A week's break from club football brings everyone important qualifying matchups all around the globe starting tomorrow. For now, we'll focus on the best matches tomorrow and delve into the rest next week. And away we go.
UEFA
Serbia v. Belgium, Group A, 2:30 PM: Two of the three teams sitting at the top of Group A square off in Belgrade. Serbia has always been a defensive oriented team and usually find themselves in low-scoring affairs. Belgium on the other hand has talent all over the pitch but have yet to develop the chemistry to make them one of the better teams in Europe. It's a work in progress for the Belgians but they'll manage a solid draw on the road. Prediction: Draw 1-1
Ireland v. Germany, Group C, 2:45 PM: An important one for Ireland as they try and keep pace in Group C. They aren't going to catch Germany for the top spot in the group, but a point could be worth its weight in gold towards keeping them ahead of Sweden for second place. Both teams have some minor injuries as James McClean and Robbie Keane for Ireland and Mats Hummels for Germany won't be available. It may take a half for Germany to get going, but they'll leave Aviva Stadium with a win. Prediction: Germany 3-0
Russia v. Portugal, Group F, 11:00 AM: This match will go a long way in deciding who earns the automatic berth in Brazil in 2014. Fabio Capello shouldn't have any trouble getting his team motivated to face Portugal. Russia has had the tendency to play to their opponents and with Portugal in town, you can expect their best match. On the flipside, Portugal have the one-man wrecking crew that is Cristiano Ronaldo and a solid backline as well. It won't be a win for Portugal, but it will feel like a win leaving Russia with a draw. Prediction: Draw 1-1
Greece v. Bosnia-Herzegovina, Group G, 2:45 PM: Not attractive on paper, but an important one in Group G. The Bosnians have lost in the playoff round of the last two international tournaments and Brazil '14 might finally be their breakthrough. But Greece has a knack for taking teams out of their element by slowing the match down and bogging it down in the midfield. Bosnia has lit up the scoresheet so far in qualifying but they haven't faced a team of true quality yet. Greece ends the hot start for Bosnia. Prediction: 1-0 Greece
CONMEBOL
Argentina v. Uruguay, 8:00 PM: Easily the best matchup to look forward to tomorrow as it pits the #4 and #7 ranked teams in the world (according to FIFA...that's another argument for another time). Argentina leads the qualifying race in South America by a point over Ecuador and Colombia while Uruguay and Chile each sit two points back. Everyone knows that Argentina is led by the best player in the world in Lionel Messi. But it's been a different Messi and a different Argentina since Alejandro Sabella took over as manager. The Albiceleste have defended much better and have used Messi in the attacking area right behind the striker. For Uruguay, it's been a struggle as of late taking only one point of a possible six in their last two qualifying matches. They have had great success against Argentina in recent past including a win in the quarterfinals of the 2011 Copa America in Argentina. They are the team more than any other in South American qualifying who can go into Argentina and secure a win. The problem is their poor form as of late. Their high-powered offense has managed only two goals in their past three matches. Not a recipe for success against Messi, Augero and Co. Prediction: Argentina 3-1
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