SBNation.com - UEFA 2014 World Cup qualifying: Belgium, Germany and Switzerland all advancehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2013-10-11T17:49:26-04:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/45912972013-10-11T17:49:26-04:002013-10-11T17:49:26-04:00Spain squeeze past Belarus
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<figcaption>David Ramos</figcaption>
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<p>Spain took their time to break down a resolute Belarus side with two second-half goals from Xavi and Alvaro Negredo in World Cup qualifying.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/spain" class="sbn-auto-link">Spain</a> managed to gain a fairly gritty win over a determined Belarus side with second-half goals from Xavi and Alvaro Negredo enough to secure a victory for the hosts. Xavi and Alvaro Negredo did the damage before Sergey Kornilenko pulled back a consolation goal for the visitors.</p>
<p>Spain had gotten off to a slow start and struggled to make an impact on the game as Belarus kept them at bay with surprisingly little trouble. A pair of efforts from Pedro and <span>Cesc Fabregas</span> were the closest the hosts got in the first half, and they even rode their luck in letting Belarus in.</p>
<p>First Vitali Rodionov was close to pouncing from a corner, requiring a smart intervention from Victor Valdes to deny the visitors a surprise goal, before <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110857/sergio-ramos" class="sbn-auto-link">Sergio Ramos</a> was somewhat lucky to escape giving away a penalty after a cross deflected off his thigh before striking him on a partially extended arm.</p>
<p>In the second half, Spain upped their tempo slightly and began putting more pressure on the visitors. Pedro came close again by dragging a near-post effort wide, before Xavi pounced to break the deadlock, getting onto the end of a loose ball in the area with a smart run from deep to smash the ball home from the edge of the area.</p>
<p>That took the wind out of Belarus' sails, although hardly opened the floodgates, with Spain continuing to play a ponderous game after the goal. Yet with some pressure still being exerted, Spain made it two shortly afterwards. Alvaro Negredo, who had been introduced for the ineffective Michu, pounced to convert Sergio Ramos' cross home from 12 yards out with a diving header to secure the points.</p>
<p>In the closing minutes, Sergio Ramos fired in a dipping effort and came close to making it three, but Alyaksandar Hutar denied the Real Madrid full-back with a sprawling save. Belarus, remarkably, managed to pull one back in the dying minutes, with Sergey Kornilenko being sent clean through after some sloppy positioning from the hosts. The former Blackpool man showed a surprising turn of pace to get away from his marker before sending a fine finish past Valdes into the far corner.</p>
https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4829164/spain-vs-belarus-uefa-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-resultCallum Hamilton2013-10-11T17:42:36-04:002013-10-11T17:42:36-04:00Portugal stunned by Israel
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<figcaption>Jared Wickerham</figcaption>
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<p>Once again, it looks like Portugal will have to go through a playoff to make a major tournament.</p> <p>Portugal weren't in control of their own destiny in their chase for an automatic World Cup spot, but they were expected to beat Israel at home and keep the pressure on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/russia" class="sbn-auto-link">Russia</a> going into the last match day. Instead, they're almost certainly headed for a playoff, thanks to Eden Ben Basat. He scored Israel's goal in a 1-1 draw that puts Portugal three points behind Russia and well behind on goal differential.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110642/ricardo-costa" class="sbn-auto-link">Ricardo Costa</a> punched in the opening goal in the 28th minute, capitalizing on a corner and a huge scramble. Pepe won the original ball into the box, but couldn't finish off the chance. Costa was in perfect position to poke in from close range, giving Portugal a lead.</p>
<p>The hosts seemed content to sit on that one-goal advantage and didn't look like they'd have a problem doing so. Up until the goal, Israel's only effort on target was a tame one in the 52nd minute. Then, five minutes from the end of the regular time, Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio gave the ball away to Besat, gifting him the equalizer and shattering <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/portugal" class="sbn-auto-link">Portugal's</a> chances of qualifying for the World Cup directly.</p>
