Brasil 2014 Draw Procedure (Anticipated)

Although FIFA will not officially release their draw procedure until 3 December, these are my impressions of how the draw will be performed based upon past FIFA World Cup finals draws.

Brasil 2014 will feature a group stage comprised of eight groups of four teams each.  The thirty-two qualified teams will be split into four pots, each containing eight teams.  FIFA has already announced that Pot 1 will be comprised of the eight seeded teams.  Those teams include the host country Brasil plus the seven highest-ranked teams from the October 2013 FIFA rankings.  This is a departure from the method employed at Germany 2006 where past performances in FIFA World Cup finals played a part in the equation along with current FIFA rankings.

Pot 1 (ELO rankings are in parenthesis)
1. Spain (2)
2. Germany (3)
3. Argentina (4)
4. Colombia (6)
5. Belgium (18)
6. Uruguay (9)
7. Switzerland (14)
11. Brasil (1)

The other twenty-four teams will be divided so as to create an even geographical distribution among the eight groups.  There are nine unseeded European teams, two unseeded South American teams, five African teams, four North American teams, and four Asian teams.  The eight highest-ranked European teams will be placed into a single pot with the final European team finding itself in a special lot like Serbia and Montenegro did in 2006.  The team in the special pot will have to be drawn against one of the South American seeds so that no group ends up with three European teams.  The four North American and Asian team will comprise another pot.  Lastly, the five African teams will be paired with the remaining two South American teams in a seven-team pot with special rules in place to assure that no group ends up with two teams from South America.

European Pot
8. Netherlands (5)
9. Italy (11)
10. England (7)
14. Portugal (8)
15. Greece (17)
16. Bosnia and Herzegovina (24)
18. Croatia (23)
19. Russia (15)

Special Pot
21. France (12)

North American and Asian Pot
13. United States of America (13)
24. Mexico (22)
31. Costa Rica (31)
34. Honduras (44)
44. Japan (25)
49. Iran (29)
56. South Korea (42)
57. Australia (32)

African and South American Pot
12. Chile (10)
17. Cote d'Ivoire (21)
22. Ecuador (16)
23. Ghana (33)
32. Algeria (59)
33. Nigeria (30)
59. Cameroon (56)

I ran a sample draw to illustrate how the draw will proceed and how problems areas (the special pot and the two non-seeded South American teams) will be addressed.  Brasil as the host country are automatically placed into position A1 in the draw.  Then, the remaining seven teams from Pot 1 are drawn with each team placed in the next open group when drawn.  The seeded teams automatically occupy position 1 in their groups.  I drew Colombia (B1), Switzerland (C1), Belgium (D1), Spain (E1), Argentina (F1), Uruguay (G1), and finally Germany (H1).

Next up was the European pot.  Teams would be placed into the next open group as drawn but also assigned a position of either 2, 3, or 4 within the group.  I drew England (A4), Russia (B4), Bosnia (C3), Greece (D3), Croatia (E4), Italy (F4), Portugal (G3), and finally Netherlands (H4).

Next up was the North American and Asian pot.  I drew Japan (A3), Honduras (B2), Australia (C4), Iran (D4), United States (E3), Costa Rica (F2), South Korea (G4), and finally Mexico (H2).

Now, the problem areas need to be addressed.  France cannot be drawn into a group with a European seed, leaving Groups A, B, F, and G.  Chile and Ecuador cannot be drawn into a group with a South American seed, leaving Groups C, D, E, and H.

In my draw, I drew the special pot next.  France drew Group A and fell into position A2.

Lastly came the African and South American pot.  Each team would be drawn and placed into the next open group, meaning that if Chile or Ecuador were drawn into a South American-led group, they would bounce into the next European-led group.  If a South American team were to be one of the final three teams left to be drawn, it would immediately go into Group H as neither Group F or G would be available to it.  I drew Cameroon (B3), Algeria (C2), Ecuador (D2), Nigeria (E2), Chile (bumped to H3), Ghana (F3), and finally Cote d'Ivoire (G2).

My sample draw appears below.

A1 Brasil                               B1 Colombia                       C1 Switzerland                  D1 Belgium

A2 France                            B2 Honduras                      C2 Algeria                            D2 Ecuador

A3 Japan                              B3 Cameroon                     C3 Bosnia                             D3 Greece

A4 England                          B4 Russia                             C4 Australia                        D4 Iran

 

E1 Spain                               F1 Argentina                      G1 Uruguay                        H1 Germany

E2 Nigeria                            F2 Costa Rica                      G2 Cote d’Ivoire               H2 Mexico

E3 United States               F3 Ghana                             G3 Portugal                        H3 Chile

E4 Croatia                            F4 Italy                                  G4 South Korea              H4 Netherlands

Jordan 0 - Uruguay 0

Photo by Daniel Caselli

The final qualifier for the 2014 FIFA World Cup took place before a very confident, joyous, and relaxed crowd in Montevideo.  Such a crowd atmosphere is not typical for the second leg of an intercontinental playoff series, but hosts Uruguay were ahead 5-0 on aggregate against visiting Jordan.  Fans of La Celeste were expecting tonight to be nothing more than a glorious victory lap for their side.  As expected, the match got off to an extremely slow start with the outcome of the series all but decided before kickoff.  At the end of the half, Uruguay really should have grabbed the lead on a corner kick play.  Edinson Cavani headed from fifteen yards out toward goal.  Diego Lugano (pictured, blue #2) flicked on to the goal line, from where his fellow centerback Diego Godin somehow managed to head the ball off the crossbar rather than into the Jordanian goal.  The half ended as it began, 0-0.

A fast exchange required a kick save from Jordan goalkeeper Mohamad Shatnawi (pictured, black).  On the hour mark, Uruguay really should have nudged ahead, but Lugano missed a free header from six yards out on a corner kick.  Jordan actually had a chance to get ahead, but Lugano blocked a shot from the penalty spot by Ahmad Ibrahim.  Cavani had a chance with his last kick of the ball before being substituted off, but Shatnawi made a safe grab.  Uruguay really only looked threatening on corner kicks on this rather relaxed night.  Jordan hang on for a credible 0-0 draw on the road against a South American power.  Jordan are nevertheless the final team to be eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup, falling by a 5-0 aggregate scoreline.  For the second straight tournament, Uruguay are the last of the thirty-two teams to qualify for the FIFA World Cup finals.

