Two rounds remain until the end of the World Cup qualifiers in Group H, and Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), and Romania are in the race for the top two positions in the table.
After all three teams have played six matches each, Austria is first with 15 points, the Dragons are second with 13, while third-placed Romania is in the worst position with 10 points.
Austria has the best situation ahead of the last two rounds, in which they will visit Cyprus and host BiH. For direct qualification to the World Cup, they need to beat Cyprus and not lose to our team in Vienna, Klix.ba writes.
BiH, therefore, must beat both Romania and Austria in the last two rounds to qualify directly for the World Cup. Of course, there is also the option that Austria loses to Cyprus, in which case a win over Romania would make a draw in Vienna enough for direct qualification.
For a playoff spot, our team needs at least two points (two draws or one win). Thus, the safest option would be a victory over Romania in Zenica, which would certainly secure the playoff, while also keeping the team in contention for direct qualification to the World Cup until the last round and the direct duel with Austria in Vienna.
Romania has secured a playoff spot through the Nations League, so their last two matches will be almost “exhibition“ games, as it is unlikely that Austria will slip up against both Cyprus and BiH to lose first place. However, if Romania beats BiH in Zenica, it would almost certainly leave our team out of the playoffs.
The last two rounds will be played in mid-November.
9th Round Matches: BiH – Romania; Cyprus – Austria
10th Round Matches: Austria – BiH; Romania – San Marino
