🇪🇺 Eight teams, four places: the European play-off finals | OneFootball

The European playoff semifinals were played, and the finalists for the last four spots at the next World Cup have now been decided.

The Azzurra will put everything on the line against Wales

Without a doubt, the atmosphere in Bergamo was full of tension until the 56th minute, when Sandro Tonali broke the deadlock against Northern Ireland. From then on, Gattuso’s team managed the lead, and Moise Kean scored the final 2-0 to seal the match.

In the United Kingdom, Bosnia pulled off the surprise in the penalty shootout by beating Wales, who will not be returning to the World Cup. The ageless Edin Dzeko scored the equalizer and then Nikola Vasilj saved the decisive penalty. 

Gyökeres will face Lewandowski

Without a doubt, the standout player of these playoffs has been the Arsenal forward, who scored a hat-trick as Sweden comfortably beat Ukraine and qualified for the finals.

Meanwhile, Poland had to suffer. Hoxha put Albania ahead, but in the second half Lewandowski and Zielinski sparked the comeback and secured a place in the finals. A final between goal scorers.

Turkey will face the surprise package

In the first round of the semifinals, Turkey were the standout side, beating Romania thanks to a goal from Ferdi Kadioglu.

Now they will have to face the biggest surprise of these playoffs: Kosovo, who knocked out Slovakia with a 4-2 win that featured several outstanding performances. Without a doubt, it’s a match that promises a lot.

Denmark will face the Czech Republic

The Danes cruised past North Macedonia. Brian Riemer’s side thrashed North Macedonia 4-0 with goals from Damsgaard, Isaksen x2, and Eriksen.

In Czechia, it was a crazy match. The home side took the lead, Ireland came back, and then they took it to penalties, where Kovar shined and sent them through to the finals.

What are your predictions for the finals?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 STEFANO RELLANDINI - AFP or licensors