2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar - UEFA Qualifiers

[mv1986]

In fact, something similar could be said for Italy, that they played badly at the end of the qualifications and missed a great opportunity to qualify directly for the World Cup.
Now there is a great chance that they will not qualify for the World Cup for the second time in a row, which has never happened to them in history.
I agree that Italy seems like a more balanced and a better team, but only one game is played in Portugal and anything is possible.
Portugal will have the advantage of the home field and that may help them, but in fact it is a pity that one of these two great national teams will not qualify for the World Cup due to an unfortunate draw.

If we look at the players that Portugal has available, I would even say that they have better players than Italy.
But the problem in Portugal, and it is even criticized for that, is the coach not using these players correctly in their possibilities, setting up a game strategy that does not empower these players.
This makes the Italia team end up having an advantage. Now, if Portugal approaches the game in a different way, then it will have a good chance of winning.

Yes, strategically I would say that Italy is definitely a level stronger than Portugal. But Portugal can be extremely dangerous offensively even though Italy's defense is well organized. Ronaldo will play at his max for a last time when it is all about the World Championship. I am excited to see how much the Italians are going to deliver.

It looks like one of Italy and Portugal teams are going to be eliminated in the playoff stage. Italy wouldn't have much problem on qualifying for the final game of this stage. Because they have a very easy opponent to beat like North Macedonia. But I'm not going to say the same thing for Portugal also. Because they don't have a very easy job against Turkey. I must admit that Turkey were really bad for a particular time period in the Qualifiers. But they started performing better in their last games. They can cause Portugal to have a really hard time against them. And who knows, maybe Turkey can eliminate them. But it is a low probability in my opinion.

I’m having a tough time seeing two of my favourite teams on the verge of elimination, and it hurts knowing that only one of them can qualify. Lastly past performances don’t matter now, and what will matter is how badly the player’s of Portugal and Italy want to qualify, and I sincerely hope that one of them qualifies.

Exactly, it feels like a preliminary final of the World Cup. Some fans might like that, I don't know, but I would prefer to see teams of that calibre play at least in a group stage against each other during the final round of the World Cup. However, in the end it should still be performance based and if the teams don't deliver, they also don't deserve to take part in the final round regardless of what their history in soccer actually is.

[TheGreatPython]

My favourites in every path are:

Path A: Wales would defeat Austria and Ukraine would do the same against Scotland. And after a Wales - Ukraine matchup, Wales would manage to qualify for the World Cup.

Path B: Russia would beat Poland and Czech Republic would do it to Sweden. And after a Russia - Czech Republic matchup, Russia would manage to qualify for the World Cup.

Path C: Portugal and Italy would succeed in defeating their opponents. And after a Portugal - Italy matchup, Italy would manage to qualify for the World Cup.

Your path is very good but still need some things to be clear as Wales can beat Austria and Ukraine can Scotland but after this it is not easy match both teams have equal chance. Here Russia is good side, but Poland is also having some good players, so any result can happen in other match Sweden is very good even Czech Republic is doing some good in recent time.

Here in third we have most talked match is going to be played between the very good and talented teams Portugal vs Italy so here mostly people's favoring Italy but still anybody game.

[KTChampions]

Path A: Wales would defeat Austria and Ukraine would do the same against Scotland. And after a Wales - Ukraine matchup, Wales would manage to qualify for the World Cup.

Nothing against Wales, but I think Ukraine's probability of victory is much higher than that of Wales. Wales have good players, but even so I think Ukraine is more likely to reach the World Cup than Wales. If Wales makes it, it's history for them.

In fact, I agree with you, but the bookmakers have a diametrically opposite opinion:

Austria 3.00
Wales 3.50
Scotland 3.75
Ukraine 4.50

Ukraine is considered an outsider of the A. In my opinion, this is an underestimation of Ukraine and perhaps it makes sense to bet on it, although I have no desire to freeze money for such a long period.

[lulumiya]

My favourites in every path are:

Path A: Wales would defeat Austria and Ukraine would do the same against Scotland. And after a Wales - Ukraine matchup, Wales would manage to qualify for the World Cup.

Path B: Russia would beat Poland and Czech Republic would do it to Sweden. And after a Russia - Czech Republic matchup, Russia would manage to qualify for the World Cup.

Path C: Portugal and Italy would succeed in defeating their opponents. And after a Portugal - Italy matchup, Italy would manage to qualify for the World Cup.

Your path is very good but still need some things to be clear as Wales can beat Austria and Ukraine can Scotland but after this it is not easy match both teams have equal chance. Here Russia is good side, but Poland is also having some good players, so any result can happen in other match Sweden is very good even Czech Republic is doing some good in recent time.

