Football
The Slovak dream will not come true! FIFA decides on Poland’s barrage
FIFA has long ago decided that Russia is out of the barrier for the 2022 World Cup. But for a long time the question was what to do with Poland, who were supposed to face the Russians in the semi-finals of the barrage. On the table, of course, was Poland’s automatic qualification to the barrage finals, or the addition of another team.
FIFA has long ago decided that Russia is out of the barrier for the 2022 World Cup. But for a long time the question was what to do with Poland, who were supposed to face the Russians in the semi-finals of the barrage. On the table, of course, was Poland’s automatic qualification to the barrage finals, or the addition of another team. Slovakia, which finished in third place in qualifying group H behind Russia, also had its teeth cut on Russia’s place.
However, Slovakia’s dream will not come true. FIFA decided that Poland would automatically qualify for the finals without a fight in Barrage B.
The Czech Republic is in the same barrage play-off group as Poland, but still has to get past a strong Sweden before the 2022 World Cup final.
This is certainly a significant advantage for Poland. After all, it will be playing the finals at home and has more time to prepare.
FIFA has also decided on the date for Ukraine’s postponed match against Scotland, which will be played as part of the A barrage route. The match should be played in June, but this will disrupt the UEFA Nations League schedule.
That should be played in the first two weeks of June. FIFA therefore has the option of putting the match at the very beginning of June or at the very end of the month. Or will UEFA change the schedule?
There is also the possibility that the Ukrainians and Scots will play the Nations League with weaker line-ups and play at full strength in the barrage.
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