Match Reports:
http://prosoccertalk.nbcsports.com/2013/11/20/uruguay-vs-jordan-2014-fifa-world-cup-playoff-qualified/
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/story/uruguay-0-0-jordan-world-cup-qualifier-second-leg-match-report-goalless-draw-centenario-112013
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=2227242/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_1
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2510938/Uruguay-0-Jordan-0-agg-5-0--Luis-Suarez-books-World-Cup-ticket-South-Americans-progress.html

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZayay7ROBw

Mexico 4 - New Zealand 2

Photo by Hannah Johnston

Mexico made the long trek southwest to Wellington for the second leg of their intercontinental playoff series.  New Zealand were hoping the home field advantage would allowed them to overcome a 5-1 deficit.  Mexico midfielder Carlos Peña had other plans.  He fired a warning shot from distance early that forced New Zealand goalkeeper Glen Moss into a tough save.  Then, Peña opened up the Kiwi defense with a pass up the middle to a streaking Oribe Peralta.  Peralta beat Tommy Smith to the spot and then chipped over an oncoming Moss for a 1-0 lead.  Peña slotted yet another through ball through the defense, but Raul Jimenez took a weak shot, allowing Moss to make the save behind his momentum.  Jeremy Brockie (pictured, white #16) had a chance to equalize, but Mexico goalkeeper Moises Muñoz angled him wide and then blocked his shot.  Peña again provided the impetus for a Mexican goal.  Peña pushed a through ball behind three New Zealand defenders. Miguel Layun (pictured, green #7) received the ball wide left and then rolled a fast pass across the box to Peralta for a tap-in goal and a 2-0 lead.  Soon thereafter, Peña got the assist himself after receiving a through ball from Jimenez.  Peña passed across the box to Peralta for another tap-in finish to complete a hat trick.  Peña, again, sliced a pass through the Kiwi defense.  On a one-two-one, Jimenez passed to Peña, who then backheeled a through ball to Jimenez.  Jimenez beat Moss but his chip at goal was saved off the line by Smith.  Soon thereafter, a through ball from Marco Rojas (pictured, white, left) had Brockie in on goal, but he was dripped by Muñoz in the box.  Muñoz made up for the foul by stuffing Brockie on the resulting penalty kick.  Mexico took their 3-0 lead into the break.

Peralta could have shot at an open net when Moss came out of the box to attempt a slide tackle, but Peralta took too long to shoot and Andrew Durante blocked his shot.  Mexico were rather subdued during the second half, and New Zealand began to gain periods of possession.  Kiwi appeals for a handball were turned away, but they did draw a second penalty of the match with ten minutes to go.  This time, they converted, and they pulled within two goals.  Nexico by this time had already gone asleep.  A run from Kosta Barbarouses put Mexico under pressure in their own box.  Brockie saved the ball off the end line to pass to Barbarouses.  Barbarouses first-timed a cross that was played across the momentum of Muñoz by Rory Fallon for the hosts' second goal of the match.  Just as New Zealand were feeling confident of tying the match, Mexico scored a fourth.  Peña provided the finishing touch as a slow roller through the New Zealand box somehow avoided many sets of legs.  Mexico win the match 4-2 and the aggregate series 9-3 in order to qualify for Brasil 2014.  New Zealand are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
 
Goals
Mexico
Oribe Peralta 14, 29, 33
Carlos Peña 86

New Zealand
Chris James 80 PK
Rory Fallon 82

Match Reports:
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/new-zealand-2-mexico-4-match-report-first-half-hattrick-from-oribe-peralta-takes-mexico-through-to-world-cup-2014-8951150.html
http://www.mlssoccer.com/worldcup/2014/news/article/2013/11/20/new-zealand-2-mexico-4-world-cup-qualifying-match-recap
http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dcunited/long-road-mexico-qualifies-for-6th-straight-world-cup-with-4-2-win-at-new-zealand/2013/11/20/451adbbe-51fc-11e3-9ee6-2580086d8254_story.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=2226820/index.html?intcmp=fifacom_hp_module_news

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQBswQeZxt8

France 3 - Ukraine 0

Photo by Franck Fife

The final European qualifier for the 2014 FIFA World Cup took place in Saint-Denis today as Ukraine were in town to take on France.  Ukraine held a 2-0 advantage from the first leg four days prior.  Mathieu Valbuena was given the start over Samir Nasri at right winger for France, and that made a world of difference from the first leg.  Valbuena stood over a free kick from the right side midway through the opening stanza.  His dipping ball was meekly cleared upfield to Franck Ribery, who fired a heavy shot to the low corner.  Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov made the initial save, but France centerback Mamadou Sakho, only playing due to a red card suspension to Laurent Koscielny, was there for the tap-in on the rebound.  France were unjustly sanctioned for offside on a goal scored by Karim Benzema after scoring on a cross by Ribery.  In an apparent makeup call, the wrong was righted.  Benzema was clearly in an offside position when a Yohan Cabaye (pictured, blue) shot from distance bounced off his teammate Valbuena and into his path five yards from goal.  Both calls were wrong, but the end result was correct: one goal for Benzema, one offside infraction, 2-0 lead to France.  Mathieu Debuchy prevented the score from becoming 2-1 as he blocked a shot from Andriy Yarmolenko with his goalkeeper beaten.  France went into the locker room ahead 2-0 on the day and level on the aggregate scoreboard at 2-2.

