Iran this week became the second country to qualify for the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia, behind Brazil. The host nation, of course, have their place guaranteed. It’s a second qualification in a row for the Iranians, now coached by former Manchester United number two Carlos Queiroz, but they can be backed at 1000/1 to go on and win the tournament in several places. Brazil are a general 7/1 and second only in the market to holders Germany (11/2 with most bookmakers).
England remain on course for the finals after Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Scotland at Hampden but they didn’t do a lot to advertise their credentials and have been pushed out to 24/1 with 888sport to emulate their Under 20s by winning next year’s World Cup.
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England’s next match is against pointless Group F minnows Malta in September and they then play nearest rivals Slovakia and Slovenia at Wembley so will have no excuses if they don’t top their section (1/10 with Bet365). Scotland’s hopes of a play-off place are hanging by a thread, however, and other home nations may need the play-offs if they are to compete against the world’s elite in Russia.
Euro 2016 semi-finalists Wales are 7/2 to win Group D having drawn five of their six matches to date – they trail group leaders Serbia and the Republic Of Ireland by four points. Northern Ireland are looking good for second spot in Group c behind runaway leaders Germany, however, and have to still play the Germans at Windsor Park – Michael O’Neill’s team are a best 2/1 to qualify for the World Cup finals.
With four matches remaining in the European qualifying groups, the Netherlands are again looking the most high profile nation likely to miss out. They would need to overhaul both Sweden and France to top their section and are running out of time. The Dutch, of course, missed out on Euro 2016. Only two points separate four teams in Group I but two of Croatia, Turkey, Iceland and Ukraine are going to be left disappointed. The play-offs are going to be no cake walk, however, with Spain or Italy awaiting one side and Sweden or France another.
