TEMPO.CO, Coimbra - Portugal had a far cry to qualify for World Cup 2014, as the European Samba is to win 7-0 against Luxemburg and expecting the Russians will surrender against Azerbaijan. Facing Luxemburg in home ground Coimbra, Portugal will be playing without Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe, due to card accumulation.
Russia is currently three points ahead of Portugal in the group standings, with seven goals in surplus. However, it is quite unlikely that the Putin army will surrender against relatively weak team Azerbaijan.
Being placed second does not directly scratch Portugal from World Cup 2014, since Ronaldo and friends will be able to qualify if winning the play-off round. Yet, the Iberians will likely face off strong opponents like Sweden or France, a match they definitely wish to avoid.
WHO SCORED | SOCCERWAY | JOKO SEDAYU