Here in third we have most talked match is going to be played between the very good and talented teams Portugal vs Italy so here mostly people's favoring Italy but still anybody game.

I think that Ukraine would advance in case we see a Wales - Ukraine game. They are more powerful than their opponent when it comes to scoring and they would make use of it nicely. And I'm not so sure about the Russia - Poland one. Poland might advance with the help of Lewandowski maybe. And for the last path, I agree with @Spack17 totally.

[coco23]

In fact, I agree with you, but the bookmakers have a diametrically opposite opinion:

Austria 3.00
Wales 3.50
Scotland 3.75
Ukraine 4.50

Ukraine is considered an outsider of the A. In my opinion, this is an underestimation of Ukraine and perhaps it makes sense to bet on it, although I have no desire to freeze money for such a long period.

I am surprised by those quotes, I thought Ukraine is considered stronger. I suppose there is also some influence on which team plays in their home country.

I was just checking the other paths and Protugal (1.9) is slightly ahead of Italy (2.0). In the 3rd path Russia (2.55) is favored against Poland (3.55) and Sweden (3.55). Czechia is an outsider (7.25)

[Cafex]

In fact, I agree with you, but the bookmakers have a diametrically opposite opinion:

Austria 3.00
Wales 3.50
Scotland 3.75
Ukraine 4.50

Ukraine is considered an outsider of the A. In my opinion, this is an underestimation of Ukraine and perhaps it makes sense to bet on it, although I have no desire to freeze money for such a long period.

It seems really interesting. I don't think that Austria are a little more favourite than Wales. I think the opposite. And I think the same thing for the other match also. Ukraine are powerful enough to beat Scotland. I don't think that Scotland are good at their attacking side but they are good at defending. I still see Ukraine's attacking power being one step ahead of Scotland's defense.

[KTChampions]

In fact, I agree with you, but the bookmakers have a diametrically opposite opinion:

Austria 3.00
Wales 3.50
Scotland 3.75
Ukraine 4.50

Ukraine is considered an outsider of the A. In my opinion, this is an underestimation of Ukraine and perhaps it makes sense to bet on it, although I have no desire to freeze money for such a long period.

I am surprised by those quotes, I thought Ukraine is considered stronger. I suppose there is also some influence on which team plays in their home country.

I was just checking the other paths and Protugal (1.9) is slightly ahead of Italy (2.0). In the 3rd path Russia (2.55) is favored against Poland (3.55) and Sweden (3.55). Czechia is an outsider (7.25)

Yes, absolutely all quotes are surprising. Is Portugal slightly better than Italy? How? I think the odds of Portugal and Italy are about 25% to 75%. But the funniest thing is the favorite of path B - Russia. I am from Russia and I do not understand why our team is rated so highly, I thought it would be rated as 3rd.

[rahmad2nd]

In fact, I agree with you, but the bookmakers have a diametrically opposite opinion:

Austria 3.00
Wales 3.50
Scotland 3.75
Ukraine 4.50

Ukraine is considered an outsider of the A. In my opinion, this is an underestimation of Ukraine and perhaps it makes sense to bet on it, although I have no desire to freeze money for such a long period.

I am surprised by those quotes, I thought Ukraine is considered stronger. I suppose there is also some influence on which team plays in their home country.

I was just checking the other paths and Protugal (1.9) is slightly ahead of Italy (2.0). In the 3rd path Russia (2.55) is favored against Poland (3.55) and Sweden (3.55). Czechia is an outsider (7.25)

Yes, absolutely all quotes are surprising. Is Portugal slightly better than Italy? How? I think the odds of Portugal and Italy are about 25% to 75%. But the funniest thing is the favorite of path B - Russia. I am from Russia and I do not understand why our team is rated so highly, I thought it would be rated as 3rd.

Word Cup will be interested to choose Cristiano Ronaldo with Portugal than Italy as final team later, but lets see who have potential will take place on final world cup country between Portugal or Italy as candidate pass to Qatar. I think Italy have bigger chance with their team composition player but still have early match before Italy vs Portugal if both country success win on first play off round, but if they can't win on first match play off maybe world cup without Cristiano Ronaldo.

[mv1986]

In fact, I agree with you, but the bookmakers have a diametrically opposite opinion:

Austria 3.00
Wales 3.50
Scotland 3.75
Ukraine 4.50

Ukraine is considered an outsider of the A. In my opinion, this is an underestimation of Ukraine and perhaps it makes sense to bet on it, although I have no desire to freeze money for such a long period.

I am surprised by those quotes, I thought Ukraine is considered stronger. I suppose there is also some influence on which team plays in their home country.

