While Portugal remain on top of Group F in UEFA qualifying, Russia only trails by two points, and with an extra match still to play. A win could put Russia on top of the group for good position to win the automatic trip to Brazil.
Russia will look to take back first place in Group F of the World Cup qualifiers when it takes on Israel on Tuesday.
The Russians currently sit in second place in the group and are looking to avoid missing their third straight World Cup; the team is already assured a spot in 2018 by virtue of being hosts, but this tournament is seen as a major stepping stone toward potentially being Champions in less than five years time.
Meanwhile, Israel can tie Russia for the second-place spot with a win. Whichever team finishes second will have a playoff for a spot in the 2014 World Cup.
Russia is making up the game in hand it has on Portugal and could be back on top of the group with a win against Israel. However, a loss or draw here will likely put Russia into the quest for a playoff spot. Four years ago, the Russians were drawn into a playoff with Slovenia; they lost on away goals and were eliminated from the tournament. Back in 2005, the Russians wound up in third place in a group that also featured Portugal.
Russia is coming off a huge 4-1 win over Luxembourg after losing 1-0 against Northern Ireland in August.
This contest could separate the best from the rest in the group or it could make the situation even more jumbled. That certainly makes this a match to watch, so take a look at this preview to make sure you do not miss a second of the action.
When: Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 11 a.m. ET; 4 p.m. BST
Where: Petrovsky Stadium, St. Petersburg, Russia
