The Netherlands, who have appeared in the final three times, look like missing out on the World Cup in Russia next year.
The Dutch team needs to beat Sweden by seven goals in their final game on Tuesday, October 10.
"They won’t win 8-0, what a stupid question that is. 8-0? Well, no, I don’t believe that." — Dick Advocaat. pic.twitter.com/9JWHWoDQ9M
— 🇸🇪 (@SwedeStats) 7 October 2017
Their manager, Dick Advocaat, was left red-faced after comments he made before Sweden played Luxembourg.
"They won't win 8-0. What a stupid question! I don't believe that," Advocaat told journalists earlier.
Sweden played Luxembourg on Saturday, October 7, and won 8-0.
That means their goal difference is 12 better than the Dutch, meaning they can only be overhauled by losing by seven goals.
Nigeria's Super Eagles Qualify
Several more teams qualified for next year's tournament after results at the weekend, including Poland, Nigeria, Egypt, and Costa Rica.
But several of the big guns are in danger of missing out.
Italy and Portugal will have to be content with play-off places.
SUPER EAGLES! Nigeria is the 1st team from Africa to qualify for the World Cup.
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) 7 October 2017
Alex Iwobi the hero in the clinching 1-0 win over Zambia. pic.twitter.com/PIHC4mTlGo
The United State are back in contention after a 4-0 victory over Panama on Friday night, October 6.
England and Germany qualified last week, joining hosts Russia, Brazil, Spain, Belgium, Iran, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and South Korea.
The winner of Tuesday night's game, October 9, between Wales and the Republic of could still win the group and qualify but Serbia remain the favorites to go through from that group.
Poor Old Scotland
Northern Ireland are also guaranteed a play-off spot but Scotland fell short, drawing their final game in Slovenia.
Scotland crashing out of the World Cup qualifiers like pic.twitter.com/YECNXWomiE
— Barn (@BarnBcfc) 8 October 2017
The Ulstermen have only played in the World Cup once before, in 1958, although they acquitted themselves well in last year's European Championships.
The draw for Europe's play-off games take place on October 17 and among those clubs who might face each other are Denmark, Greece, Croatia and Slovakia.
Drama Ahead in South America
Uruguay are almost certain to qualify after Tuesday's final matches in the South American section but who will join them is completely up in the air.
Can Messi stand up to the pressure of Argentina? pic.twitter.com/8Ne7AAt10I
— Goal UK (@GoalUK) 9 October 2017
Lionel Messi's Argentina, having struggled to a goalless draw with Peru last week, have to win in Ecuador and hope Chile, Peru and Colombia all fail to win.
Argentina's best hope is probably to finish fifth and take their chances in a two-legged play-off match with New Zealand.
Tunisia look almost certain to qualify from one of the African groups and could be joined by Senegal and Morocco, who are still bidding to host the 2026 World Cup.