World Cup qualifying preview: Netherlands, Romania vie for top spot

The Netherlands face a tough trip to Romania in their next World Cup qualifier with both teams holding perfect records in UEFA’s Group D.

Romania must be wary of Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar after the 29-year-old scored once and set up another goal in the Netherlands’ 3-0 win over Andorra on Friday.

The Netherlands top Group D in UEFA World Cup qualifying with three wins from as many games and a goal difference of plus eight but their hosts on Tuesday are only just behind.

Romania have yet to drop any points either and have a goal difference of plus seven after they won 1-0 away to Turkey on Friday.

In another top-of-the-group clash, Iceland will host Switzerland in Group E with the visitors leading the way with two wins and a draw so far.

The Swiss drew 1-1 at home against Norway in their World Cup qualifier on Friday, while Iceland defeated Albania away 2-1.

In Group A, leading teams Belgium and Croatia host Scotland and Wales respectively, while Bulgaria will head to the Czech Republic in Group B.

In other matches in UEFA’s World Cup qualifying, Slovakia will welcome Greece to Bratislava, Hungary take on Turkey, Portugal host Northern Ireland, Ukraine are up against Montenegro and Russia must play Azerbaijan.

South American table-toppers Argentina are off to Chile in the main game in CONMEBOL qualifying.

Uruguay have a trip to Bolivia ahead of them and Venezuela will host third-placed Ecuador.

Iran’s home game against South Korea will be the pick of the matches across Asia.

The Koreans top Group A in the AFC’s World Cup qualifying, while Iran are second.

In Group B, struggling Australia will take on Iraq in the Qatari capital of Doha.

In CONCACAF, Mexico will host El Salvador, Guatemala will take on the United States and Honduras are up against Canada.

And Oceania’s final stage of qualifying, first-placed New Zealand host bottom-side Tahiti and the Solomon Islands travel to New Caledonia.