Results and standings: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_–_UEFA_Group_A http://news.yahoo.com/photos/supporters-serbian-national-team-burn-photo-210856467--sow.html Highlights:
Well, the group is pretty much decided but the Croatia v Belgium match will still matter as there is a slight chance that Croatia could be that 'worst second-place finisher'. Right now Bulgaria is the worst #2, but they have 2 very winnable matches to finish off while Croatia obviously has a very difficult one coming up.
Calculations for second placed teams don't include all matches in the group. Bulgaria has 3-4-1 for real, but on this table of second placed teams, they have 1-4-1. I doubt that they can win against Armenia away and Czech Republic at home, they will lose points somewhere, hard to expect both victories. It was only 1-0 for Bulgaria against Armenia at home, 0-0 against Czech Republic. These second placed teams will have a lot of changes, for now we see Portugal, maybe we will see Russia. Denmark could do something and get that second position. Hungary, Turkey and Romania will also change places for sure. Groups E and H are open very much.
I know. I factored all that into my thinking. Portugal/Russia is irrelevent in this context because whoever finishes 2nd they'll have one of the best 2nd-place records. If both Bulgaria and Denmark lose/draw their next game then Croatia is definitely okay, but since that's no guarantee there is a lot to play for against Belgium.
Croatia played 1-1 in Bruxelles, they were better in first halftime, but later Croatia managed to create balance and almost achieve victory at the end, but player started to celebrate early. I think that Croatia can win against Belgium at home. Only England and Scotland achieved victories in Croatia if we observe all qualification stages. Against Belgium Croatia has three victories, two draws and one defeat, they had solid generations before (Deflandre, van Kerckhoven, Wilmots, Goor, Sonck, Walem, Verheyen, Vermant, van Buyten, Vanderhaeghe, Croat Branko Strupar, Boffin, brothers Mpenza). It was not easy in some moments, especially away. Maybe they will come more relaxed in Croatia because they will participate directly. Against Scotland, Croatia must win somehow and remove negative tradition of three draws and one defeat.
11 October 2013 Standings: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_FIFA_World_Cup_qualification_–_UEFA_Group_A Croatia - Belgium http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zagreb http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatia https://www.google.hr/search?q=Zagr...m4DACw&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=1600&bih=799&dpr=1 Players that won't play: yellow - red cards and potential injuries. Josip Simunic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josip_Šimunić Dario Srna: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darijo_Srna Christian Benteke: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Benteke Marouane Fellaini: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marouane_Fellaini 15 October 2013 Belgium - Wales Scotland - Croatia Highlights: Belgium - Croatia 1-1 Croatia and Belgium played five matches so far. Croatia has three victories, two draws and one defeat with goal difference 8:3. Croatia - Belgium 4-0 Croatia - Belgium 1-0 Belgium - Croatia 2-1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vQik4BphO0