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      England Lionesses fans slam ‘fix’ after missing out on Team GB Olympics spot as they spot bizarre moment in Holland win

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      ENGLAND fans are convinced that the Lionesses were cheated out of their Olympic dream – and have branded the Dutch’s 4-0 victory over Belgium a FIX. England were three goals behind the Dutch on goal difference heading into last night’s games and had to make that up against Scotland to progress to the Nations League Finals.
      England players Lauren James, Alessia Russo, Georgia Stanway and Lucy Bronze huddled to await news from HollandCredit: Rex
      But six goals were not enough for the Lionesses’ to top the groupCredit: Rex
      Devastated players, including Kiera Walsh and Esme Morgan, thanked fans for their supportCredit: Rex
      And despite thumping Scotland 6-0 in their final group match, it was not enough to top the table.
      Holland were playing Belgium and leading 3-0 when Belgium replaced their goalkeeper in the 93rd minute.
      The Netherlands then scored their crucial fourth goal to take them ahead of England again – raising a lot of eyebrows among Lionesses fans.
      England led Scotland 5-0 when Damaris Eggurola put the Dutch 3-0 up in 91st minute, and back top of the group. 
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      With just seconds remaining in Hampden Park, Lucy Bronze headed in a sixth goal that saw the countries switch places again.
      But in the final kick of the game, Egurrola’s well-placed header sent the Dutch back to the top.
      And some observers were quick to pour cold water on Holland’s triumph.
      In the third minute of stoppage time, Belgium replaced keeper Nicky Evrard for Diede Lemey, who plays for Dutch league side Fortuna Sittard.
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      It was euphoria for the Netherlands in the final momentsCredit: Getty
      Belgium’s goalkeeper Diede Lemey was brought on in stoppage timeCredit: Rex
      England fans then showered social media with a mixture of conspiracy theories.
      One fan wrote: “Unbelievable fixing. Belgium substitute their goalkeeper and Netherlands score the winner.”
      Another person commented: “I wonder why Belgium changed goalkeeper.”
      A third wrote: “Heartbreaking for England. The other game was a complete fix.”
      A fourth said: “Tell me this wasn’t Belgium just letting them have a fourth by subbing their keeper.”
      Team GB’s women’s team could only reach Paris 2024 if nominated country England made it to the Nations League final.
      But even more bizarrely, Scotland themselves were accused of lying down to England.
      That’s because the Home Nations would have joined together to play for Team GB had they made the Olympics. More

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      Lionesses close to tears as Olympic dreams dashed by Holland on see-saw night despite thumping Scotland 6-0

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      LAUREN JAMES bagged a deadly double as England hammered Scotland 6-0.But it was not enough to seal the result they needed to top their Women’s Nations League group and keep hopes of Great Britain battling for Paris Olympics football medals alive. 
      Lauren James bagged twice for the LionessesCredit: Getty
      England’s big win wasn’t enough to qualify for the Olympics – with the players left close to tearsCredit: Reuters
      Lucy Bronze and Co were left gutted by the outcomeCredit: Reuters
      Just as the team thought it was mission accomplished as the Lionesses roared to a hefty win, Damaris Egurrola netted the goal that saw them leap back to pole position in group A1 and claim their place in the Women’s Nations League semis.
      It was see-saw night for the visitors. And one that ended with their Olympic hopes crushed.
      Coming into the game England no longer had their bid to top their group and reach the contest semis in their hands, despite beating Holland 3-2 last Friday. 
      At a bitterly cold Hampden Park, Sarina Wiegman’s side had two objectives. 
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      The first was to win their game and the second – to wipe out Holland’s three-goal advantage in the goal difference standings in group A1. 
      The match was a make or break moment in terms of whether they could move closer to clinching an Olympics spot for a Great Britain women’s football team. 
      That or seeing hopes of a British women’s football side battling for medals at the Paris games go up in smoke. 
      And in the dying seconds their hopes were dashed. 
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      The Lionesses and Scotland found themselves in the bizarre predicament of facing each other in a fixture that England needed to win in order to ensure players from both nations (as well Wales) are in with a chance of potentially playing at the Games next summer.
      Wiegman wanted her side to go wild in attack but not erratic. 
      They heeded her call taking a 12th-minute lead with Mead’s perfectly delivered corner-kick headed home by Alex Greenwood. 
      Moments later boos rang out from home fans with Lisa Evans looking to ref for a penalty after colliding with Lucy Bronze in the box but having no joy. 
      Lauren Hemp hit the woodwork at the half hour mark before Claire Emslie flashed the ball across goal in reply 
      And with Holland taking a lead against Belgium at that point the Lionesses now needed three more goals to top their group. 
      James answered their prayers with a 38th minute finish from the edge of the box before curling in a stylish for her second. 
      And Mead made it 4-0 close to half time following James’ cross into the box. 
      The second half saw Fran Kirby get in on the act pouncing on a drag back from Georgia Stanway. 
      Read More on The Sun
      While Holland went 3-0 up through danger woman Lineth Beerensteyn and Egurrola, England came perilously close to conceding with Martha Thomas striking the post. An injury time Lucy Bronze header initially looked to have put the result beyond doubt 
      But then up stepped Egurrola whose finish in Holland saw Team GB’s football  qualifying hopes dashed. 
      Vivianne Miedema and her Dutch team-mates pipped the Lionesses to qualifyCredit: Getty More