I was just checking the other paths and Protugal (1.9) is slightly ahead of Italy (2.0). In the 3rd path Russia (2.55) is favored against Poland (3.55) and Sweden (3.55). Czechia is an outsider (7.25)

Yes, absolutely all quotes are surprising. Is Portugal slightly better than Italy? How? I think the odds of Portugal and Italy are about 25% to 75%. But the funniest thing is the favorite of path B - Russia. I am from Russia and I do not understand why our team is rated so highly, I thought it would be rated as 3rd.

Word Cup will be interested to choose Cristiano Ronaldo with Portugal than Italy as final team later, but lets see who have potential will take place on final world cup country between Portugal or Italy as candidate pass to Qatar. I think Italy have bigger chance with their team composition player but still have early match before Italy vs Portugal if both country success win on first play off round, but if they can't win on first match play off maybe world cup without Cristiano Ronaldo.

I would not say that there is a clear favorite in that game. Both will be motivated, but Italy just won a big title. I don't know if all the players can really give their very best. Ronaldo will be extremely motivated for sure. He is the one who could make the difference. No matter which team has to leave in the end, it will be a loss for the fans in front of the TVs.

[Pulsar77]

In fact, I agree with you, but the bookmakers have a diametrically opposite opinion:

Austria 3.00
Wales 3.50
Scotland 3.75
Ukraine 4.50

Ukraine is considered an outsider of the A. In my opinion, this is an underestimation of Ukraine and perhaps it makes sense to bet on it, although I have no desire to freeze money for such a long period.

Bookmakers think the complete opposite thing that I think seemingly.    Because I'm expecting to see Wales defeating Austria and Ukraine moving Scotland out of their way. I definitely expect two competitive games here. But Wales and Ukraine have better attacking lines than their opponents I think. They can close their weaknesses in their defenses like this. And after that, Ukraine can beat Wales and join the World Cup.

[perfect999]

Bookmakers think the complete opposite thing that I think seemingly.    Because I'm expecting to see Wales defeating Austria and Ukraine moving Scotland out of their way. I definitely expect two competitive games here. But Wales and Ukraine have better attacking lines than their opponents I think. They can close their weaknesses in their defenses like this. And after that, Ukraine can beat Wales and join the World Cup.

In recent matches Austria is doing some better just because of this, Bookmakers are feeling into this way. Austria and Scotland can go for final of this Path as well but if this happens then surely Austria could be better team and can win this, but Ukraine is also having very good squad with some good players, and they can win this match and go for final against other winner. But still good thing from 55 tough European teams ten already qualified and now 3 more need to do this through this qualification which is not easy, let's watch how these teams prepare and done for their qualification.

[diyetisman]

I think that bookmakers might have a point there. They wouldn't determine these odds just for fun in the end. It would be better for us to bet on the games taking this information into account. I am not sure about the Wales - Austria matchup yet but I believe that Ukraine have a bigger chance to eliminate their opponent. I really like their attacking players as they are very talented.

[KTChampions]

In fact, I agree with you, but the bookmakers have a diametrically opposite opinion:

Austria 3.00
Wales 3.50
Scotland 3.75
Ukraine 4.50

Ukraine is considered an outsider of the A. In my opinion, this is an underestimation of Ukraine and perhaps it makes sense to bet on it, although I have no desire to freeze money for such a long period.

Bookmakers think the complete opposite thing that I think seemingly.    Because I'm expecting to see Wales defeating Austria and Ukraine moving Scotland out of their way. I definitely expect two competitive games here. But Wales and Ukraine have better attacking lines than their opponents I think. They can close their weaknesses in their defenses like this. And after that, Ukraine can beat Wales and join the World Cup.

Maybe bookmakers are guided by the mood of the fans (or rather, the money that they bet on various outcomes). Perhaps fans from rich countries generate a greater flow of money for these European teams (Ukraine is also an Europe but eastern), so bookmakers are forced to give such odds. It will be interesting to see who is right in the end.

[joker_josue]

Maybe bookmakers are guided by the mood of the fans (or rather, the money that they bet on various outcomes). Perhaps fans from rich countries generate a greater flow of money for these European teams (Ukraine is also an Europe but eastern), so bookmakers are forced to give such odds. It will be interesting to see who is right in the end.

Bookmakers are probably relying on the U17 result. Where Wales beat Ukraine 3-1. And then you should also take into account the fact that Wales has Gareth Bale in their team. But honestly, I see Ukraine as having a better chance of winning this match than Wales. Now, it won't be an easy game, it will certainly be a very unbeatable match until the last minute.

[ziyaaa]

I'm going to be excited about a probable Portugal - Italy matchup. It would be the biggest one among all of the paths to qualify for the World Cup. These teams are champion teams in the first place. It is really difficult to make a certain prediction about which team would be able to advance for sure. They both have almost the same chance actually. But still, it feels like Italy have a slightly bigger chance.

