Italy against Sweden headlines European final play-off draw
ACLASH between Italy and Sweden will headline the 2018 FIFA World Cup UEFA qualifying playoffs after the two European powers were drawn against one another in yesterday’s second-round draw, reports bleacherreport.com.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland play Switzerland, Cr oatia take on Greece and the Republic of Ireland will have to beat Denmark if they’re to claim one of Europe’s four remaining spots in next year’s World Cup finals.
The FIFA World Cup Twitter account confirmed the results of yesterday’s draw: The first-leg fixtures will be played between November 9 and 11, while the return trips will take place between November 12 and 14. Switzerland, Italy, Croatia and Denmark entered the draw as the four highestplaced teams in the latest FIFA rankings, while Northern Ireland, Sweden, the Republic of Ireland and Greece made up the second pot.
Italy are by some distance the most decorated country still left in UEFA’S qualification process, having won the World Cup on four occasions, the most recent of which came in 2006. The Azzurri have also finished as runners-up twice.
Northern Ireland have their work cut out for them as they attempt to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 1986, and a playoff clash against the highly ranked Switzerland doesn’t bode well for their chances.
The Republic of Ireland have endured the second-longest wait of any team left in the mix, meanwhile, after failing to feature in the finals since 2002.
According to statistician, Simon Gleave, manager Martin O’neill’s men stand the best opportunity to cause an upset in the playoffs:
Denmark were the only team in pot one who did not participate in the 2014 World Cup, while Greece stood out as the only team in pot two that did.