Gareth, 32.Cristiano, 37.Robert, 33.Well into their 30s, all three of them are probably into the very last World Cup campaign. However, their national teams are on the verge of exit, as Wales, Portugal, and Poland have failed to reach the Qatar tournament through group-stage qualifiers, finishing as the runners-up behind Belgium, Serbia, and England.World Cup Qualifiers play-offs could be more mouth-watering than the WC itselfBale, Ronaldo and Lewandowski are now faced with a massive hurdle – the playoffs in which eleven national teams (Russia was eliminated due to political reasons) will fight for only three more places left for European nations.At first sight, it seems like Real Madrid forward probably has the easiest path to the WC, with Wales meeting with Austria at home in the semifinals. If they go through, they’ll face the defeater of Scotland-Ukraine, which looks like a reasonably achievable task for the Dragons.Cristiano Ronaldo or Marco Verratti? At least one European powerhouse won’t make it to QatarElsewhere, Portugal could turn out to be the most formidable squad not to qualify for the WC ever. The team packed with such immaculate players like CR7, Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, etc., lost to Serbian Eagles in the decisive group-stage game and now have to overpower none other than European champions Italy to reach the Qatar showpiece.Deserter: Paulo Sousa leaves Poland job to be Flamengo’s new coach, Lewa shockedFinally, Lewa is dominating with Bayern Munich in Bundesliga, but his national side is still 90 minutes away from a possible WC appearance. As we mentioned, what should have been their semifinal playoff match up with Russia was voided, and they were awarded a place in the finals par forfeit. However, they have to beat the winner of the Sweden vs the Czech Republic clash to provide their superstar with one last bow on the most significant international stage.This will be one thrilling Thursday, indeed.WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS – EUROPEThursday22:45: (2.15) Sweden (3.20) Czech R. (4.00)22:45: (1.25) Italy (6.25) North Macedonia (15.0)22:45: (2.90) Wales (2.85) Austria (2.80)22:45: (1.43) Portugal (4.70) Turkey (8.50)Russia – Poland AWARDEDScotland – Ukraine POSTPONED***odds are subject to change***