Ukraine knew a goal of their own would force France to score twice due to the road-goals tiebreaker.  However, Ukraine lost Yevhen Khacheridi to his second yellow card in minute 47 after a late tackle on Ribery.  Ukraine were down to ten men and would have to struggle to keep the 2-2 aggregate scoreboard tied.  Ukraine were very cautious going forward, so France had the majority of possession.  With less than twenty minutes to go, France made their man advantage pay off.  Off a heavy rebound surrendered by Pyatov, Paul Pogba laid off for Ribery.  Ribery sent a fast cross toward the back post for a waiting Sakho.  Oleg Gusev did his best to keep Sakho from the finish, but unfortunately for Gusev he only managed to score an own goal to put Ukraine down 3-0.  France were able to see the clean sheet through to the finish and begin the celebrations before their home crowd.  France win 3-0 to completely overturn their two-goal deficit on the aggregate scoreboard.  France win the tie 3-2 to advance to Brasil 2014.  Ukraine are the final European team eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Goals
France
Mamadou Sakho 22
Karim Benzema 34
Oleg Gusev 72 OG

Match Reports:
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/france-3-ukraine-0-didier-deschamps-hails-les-bleus-after-magical-comeback-to-qualify-for-world-cup-2014-8951042.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24907601
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/10459597/France-3-Ukraine-0-agg-3-2-match-report.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2225271/index.html

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2mokdgonZ4

Portugal 3 - Sweden 2

Photo by Jonathan Nackstrand

Portugal were visiting Solna to take on hosts Sweden.  The Swedes needed to overcome a 1-0 deficit in order to make it to Brasil 2014.  Sweden were trying their best to make inroads toward the Portuguese goal, but their connections in the final third failed to impress.  In fact, it would be Portugal who had the best chance of the half.  Cristiano Ronaldo (pictured, red) picked out Hugo Almeida with a cross, but Almeida inexplicably missed the header wide of goal with half the net available for him in which to score.  Zlatan Ibrahimovic was forced to drop deep into his own half to get on the ball for Sweden, meaning their main attacking presence was limited in the first half.  The opening period ended as it had begun, with the scoreboard level at 0-0.

The match exploded into a goal frenzy after the restart.  It would not be a stretch to say that the second half of this match provided the best forty-five minutes of the entire tournament to date.  Ibrahimovic nearly created an opener for Sweden, swinging a ball in off the end line to Sebastian Larsson, but the attempted finish was too weak to trouble the goal.  In response, Joao Moutinho laced a long through ball from just behind the center line that put Ronaldo in with a chance.  Ronaldo angled his run to fend off the marking of Martin Olsson before finishing to put Portugal ahead 1-0 and to secure any potential road-goals tiebreaker in their favor.  At the midway point of the second half, Sweden scored off a corner kick.  Kim Kallstrom swung a ball into the six-yard box.  Portugal centerback Bruno Alves was holding Ibrahimovic down as best he could, but Alves forgot to jump for the header.  Even though Ibrahimovic was only able to get a few inches off the ground, the header was unmarked and the result of the play was an equalizer.  Four minutes later, Sweden were level on aggregate thanks to a free kick goal from the top of the box.  Ibrahimovic sent the ball low and to the side of the wall, but he put so much pace on the shot that the goalkeeper could not reach it.  Sweden were ahead 2-1 on the day and were now only one goal shy of qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.  With Sweden still having to push up the field in hopes of a goal, another long through ball to Ronaldo leveled the score.  Almeida played provider, but Ronaldo played finisher as again he shot from wide left of the goal into the right corner as he beat the sliding block from Mikael Antonsson.  Portugal were not content with 2-2.  Two minutes later, another long through ball to Ronaldo did the damage.  Ronaldo this time ran to his right, dropping the goalkeeper as he angled wide before sending the ball into the roof of the net from eight yards out to put Portugal ahead 3-2.  The comeback attempt for Sweden now needed three more goals, and the enormity of the task was so great that it took the wind out of the Swedish metaphorical sails.  Portugal win 3-2 on the road to close out the tie by an aggregate score of 4-2.  Sweden are eliminated to make space for Portugal as the Portuguese make their way to Brasil 2014.

Goals
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo 50, 77, 79

Sweden
Zlatan Ibrahimovic 68, 72

Match Reports:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24907627
http://www.france24.com/en/20131119-portugal-beats-sweden-3-0-with-ronaldo-hat-trick-world-cup-qualifier
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/124950/sweden-vs-portugal/report?
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/story/cristiano-ronaldo-sweden-2-3-portugal-world-cup-playoff-second-leg-match-report-111913
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2510188/Cristiano-Ronaldo-scores-hat-trick-Zlatan-Ibrahimovic-scores--Sweden-2-Portugal-3-match-report.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2225270/index.html

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucAd9wrw4Lg

Croatia 2 - Iceland 0

Photo by Dimitar Dilkoff

Croatia hosted Iceland in the second leg of their UEFA Playoffs series with the aggregate score tied at 0-0.  Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson was called upon multiple times in this match, and he did well to help Iceland maintain contact with their hosts.  Halldorsson made a diving two-fisted punch to safety off a twenty-yard free kick for Croatia.  However, he could not prevent the first goal, which came off a short corner kick for Croatia.  Ivan Rakitic swung a cross into the boxto Ivan Perisic, who then side-volleyed toward the far post.  Mario Mandzukic (pictured, red) was there for the tap-in.  Coatia finally had their first goal after nearly one hundred twenty minutes of play in the series.  A Rakitic header almost made it 2-0 after being deflected on goal by Iceland left back Ari Skulason.  Halldorsson appeared again the ball on a dive to his post.  Mandzukic was sent off for a red card in minute 38 after sticking a cleat into the groin of an Icelandic player, meaning Croatia had to maintain their slim one-goal margin with only ten men on the pitch.  Croatia were precariously ahead 1-0 at intermission.

In the second minute of the second half, Croatia doubled their lead in spite of being down a man.  Man-of-the-match Mateo Kovacic put on a dribbling exhibition in the Croatian midfield during the second forty-five minutes of play.  His slaloming run from the midway point on the pitch led him just to the edge of the box before he passed wide to Darijo Srna.  Srna hit a bouncing shot into the far side netting to make it 2-0.  Kovacic nearly did a solo run to glory after another slalom through the Icelandic defense.  Kovacic even ran a circle around Ragnar Sigurdsson to get into the box, but Halldorsson was able to make a kick save with his trailing leg.  Ivica Olic hit a bicycle kick off a Croatian corner that crashed into the crossbar and back out into Halldorsson's possession.  The man advantage never served Iceland any good in this match as they were constantly under siege by the Croatian attackers.  Croatia win 2-0 tonight and take the series by the same 2-0 scoreline to advance to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals.  Iceland, despite their best ever qualification campaign, have been eliminated.

Goals
Croatia
Mario Mandzukic 27
Darijo Srna 47

Match Reports:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24907602
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/11/19/5122840/croatia-iceland-final-score-result-2014-world-cup-playoffs
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2225266/index.html
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/124953/croatia-vs-iceland/report?

