ONE OF Italy or Portugal could miss out on 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Both could meet each other as they have been in the same play-off bracket today.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and the Italians both finished second in their qualifying groups, behind Switzerland and Serbia respectively.
Italy, who failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, will have home advantage for their tie .
Italy will host North Macedonia in the play-off first round, with Turkey visiting Portugal, before the winners face off for a spot at next year’s finals in Qatar.
The Portuguese were pipped to top spot by Serbia in Group A after a remarkable climax. Having been held by Stephen Kenny's Republic of Ireland 0-0 in Dublin, Portugal were then beaten by the Serbians in Lisbon thanks to a last-gasp goal from Aleksandar Mitrovic.
That condemned them to the dangerous waters of the play-offs, which look particularly treacherous now.
🏆 2022 World Cup play-off draw ✅
Which fixture are you most looking forward to? 🤩#WCQ pic.twitter.com/E6Vg76tbxD— UEFA EURO 2024 (@EURO2024) November 26, 2021
Path A
Semi-finals
- Scotland v Ukraine
- Wales v Austria
Final
- Wales/Austria v Scotland/Ukraine
Path B
Semi-finals
- Russia v Poland
- Sweden v Czech Republic
Final
- Russia/Poland v Sweden/Czech Republic
Path C
Semi-finals
- Italy v North Macedonia
- Portugal v Turkey
See More: Italy, Portugal, World Cup 2022
