The Czechs are almost certain to qualify for the barrage. But why is it important that they beat Wales and finish second?

The Czech national team will play Wales in the 2022 World Cup Qualifier in Qatar on Friday. And it could be a much more important duel than it may seem at first glance.

Thanks to the new Nations League format and winning Division B, it was very likely already clear when the qualifying group was drawn that the Czechs would play a World Cup barrage.

Wales and Belgium were drawn in the same group, and both teams also won their respective Nations League groups. Thanks to the constellation of other teams, it is now almost clear that we will go to the barrier. Either as the winner of the Nations League group or from second place in the Qualifying Group.

But there is a big difference. The last time the Czechs qualified for the World Cup in 2006, all they had to do was beat Norway in a double-header, which they did twice by 1-0 scores.

But UEFA has come up with a new system this year. The twelve participants in the barrage will be placed in three pools of four. First, the semi-finals will be played, which will be a single match. And beware, it will be played on home soil, which can be a big advantage. Then the two winners of the semi-finals will face off in the final, with the home venue decided by lot.

“That’s why it’s so important that we finish second in the qualifying group and collect as many points as possible. It would increase our chances of playing the first barrage match at home,” coach Jaroslav Šilhavý said at the press conference.

The Czechs currently have 7 points, the same as Wales. The latter has a match to play, but besides the duel with the Czech national team, they will have to play Estonia, Belarus and especially a strong Belgium. The team of Jaroslav Šilhavy has already played a double match with the Belgians.

If the team beats Wales and then manages the duels with Belarus and Estonia, the second place should not escape them.

Source: Livesport