The countdown continues for the start of one of the events that paralyze the world of sport and, the world in general, the Qatar 2022 World Cup. While some teams enjoy having a guaranteed place, other national teams remain in contention for one of the remaining tickets for the next edition of the World Cup. In this scenario, the playoffs of the UEFA Qualifiers will be held in search of the last three representatives of Europe in the international event.
The playoffs of the European continent will begin in the development of the first round, where the last five finalists of the playoff will be known. It should be noted that Poland entered the definition directly due to FIFA’s decision to expel Russia due to the invasion of Ukraine.
The format of these playoffs will be as follows, the 12 (11 with the expulsion of Russia) teams are divided into three different routes, where they will play single-game semifinals and, later, a final with the same system. The three winners of the definitions will qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Only one of the Path A semi-final will be played this month, as the Scotland vs Ukraine match has been postponed due to the conflict in the eastern country. The other Path A semi-final between Wales and Austria will go ahead as planned on Thursday 24 March with the winner playing either Scotland or Ukraine at a later date.
UEFA World Cup Qualifiers: Wales vs. Austria
When: Thursday, March 24, at 03:45 pm ET
Moneyline odds: Wales +175 / Austria +170 (Source: MyBookie.ag)
Draw Offs: +205
Where Can I Watch? Fubo Sports Network / Sky HD.
The Welsh team, with Gareth Bale in charge, receives Austria in search of qualifying for the 2022 Qatar World Cup and returning to a World Cup after not being present since 1958. The duel corresponds to the semifinal of the playoffs and will be a single match. If the duel ends in a draw, there will be extra time and penalties.
They may not be playing much at club level these days, but Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are still a cut above the rest of Wales and both are available for their crucial game against Austria. Their presence should give an advantage to those led by Rob Page.
While Austria has the Real Madrid defender, David Alaba, Gareth Bale’s teammate, be the captain of the Austrian team and helping them in their walk in this match to take a strong step in their qualification.
Wales vs. Austria Betting Pick: Wales
UEFA World Cup Qualifiers: Sweden vs. Czech Republic
When: Thursday, March 24, at 03:45 pm ET
Moneyline odds: Sweden +160 / Czech Republic +280 (Source: MyBookie.ag)
Draw Offs: +220
Where Can I Watch? Fubo Sports Network / Sky HD.
Another great match in these semifinals of the UEFA Qualifying rounds for the Qatar 2022 World Cup will be the one between Sweden and the Czech Republic. Sweden has young talent that could take them to the final and, why not, the World Cup, led by Premier League duo Dejan Kulusevski and Anthony Elanga. If they make it to the final, they will also be able to call up Zlatan Ibrahimović, as the 40-year-old is out for the semi-final.
The Czech Republic comes to this match motivated after their 2-0 victory against Estonia in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup qualifying phase, where the goals were the work of Jan Sykora and Jakub Brabec. The team led by Jaroslav Silhavy usually plays with a 4-3-3 tactical system, favoring quick transitions.
Sweden vs. Czech Republic Betting Pick: Sweden
UEFA World Cup Qualifiers: Portugal vs. Turkey
When: Thursday, March 24, at 03:45 pm ET
Moneyline odds: Portugal -263 / Turkey +680 (Source: MyBookie.ag)
Draw Offs: +380
Where Can I Watch? Fubo Sports Network / Sky HD.
Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo are going for their ticket to the Qatar 2022 World Cup and the first step will be to achieve a victory against Turkey in a direct elimination match and then play with the winner of Italy vs. North Macedonia in the UEFA Repêchage. CR7’s team lost their direct ticket when they lost in the last game of the group stage against Serbia, for which they finished second in Group A with 17 points, with a balance of five wins, two draws, and one loss.
On the other hand, Turkey managed to qualify as second in Group G with 21 points, with 6 wins, 3 draws, and only 1 loss. The Turkish team closed the tie strongly by getting three consecutive wins.
Portugal vs. Turkey Betting Pick: Portugal
UEFA World Cup Qualifiers: Italy vs. North Macedonia
When: Thursday, March 24, at 03:45 pm ET
Moneyline odds: Italy -555 / North Macedonia +1500 (Source: MyBookie.ag)
Draw Offs: +580
Where Can I Watch? Fubo Sports Network / Sky HD.
One of the world’s great teams is looking to secure one of the last direct tickets leading to Qatar 2022. Italy begins the road to the UEFA playoffs by taking on North Macedonia.
The current European champions, Italy, reach these playoffs after finishing second in their group with 16 points, being surpassed by Switzerland, who qualified directly for the World Cup with 18 points. Italy, after lifting the title at Wembley, never thought that they would not be able to secure qualification and would have to reach the last instance to be able to attend the World Cup.
Their rival, North Macedonia, finished in second place in Group J which was led by Germany, who crushed all their rivals and finished with 27 points, while the Macedonians beat countries like Armenia, Romania, and Iceland in their zone, entering this round.
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