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojkhVMMaKsQ

Greece 1 - Romania 1

Photo by Daniel Mihailescu

Greece took their 3-1 lead with them on the road as they were in Bucharest to face Romania for the second time in five days.  Romania had all the possession for the opening quarter hour, but they could not score a goal.  Then, the Greeks found their foothold.  Jose Holebas cut left on the ball but had his shot saved by Romania goalkeeper Ciprian Tatarusanu.  A beautiful chip pass from Greece captain Georgios Karagounis put Kostas Mitroglou (pictured, blue) yards behind the offside trap a the top of the half circle.  Under no pressure at all, Mitroglou calmly slotted the ball around the goalkeeper to put Greece ahead 1-0 and eliminate the road-goals tiebreaker from being used against them.  Romania then had to substitute Razvan Rat off the pitch with an injury two minutes after having conceded.  Greece led 1-0 with forty-five minutes gone.

Romania were the inferior over both legs, but an odd play gave them a result on this night.  Vaseleios Torosidis was in defense for Greece and ran onto a pass from a Romanian player before turning and firing into the upper ninety of his own net.  It was perhaps the best finish of his entire career, but he equalized for Romania.  Luckily for Torosidis, he will not be burned in effigy because Greece managed to see out the rest of the match without further incident.  The match ends in a 1-1 draw.  Greece win the series 4-2 and advance to Brasil 2014 whereas Romania are eliminated.

Goals
Greece
Kostas Mitroglou 23

Romania
Vaseleios Torosidis 55 OG

Match Reports:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2013/soccer/wires/11/20/2050.ap.soc.romania.greece.2nd.ld.writethru.0670/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24907600
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2510199/Romania-1-Greece-1-agg-2-4--match-report-Greeks-qualify-Brazil-2014.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2225264/index.html
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/124952/romania-vs-greece/report?

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cmrp5RCfSv8

Algeria 1 - Burkina Faso 0

Photo by Farouk Batiche

Burkina Faso made the trip to Blida to take on Algeria.  The Burkinabe came to town nursing a 3-2 advantage on the aggregate scoreboard.  At the quarter hour mark, a cross from Algeria's left flank produced a good chance.  Islam Slimani smashed his unmarked header wide from seven yards out.  With two minutes left, Algeria captain Madjid Bougherra launched himself in the air and dropped a potentially leg-breaking challenge on poor Charles Kabore.  Somehow, Bougherra only saw a yellow card on the play.  The teams exited the field of play even at zero goals apiece.

Early in the second half, Bougherra's presence on the pitch proved vital for the home side.  Off a deep Algerian free kick, the ball was flicked on over the head of Burkina Faso defender Bakary Kone.  Bougherra's initial shot was blocked by Burkina Faso goalkeeper Daouda Diakite.  However, Kone's attempted clearance off the line shot straight into the head of Bougherra and somehow managed to trickle into the goal to put Algeria ahead 1-0.  Algeria were then able to hoard the lion's share of possession, causing the Stallions to become increasingly desperate as the current scoreline would see them eliminated.  Burkina Faso resorted to throwing the injured Alain Traore on the pitch as an attacking substitute in the final minutes as they searched for the equalizer.  A late corner for the Stallions was nearly turned in for an own goal by the Algerians, but the bar saved their tournament lives.  Algeria hold on to take the victory today by a score of 1-0.  The aggregate score over two legs is even at 3-3, but Algeria advance to Brasil 2014 by virtue of winning the road goals tiebreaker 2-0.  Burkina Faso fall just short of their first ever FIFA World Cup finals as they have been eliminated.  The same five African qualifiers for South Africa 2010 will be present in Brasil next June.

Goals
Algeria
Madjid Bougherra 49

Match Reports:
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/nov/19/algeria-world-cup-qualifier-burkina-faso
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2225274/index.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24991552
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/story/algeria-1-0-burkina-faso-caf-world-cup-playoff-second-leg-111913

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Pe5VlT0w0w

Full Match Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY7--KP_jc8

Egypt 2 - Ghana 1

Photo by Khaled Desouki

Egypt were looking to overturn a 6-1 deficit from the first leg at home in Cairo.  Ghana were looking to finish the job they had begun a month prior.  Twenty-five minutes into the first half, Egypt were finally able to break down the ultra-defensive play of Ghana.  A Mohamed Aboutrika free kick was played perfectly onto the six-yard box.  Ghana goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda came off his line, but he could not reach the ball as Amr Zaki won the header and finished for a 1-0 lead.  With such a massive lead on the aggregate scoreboard, Ghana never pushed for the equalizing goal.  Egypt led only 1-0 at halftime.

Ghana were dealt a heavy blow when Andre Ayew (pictured, white) was taken off the field with a torn knee ligament close to the hour mark.  Egyptian fans took to throwing flares onto the field of play late in the second half.  Egypt only managed to attain a second goal with six minutes left in regulation.  Mohamed Salah drew attention at the top of the box, so he passed ahead to Gedo.  Gedo finished from an angle to make it 2-0, but it was to be too little too late for the Pharaohs to salvage their tournament lives.  In fact, with Egypt really opening up in search of three more goals, Ghana stole one of their own in the dying minutes.  Harrison Afful took a chance with a through ball up the right side of defense, and Asamoah Gyan read the play perfectly.  Gyan broke through the backline and had a simple pass across goal to make.  He did, and Kevin-Prince Boateng tapped in to finish off the series.  Egypt salvage some pride with the 2-1 victory today, but they lose 7-3 on aggregate and are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  Ghana are the twenty-fifth team to advance to Brasil 2014.

Goals:
Egypt
Amr Zaki 25
Gedo 84

Ghana
Kevin-Prince Boateng 89

Match Reports:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24987039
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/worldcup2014/article-2510128/Egypt-2-Ghana-1-Black-Stars-reach-World-Cup-running.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2225273/index.html
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/nov/19/ghana-egypt-world-cup-qualifier

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsJPBVOR-fc

Cameroon 4 - Tunisia 1

Photo by Fethi Belaid

Tunisia were visiting Cameroon in Yaounde for the second leg of their CAF Third Round matchup.  The first leg had ended 0-0.  Cameroon hit Tunisia for an early goal.  Pierre Webo dispossessed Tunisia defender Karim Haggui and then made a run down the left side of the penalty area before seeing that he had no teammates in support.  Therefore, Webo took a shot and the result was a goal in off the base of the far post.  At the half hour mark, another piece of individual brilliance made it 2-0 to the hosts.  Benjamin Moudandjo cut past Houcine Ragued and a slide tackle from Sameh Derbaly before rolling a ball into the net.  Moudandjo took off his shirt and ran onto the track to celebrate with the crazed fans.  Cameroon led 2-0 at intermission.