<p><b>Portugal</b>: Patricio, Pepe, A. Almeida, Costa, Antunes, Veloso (Eder 87'), Moutinho, Micael (Josue 69'), Ronaldo, Nani, H. Almeida (Olivera 70')</p>
<p><i>Goals: Costa (28')</i></p>
<p><b>Israel</b>: Aouate, Meshumar, Ben Haim, Ben Harush, Tibi, Matcho, Zehavi (Demari 83'), Ben Basat, Yeini, Radi (Rafaelov 68'), Barda (Ben Haim 62')</p>
<p><i>Goals: Ben Benat (85')</i></p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4829156/portugal-israel-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-resultKim McCauley2013-10-11T17:19:47-04:002013-10-11T17:19:47-04:00UEFA World Cup qualifying wrap: The end is near
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<figcaption>Jamie McDonald</figcaption>
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<p>Several teams claimed automatic qualifying spots for next summer's World Cup while others secured spots in the playoff round.</p> <p>More than a year ago, UEFA began the process of deciding which teams would qualify for the 2014 World Cup and which would face an additional playoff game to earn a place. After Friday's matches, we're left with just one match day left on Tuesday for the process to finally be complete.</p>
<p>While several groups have already been wrapped up, there's still going to be some interesting games next week, as several playoff spots will be up for grabs. Lets take a look at all of Friday's results across Europe.</p>
<h3>Group A</h3>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/croatia" class="sbn-auto-link">Croatia </a>1-2 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/belgium" class="sbn-auto-link">Belgium</a>
</h4>
<p>Belgium booked a place in the World Cup thanks to Romelu Lukaku's first-half brace.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4828016/belgium-croatia-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result" target="_blank"><i>Full match report here</i></a></p>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/wales" class="sbn-auto-link">Wales </a>1-0 Macedonia</h4>
<p>Wales escaped the bottom of Group A thanks to Simon Church's goal midway through the second half. <span>Aaron Ramsey</span> missed a penalty in stoppage time that would have doubled the lead, but it ultimately didn't matter.</p>
<h3>Group B</h3>
<h4>Armenia 2-1 Bulgaria</h4>
<p>Bulgaria's loss against Armenia opened the door for <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/denmark" class="sbn-auto-link">Denmark</a> to jump over them into Group B's playoff spot. Since the Danes are playing <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/italy" class="sbn-auto-link">Italy</a>, there are good odds Bulgaria will remain in second, but it at the very least sets up an interesting final match day on Tuesday. Two Bulgarian players were shown red cards in the match, but Armenia still needed an 87th minute winner from Yura Movsisyan to secure the victory. The win also gives Armenia an outside shot of moving into second, as well.</p>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/malta" class="sbn-auto-link">Malta </a>1-4 Czech Republic</h4>
<p>The Czechs hammered Malta behind goals Tomás Hubschman, David Lafata, Václav Kadlec and Tomas Pekhart, but it hardly matters as both sides have already been eliminated from qualification contention.</p>
<h4>Denmark 2-2 Italy</h4>
<p>Italy overcame a brace from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110199/nicklas-bendtner" class="sbn-auto-link">Nicklas Bendtner</a> thanks to a stoppage time goal from <span>Alberto Aquilani</span> to earn a draw against the Danes.</p>
<p><i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4828570/italy-denmark-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result">Full match report here</a></i></p>
<h3>Group C</h3>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/faroe-islands" class="sbn-auto-link">Faroe Islands</a> 1-1 Kazakhstan</h4>
<p>The two bottom teams in Group C shared a point as the Faroe Islands earned their first point of qualifying.</p>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany" class="sbn-auto-link">Germany</a> 3-0 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/republic-of-ireland" class="sbn-auto-link">Republic of Ireland</a>
</h4>
<p>Germany will be traveling to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/brazil" class="sbn-auto-link">Brazil</a> next summer after a painless 3-0 defeat of Ireland.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4828590/germany-ireland-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result"><i>Full match report here</i></a></p>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/sweden" class="sbn-auto-link">Sweden </a>2-1 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/austria" class="sbn-auto-link">Austria</a>
</h4>
