All or nothing for France against Serbia

Runners-up of the 2006 World Cup, France, face a tough challenge this Wednesday as they visit Serbia in an attempt to reduce the gap from four points to just one.

Serbia lead comfortably with 18 points from seven games. France have four points less and need a win to get rid of most of that deficit. A draw would likely mean that the French remain stuck in second place until the end of this campaign, if not worse. Defeat meanwhile, would secure Serbia’s top spot, seeing them through to next year’s finals.

‘Up’ is not the only way France should look at, as Austria are currently four points behind and could apply some serious pressure on ‘les Bleus’ with a win in Romania this Wednesday. Romania haven’t been in good shape lately, although they did hold France to a costly 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Even Lithuania would still have a small chance should France drop points. The Baltic state visits Faroe Islands, a match that they should be able to win.

The conclusion is simple: A French win would make things exciting at the top, while anything else would spice it up for second place.