My prediction of the UEFA World Cup qualifying playoff route being an absolute shitstorm came to fruition.
Croatia avoided the toughest playoff path in World Cup history with their 1-0 win over Russia in Split two weeks ago. So what’s going to happen on March when the playoff begins?
Italy and Portugal have been placed in the same 4-team group. That means either the reigning Euro champions or Cristiano Ronaldo are not making the trip to Qatar. If both win their one-legged semifinal, Portugal would host the win-or-go-home match on March 29th.
Russia will host Poland in their semifinal. The winner of that match would then host the victor from the Sweden/Czech match. This is where Croatia (theoretically) would have been placed. Definitely not the toughest group but if Robert Lewandowski catches fire for Poland, he can bag a goal or two in any given match. Sweden can easily fly under the radar in these matches to grab one of the final three European berths for the World Cup.
In arguably the playoffs’ weakest group, Scotland will host Ukraine with Wales locking horns with Austria. I see Ukraine making the World Cup from this group, with Sweden and Portugal joining them.
I have a feeling Portugal or Italy will lose. I would like to see both go out crashing. Not seeing Italy qualify for a second consecutive World Cup would be unimaginable. Both have home advantage but it will be interesting to see one not make it. North Macedonia are no push over. Turkey on the other hand have never had luck against Portugal. Nobody thought Sweden would beat Italy. They need to make confederations play others. Have Euro teams play African, South American play Asian. Too many weak teams in the World Cup and they wanted to add more?
Portugal
Czech
Ukraine
All these teams will qualify. North Macedonia made debut at euros and I wanna see another former yugo team make it.
Im tired of hearing Portugal or Italy should qaulify automatically. How fair would that be for the smaller countries if they don’t have a chance at one out of 13 spots. I cant see Italy missing the second WC and for some reason I have this crazy feeling that Italy will face Turkey for the spot. Turkey knows how to stun a team i remember 2008 very well i can see the same stunner happening to Portugal.
Looking good for Croatia to remain in pot 2 for the World Cup Finals draw in April.
We now have a 2 rank buffer with either Italy or Portugal out. Furthermore, Wales and Sweden potentially play 2 games against teams that are ranked on average 12-13 places below them, so they can’t generate a big bunch of points even if they do qualify.
I think we should focus on playing freindlies against decent teams (using our best 11 to start) in order to generate some points and try to move ahead of Mexico (who could easily drop considerable further points by a tie or a loss to a currently hot 40th ranked Canadian team- arguably still on their way somewhat higher).
By playing well, not only would we guarantee remaining a pot 2 team by also staying ahead of Columbia and Uraguay (who are in a very tough battle to qualify in CONMEBOL), but more importantly, in order to gain more confidence, momentum, experience, and chemistry with the young guns on the squad.
Yea, we need to make up for our horrible, horrible record since the last World Cup.
I think we are ranked lower than we should be (no way should we be in the third pot) but we can’t complain after losing or drawing pretty much every single game in two Nations League tournaments.
I agree that we should be ranked higher.
The FIFA ranking system is accurate when looking in the rear view mirror, not so good at giving us a side view, and even less valuable at showing us what is coming up on the road ahead.
With the current talent, I am convinced that we can realistically be progressively moving back into the top 10 within the next year (pre Qatar).
There are only 39.51 points separating us from the eighth place rank (Portugal).
My prediction – Wales, Poland and Italy.
Duuuhhh…When you wanna be da best, ya gotta beat da best!
Right guys?
yeah that’s why Dalic still be lucky so far _o)
just give him for Brazil Portugal Croatia Australia
then see – what will happen to him!
https://www.goalstube.online/2021/11/stuttgart-mainz.html?m=m3
What a strike from Sosa.
BEAUTY!!
Don’t be surprised this new playoff format is one and done going forward. FIFA and UEFA have to be kicking themselves that one of these giants is guaranteed not to go. Wouldn’t mind seeing cry baby Ronaldo sitting this one out. Just glad we have no part in it. Remember the days we all bitched about the cakewalk friendlies? A nice game against Estonia in March sounds good right about now.
Definitely agree but I hope we play some good top 10-20 teams. We need to see wherever stand. Even if we lose or whatever I’d rather have a great opponent then a cakewalk friendly where we don’t learn anything. I also hope Ronaldo goes and stays he too..
There will be at least 6 games against top 20 teams with the Nations league games plus the friendlies leading up to the tournament. The reason I want minnows in March is because it could possibly weigh heavily on our coefficient ranking heading into the April draw. Pot 2 sounds better than 3 at this point.
Jebiga
Could be Italy AND Portugal that don’t progress btw. You never know, Turkey would be playing at home in the final round.
Turkey blows
you can’t say that right after Thanksgiving
Lol
I would predict Austria, Poland, and Italy. Its really tough to call… I’m sooo glad that we can sit back and watch this shit show without a care in the world.
Italy or Portugal (or hopefully both) not qualifying is great new for Croatia! This gives us a greater chance to secure pot#2.