Russia will look to take back first place in Group F of the World Cup qualifiers when it takes on Israel on Tuesday.
The Russians currently sit in second place in the group and are looking to avoid missing their third straight World Cup. The team is already assured a spot in 2018 by virtue of being hosts, but this tournament is seen as a major stepping stone toward potentially becoming champions in less than five years.
Russia is making up the game in hand it has on Portugal and could be back on top of the group with a win against Israel. However, a loss or draw here will likely put Russia into the quest for a playoff spot. Four years ago, the Russians were drawn into a playoff with Slovenia; they lost on away goals and were eliminated from the tournament. Back in 2005, the Russians wound up in third place in a group that also featured Portugal.
Russia is coming off a huge 4-1 win over Luxembourg after losing 1-0 against Northern Ireland in August.
Israel is still in the race for a playoff spot, but time is slowly running out for them. With only 12 points, they could be five points behind second place and six behind first heading into the final two contests; they would need two wins and some other favorable results to book a playoff spot or first place.
Prediction: Russia won the first match 4-0 in Ramat Gan and should have no problem securing a 2-0 win in Saint Petersburg.
Start Time: 11 a.m. EST
Watch Live Stream HERE (Free for certain cable subscribers).
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