Five minutes into the second half, Tunisia were back in the match.  A long ball forward left Tunisia substitute Ahmed Akaichi in a foot race with Cameroon centerback Aurelien Chedjou.  Akaichi won and laced a half volley into the net to bring the score to 2-1.  Cameroon took all control back off a Benoit Assou-Ekotto corner kick twenty minutes into the second half.  The ball was curled onto the six-yard line, and an unmarked Jean Makoun headed home for a 3-1 lead.  Cameroon sealed the victory four minutes from time.  Eric Choupo Moting shook the mark of Haggui and then curled a ball past the goalkeeper.  The post intervened, but Makoun gathered the rebound, faked to send the goalkeeper sprawling the wrong way, and then cut back for the easy open finish.  Cameroon win the match 4-1 and qualify for Brasil 2014, eliminating Tunisia in the process.

Goals
Cameroon
Pierre Webo 4
Benjamin Moudandjo 30
Jean Makoun 65, 86

Tunisia
Ahmed Akaichi 49

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2225155/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_1
http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/381877/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901
http://us.soccerway.com/news/2013/November/17/fifa-world-cup-africa-play-off-cameroon-4-tunisia-1-4-1-agg/n245289/

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuU06o7D4xE

Cote d'Ivoire 1 - Senegal 1

Photo by Fadel Senna

Senegal were playing the home leg of their two-legged series against Cote d'Ivoire in Casablanca, Morocco.  Senegal needed to overcome a 3-1 deficit on this night.  Senegal came out ablaze, and the Ivoirians had to manufacture constant miracles in defense to avoid going behind.  Cote d'Ivoire goalkeeper Boubacar Barry was picking off cross after cross, but on the one occasion that he was beaten star striker Didier Drogba was around to perform a bicycle kick clearance off the line.  After the half hour mark, the attacks from Senegal began to slow down.  Cote d'Ivoire were very pleased to get into their locker room still even at 0-0 on the night.

Souleymane Bamba missed completely on a header clearance, leaving Senegal striker Papiss Cisse (pictured, white #15) on the ball in front of goal.  A heavy touch rebounded off the last defender to Cisse, but Cisse could not beat Barry, who made a stunning kick save to preserve his clean sheet.  A bit of lax defending from Drogba allowed Sadio Mane to feign heavier contact on his back than what Drogba really had applied.  Mane threw himself into the ground and was given a penalty kick.  Moussa Sow converted the penalty kick with an illegal parandinha run-up, but the referee saw nothing wrong with the tactic and Senegal were ahead 1-0.  Yaya Toure nearly ran onto a ball to toe poke for the equalizer, but Senegal goalkeeper Bouna Condoul bravely came off his line to make a sliding block as Toure tried to shoot.  In a crazy goalmouth scramble in stoppage time, Senegal seemed sure to grab the 2-0 win that would send them through to Brasil 2014 on the away goals tiebreaker.  Instead, the attack was miraculously thwarted by Cote d'Ivoire.  As Senegal threw all their numbers forward, a late three-on-one counterattack led by Toure was laid off for Salomon Kalou, who finished through the legs of Condoul.  The match ends in a 1-1 draw, and Cote d'Ivoire advance to the 2014 FIFA World Cup by a 4-2 aggregate score.  Senegal are dealt their final blow and fail to qualify for the tournament finals.

Goals
Senegal
Moussa Sow 77 PK

Cote d'Ivoire
Salomon Kalou 90+4

Match Reports:
http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/381876/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901
http://www.goal.com/en-my/match/124156/senegal-vs-ivory-coast/report
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2224825/

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rN1Po2_iwMs

Nigeria 2 - Ethiopia 0

Photo by Pius Utomi Ekpei

The first African team to qualify for the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals would be decided today in Calabar.  Hosts Nigeria welcomed Ethiopia to town for the second leg of their playoff with Nigeria nursing a 2-1 lead.  A long throw-in from Ahmed Musa caught Ethiopia napping after having cleared away his solo run.  Emmanuel Emenike was open in the box and shot off the half volley, but Ethiopia goalkeeper Sisay Bancha made a reaction save.  A handball was called against Aynalem Hailu in his own box even though the ball first struck his stomach before bouncing onto his arm.  Nigeria converted the penalty kick to take a 1-0 lead.  A fine cross to the back post by Ogenyi Onazi gave the Super Eagles a golden chance at their second goal, but Brown Ideye knocked a header just wide from six yards out.  Nigeria took the 1-0 lead with them into their locker room.

Onazi created a chance from the half circle by shimmying to drop his marker Asrat Gobena, but again Banca made the save.  A late free kick from Victor Obinna knuckled and ate up Bancha, going in right over his head.  This goal sealed the match and the series for the Super Eagles.  Nigeria win 2-0 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate and have now secured their place at Brasil 2014.  Ethiopia are eliminated.

Goals
Nigeria
Victor Moses 20 PK (pictured, green)
Victor Obinna 82

Match Reports:
http://espnfc.com/us/en/report/381875/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2224823/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_caption

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqD_X-rPMJA

Portugal 1 - Sweden 0

Photo by Mike Hewitt

Sweden were visiting Portugal in Lisbon for the first leg of the most anticipated of all eleven qualifying series being played this month.  A Raul Meireles through ball beat the Swedish backline, but Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson forced Joao Moutinho wide, and he missed.  Sweden immediately responded with a chance of their own.  Mikael Lustig crossed from the right flank.  Johan Elmander threw his leg forward on a slide but could not redirect the ball on target.  Sweden came close again on twenty minutes when a dummy from Zlatan Ibrahimovic (pictured, yellow) gave Sebastian Larsson an open shot from sixteen yards out, but Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio was able to parry the ball aside on the dive.  The teams entered their dressing rooms tied at zero goals apiece.

