injuries has proved to be no difficult barrier to overcome for France as they comfortably swept away Albania. Though Bosnia-Herzegovina are sure to provide far sterner opposition, Les Bleus can count on their vociferous home support to stumble across the finishing line. At the very least, Laurent Blanc's men should be able to grab the point they need to make it to Euro 2012. For Bosnia, an unlikely victory could well happen due to the hosts' defensive problems, but at the minimum, they need to ensure that they do not choke at the final hurdle, as was the case in 2009 against Portugal.

Editor's Prediction

France 1-1 Bosnia

Read More

11.10. (Tue) 20:45 Spain - Scotland

PROBABLE LINEUPS

SPAIN Casillas Ramos, Pique, Puyol, Arbeloa Busquets, Xavi, Javi Martinez Mata, Villa, Silva

SCOTLAND McGregor Hutton, Caldwell, Berra, Bardsley Naismith, Morrison, Adam, Fletcher, Forrest Mackail-Smith/Miller

Raul Albiol will miss the match after fracturing a cheekbone in training so the recognised defensive duo of Gerard Pique and Carles Puyol may be favoured by coach Vicente del Bosque. Javi Martinez may be given a start in midfield after impressing as a substitute against the Czech Republic. Xabi Alonso went off with an injury after a robust tackle from Tomas Hubschman on Friday so he may be rested. He does, however, like to field strong sides no matter the situation so the talented trio of Juan Mata, David Villa, and David Silva are likely to be favoured in attack.

Barry Bannan is a doubt for Scotland after injuring his achilles in the victory over Liechtenstein on Saturday so expect James Forrest to come in on the wing if the Aston Villa youngster is not passed fit. Kenny Miller is still fighting to be fit after missing the previous match with a groin injury and will be assessed closer to kick off. Craig Mackail-Smith will continue up top if Scotland's talisman cannot shake off his injury.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Spain ran out 3-2 winners over Scotland in the previous encounter between the nations, with a Fernando Llorente strike proving to be the difference at Hampden Park last October.
  

• The Spaniards have scored more than double the amount of goals in the group than Scotland, with 19 goals to 8.

• David Villa and Fernando Llorente are the top two goalscorers in the group, with 6 goals and 3 goals respectively.

• Scotland need to equal or better Czech Republic's result against Lithuania if they are to grab the play-off spot in Group I.

• Kenny Miller and Stephen Naismith and Scotland's most prolific goalscorers in the group, with two strikes apiece.

• Scotland's last competitive defeat was against Spain, 12 months ago.
• Scotland are the only side to have scored twice against Spain in a competitive fixture since October 2009.

Prediction

Scotland have much more to play for than Spain, and the Scots will certainly be passionate in their pursuit of a play-off place, but the strength in depth of the Spanish squad will prove to be too much to handle for Craig Levein's side. Expect the home nation to outclass Scotland and bag a few goals in the process.

Editor's Prediction

Spain 3-0 Scotland

Read More

11.10. (Tue) 20:45 Italy - Northern Ireland

Getty Images

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ITALY Buffon Maggio, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Pirlo De Rossi, Marchisio Aquilani Rossi, Osvaldo

NORTHERN IRELAND Mannus Hodson, McAuley, McLaughlin, Cathcart McGinn, Davies, Norwood, McCourt Feeney, Healy

Tuesday’s hosts have the top spot secured in Group C and may play around with their line-up somewhat from the starting XI that held Serbia to a draw on Friday night, with a possible international bow for Pablo Osvaldo. The Roma striker has been in good form of late, scoring three goals in as many fixtures on the domestic front and coach Cesare Prandelli has been impressed enough to call the former Espanyol attacker up to the squad to replace the injured Mario Balotelli.
Nigel Worthington will be forced to make a host of changes after both Chris Brunt and Sammy Clingan dropped out of the squad with injury, while Lee Camp and Grant McCann are also out with problems, and Kyle Lafferty is suspended for the clash in Pescara. Jonny Evans is doubtful with an ankle problem.
There could be a start for St Johnstone’s Alan Mannus in goal, meanwhile Steven Davies will captain the side in the absence of the injured Aaron Hughes. The Fulham defender recently announced he would be retiring from the international stage after Northern Ireland’s European qualifying campaign, but a groin problem has kept the 31-year-old out of the final two fixtures.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Italy have won the competition just the once, back in 1968 when the tournament took place in their own country, beating Yugoslavia in the final at Roma’s Stadio Olimpico.

