DRAW FAVOURS AZERBAIJAN

The draw has finally been made for the qualifying groups for the 2014 World Cup, though it doesn't matter much who is drawn in the same group as Azerbaijan, as the team doesn't have ambitions to qualify.So even the prospect of playing against the likes of Portugal, Russia and Israel is not too intimidating. It's already clear that these three teams will be competing for the Group F spot in the World Cup or for a berth in the play-offs. This time Azerbaijan were placed in the fifth, rather than final, pot for the draw for the first time in their history, so the main interest was in finding out the nameof the group underdog. And it will be Luxembourg, whodonot appear too tough a nut to crack. Neither do Northern Ireland, the team drawn from the fourth pot. Now let's try to assess our opponents individually. 

Portugal

The Iberians, seventh in the world rankings, are undoubted group favourites. Portugalhavea number of world football stars. They have come third in the World Cup and been runners-up in the European Championship. But the team has been unable to get back to winning ways since coach Luis Felipe Scolari left the national side. Unlike Spain, Germany and Holland, Portugal do not always perform well in qualifying campaigns for world championships. 

Azerbaijan weredrawn with Portugal in the Euro-2000 and World Cup-2006 campaigns. The first match produced a dismal result, 7:0. But the subsequent draw at home was some consolation for the bitter defeat in Lisbon. Under coach SahinDiniyevAzerbaijan lost both matches to Portugal - 3:0 in Portugal and 2:0 at home. In other words, the chances of getting the better of this opponent are slim.

Russia

Russia arecertainly more worried about the prospect of playing against Portugal. Our northern neighbour does not consider Azerbaijan a serious opponent. This attitude can give the Azerbaijani players the opportunity to "earn respect" again. Not too long ago, in the qualifying tournament for the 2010 World Cup Azerbaijan managed to draw a game with Russia.Russiabeat Azerbaijan in Moscow 2:0, but had already lost any chance of qualifying by the time they came to Baku, which many saw as the main reason for the lack of motivation in the match. As a result, after a 1:1 draw, Azerbaijan earned its final fifth point in the campaign. So the possibility of another surprise should not be ruled out, as Russia has set itself the goal of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.

Israel

Israeli football has been enjoying a surge of late. Israeli teams are successfully competing in European club competitions, while the national team has set itself ambitious objectives. In the 2010 World Cup campaign Israel failed to qualify only at the last moment, while in the current cycle for the 2012 European Championship Israel, 32nd in the FIFA rankings, are only a point behind the group leaders. 

Historically, Israel have largely played in Asian competitions and have qualified for a World Cup only once, in 1970, and did not proceed any further than the group stage.

The most memorable match between Azerbaijan and Israelwas played in February 2004. Azerbaijan, then coached by Carlos Alberto Torres, were thrashed 6:0. Despite that, the Azerbaijani players can put up stiff resistance to the likes of Benayoun and Ben Haim today.

Northern Ireland

This team can be put in the "wanted" category. This, however, should not mean that Northern Ireland can be treated with disrespect. The country has a great football history, and although the current generation is a far cry from the past, they still pose a threat to any opponent. Many Northern Ireland footballers play for English and Scottish clubs. Northern Ireland have participated in three World Cups and qualified for the quarterfinals twice. 

Azerbaijan and Northern Ireland played in the same group in the 2006 World Cup campaign. The first match in Baku ended in a goalless draw, while in the second Azerbaijan, coached by VaqifSadixov, were beaten 2:0. It is to be hoped that Azerbaijan can at least show a better level of football this time and possibly even record a win at home. 

Luxembourg

And the underdog at last. Luxembourg area piece of cake in Group F. They have been a UEFA member since 1963. They even won a place in the European Championship once. The fact that Luxembourg qualified for the 1964 World Cup was a real sensation. In recent years Luxembourg have been finishing their groups in the bottom spot. But there have been surprises too, including a win over Switzerland three years ago. 

Azerbaijanhave played against Luxembourg only once. In March 2010, Azerbaijan beat Luxembourg 2:1 away from home. So Azerbaijan's football community would legitimately expect wins in both matches. 

The schedule of games will be decided in November 2011, while the matches will commence in September 2012. It is not known who will be in charge of the national team next season. One thing is clear though - Azerbaijanneed to score as many points as possible.