<p>Sweden needed a late goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to defeat Austria. The win clinches second place and a spot in the playoff round for the Swedes.</p>
<h3>Group D</h3>
<h4>Andorra 0-4 Romania</h4>
<p>Romania stayed in the hunt for a playoff spot thanks to a big win over Andorra. They're even on points with second-place Turkey and could move past them on the final match day if they can earn a better result than Turkey.</p>
<h4>Estonia 0-2 Turkey</h4>
<p>Umut Bulut and Burak Yilmaz fired Turkey into second place in the group going into the final match day on Tuesday.Turkey, who are ahead of Romania on goal differential, will have their work cut out for them as they face the Netherlands, while Romania plays Estonia.</p>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/netherlands" class="sbn-auto-link">Netherlands</a> 8-1 Hungary</h4>
<p>Despite the absolutely ridiculous scoreline that knocked them out of second place, Hungary still have a chance to claim a playoff spot on the final day. They'll need to defeat Andorra and hope the Dutch can take care of Turkey and that Estonia defeats Romania.</p>
<p><i><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4828982/holland-hungary-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result/in/4591297">Full match report here</a></i></p>
<h3>Group E</h3>
<h4>Albania 1-2 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/switzerland" class="sbn-auto-link">Switzerland</a>
</h4>
<p>Switzerland took care of Albania behind goals from <span>Xherdan Shaqiri</span> and Michael Lang and clinched their spot in next summer's World Cup.</p>
<h4>Iceland 2-0 Cyprus</h4>
<p>Iceland stayed one point in front of Slovenia for second place in Group E with their victory over Cyprus. They'll need only to match or better Slovenia's result of the final match to claim a spot in the playoffs.</p>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/slovenia" class="sbn-auto-link">Slovenia</a> 3-0 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/norway" class="sbn-auto-link">Norway</a>
</h4>
<p>Slovenia simultaneously kept their hopes of playoff qualification alive and severely damaged Norway's hopes with a 3-0 win over the Norwegians.</p>
<h3>Group F</h3>
<h4>Azerbaijan 2-0 Northern Ireland</h4>
<p>Rufat Dadaşov first half goal gave Azerbaijan a lead they would not relinquish as they defeated Northern Ireland. Mahir Shukurov added a second five minutes into stoppage time on a free kick setup by a Jonathan Evans foul that earned him a second yellow card and a sending off.</p>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/luxembourg" class="sbn-auto-link">Luxembourg </a>0-4 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/russia" class="sbn-auto-link">Russia</a>
</h4>
<p>Russia needed a win to stay ahead of Portugal in Group F, and they got just that on Friday.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4828816/luxembourg-vs-russia-uefa-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result/in/4591297"><i>Full match report here</i></a></p>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/portugal" class="sbn-auto-link">Portugal</a> 1-1 Israel</h4>
<p>Portugal's chances of qualifying directly for the World Cup evaporated when Rui Patricio gave away a goal to Israel late in the second half.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4829156/portugal-israel-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result" target="_blank"><i>Full match report here.</i></a></p>
<h3>Group G</h3>
<h4>Lithuania 2-0 Latvia</h4>
<p>Fedor Chernykh and Saulius Mikoliunas scored to give Lithuania the victory over Latvia. Neither side has a chance of earning either an automatic spot or a place in a playoff game.</p>
<h4>Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 Liechtenstein</h4>
<p>Bosnia-Herzegovina stayed ahead of Greece at the top of the group on goal differential thanks to a big win over Liechtenstein. They'll just need to match Greece's result on Tuesday to claim an automatic spot in next summer's World Cup.</p>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/greece" class="sbn-auto-link">Greece</a> 1-0 <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/slovakia" class="sbn-auto-link">Slovakia</a>
</h4>
<p>Greece weren't particularly impressive on Friday against Slovakia, riding an own-goal from <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110728/martin-skrtel" class="sbn-auto-link">Martin Skrtel</a> to victory. The results keeps Greece tied on points with Bosnia-Herzegovina, but they remain well behind on goal differential. If they can get a better result on Tuesday, they can avoid the playoff round.</p>
<h3>Group H</h3>
<h4>Moldova 3-0 San Marino</h4>
