Why will Italy or Portugal be left out of the next World Cup?

The most anticipated bombshell occurred this Friday in the playoff draw for a ticket to the Qatar World Cup 2022. FIFA held a draw that determined the three 'Play Offs' in Europe, where the European champion Italy, and the Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, were paired in the same tie. That is, only one can be in the World Cup, although there is also the possibility that neither of them will get in, being a real blow.

The draw carried out in Zurich determined that, in the semifinals of the ‘Play Off’ C, Italy will face North Macedonia, while Portugal will face Turkey. Both Italians and Portuguese will be local in their respective meetings. However, the real ‘bomb’ would arrive at the final crossing. If they advance in their matches, Italy and Portugal would face a single match to determine which of the two will be present in Qatar 2022.

The draw also determined that in the ‘Play Off’ C, the Portugal-Turkey winner will be the local in the final. That is, Cristiano and company could receive the champions of the last European Championship in Lisbon in Lisbon, of course they should advance in their previous duel.

How did Italy get to the playoffs for the World Cup?

Italy, second in their group after Switzerland, relives the nightmares of four years ago, above with a more complicated format than the traditional round-trip tie.

How did Portugal get to the playoffs for the World Cup?

In Portugal, spirits are also on the ground, after the defeat against Serbia (2-1) that led the Balkans to Qatar and the Portuguese to the repechage.