• The Italians also reached the final in 2000, when they denied a second success by late goals from France's Sylvain Wiltord and David Trezeguet after Marco Delvecchio appeared to have given them victory.

• Tuesday’s hosts are unbeaten in Group C with seven wins and two draws, with one of those ties coming against Northern Ireland.

• Norther Ireland's first ever international match was against England in 1882, when they were trounced 13-0 in Belfast, a result that remains their heaviest defeat to date.

• David Healy (pictured right) broke the record for goals scored in a qualifying campaign for the 2008 tournament after netting 13 times.

• All but one of Northern Ireland’s managers in their history have heralded from the country itself, with Englishman Lawrie  McMenemy the odd one out in the list.

Prediction

Both teams have their fates sealed in Group C, with Italy finishing as outright leaders and the Northern Irish bitterly disappointed to only be able to finish fourth if they can beat the hosts.
The Azzurri will be hoping to finish strongly and should have more than enough to get another win.

Editor's Prediction

Italy 3-1 N. Ireland

Read More

11.10. (Tue) 20:15 Sweden - Netherlands

PROSHOTS

PROBABLE LINEUPS

SWEDEN Isaksson Lustig, Mellberg, Majstorovic, Olsson Larsson, R. Elm, Kallstrom, WilhelmssonElmander, Toivonen

NETHERLANDS Vorm Van der Wiel, Bruma, Mathijsen, Pieters Van Bommel, StrootmanVan Persie, Van der Vaart, Kuyt Huntelaar

Sweden will be without their star player Zlatan Ibrahimovic after the forward picked up a yellow card in his side's 2-1 win over Finland last Friday and has consequently been banned for one match. PSV's Ola Toivonen is expected to take the AC Milan man's place up front.

Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk will have to make do without the services of several key players in Tuesday's game. First choice shot-stopper Maarten Stekelenburg, defender John Heitinga, midfielders Hedwiges Maduro, Wesley Sneijder and Ibrahim Afellay as well as attacker Arjen Robben are all unavailable due to various injuries.

This means that Swansea goalkeeper Michel Vorm is likely to start between the sticks, while Jeffrey Bruma will replace Heitinga at the back. Furthermore, PSV's Kevin Strootman could partner Mark van Bommel in midfield, with Rafael van der Vaart taking Sneijder's place and Robin van Persie starting from the right wing.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Sweden will qualify for Euro 2012 as the best second-placed side if they pick up the full three points against Oranje.

• The Scandinavians' record in 22 meetings with Netherlands is W7 D5 L10 (W4 D1 L2 at home).

• Andreas Isaksson, Pontus Wernbloom, Rasmus Elm, Emir Bajrami, Alexander Gerndt and Ola Toivonen all ply their trade in the Dutch Eredivisie.

• Netherlands are one of only three teams that still boast a 100 per cent record in the Euro 2012 qualification campaign.

• Striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar tops the goalscoring charts with 11 goals from seven Euro 2012 qualifiers.

• Rafael van der Vaart is only nine games away from completing a century of caps for the World Cup finalists.

Prediction

Sweden still have everything to play for as a win would seal qualification for next year's tournament in Poland and Ukraine, while the Dutch have already booked their ticket for Euro 2012. However, the first match between the two sides showed a significant difference in class as Holland recorded a comfortable 4-1 home win. Although the guests will have to do without the services of several key players this time, they still boast plenty of quality to bag the full three points and should be able to maintain their 100 per cent record.

Editor's Prediction

Sweden 1-2 Netherlands

Read More

11.10. (Tue) 20:15 Denmark - Portugal

PROBABLE LINEUPS

DENMARK Sorensen Jacobsen, Kjaer, Bjelland, S. Poulsen Kvist, Zimling Rommedahl, Eriksen, N. Jorgensen Bendtner

PORTUGAL Rui Patricio Pereira, Rolando, Bruno Alves, Eliseu Moutinho, Meireles, Martins Nani, Postiga, Ronaldo

Michael Krohn-Dehli, who scored in Friday's 4-1 victory over Cyprus is doubtful for the winner-takes-all tie after sustaining a knock, leaving Leverkusen winger Nicolai Jorgensen with a chance to make his international debut. Elsewhere, there are question marks over the fitness over Andreas Bjelland, Simon Poulsen, Dennis Rommedahl and Niki Zimling, but they are expected to make the showdown.

