On March 25, Beijing time, the semi-finals of the World Preliminary Round European Zone Play-offs ended, and the situation of the final matchup was also released, Italy was out, and Portugal will compete with the big dark horse North Macedonia for a World Cup ticket! Wales qualified and opponents to be determined; Sweden advanced to take on Poland.
Group A Final: Wales vs Scotland/Ukraine (Home team in front, same below)
In the semi-finals of Group A, Wales took the lead at home to Austria 2-1 and advanced to the final, just one step away from the World Cup. In the 25th minute, Bale's left-footed free-kick went straight to the goal, 1-0! In the 51st minute, Bale's left-footed shot from inside the penalty area went into the net and scored twice! In the 64th minute, Sabitzer made Ben Davis oolong, 2-1! The Red Dragon Legion eventually won.
Due to the postponement of the Scottish and Ukrainian matches, the Group A final will be postponed until June this year, when the last World Cup place in the European zone will be created.
Group B Final: Poland vs Sweden
In the Group B semifinals, Ibrahimovic was suspended and Hick was absent due to injury. Without two major strikers, Sweden and the Czech Republic exchanged whites in 90 minutes and could only enter extra time. In the 110th minute, Kwaysen scored a dead end! In the end, Sweden won 1-0 and advanced to the final of the play-offs.
Poland did not play in the semi-finals, but directly advanced to the final, waiting for Sweden. In the final, Ibrahimovic will return, and the match between him and Levan will be one of the biggest highlights of this competition.
Group C Final: Portugal vs North Macedonia
In the semi-finals of Group C, Portugal beat Turkey 3-1 at home to reach the final first. In the 16th minute, Ottavio scored a goal to break the deadlock. In the 42nd minute, Otavio's cross was met by Jota's header, 2-0!
In the 65th minute, Irmaz's left-footed shot into the net from inside the penalty area pulled a goal back. In the 85th minute, Wundt sent a point inside the penalty area, and Ilmaz scored high! Missed equalising opportunities. In the 94th minute, Nunes sealed the win. In the end, the Five Shields Legion had a thrilling promotion.
Another semi-final burst out of the big cold, Italy lost 0-1 to North Macedonia, Berardi missed many opportunities to score, in the 92nd minute, Rajkovsky outside the long-range shot to break the goal, the European Cup winner was out!