On a crazy sequence inside the Swedish box, Portugal were somehow thwarted.  A cross in had put Pepe (pictured, red) in with a chance at goal.  He muffed his attempt, but Helder Postiga was in the area to clean up.  However, a punch from Isaksson knocked the ball off Postiga's chest.  A third weak shot was cleared away from danger by Lustig.  A cross from Miguel Veloso from the left flank of Portugal was put into the goal for the opener by Cristiano Ronaldo eight minutes form time.  Ronaldo executed a dangerous diving header, making contact ahead of the outstretched boot of Martin Olsson.  Ronaldo nearly scored another goal soon thereafter off a cross from Hugo Almeida, but this time the crossbar intervened to prevent the second goal.  Portugal win 1-0 and will take their slight lead into Sweden on Tuesday.

Goals
Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo 82

Match Reports:
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/nov/15/portugal-sweden-world-cup-playoff
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24862472
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/story/portugal-1-0-sweden-world-cup-qualifying-playoff-first-leg-match-report-cristiano-ronaldo-scores-winner-111513
http://www.miamiherald.com/2013/11/15/3755828/portugal-beats-sweden-1-0-in-world.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2224393/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_1

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMPXHReyhx0

Ukraine 2 - France 0

Photo by Franck Fife

France made the trek east to Kiev to take on Ukraine in the first leg of their UEFA Playoff series.  The opening half was rather slow, but Ukraine managed to create the best chance.  A sing block by Mathieu Debuchy on Yevhen Konoplyanka prevented damage to the French goal.  The half ended without having witnessed a goal.

Ukraine won a loose ball in the attacking third through Taras Stepanenko.  Stepanenko sent a ball forward for Edmar (pictured, yellow).  Roman Zozulia received a pass in from Edmar tight space.  Zozulia shrugged off the challenge from Debuchy, who fell to the ground.  Zozulia hit a weak shot, but somehow France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris let the ball go through his arm as he dove on the ground to block the shot.  Ukraine led 1-0, and Lloris's terrible tournament in goal continued.  France really needed a response, but Samir Nasri failed to find enough of an angle on a shot off a counter attack, instead sending a shot straight into the chest and arms of Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.  Zozulia received a pass with his chest and turned around Laurent Koscielny.  Zozulia was then in the box with a chance at goal before Koscielny chopped him down for a penalty kick.  Ukraine converted to double their lead.  In the final minute of the match, Ukraine had a three-on-one fast break, but the man on the ball executed the counter extremely poorly and blew the opportunity.  A heavy challenge by Oleksandr Kucher on a French player really irked Koscielny, so when Kucher came into his area after the play, Koscielny shoved him in the face, earning a red card in stoppage time.  France had to finish the match with only ten men on the pitch.  Even later in stoppage time, Kucher tackled from behind to halt a late break and prevent a goal-scoring chance for France.  Kucher earned his second yellow card and his own marching orders.  The teams played ten-on-ten for the final thirty seconds.  Ukraine win 2-0 at home for their first ever victory over France.

France lose a FIFA World Cup qualifier for the first time since 2008.    France will now have to score multiple goals at home against a Ukraine side that have not conceded a goal in their past eight matches.

Goals
Ukraine
Roman Zozulia 61
Andriy Yarmolenko 82 PK

Match Reports:
http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/tacticsandanalysis/id/2219?cc=5901
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/worldcup/story/ukraine-2-0-france-world-cup-qualifying-first-leg-match-report-roman-zozulya-scores-winner-111513
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24862512
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/france-staring-at-brazil-world-cup-qualification-failure-after-20-loss-to-ukraine-20131116-2xn6o.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2224392/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_caption

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgjLmPeoess

Greece 3 - Romania 1

Photo by Aris Messinis

Romania were the visitors for the first leg of their playoff series with Greece.  The crowd in Piraeus was treated to a surprisingly offensive match.  A Greek free kick was played to Dimitrios Salpingidis, who then chipped over the three-man offside trap to Kostas Mitroglou.  Mitroglou had plenty of work left to do with his finish, but his volley with the outside of his foot was well struck into the net.  Dimitrios Siovas nearly scored on a second free kick in as many minutes, but his header was held by Romania goalkeeper Bogdan Lobant.  The massive traveling support of 2,000 fans had an equalizer to cheer soon thereafter.  A Gabriel Torje free kick was bent perfectly to the back post, floating over the goalkeeper in the process.  Bogdan Stancu rose into the heavens to head home from a sharp angle to equalize.  The Greeks immediately responded off the kickoff.  A run up the right flank from Vasileios Torosidis was rewarded with a long pass reception.  Torosidis first-timed a slotted pass across the six-yard box.  Salpingidis slid at the back post and kicked the ball in for 2-1.  Greece would lead by that 2-1 scoreline at the conclusion of the opening period.

A beautiful set piece goal for Greece came midway through the second period.  Giorgios Samaras (pictured, blue) sent a ball into the box that was flicked on by Kostas Katsouranis from his knees.  Mitroglou was able to smack another volley that found the back of the net to but the Greeks ahead 3-1.  Mitroglou nearly completed a hat trick in his club's home stadium as he beat the offside trap, but his backheel shot attempt was parried away by Lobant.  Romania substitute Costin Lazar found a way to pick up two yellow cards as a second-half substitute, earning a stoppage time ejection.  Romania finished with ten men.  On a last second corner kick, Samaras headed over the crossbar.  Greece win the first leg 3-1.

Goals
Greece
Kostas Mitroglou 14, 66
Dimitrios Salpingidis 20

Romania
Bogdan Stancu 19

Match Reports:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24862470
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/11/15/5109002/greece-vs-romania-uefa-world-cup-playoffs-2013-final-score-result
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2224397/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_3
http://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/Greece-beats-Romania-3-1-in-World-Cup-playoff-4986025.php

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBTtF8x9ltk

Iceland 0 - Croatia 0

Photo by Halldor Kolbeins

Iceland played their biggest home match in history in Reykjavik today as Croatia came to town for the first leg of their playoff series.  In the first minute, Iceland had to clear off their own goal line.  An early block from Croatia defender Vedran Corluka prevented an early shot on goal from Alfred Finnbogason from disturbing the Croatian net.  At the end of the first half, Iceland lost Kolbeinn Sigthorsson to an injury.