Despite their poor showing against Iceland on Friday, Rolando and Bruno Alves are set to retain their berths at the heart of defence in light of their nation's injury crisis at centre-back. Meanwhile, third-choice left back Eliseu will continue after a fine showing in Porto on Friday that saw him score one and set up two others.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Denmark last beat Portugal three years ago, where a late rally saw the Danish come from a goal behind in stoppage time to win 3-2.

• The return game, also played in Copenhagen, saw former Sporting Lisbon striker Liedson net a late equaliser.

• These two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the Euro 1996 group stage, which saw defending champions Denmark eliminated at the first hurdle.

• Portugal have not failed to qualify for the European Championships since 1992 - the year Denmark won the tournament.

• A hat-trick for Cristiano Ronaldo would see him equal Luis Figo's goal tally for Portugal - in 42 fewer appearances.

• Paulo Bento has the highest win percentage of any Portugal manager to date - with his side emerging victorious in 80 per cent of their matches under the 42-year-old.

Prediction

If Friday's performance is anything to go by, Portugal will be vulnerable from set-pieces, and with Nicklas Bendtner's aerial threat, the hosts could exploit the visitors' weaknesses. That said, Portugal are in good form, and with the likes of Nani, Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho, carry a threat that cannot be ignored when they go forward.

Editor's Prediction

Denmark 2-3 Portugal

Read More

11.10. (Tue) 20:05 Bulgaria - Wales

PROBABLE LINEUPS

BULGARIA Mihaylov Manolev, Stoyanov, Ivanov, Zanev Tsvetkov, S Petrov, Georgiev, Zlatinski Bojinov, Rangelov

WALES Hennessey Gunter, Blake, Williams, Taylor Vaughan, Allen  Bellamy, Ramsey, Bale Morison

Terek Grozny midfielder Blagoy Georgiev could return to the starting lineup for Bulgaria having settled for a place on the bench in Friday’s friendly loss. Caretaker manager Mihail Madanski is unlikely to tinker too much with the tactics and formation and will be praying the Bulgarians can salvage some pride out of what has been a nightmarish qualification.
Wales head coach Gary Speed has the liberty of bringing his dynamic side to eastern Europe on the back of a 2-0 win at home to Switzerland and so it is doubtful the lineup will be altered with too much. Sunderland’s David Vaughan has been suffering from tonsillitis, but after a substitute appearance on Friday he is in contention to start.
Wales are without midfielders Joe Ledley, Jack Collison and Andy King, as well as experienced defenders Danny Collins and James Collins. If Gary Speed wants to play defensively then he could put Wolves midfielder David Edwards into the centre of the park at the expense of Steve Morison. However, with nothing to lose going in the Group G finale, it is probable that he will choose a more attacking outlook, with Craig Bellamy spearheading the Welsh front line.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Neither side can qualify for Euro 2012 heading into this final match. If Bulgaria win, Wales will foot the table; a draw and Bulgaria will be left at the bottom of the heap, and a win for the home nation could (if Switzerland lose to Montenegro in their final match on Tuesday night) propel them to an impressive third.

• Wales are ranked at 90 in the latest Fifa rankings whereas Bulgaria are placed 55th. Last year Wales achieved their worst ever ranking of 117th.

• Bulgaria are currently without a head coach. They sacked Lothar Matthaus on September 19 almost a year to the day from when he replaced the former coach Stanimir Stoilov.

• Friday’s game at the Liberty Stadium saw three Swansea players in the Welsh side for the first time in 30 years – Joe Allen, Neil Taylor and Ashley Williams.

• Wales have not qualified for a European Championship since 1976, when they reached the quarter-final. This was the country’s only appearance at the tournament.

• Bulgaria have only managed a single win in Group G, which was away to Wales. They won the match 1-0, with striker Ivelin Popov scoring the solitary goal.

• Wales’ victory last Friday against the Swiss meant they recorded their first back-to-back victories at home since 2008. Back then it was Liechtenstein and Azerbaijan. This time around it was Montenegro and Switzerland who were beaten.

• October 14 2009, nearly two years ago, was the last time Bulgaria won at home. They are without a win in five matches and have lost their last four.

