A total of 12 European teams that entered the Second Round aka the play-off round will compete starting on March 25 to compete for the remaining 3 World Cup tickets for the UEFA (Europe) Zone. The 12 teams that entered the Second Round, aka the play-offs, have been divided into 3 paths. Path 1 is inhabited by Wales, Austria, Scotland and Ukraine. Path 2 is inhabited by Poland, Russia, Sweden and the Czech Republic. The last path 3 is inhabited by Portugal, Turkey, Italy, and North Macedonia.
Among the 12 teams that took part in the play-off round of the UEFA Zone (Europe) World Cup qualification, it is undeniable that Italy is the team that has received the most attention from the football public. This is natural, because Italy is a big team and one of the strongest teams in the world. The four World Cup trophies that have been won by Italy are valid evidence of the greatness of the team nicknamed the Gli Azzurri. Not to mention the two European Cup trophies that Italy has also won.
It’s a bit strange that a team as big as Italy had to be scattered in the play-off round to get a ticket for the Qatar 2022 World Cup. This was inseparable from Italy’s carelessness when in the European Zone group stage World Cup qualifiers which ended last November 2021. Italy has been caught off guard in the last two games. If Italy was able to win over Switzerland in the 7th match of the Group C phase, maybe Italy would not have to be scattered in the play-off round to get a ticket to the World Cup.
Italy was only able to finish in second place in Group C under Switzerland. Italy is two points behind Switzerland. Even though since the beginning of qualifying, Italy has continued to lead Group C. Italy may be having bad luck. On March 25, Italy will face North Macedonia’s “scallion” team in the “semi-finals” of path 3. Although North Macedonia is an “onion” team, it cannot be underestimated.
North Macedonia’s progress to reach the play-offs is proof that they are a team that cannot be underestimated. Once by Italy. In the Group J phase, North Macedonia made a surprise by defeating Germany in the third match. North Macedonia was able to finish in second place in Group J, getting rid of Romania, Armenia, Iceland and Liechtenstein. Italy is certainly under pressure. Even though North Macedonia is not a team on the same level as Italy, it has the potential to make it difficult for Roberto Mancini’s team.
In this case Italy should be a little cocky. Italy must convince itself that the opponent they will face is not an opponent of the same quality, but who is at the bottom. Thus, it is hoped that Italian self-confidence will emerge. Even if you have been able to beat North Macedonia, a slightly arrogant attitude must also remain in Italy when facing the winner between Portugal and Turkey in the “final” path (lane) 3. Even though Portugal and Turkey are teams whose quality is above North Macedonia , but still not at the level of Italy.
The simplest measure is the World Cup trophy. Neither Portugal nor Turkey have ever won the World Cup trophy. So basically, Italy must be confident to be able to get one of the remaining three World Cup tickets for the European Zone.
ASL