<p>A second half surge propelled Moldova past San Marino, as Viorel Frunza scored and was followed by a brace from Eugen Sidorenco.</p>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/ukraine" class="sbn-auto-link">Ukraine </a>1-0 Poland</h4>
<p>Andriy Yarmolenko's 64th minute goal was enough for the Ukraine to earn three points against Poland. Despite the win, Ukraine remains in second thanks to <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/england" class="sbn-auto-link">England's</a> win over <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/montenegro" class="sbn-auto-link">Montenegro</a> though that result does help Ukraine all but claim second place in the group.</p>
<h4>England 4-1 Montenegro</h4>
<p>Montenegro were in the match at halftime, but fell apart in the second half as England pulled away behind goals from <span>Wayne Rooney</span>, <span>Andros Townsend</span> and <span>Daniel Sturridge</span>.</p>
<p><i style="background-color: #ffffff;"><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4828526/england-vs-montenegro-final-score-result" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Full match report here</a></i></p>
<h3>Group I</h3>
<h4>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/spain" class="sbn-auto-link">Spain</a> 2-1 Belarus</h4>
<p>It wasn't pretty, but it got the job done for La Roja. They're still in good position to qualify directly for the World Cup.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4829164/spain-vs-belarus-uefa-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-result/in/4591297"><i>Full match report here.</i></a></p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4828484/world-cup-2014-qualifying-uefa-scores-resultsZach Woosley2013-10-11T16:54:01-04:002013-10-11T16:54:01-04:00Germany cruise against Ireland
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2oIL-dUoa4dh111dsZcoAIaOF4M=/0x145:2712x1953/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21019899/179696511.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Stuart Franklin</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Germans are heading to the World Cup, while Ireland's hopes of securing a playoff spot were dashed.</p> <p>Germany have unsurprisingly clinched a place in the World Cup finals in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/brazil" class="sbn-auto-link">Brazil</a>, while Ireland will miss out on the tournament for yet another cycle. They had a chance to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot on Friday, but their final match won't mean anything after Die Mannschaft's impressive 3-0 win.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110267/sami-khedira" class="sbn-auto-link">Sami Khedira</a> netted the opener early, helped by a very lucky deflection. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110262/philipp-lahm" class="sbn-auto-link">Philipp Lahm</a> set up the goal with a great through ball to Khedira, whose shot might have gone in without any help, but it certainly didn't hurt that it pin-balled off a pair of Ireland defenders to give David Forde no chance to make a stop. The Germans kept on the gas and had chances to score more in the first half -- Andre Schürrle had their best opportunity in the 35th minute with a header that was saved -- but they couldn't extend their lead.</p>
<p>Ireland got off to a good start in the second half with Anthony Stokes and <span>James McCarthy</span> just missing in the opening two minutes of the period. Stokes had another great chance in the 52nd minute when he caught <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110254/manuel-neuer" class="sbn-auto-link">Manuel Neuer</a> well off his line, but the Irish forward was unable to capitalize on the chance. Six minutes later, Schürrle made Ireland pay for their inability to finish.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany" class="sbn-auto-link">Germany's</a> second came off a corner, and it was gorgeous. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110268/toni-kroos" class="sbn-auto-link">Toni Kroos</a> set it up with a lofted ball into the box for Schürrle, who took a fantastic first touch, then made an even better turn before placing a low shot past Forde. Germany were well in control and added to their win in stoppage time, with Mesut Özil finishing off a through ball from Kroos.</p>
<p><b>Germany</b>: Neuer, Jansen, Mertesacker, Boateng, Lahm, Khedira (Kruse 82'), Schweinsteiger, Schürrle (Götze 86'), Kroos, Özil, Müller (Sam 88')</p>
<p><i>Goals: Khedira (12'), Schürrle (58'), Özil (90')</i></p>
<p><b>Ireland</b>: Forde, Delaney, Kelly, Clark, Coleman, Wilson, Whelan, McCarthy, Gibson, Stokes, Doyle</p>
<p><i>Goals: None</i></p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4828590/germany-ireland-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-resultKim McCauley2013-10-11T16:49:27-04:002013-10-11T16:49:27-04:00England, Townsend, cruise past Montenegro