Prediction
Editor's Prediction
Bulgaria 2-2 Wales  

Read More

11.10. (Tue) 20:00 Ghana - Nigeria

PROBABLE LINEUPS

GHANA Kwarasey Paintsil, Mensah, Vorsah, Opare Boateng, Asamoah, Agyemang-Badu, Muntari Adiyiah, Gyan

NIGERIA Aiyenugba Taiwo, Yobo, Ambrose, Ogude Mikel, Joel Obi, Obasi Odemwingie, Emenike, Nsofor

Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday after they drew 2-2 with Guinea in Abuja. Players and officials have spoken about using this game as redemption for the weekend's woeful outing.
Ghana come into this game on the back of a 2-0 victory against Sudan in Omdurman that ensured they booked their ticket to next year's Afcon where they look to be one of the favourites for the title after the other big teams (Cameroon, Egypt, South Africa and Algeria) failed to qualify.
Ghana will be without the services of No. 1 Richard Kingson and forward Andre Ayew. Nigeria will have Nosa Igiebor, Nnamdi Oduamadi, Ugo Ukah and Emmanuel Ekpo join up in London.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Ghana and Nigeria have played 58 international matches.

• Ghana have won 23 times while Nigeria have 16 wins with 19 drawn games.

• Asamoah Gyan is the highest scorer in the Ghanaian squad with 27 goals in 48 matches.

• Ikechukwu Uche has scored 12 goals in 31 appearances for Nigeria.

• Nigeria have lost the last three games between both countries.

• Ghana have played in the quarter-finals of the World Cup while Nigeria have reached the second round twice.

• Both teams have won six African Cup of Nations titles between them, Ghana four times and two crowns to Nigeria.

Prediction

Editor's Prediction
Ghana 2-1 Nigeria

Read More

11.10. (Tue) 19:00 Germany - Belgium

PROBABLE LINEUPS

GERMANY Neuer Howedes, Mertesacker, Hummels, Lahm KhediraMuller, Ozil, Kroos, Schurrle Gomez

BELGIUM Mignolet Ciman, Lombaerts, Kompany, Vertonghen Simons, Witsel Dembele, Hazard, Mertens Lukaku

Joachim Low will be without Lazio striker Miroslav Klose, who once again complained of pain in his knee. Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jerome Boateng are doubtful for the game as they picked up minor knocks last week and are likely to start from the bench.

Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil is set to return after recovering from the ankle injury which kept him out of the game against Turkey. Toni Kroos has also finished his recuperation and is expected to start against Belgium, while debutant Ilkay Gundogan will most probably be named as a substitute.

Georges Leekens' main concern ahead of the clash is the suspension of Daniel Van Buyten, who has picked up his second yellow card of the Euro 2012 qualification campaign and will miss out on a reunion with his Bayern Munich colleagues on Tuesday.

Zenit St Peterburg centre-back Nicolas Lombaerts is expected to step in for the ex-Hamburg man, who will be forced to watch from the stands with David Hubert (stomach complaint). Jelle Vossen (ankle injury), Marvin Ogunjimi (knee injury) are rated doubtful for the game, while Igor de Camargo has withdrawn from the squad due to fitness problems.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Germany have not lost at home to Belgium in 101 years. Coincidentally, the Red Devils only victory away from home against the DFB-team was in the first ever game between the two countries, back in 1910.
• A goal by Miroslav Klose proved to be difference between two sides in their last clash. This time around the Lazio striker is injured and will not take part.

• Joachim Low's men have won all of their matches in Group A, and have already booked their place for Euro 2012. They are one victory away from setting a national record for best performance in the qualifying stage.

• Belgium need a victory to secure the play-off spot in Group A. If Azerbaijan do not lose against Turkey, a draw will be enough for Georges Leekens' men.

• The Red Devils have not won in an official game against Germany for 57 years.

• Belgium played against West Germany in the Euro 1980 final, losing 2-1 with Horst Hrubesch scoring a dramatic late winner to round off his brace after his opener was cancelled out by Rene Vandereycken's 75th minute spot-kick.

Prediction

Germany are in inspired form, and are set to field a full-strength team. Joachim Low's side are gunning for a perfect 10 wins out of 10 in Group  A, and despite the need of the visitors, they should secure the result that guarantees an unprecedented campaign.

Editor's Prediction

Germany 2-0 Belgium

Read More