For eight European teams, the World Cup next summer is agonisingly in reach -- but first they need to negotiate a nervy playoff during the international break to book their ticket to Russia.
From four-time winners Italy to Euro 2004 winners Greece, teams across Europe will hold their breath as they seek to clear the final hurdle in qualifying.
Here, correspondents from each of the countries involved stake their claim as to why the World Cup needs their team at the tournament.
Sweden vs. Italy
SWEDEN
OK, so most neutrals would probably say Italy would bring more to a World Cup than Sweden.