Not as expected European champions Italy, but the world number 67. North Macedonia is Portugal’s last hurdle on the way to the tournament in Qatar. After the bankruptcy of the Italians in Palermo, Cristiano Ronaldo’s team had to reorient themselves. The opponent was unsurprisingly spoken strongly. João Moutinho recalled that anyone can beat anyone and Bernardo Silva even had a stat on hand to underline North Macedonia’s quality: “They have won four of their last five qualifiers away from home, two against giants Germany and Italy.”
In any case, North Macedonia is confident in the duel in Porto, where 50,000 spectators secured their tickets within hours. The former Yugoslav republic can once again count on Eljif Elmas for the last step towards their first World Cup participation. By far the highest-paid North Macedonian player was suspended against Italy in Palermo.
Lewandowski vs. Ibrahimovic
Sweden, who moved up a round thanks to an extra-time win over the Czech Republic, traveled to Poland with Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has been suspended many times this season and is recently suspended. However, the 40-year-old should only play part of the game. Robert Lewandowski, who was injured in the last few days, is fit again and is the great trump card of the Poles, who advanced to the final without a fight after the Russians were disqualified.
The five African World Cup participants will also be determined on Tuesday evening and 27 of the 32 tickets for Qatar will be distributed. The last European will be awarded in June when Ukraine or Scotland take on Wales away.
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