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<figcaption>Mike Hewitt</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Roy Hodgson's England needed a strong performance to have much hope of reaching next year's World Cup finals, and they delivered with a 4-1 win against Montenegro. Another win (against Poland) will see them through.</p> <p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/england" class="sbn-auto-link">England</a> are still very much in the running for a spot in <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/brazil" class="sbn-auto-link">Brazil</a> after a 4-1 win at home against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/montenegro" class="sbn-auto-link">Montenegro</a>. The pressure was on the Three Lions, who could easily have failed to qualify had they not beaten their guests on Friday, but Roy Hodgson's side put in a professional display and after they went ahead early in the second half there was never any doubt as to who would take home the points.</p>
<p>The first half was fairly quiet. Montenegro failed to manifest as any kind of attacking force, and England weren't much better for most of the opening spell, only opening up in the final ten minutes or so. But the hosts should still have scored -- <span>Steven Gerrard</span> had a curling shot well saved by Vukasin Poleksic, and <span>Wayne Rooney</span> contrived to miss an open goal after Poleksic parried <span>Andros Townsend's</span> effort into his path, the Manchester United striker only succeeding in hitting the post.</p>
<p>But the second saw immediate action. The visitors tried to push up harder, aware that a win would put them in a position to secure at least a playoff spot, but that opened them up to the counterattack, and the Three Lions duly pounced. Townsend was the instigator, plowing his way down the right wing and aiming a cuttback at <span>Daniel Sturridge</span>. The ball was deflected, but only to Welbeck, whose shot forced Poleksic to parry once more. This time Rooney didn't miss.</p>
<p>England were almost immediately pegged back, with <span>Joe Hart</span> forced into a very good save from the head of Dejan Damjanovic, who could easily have scored after <span>Kyle Walker</span> brought down Stevan Jovetic for a tasty Montenegro free kick. But Montenegro, as it turns out, were only a serious threat to themselves. Welbeck's cutback didn't look as though it would pose much threat, but that didn't stop <span>Branko Boskovic</span> embarking on a rather bizarre journey into madness, the former DC United midfielder taking it upon himself to steer a toe-poke past Poleksic to make it 2-0.</p>
<p>Jovetic gave Hart a scare when his 25-yard piledriver beat his club teammate but cannoned back off the crossbar rather than finding the back of the net, but it seemed as though the former Fiorentina man's effort was going to be a brief blip in a dominant display from the hosts, who should have added to their lead through Gerrard and then Welbeck. Surprisingly, however, it was the visitors who scored next, Damjanovic (who looked suspiciously offside) turning in a Fatos Beqiraj shot and causing renewed nail-biting in the England dugout.</p>
<p>Fortunately for the hosts, Townsend was on hand to wrap it up. After Rooney and Welbeck were thwarted in their attempts to worm their way into the Montenegrin box, the debutante showed them that they really didn't need to bother with the buildup play business, running through the centre and then firing a 25-yard right-footed shot in off the post.</p>
<p>Townsend's strike killed off the match, leaving England in good spirits on the night, and a Sturridge penalty made the Wembley crowd even happier. But they're still not done yet -- an automatic World Cup berth hinges on them beating Poland at home on Tuesday. Take three points in that game, and Brazil beckons. If they don't... well, the playoffs don't sound like much fun.</p>
<p><b>England starting line-up (4-4-1-1):</b> Joe Hart; Kyle Walker, <span>Phil Jagielka</span>, <span>Gary Cahill</span>, <span>Leighton Baines</span>; Steven Gerrard, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110218/frank-lampard" class="sbn-auto-link">Frank Lampard</a>, Andros Townsend, <span>Danny Welbeck</span>; Wayne Rooney; Daniel Sturridge.</p>
<p><b>Goals: </b>Rooney 49', Boskovic 62' (og), Townsend 78', Sturridge 90'.</p>
<p><b>Montenegro starting line-up (4-3-3): </b>Vukasin Poleksic; Milan Jovanovic, Savo Pavicevic, <span>Stefan Savic</span>, Vladimir Volkov; Mitar Novakovic, <span>Elsad Zverotic</span>, <span>Simon Vukcevic</span>; Filip Kasalica, Stevan Jovetic, Dejan Damjanovic.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4828526/england-vs-montenegro-final-score-resultGraham MacAree2013-10-11T16:44:09-04:002013-10-11T16:44:09-04:00Switzerland qualify for Brazil 2014
