Unfortunately, Russia and Ukraine did not make their way to the World Championship directly. In the spring, the teams will have to fight further. Frankly, the chances of Ukraine and Russia are rather low. Nevertheless, hope dies last ...

Play-off draw

So let's go! First went the seeded teams. The first team to be pulled out of the glass basket was Scotland. Wales was born after her.

Russia was in the third ball. 4th - Sweden. Immediately got Italy. Portugal was the last.

Lothar Matthäus has selected opponents for the seeded national teams. Scotland will play with Ukraine. Wales will host Austria. The winners will play against each other in the final stage of the play-offs.

Russia will be forced to play against a very difficult Polish national team. Sweden will meet with the Czech Republic. The winners will meet in the final meeting and compete for a ticket to Qatar.

Italy will play against Northern Ireland. Portugal will meet with Turkey. The winners will compete for the last ticket to the 2022 World Cup.

World Cup 2022 play-off draw results

Scotland - Ukraine

Wales - Austria

Russia - Poland

Sweden - Czech Republic

Italy - Northern Ireland

Portugal - Turkey

First impressions

Unfortunately, the Russian national team got a very serious rival, led by Lewandowski. It will be very difficult to play against the Poles with such a defense. And the line of attack looks like a toothless pensioner. Well, nothing to bite your opponent with!

Ukraine will meet with Scotland. The opponent is not very difficult. But, in the last 6 matches, during the selection, Scotland has played more than confidently. Especially on the defensive. Yes, and there is someone to score. Given Ukraine's defensive problems, surprises should be expected.

Unfortunately, it can be stated that there will be no Portugal or Italy at the World Championship. Apparently, they are the ones who will play the last ticket to Qatar. The Italians must confidently beat North Macedonia. In turn, the Portuguese should not leave a single chance for the Turkish national team. Considering that the Italians are very strong in defense, we should expect a grassroots match against Portugal.

Now we are waiting for the start of the qualifying matches. Karpin and Petrakov would like to wish intelligence. Yes exactly. You need to drop all your ambitions and work for the national team. You should not put your Wishlist in the foreground. If they are professionals, then the really strongest players from Russia and Ukraine will enter the field.