Two rounds of matches left in qualifying for a major competition. By now, as the football gods deem it, there must be a number of big nations already through, at least one of which has a perfect record, further calling into question the need and point for lengthy group stages.
Additionally, it is required that a handful of established footballing countries must still be “sweating” or otherwise marginally concerned over their places at the finals, often with “work to do” but certainly still “needing a result”. Thirdly, and often most (viciously) enjoyably for some, one previous winner or at least finalist from a major tournament of yesteryear must be facing up to their new reality of missing out altogether.
