🥐 FIFA virus, World Cup hangover... 5️⃣ stories to start Friday | OneFootball

It’s a Friday of World Cup hangovers and plenty of news. While Europe’s clubs hold their breath over the fitness of their stars after the international break, the road to the next World Cup enters its most dramatic phase, with the playoff finals now clearly on the horizon.

Meanwhile, Spain and Argentina fulfill their international commitments in a somewhat subdued atmosphere, while nations like Bolivia and Jamaica prepare to play the biggest match in their recent history.

Alarm bells at Barça over Raphinha

FC Barcelona is holding its breath after the friendly between Brazil and France. Raphinha was substituted at halftime due to muscle discomfort, which Carlo Ancelotti confirmed in the press conference. The Italian coach said the winger will be assessed tomorrow, leaving his availability for the crucial stretch of Barça’s season up in the air.

Real Madrid move away from Rodri

Despite being one of the most respected footballers on the planet, the future of Rodri Hernández appears to be moving away from Concha Espina. According to AS, Madrid’s sporting management is not prioritizing his signing, even though his contract with City runs until 2027. The club is looking for different profiles to strengthen its midfield this summer.

A day of friendlies for the champions

Spain and Argentina face lower-profile fixtures today after the Finalissima was canceled. Luis de la Fuente’s Spain hosts Serbia at the Estadio de la Cerámica (Villarreal), while Scaloni’s Albiceleste will take on Mauritania on the iconic pitch of La Bombonera in front of its home crowd.

The playoff finals are set

Europe now knows the final matchups for the last four tickets to the World Cup. After some intense semifinals, the clashes of Wales-Italy, Kosovo-Turkey, Denmark-Czech Republic and Sweden-Poland will decide who makes it to the world showpiece. The tension will be at its highest in these do-or-die encounters.

Bolivia and Jamaica are within touching distance of the World Cup

The World Cup dream is just 90 minutes away for Bolivia and Jamaica. The South American side beat Suriname 2-1 and will play for qualification against Iraq in the intercontinental playoff. For its part, Jamaica ended the dream of New Caledonia and will seek its place against the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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

📸 ALBERTO PIZZOLI - AFP or licensors