Belarus currently sits in last place in Group I with three games remaining. The team will be eliminated from World Cup contention if it loses to Finland. If Belarus fails to win the game and only manages a draw, then the team will be unable to qualify directly. The first place team in the group automatically books passage to the competition in Brazil next summer. The runner-up will have to take on another second place team in a two-legged playoff to determine which side competes for the top prize. With a tie, Belarus would have to settle for the second option.
The team lost its opening game 1-0 against Georgia before being dominated 3-1 by France. However, the Belarusians suffered their greatest embarrassment in a 4-0 loss against Spain in Minsk. The squad eventually earned its only three points by defeating Georgia 3-0 at home but lost 1-0 on Friday against Finland thanks to an own goal by Igor Shitov.
Finland has five points and sits in third place. The team has played fewer matches than any other squad in the competition, but faces a tough road to qualification. The Finns lost 1-0 to France in their opening match and drew 1-1 with Georgia in the follow up. The team's greatest moment came in a 1-1 draw against Spain. Finland then defeated Belarus on Friday in its most recent game.
Prediction: Look for Belarus to pay Finland back for the loss on Friday. Belarus wins 2-1.
Start Time: 1 PM EST