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<figcaption>Lars Baron</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Switzerland's 2-1 win in Albania this evening has guaranteed their place at Brazil 2014.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/switzerland" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Switzerland</a> have qualified for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014" style="background-color: #ffffff;">World Cup</a> after cruising through Group E. It's worth noting that Ottmar Hitzfeld's side were drawn in just about the easiest group possible -- with the scrap for second between <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/norway" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Norway</a>, Albania, Iceland and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/slovenia" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Slovenia</a> indicative of its quality (or lack thereof) -- though they made no mistakes and have comfortably booked their place in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/brazil" style="background-color: #ffffff;">Brazil</a>.</p>
<p>They've now qualified for every major international tournament since the 2002 World Cup, though have only ever made it past the group stages on one occasion. Having seen some bright young talents like <span>Xherdan Shaqiri</span>, Granit Xhaka and <span>Haris Seferović</span> emerge since, they have the potential to be the joker in the pack next summer. Their defence is too weak for them to be serious challengers to the best teams, though no one should be complacent against the Swiss.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.twitter.com/sbnationsoccer" target="_blank">Follow @SBNationSoccer on Twitter</a> | <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sbnationsoccer" target="_blank">Like SB Nation Soccer on Facebook</a></b></p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4716002/switzerland-2014-world-cup-qualificationJack Sargeant2013-10-11T16:41:25-04:002013-10-11T16:41:25-04:00Germany qualify for 2014 World Cup
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<figcaption>Boris Streubel</figcaption>
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<p>Germany have booked their place at the 2014 World Cup with a 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.</p> <p>It was always going to be a case of 'when' rather than 'if,' though <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/germany">Germany</a> have now confirmed their place at next summer's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-cup-2014">World Cup</a> in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/brazil">Brazil</a>. They have emerged from Group C pretty comfortably, having not lost a single game in qualification. The only team who posed anything slightly resembling a challenge was Sweden, who memorably came back from four goals down in Berlin to snatch a point.</p>
<p>However, not even the might of Zlatan was enough to realistically topple the <i>Nationalmannschaft</i>, who should be challenging for glory again in Brazil last summer. Despite possessing unquestionably one of the strongest squads in world football at the moment, they've often fallen late in major competitions; losing in the semifinals of both the 2010 World Cup and last summer's European Championships. Maybe now is finally their time to bring some silverware home.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4816434/germany-2014-world-cup-qualificationJack Sargeant2013-10-11T16:38:01-04:002013-10-11T16:38:01-04:00van Persie makes history as Netherlands win 8-1
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/SmnSPViKgvci9x2a2mRHgEVXspw=/0x149:3392x2410/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/21024981/184069637.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Scott Heavey</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Netherlands have celebrated their qualification to next year's World Cup with a fantastic victory over Hungary.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/netherlands">Netherlands</a> had already qualified for the World Cup before today's match, though that didn't detract from their scintillating 8-1 victory over Hungary. There was no doubting the star of the show -- striker Robin van Persie, who netted a hat-trick to become the <i>Oranje</i>'s all-time top goalscorer. In one showing he drew level and surpassed previous record holder Patrick Kluivert, who was applauding from the sidelines throughout.</p>