Early in the second half, Iceland were dealt a major blow.  A ball from his own half by Croatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic (pictured, red #7) put Mario Mandzukic on the ball running toward goal.  Olafur Skulason tackled him just outside the penalty area, but the referee deemed him to be the last defender and sent him off the pitch for a red card, leaving the hosts to cope with ten men starting in minute 50.  A half volley reception was turned on goal by Ivan Perisic, but Iceland goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson made the save.  Then, a ball across from Eduardo was nearly turned in by Ivica Olic, but again Halldorsson saved Iceland from disaster.  Considering their numerical disadvantage, Iceland will be pleased with the 0-0 draw today.

Match Reports:
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/11/15/5108560/croatia-iceland-2014-world-cup-playoffs-result
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2508024/Iceland-0-Croatia-0-match-report-Luka-Modrics-fail-break-10-men-hosts.html
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2224404/index.html?intcmp=fifacom_hp_module_news

Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wF52LXJKUy0

Mexico 5 - New Zealand 1

Photo by Alfredo Estrella

Mexico were hoping to right their foundering campaign at home in Mexico City.  New Zealand were in town for the first leg of their intercontinental playoff series.  Mexico called up a squad completely comprised of locally-based players with a heavy reliance on Club America players.  Club America share the Estadio Azteca with the national side.  Mexico came close to breaking through the five-man backline on the quarter hour mark, but Oribe Peralta could not head Miguel Layun's cross on target.  Soon thereafter, another Layun cross led to a dangerous series of headers in the box that ended with New Zealand goalkeeper Glen Moss punching a header from Raul Jimenez off the line.  A long-distance knuckle ball from Mexico centerback Francisco Rodriguez nearly caught Moss unaware, but Moss was able to punch the ball off the crossbar and out for a corner kick.  On a long through ball, Jimenez was in on goal, but after angling his run, he could only manage to blast a shot into the arms and chest of Moss.  Mexico were dominant with over three-fourths of the possession.  A misplay from Moss led to the opening goal for Mexico.  Moss was too quick to come off his line even though his teammate Andrew Durante had the header clearance covered.  Moss crashed through the back of Durante, and the resulting weak header was pushed into the vacant goal by Paul Aguilar.  An audacious Jimenez airborne backheel flick forced a diving save out of Moss.  Off the resulting corner, Carlos Peña was completely unmarked in the box, so he headed down into the ground, and Jimenez was able to win the header inside the six-yard box to score the second goal for the hosts.

The lone striker for the Kiwis Chris Wood came close to hitting the top corner shortly after coming out of the locker room.  However, Mexico were the side to score early in the second period.  A long ball wide from Rafa Marquez landed at Layun's feet.  Layun rolled a ball into the box behind Ivan Vicelich to a wide open Oribe Peralta for the tap-in goal.  A medium-range free kick taken by Marquez was heading in at the far post before Moss made a diving save out for another Mexican corner.  With ten minutes left in regular time, Layun clinched his man-of-the-match award.  Again, a long ball across the field from Marquez landed at Layun's feet.  Layun crossed into the box perfectly to set up Peralta for a snap header goal.  This was a second assist from Layun's weaker left foot.  A corner kick led to another header opportunity that was buried by captain Marquez as the home side again destroyed the zonal marking system of the Kiwis.  Within one minute, New Zealand found a goal.  Rory Fallon won a contested header in the Mexican box and the second ball fell to Chris James, who hit a volley in off the post that just barely trickled over the line.  Moss had to make yet another long-distance save as Jimenez burned Vicelich off the dribble and decided to have a go.  Mexico win 5-1 and will be facing a very short-handed New Zealand side away in one week's time.  Perhaps New Zealand will be able to correct their poor marking on set pieces during the week off.

New Zealand lose their starting forward Wood, winger Leo Bertos, and centerback Ivan Vicelich for the second leg due to yellow card accumulation throughout qualifying. 

Goals
Mexico
Paul Aguilar 32
Raul Jimenez 40
Oribe Peralta 48, 80
Rafael Marquez 84

New Zealand
Chris James 85

Match Reports:
http://espnfc.com/news/story/_/id/1615578/mexico-blisters-new-zealand-5-1-wcup-playoff?cc=5901
http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2013/11/13/5101184/mexico-vs-new-zealand-2014-world-cup-qualifying-playoffs-final-score-report

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HN9hfuaRUgs

Uruguay 5 - Jordan 0

Photo by Jack Guez

Uruguay made the long trek across the globe to get to Amman in time to face their hosts Jordan in the first leg of their intercontinental playoff series.  The match started off slowly as the two sides were feeling each other out having never faced each other previously.  At the quarter hour mark, Oday Al-Saify created a chance when his cross floated right at the near post, forcing a diving save across his momentum by Uruguay goalkeeper Martin Silva.  It would be Uruguay who would score first, however.  A Cristian Stuani cross to Edinson Cavani at the back post led to a header that was saved by Jordan goalkeeper Mohamed Al-Shatnawi.  No Jordan defenders crashed on the follow up rebound, so Maxi Pereira was free to clean up the rebound and score the opener.  Egidio Arevalo Rios was the player of the half for the visitors as he cut out so many Jordan attacks from his position in the midfield.  Nicolas Lodeiro played a through ball to Stuani that just defied a sliding block attempt fromr Al-Saify.  Once the ball got through, Stuani popped it into the next to double the lead.  Uruguay would be pleased to be ahead 2-0 at the halftime whistle.

For the first half of the second period, Jordan were the completely dominant team.  A cross in from Adnan Adous beat the two defenders around Ahmad Hayel, but Hayel somehow pushed wide with the goal at his mercy.  After the Hayel miss, Jordan just could not seem to complete the final probing passes necessary to break down the Uruguayan defense.  One can only imagine how things would have turned out differently for Jordan had they made it 2-1.  Cavani ran all the way to the endline and dragged Al-Shatnawi out of position.  Cavani then cut a pass back upfield, and Lodeiro chipped into the vacant net for 3-0.  Substitute Alvaro Pereira hit a long, floating ball over the Jordanian defense, which had overplayed to its right flank in response to his run.  Cristian Rodriguez was open on the other side, and had time to trap with his chest before blasting a ball into the bottom corner for Uruguay's fourth goal.  A Thaer Bawab ball into Hayel was cut out at the last moment by a Diego Lugano slide, preserving the shutout with five minutes to go.  In the penultimate minute of regulation, a late chance for Diego Forlan was parried out for a corner kick by Al-Shatnawi.  In stoppage time, a high-boot challenge from Adous led to a free kick chance from nineteen yards away.  Cavani hit an amazing curling free kick that went from outside the far post back on frame into the upper ninety.  Uruguay record a massive 5-0 victory and will come home next week to face Jordan in what will amount to a party to celebrate their qualification for Brasil 2014.

