PARIS — Italy can take a huge step toward a chance of bidding for a record equaling fifth title with host Brazil at the 2014 World Cup with victory over the Czech Republic in their qualifier Friday. It is just one of several crucial European Zone qualifying matches as the pace hots up for places in Brazil next year. The nine group winners will advance to the Finals along with the best second placed team while the other eight runners-up will enter a winner takes all two-legged playoff. Group A is a straight battle between 1998 semifinalist Croatia and 1986 semifinalist Belgium with the latter looking to return to the final stages for the first time since 2002. They are both locked on 16 points with five wins from six matches and the only dropped points coming from a 1-1 draw between the sides back on September 11 in Brussels. Coach Igor Stimac who was part of the team that finished third in 1998 will lead his side out against hapless Scotland in Zagreb, expecting to pile the pressure on Marc Wilmot's team which is at home to a thus far underperforming Serbian side. Serbia which is nine points back will have a point to prove after being humbled 3-0 by Belgium in its first meeting at Belgrade last October. The pick of the other matches sees Portugal try to close the gap on Group F leader Russia as Guus Hiddink tries to extend his side's four game winning streak. Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, though, is desperate for a home win as it is just a point adrift of Russia. “It's going to be a very important game because any margin of error will put us in trouble,” said the Real Madrid forward. “We have to win this game at home,” he added. Italy has a three-point lead over Bulgaria at the top of Group B having played a game less while the Czechs can only think about victory as they trail Cesare Prandelli's men by five points with four matches to play. “The game against the Czech Republic is of fundamental importance and a crossroads in qualifying for the next World Cup,” said Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci. “A win would mean putting our opponent under pressure and we would be able to begin next season with an important advantage that would allow us to take key steps toward qualification.” Elsewhere, English fans will be keeping a close eye on events in Podgorica where Euro 2012 co-host Ukraine defies Group H leader Montenegro. The host has never qualified for football's biggest showpiece but carries a two-point lead over England into the pressure cooker tie while Ukraine is six points back and desperately need the three points to keep its chances alive. There is also a massive game in Vienna where Austria and Sweden face off on eight points and joint second in Group C where Germany is runaway leader and eight points clear. The Republic of Ireland will be hoping they both draw as they are also on eight points in Group C and expected to take three points at home against pointless Faroe Islands in Dublin. — Agencies
