World Cup Playoffs, The Zlatan vs. CR9, Steven Taylor Racism, The Joy of Six, Robert Plant To Hit The Pitch, USA vs. Scotland

Stick me out on the wing, mate.

It's the end of the week as we know it. And it's a big Friday of football. We don't get to say that very often. Iceland vs. Croatia, Greece vs. Romania, Portugal vs. Sweden, and Ukraine vs. France are all today in an attempt to determine who will make The Big Dance. First legs, people. The African action is tomorrow and Sunday. Second legs, people. There are also a bunch of friendlies if you care about that sort of thing. Here's your prep work:

Fifa 2014 World Cup: Who is there & who is in the play-offs?

Ten To Look Out For

International Storylines

Previews

Michael Cox: Four potential UEFA playoff difference-makers

Amy Lawrence: France unite for Ukraine task

Barney Ronay: Ibrahimovic and Ronaldo on play-off collision course

Phil McNulty: England's World Cup auditions start against Chile

Ronaldo vs. The Zlatan: The Goals, The Girls, The Dodgy Haircuts

Nobody has ever accused Newcastle's Steven Taylor of being the sharpest knife in the drawer. Based on his tweet from yesterday, the elevator doesn't go all the way to the top floor with this clown. A burger short of a combo meal, he is. With an intellect rivaled only by garden tools. Obviously forgot to pay his brain bill.

Right! It's Friday and thus there is this: The Joy of Six. Scott Murray is prepared to provide us with World Cup Qualifying Misses. Spoiler: There will be six.

The U.S.? Those fools call it soccer. Hah!

The United States will get all cozy and friendly with Scotland this afternoon at Hampden Park. Here are Three Key Storylines ahead of the match (3pm EST on ESPN2).

Gab Marcotti is wondering if The Zlatan is an anti-hero for whom we should root. Tough question, Gab.

Robert Plant is rich. And his wealth is well deserved. So we're pleased that he's bid £900 to play in Jody Craddock's testimonial with Wolves next year. Let's hope he doesn't over-exert himself and turn the match into his time of dying. Oh!

Spain: the inside story of La Roja's historic treble. In an extract from his new book, Graham Hunter looks at the world champions' long-term winning national strategy.

Take a Podcast. Do it. Listen. Learn. Laugh.

Onward!!

-SSN