Ronaldo, Lewandowski, Bale, others risk missing Qatar 2022 World Cup

Bayern Munich’s Polish forward Robert Lewandowski celebrates scoring the 3-0 goal during the German first division Bundesliga football match FC Bayern Munich v FC Union Berlin in Munich, southern Germany, on March 19, 2022. (Photo by MICHAELA REHLE / AFP) / DFL REGULATIONS PROHIBIT ANY USE OF PHOTOGRAPHS AS IMAGE SEQUENCES AND/OR QUASI-VIDEO

As ten European nations battle for three spots

Eleven European countries are still dreaming of earning their places at the Qatar 2022 World Cup later this year. They include Scotland, Wales, European champions Italy, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Sweden.

The play-off situation is a slightly different one now to that presented when the draw was made back in November, following Fifa’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russia, who were due to face Poland, have been disqualified from the competition, while Ukraine’s path A semi-final with Scotland has been postponed until June.

The 11 countries have been split into three sections, with only one nation advancing from each path.

Austria is aiming to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and will be Wales’ semi-final opponents in Cardiff.

They only finished fourth in their World Cup qualifying group (the same group as Scotland), but are in the play-offs as one of two nations who qualified because of their Nations League performance.

Real Madrid defender David Alaba and ex-West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic are among their major players.

Like Austria, Scotland is hoping to qualify for their first World Cup in 24 years.

Steve Clarke’s side, who played at Euro 2020, finished second in World Cup qualifying Group F – only losing to group winners Denmark.

Scotland beat Denmark 2-0 in the final round of