Reactions to the draw: We are very happy that we are not with the Portuguese and the Italians! – Športky.sk

ZÜRICH – Italian footballers will compete in the semifinals of the World Championship 2022 within branch C at home against Northern Macedonia. The other semi-final pairs are Scotland – Ukraine (branch A), Wales – Austria (A), Russia – Poland (B), Sweden – Czech Republic (B) and Portugal – Turkey (C). Italy is in the same branch with Portugal and if they advance, they will face each other in the finals of the draw, which means that both cannot reach the World Cup. Friday’s draw in Zurich, Switzerland, decided that.

Reactions to the draw of the play (source: www.uefa.com, CTK):

Stefan Kuntz, Turkish coach: “Branch C is clearly the toughest. However, the strength of my team and its progress fill me with hope. We will try to succeed in Portugal so that we can play in front of our great fans in the most important match and show what is in us.”

Roberto Mancini, coach of Italy: “It’s a very difficult draw for us. Northern Macedonia is very good and if we overcome it, we will play in Portugal or Turkey.”

Robert Page, Wales coach: “We have a great opportunity to get to the World Cup for the first time since 1958. We worked hard to finish at least second in the group. Our advantage may be that we would play both matches at home. In this we wish the draw.”

Jakub Jankto, Czech midfielder: “The chances are perfectly balanced. The little things, the details and, of course, the current form will decide. We have the disadvantage of playing outside, but it’s better than playing with the giants.”

Tomáš Vaclík (Czech goalkeeper): “I think we’re all glad we weren’t drawn into the ‘céčka’ where Italy and Portugal are. That would be extremely difficult. For me, the middle ground, the other three opponents are very difficult. If we have the ambition to get to the World Cup, they are rivals we should go through. “

? 2022 World Cup play-off draw ✅

Which fixture are you most looking forward to? ?#WCQ pic.twitter.com/E6Vg76tbxD

– European Qualifiers (@ EURO2024) November 26, 2021

• The author: © List
• PHOTO: Twitter / European Qualifiers
• Source: TASR