THE draw for the Qatar 2022 World Cup European playoffs has set two giants of the continent on a collision course.
The draw was held on Friday evening, splitting 12 teams into four pools.
With only three spots available, each pool will have two one-off semi-finals and a final. The winners of the three finals will head to Qatar.
The most intriguing group of the draw is the one containing both Portugal and Italy, the last two winners of the European Championship.
With the way the draw is structured, at least one of 2016 European champions Portugal and 2020 (2021) champions Italy will be eliminated, since only one team can qualify from their pool.
In their route, Path C, Italy will host North Macedonia in the semi-finals, while Portugal will welcome Turkey.
The winning semi-finalists will face off in the final for the sole ticket.
In Path A, Scotland battle Ukraine in the semi-finals as Wales face Austria.In Path B, it is Russia versus Poland and Sweden against Czech Republic.
2022 WORLD CUP EUROPEAN PLAY-OFF DRAW:
Path A Scotland vs. Ukraine Wales vs. Austria
Path B Russia vs. Poland Sweden vs. Czech Republic
Path C Italy vs. North Macedonia Portugal vs. Turkey
