Norway and Cyprus will jostle for position in a crowded Group E when they face off in Friday's World Cup 2014 Qualifiers.
Norway currently sits in fourth place in the Group with eight points, while Cyprus sits in sixth with four. However, both sides are still within striking distance of one of the top two spots. The first place side moves on to Brazil next summer while the second place team has a two-legged playoff to get through to book passage to Brazil next summer.
With a win on Friday, Norway could jump all the way to second place with favorable results from the other two matches. Meanwhile, a Cyprus win could put the team three points away from first place with a Swiss win and a Slovenian victory over second place Albania.
Norway started its tournament with a 2-0 loss against Norway and a 2-1 win over Slovenia. In its third game, Norway drew 1-1 against Switzerland. In its fourth matchup, the team took down Cyprus 3-1 but lost its momentum in a 1-0 defeat against Albania. In its most recent game, Norway drew 1-1 against Albania.
Meanwhile, Cyprus lost 3-1 against Albania in its first qualifier. In the second match, the team earned its lone victory of the tournament by defeating Iceland 1-0. A 2-1 loss to Slovenia and 3-1 defeat against Norway followed. But a 0-0 draw and 1-0 loss against Switzerland have left the team in last place.
Prediction: Expect a Norwegian victory. 1-0 Norway.
Start Time: 1 p.m. EST
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