[coco23]

Maybe bookmakers are guided by the mood of the fans (or rather, the money that they bet on various outcomes). Perhaps fans from rich countries generate a greater flow of money for these European teams (Ukraine is also an Europe but eastern), so bookmakers are forced to give such odds. It will be interesting to see who is right in the end.

Bookmakers are probably relying on the U17 result. Where Wales beat Ukraine 3-1. And then you should also take into account the fact that Wales has Gareth Bale in their team. But honestly, I see Ukraine as having a better chance of winning this match than Wales. Now, it won't be an easy game, it will certainly be a very unbeatable match until the last minute.

I don't think bookmakers look at the U17, these are completely different teams after all. I suppose to some extend the quotes could be affected by hedging (if a lot of people put money on Team A it might be good to offer a better rate for Team B and a worse rate for Team A) but also by which team is playing in their home country. In fact the latter seems to have a huge influence when looking at the quotes discussed here as home teams have much smaller quotes than away teams. I wonder how big this influence in times of Covid and (at least semi-)empty stadiums is?

From what people write here, it seems to be easy money to bet against Russia and Austria 

[joker_josue]

From what people write here, it seems to be easy money to bet against Russia and Austria 

The vast majority of people bet on emotion and not rationality. They easily bet against countries they don't like, especially if they are going to play against someone they like.

[uneng]

I'm going to be excited about a probable Portugal - Italy matchup. It would be the biggest one among all of the paths to qualify for the World Cup. These teams are champion teams in the first place. It is really difficult to make a certain prediction about which team would be able to advance for sure. They both have almost the same chance actually. But still, it feels like Italy have a slightly bigger chance.

Italy was playing world cup qualifiers terribly, they were unable to win most games, achieving only boring ties against considered weak teams such as Northern Ireland and Bulgaria. And even though Switzerland isn't a weak team, Italy should have been superior to them, but they were unable to do it as well, staying in second position in group C. Considering it, Portugal seems to have some advantage over them.
However, at same time, Italy has played Eurocopa 2021 brightly and that is a very strong factor at their favour. I could even believe Italy has totally focused their effort and energy in Eurocopa until now and since it's over, they can fully concentrate their skills in world cup from this phase on.

[TheGreatPython]

Italy was playing world cup qualifiers terribly, they were unable to win most games, achieving only boring ties against considered weak teams such as Northern Ireland and Bulgaria. And even though Switzerland isn't a weak team, Italy should have been superior to them, but they were unable to do it as well, staying in second position in group C. Considering it, Portugal seems to have some advantage over them.
However, at same time, Italy has played Eurocopa 2021 brightly and that is a very strong factor at their favour. I could even believe Italy has totally focused their effort and energy in Eurocopa until now and since it's over, they can fully concentrate their skills in world cup from this phase on.

You are right in this concern, but sadly Italy is facing some serious trouble with too many injuries which are occurring these matches, and they have to face few unwanted draws against weak teams, so now they are in qualifiers for next world cup after losing their spot in last world cup, but surely we all know in few things no one can do any magic, so this happens in Italy case they are facing some terrible injuries with too many players but now good luck they have some good time hopefully during this period they will have some better options or alternative, so they will be able to play against strong opponent like Portugal and will qualify for next world cup.

[Juggy777]

Italy was playing world cup qualifiers terribly, they were unable to win most games, achieving only boring ties against considered weak teams such as Northern Ireland and Bulgaria. And even though Switzerland isn't a weak team, Italy should have been superior to them, but they were unable to do it as well, staying in second position in group C. Considering it, Portugal seems to have some advantage over them.
However, at same time, Italy has played Eurocopa 2021 brightly and that is a very strong factor at their favour. I could even believe Italy has totally focused their effort and energy in Eurocopa until now and since it's over, they can fully concentrate their skills in world cup from this phase on.

You are right in this concern, but sadly Italy is facing some serious trouble with too many injuries which are occurring these matches, and they have to face few unwanted draws against weak teams, so now they are in qualifiers for next world cup after losing their spot in last world cup, but surely we all know in few things no one can do any magic, so this happens in Italy case they are facing some terrible injuries with too many players but now good luck they have some good time hopefully during this period they will have some better options or alternative, so they will be able to play against strong opponent like Portugal and will qualify for next world cup.

@uneng in my personal opinion both the teams are starting fresh, because now it doesn’t matter what happened in the past few games as all that will matter is how they perform in their upcoming fixtures knowing that if they drop their guard down they’ll be eliminated. Furthermore as a Ronaldo fan I’m biased to say I want Portugal to qualify for the World Cup, but as a football fan I would be happy to see Italy qualify too if Portugal fails to qualify.