Berlin, Nov. 17 (BNA): The Netherlands left the game late on Tuesday night, but two last-minute goals against Norway secured their place in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – and avoided joining giants Italy and Portugal in a sweat. their berths through play-offs.
It is unbelievable that Italy, the dominant European champions for only six months, could miss a penalty but Jorginho missed a penalty against Switzerland and a goalless draw in Northern Ireland put them in second place behind Switzerland who won Group C, according to German news agency (db). a).
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, the 2016 Intercontinental Champion and Nations League winner three years later, faltered further in the end, drawing first with Ireland and then scrapping a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 in stoppage time at home to Serbia in the winner Take all in the final of Group A.
“Football has shown us time and time again that sometimes it is the most difficult paths that lead us to the most desired results,” Ronaldo said on social media after the loss.
“The goal of being in the 2022 World Cup is still very much alive and we know what we have to do to get there.
“No excuses. Portugal is on its way to Qatar.”
Ronaldo will turn 37 by the time of the finals in a year, and while he can be said to have remained the highest performing he once was, missing out on a World Cup farewell would shock football.
Portugal cannot face Italy in the semi-finals, which will take place on November 26, where they are seeded alongside Scotland, Russia, Sweden and Wales. Turkey, Poland, North Macedonia, Czech Republic and Austria are not seeds.
But the teams will also be organized into three publicly drawn ‘tracks’ meaning there could be a final between Portugal and Italy while Poland world player Robert Lewandowski, Wales winger, Real Madrid Gareth Bale and Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, despite being suspended for half, all do so. It adds star sparkle to the actions.
Despite the excitement that will be in the matches between March 24 and 29, the Netherlands are happy to avoid risks, especially after they missed the 2018 finals in Russia.
“It’s been a while since the Netherlands have been in a big tournament, so I’m glad I finally have that time again,” said Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk.
They join Spain, defending champions France, world number one Belgium, Denmark, Croatia, England and Germany in going straight to Qatar from the European qualifiers.
Brazil and Argentina, from South America, are the only other two teams so far worldwide to have secured spots in the finals other than the hosts.