Goals
Uruguay
Maxi Pereira 22
Cristian Stuani 42
Nicolas Lodeiro 69
Cristian Rodriguez 78
Edinson Cavani 90+2

Match Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=2223500/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_caption
http://www.thenational.ae/sport/jordans-world-cup-dream-in-tatters-after-uruguay-thrashing
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/nov/13/uruguay-jordan-world-cup-playoff

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW2LmhI7ln4

Preview: Intercontinental Playoffs

The intercontinental playoffs are a rare treat in the world of international football.  These two series are the only four matches in a four-year period that feature competitive matches between teams from different confederations that do not take place in a neutral host country.  The FIFA Confederations Cup, the FIFA World Cup, and even the Olympics all take place at neutral sites.  Qualifying matches for continental finals and for the FIFA World Cup take place before partisan crowds, but they feature matches among teams from the same confederation.  Only the intercontinental playoffs provide fans the chance to show partisan support for their home teams as they take on unfamiliar foes from other regions of the world.

Due to the long distances between Amman and Montevideo, and Mexico City and Wellington, these series take place over an eight-day period rather than the more typical five-day period offered by the international matchday windows.  This is to compensate for long travel times and to allow for better acclimatization as the teams explore different parts of the Earth.

Mexico are the negative surprise package of the bunch.  Few would have predicted that the team seeded first in North America at the start of the tournament would finish as low as fourth position.  Even more surprising was the fact the Mexico were a mere three minutes from being eliminated in fifth position before the United States of America turned around their final qualifier against Panama in the final moments to deny Panama a berth in these intercontinental playoffs.  Mexico have just switched to their fourth different coach since September.  In fact, no foreign-based players have been called up by the new coach due to the lack of good performances in qualifying produced by the European-based stars of El Tri.  Even the formerly mystical home field advantage of the Estadio Azteca has been shredded by a run of only one victory from five home qualifiers in 2013.  However, the all-local side did defeat Finland in a recent friendly.  They also are somewhat familiar with New Zealand, having played and won two friendlies against the Kiwis in the past four years.  The big question for Mexico is whether their inexperienced midfield can hold up over the two legs of this tie.  Only one midfielder on the roster has even ten caps.

New Zealand are the obvious participant in this round as few expected any other Oceania side to truly push New Zealand for superiority in qualifying.  Now, after eight months without playing a competitive match since finishing the Oceania campaign in March, the Kiwis finally get to face the pressure of a match that counts.  In 2009, New Zealand were able to hold Bahrain away before securing a classic 1-0 victory at home in the Westpac Stadium.  Unfortunately, New Zealand are missing stalwart captain and fullback Winston Reid due to injury, so they will have to make up for his absence.  With only six matches played this year, are the players familiar enough with each other to overcome Mexico?  New Zealand did defeat Saudi Arabia away two months ago.  With a roster full of A-League players along with England-based Tommy Smith and Chris Wood, the Kiwis will be looking to stay solid defensively on the road in the first leg.

Jordan are the positive surprise package of the bunch.  Few would have predicted that the team seeded thirteenth in Asia at the start of the tournament would finish in fifth position.  It was even a bit of a surprise to some that Jordan made it into the final ten given that they were in an AFC Third Round group with China and Iraq with only two tickets available to the final round.  Jordan have navigated through eighteen fixtures so far, including a pair of home-and-away aggregate-goals series such as the one they now face against Uruguay.  Jordan have won penalty shootouts in each of the past two FIFA World Cups, defeating Kyrgyzstan in 2007 and Uzbekistan in 2013 to qualify for these intercontinental playoffs.  No expectations will be weighing upon the Jordanians as they take on 2011 Copa America champions Uruguay.  Nearly the entire roster plays its club football in either Jordan or Kuwait.  Jordan have been impressive in two recent friendlies in the Middle East, defeating both the 2012 and 2013 African Cup of Nations champions by a score of 1-0.  Zambia and Nigeria may not quite match up to the standards of Uruguay, but Jordan are in good form at the moment.  They are unbeaten in their past ten matches, and have a record of ten wins and three draws at home in 2013.

Uruguay are the perennial qualifying underachievers of South America, but at least they are consistent in their bid to finish fifth place every cycle.  Two of Colombia, Paraguay, Ecuador, and Chile manage to finish ahead of Uruguay alongside Argentina and Brasil, yet Uruguay always manage to stay ahead of the other two in order to claim fifth position.  This time around with Brazil not taking part in qualifying, Uruguay managed only to surpass Paraguay, but that was enough.  La Celeste have a ridiculously long history with the intercontinental playoffs.  In 2001, Uruguay defeated Australia.  In 2005, Australia beat Uruguay in a penalty shootout.  In 2009, Uruguay defeated Costa Rica despite not winning their home leg at the Estadio Centenario.  Jordan appear to be the weakest of the four opponents Uruguay will have faced, but nothing should be taken for granted.  La Celeste's run to the semifinals of this year's FIFA Confederations Cup has really reinvigorated the national team.  Still, for a team that since June has defeated France, Venezuela, Nigeria, Japan, Peru, Colombia, and Argentina, underestimation of their opponents Jordan is the likeliest source of trouble.  Starting goalkeeper Fernando Muslera is out for this series.

Going by the ELO ratings, #24 Mexico are favorites to knock off #56 New Zealand for spot number thirty-one at Brasil 2014 while #7 Uruguay are huge favorites to knock off #59 Jordan and claim spot number thirty-two at Brasil 2014.  I expect those rankings to hold true.

Mexico will win their first leg at home by multiple goals.  Even if New Zealand manage to win at home, they will not win on aggregate.  Uruguay are simply too strong right now and will win both legs in order to claim not only the final berth at Brasil 2014 but also a place among the eight seeded teams.

Match Previews:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=2222779/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_box_1
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=2222441/index.html