With only nine months remaining, many countries have guaranteed their spots in the most important international event in soccer.
In Europe, two major teams have guaranteed their spots with convincing victories. Playing a good game at Turin Stadium in Italy -with a nice goal by Mario Balotelli, Italy beat the Czech Republic 2-1, qualifying them in advance for the World Cup. After winning four world titles the Azzuri (light blue, the color of the Italy’s jerseys) always comes with enthusiasm and their fans promise to invade Brazil next June to secure their fifth title, marking the team’s 14th consecutive qualification in the World Cup.
Although they have yet to win a title, the Netherlands also qualified to the World Cup with a memorable victory over Andorra with two goals by Robin Van Persie.
Italy and the Netherlands became the first Europeans teams to qualify for the World Cup. With only two games remaining to finish up all groups, Germany, Switzerland, Spain, England, Russia and Belgium are a step away from securing a place in the World Cup. Nonetheless, Portugal, France, and Sweden will have to play an extra game in order to win their spots.
South America and Concacaf
A lead early in the second half. Security late in the match. The final whistle confirmed yet another 2-0 U.S. victory over Mexico at the delirious Columbus Crew Stadium in Ohio. This game qualified the U.S. team to play in the Brazil next summer. Playing with confidence and attitude, the North Americans advanced and earned their seventh consecutive spot in soccer’s quadrennial extravaganza.
“This is a huge, huge evening for all of us,” Coach Juergen Klinsmann of the U.S. national team said, wearing a t-shirt that read “Qualified”.“They really deserve it.”
Eddie Johnson scored in the 49th minute and Landon Donovan added another in the 78th as the Americans defeated Mexico in Columbus 2-0 for the fourth consecutive time.
The defeat left Mexico in a dangerous position – with five losses they are at high risk of missing the World Cup for the first time since 1990. Costa Rica also secured the second place in the group. With three wins, Honduras is also in a prime position to claim the third spot next month.
Messi and his colleagues are in it
In need of one victory against Paraguay, Lionel Messi and his teammates on Argentina’s national team were the first American Nation to confirm their spot for next summer in Brazil.
On Sept. 10 Argentinians devoured Paraguay 5-2 with Messi scoring twice from penalty kicks and Sergio Agüero, Ángel Di María and Maxi Rodríguez completing the score. This is going to be the 11th time that the two times champions seal their spot.
“We are on the right path,” said Messi, whose career total of 37 goals in 83 games for Argentina eclipses Hernán Crespo in the all-time listing.
With only two games remaining, Colombia and Chile are one win away from participating in the World Cup. However Ecuador, Uruguay and Venezuela will compete in the next two games in October to see who is going to Brazil, with only two spots available to these three nations.
Brazil’s arenas situations
Twelve cities in Brazil will host the 32 countries divided in eight groups of four. Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Recife and Salvador stadiums are already complete and have hosted games for the Confederations Cup in June. However many stadiums are still in development—Sao Paulo, Manaus,Porto Alegre, Cuiaba, Curitiba and Natal. Though the arenas are between 70-80+ percent complete, FIFA has required that they be ready by Dec.1 with no exceptions.
The next round of qualifiers will take place Oct. 9-15.
According to the FIFA’s website, tickets will be available for those who register on the site (www.fifa.com) and create an account there. A lottery will be available for those who register, with prices ranging from $45-980. The lottery will take place on Oct. 5.