<p>The hosts almost took the lead inside three minutes, though <span>Jeffrey Bruma's</span> header was cleared off the line and Jeremain Lens ' follow-up was ruled out for offside. However, the tone for the first half was set, with the Netherlands relentlessly pressuring the Hungarian goal. Only a fortunate goal-saving block kept out van Persie's effort five minutes later, though the visitors could only hold on for so long.</p>
<p>They looked occasionally dangerous on the counter-attack and Balázs Dzsudzsák's free-kick forced <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110470/michel-vorm">Michel Vorm</a> into a save at the near post, though the Dutch took the lead just after 15 minutes in. Daryl Janmaat's curling cross found a free van Persie in the area, who made no mistake with his perfectly-placed header.</p>
<p>The <i>Oranje </i>never looked back, with Strootman adding a second inside ten minutes. A defensive mix-up saw Lens pick up the ball out on the left flank and curl a perfect cross into the area for the AS Roma midfielder, who guided it back across the face of goal and in at the far post for 2-0.</p>
<p>Strootman repaid the favour just over five minutes before halftime, with his chipped pass weakly hooked into the path of Lens by a Hungarian defender. The Dynamo Kyiv winger neatly caught the ball on the bounce and half-volleyed it into the back of the net, with the Dutch looking so comfortable they could've played lying down.</p>
<p>A couple of minutes later the dominant Strootman curled a magnificent long-range effort against the corner of post and bar, before Janmaat tested the strength of the Hungarian woodwork by lashing his effort from the right against the post. Then, right on the stroke of halftime, van Persie nodded in <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110495/arjen-robben">Arjen Robben's</a> cross for 3-0, becoming the Netherlands' all-time joint top goalscorer in the process and celebrating with his fellow record holder and incumbent Dutch assistant coach, Patrick Kluivert.</p>
<p>Dzsudzsák pulled one back for Hungary after Bruma was adjudged to have handled in the area straight from the restart, though there was never any danger of the visitors getting back into the match. They continued to be completely overwhelmed by the hosts, and Lens should've re-established the Netherlands' four goal lead minutes later, only to curl wide after breaking into the area on the counter-attack.</p>
<p>Fortunately his miss was forgotten by the home crowd less than five minutes later, after Robben nodded Strootman's deep cross back into the middle of the box for an onrushing van Persie. He obviously applied the finish, and emphatically sealed his position at the top of the Netherland's all-time top scorers list. He was substituted soon after, leaving the pitch to a standing ovation,</p>
<p>Hungary gave the Netherlands the odd scare as the match drew towards its conclusion, though it was all irrelevant to the final outcome of the game. The hosts added a sixth - or rather had a sixth added for them - by the charitable young international debutant Szilárd Devecseri, who, with the accuracy of a van Persie header, managed to guide the ball beyond his own goalkeeper with 25 minutes left.</p>
<p>That still wasn't the end of the torrent of goals, with a couple more added inside the final five minutes of normal time - with both from set-pieces. Rafael van der Vaart's deflected effort sailed beyond goalkeeper Ádám Bogdán, before Robben decided he'd go one better and curl a free-kick in without a touch first. It was the icing on the cake for a spectacular performance and a great confidence-booster, as attentions start to turn towards next summer and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/teams/brazil">Brazil</a> 2014.</p>
<p>As for Hungary, they now drop out of the playoff place and below Turkey by a couple of points. However, with Turkey playing the Netherlands in the final game and Hungary hosting a terrible Andorra side, their World Cup dream is still just about alive.</p>
<p><b>Netherlands lineup (4-3-3): </b>Michel Vorm; Daley Blind, <span>Ron Vlaar</span>, Jeffrey Bruma, Daryl Janmaat; <span>Kevin Strootman</span> (Leroy Fer 81'), Nigel de Jong, Rafael van der Vaart; Jeremain Lens, Robin van Persie (Dirk Kuyt 61'), Arjen Robben</p>
<p><b>Goals: </b>van Persie 16', 44', 53', Strootman 25', Lens 38', Devecseri o.g. 65', van der Vaart 86', Robben 90'</p>
<p><b>Hungary lineup (4-4-2): </b>Ádám Bogdán; Tamás Kádár (Szilárd Devecseri 46'), Zsolt Korcsmár, Richárd Guzmics, Vilmos Vanczák; Balázs Dzsudzsák, József Varga, Tamás Hajnal (Ákos Elek 46'), Vladimir Koman; Dániel Böde, Krisztián Németh (Nemanja Nikolić 79')</p>
<p><b>Goals: </b>Dzsudzsák 47'</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/10/11/4828982/holland-hungary-2014-world-cup-qualifying-final-score-resultJack Sargeant