Portugal or Italy will miss out of Qatar World Cup, as they may clash in a European playoff, 12 teams are jostling for 3 tickets in the playoffs
By Kehinde Okeowo
European heavyweights, Italy and Portugal, have been drawn on the same path which will determine who gets one of the three playoff spots for Europe in Qatar.
Ten teams have qualified from the continent for the Mundial, twelve others are battling for the remaining three tickets in the European play-offs.
Germany were the first European team to qualify after Qatar, who qualified as host. Nine others Denmark, Belgium, France, Croatia, Spain, Serbia, England Switzerland, and the Netherlands have since followed suit.
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The World Cup 2022 play-off draw for European teams was disclosed by FIFA in a post via their website on Friday.
One of Italy or Portugal is guaranteed to miss out on Qatar next year though Turkey and giant killer, North Macedonia, are no pushovers.
Scotland could play Wales for a place at the 2022 World Cup, while Path B is too close to predict, as any of the four teams can qualify.
The World Cup Play-off draw is as follows:
In Path A, Wales have been paired with Austria, while Scotland meets Ukraine in their semi-final.
PATH A
Scotland vs Ukraine
Wales vs Austria
In Path B, Sweden will face Czech Republic, while Russia will play Poland.
PATH B
Russia vs Poland
Sweden vs Czech Republic
In Path C, Italy will play North Macedonia in their semi-final, while Portugal will meet Turkey.
PATH C
Italy vs North Macedonia
Portugal vs Turkey
Europe will know the occupiers of the three outstanding spots, after the semi-finals and finals of the play-offs are played on March 24 and March 29, 2022, respectively.