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      Scotland 0-6 England LIVE RESULT: Lionesses dealt late heartbreak as Team GB are denied Olympic spot on goal difference

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      THE Lionesses have been dealt late heartbreak in their pursuit of qualifying for the Paris Olympics on behalf of Team GB.England did everything they could against their rivals at Hampton Park, but two late goals for the Netherlands in their game against Belgium has secured top spot for the Dutch in Group A1 on goal difference and their place in France as a result.
      Team GB will not be heading to the Olympics next year – but what a year 2023 has been for the Lionesses.

      Match result: Scotland 0-6 England
      Scotland team: Gibson, Docherty, Mukandi, Corsie, Kerr, Hanson, Evans, McLauchlan, Clark, Emslie, Cuthbert
      England team: Earps, Bronze, Charles, Greenwood, Morgan, Walsh, Stanway, Mead, Kirby, James, Hemp

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      Follow our live blog below…
      That’s all from Hampden Park
      The Lionesses gave it absolutely everything today, but it wasn’t meant to be.
      Netherlands scored two late goals against Belgium to take the top spot in Group A1.
      Team GB will not be heading to the Olympics next year.
      But what a year 2023 has been for the Lionesses!
      Onto 2024 now…
      Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
      Credit: Getty
      The heartbeaking moment
      England found out about the other scoreline just moments after Lucy Bronze’s goal…

      Beth Mead reacts
      Speaking to BBC One, the England winger said: “Devastated. We did everything we possibly could on the pitch tonight. I thought the team were incredible.
      “Unfortunately it wasn’t in our hands, the Netherlands got the four goals, so fair play to them but obviously devastated to miss out on such small margins.”
      “It’s a tough one, maybe give us the rest of the night at least. The girls have worked so hard and we were incredible in this camp. We’ve done ourselves proud in both games.
      “Unfortunately it was out of our hands, maybe we let ourselves down earlier on in the competition. But we will keep working hard, come back stronger and I am excited to see what this team is about.”
      Credit: PA
      Netherlands 4-0 Belgium
      Netherlands scored two goals in added time to seal their spot at the top of Group A1 just when England thought they had done enough.
      Credit: Getty
      Team GB’s Olympics hopes crushed
      With England finishing second in the group, Team GB will now not compete at next year’s Olympics in Paris.
      Credit: Reuters
      England OUT of Nations League
      Netherlands have won 4-0 after scoring two late goals.
      Heartbreak for the Lionesses.
      Team GB won’t be at the Olympics next year.
      Full Time – Scotland 0-6 England
      What a result! Now we wait…
      90+3. GOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLL ENGLAND!!!
      Bronze with the header at the back post!
      That might just be enough to cement England’s spot at the top of Group A1!
      Credit: Reuters
      90+1. Scotland 0-5 England
      What a save! Mary Earps!
      The England keeper is forced into action after Thomas goes for goal from close range.
      She makes an incredible stop to keep that five-goal margin!
      90+1. Scotland 0-5 England
      Three minutes have been added on…
      88. Scotland 0-5 England
      England have a free kick on the right and it is taken by Greenwood.
      The defender sends a menacing cross into the box as Docerty attempts to head it clear, but her header deflects into the path of Gibson, who can make the save.
      86. Scotland 0-5 England
      The Lionesses go on the hunt for a sixth as Stanway is given the time and space to make another run.
      However, the final attempt on goal is saved by Gibson.
      England are still top of the group, but they might need another goal here to seal the deal.
      83. Scotland 0-5 England
      Scotland go on the attack again as Thomas makes a run down the left before crossing the ball to Harrison.
      Harrison then tries to sneak the ball past Earps at the front post with a clever flick, but her effort runs wide.
      79. Scotland 0-5 England
      Another change for Scotland.
      Hanson is replaced by Harrison.
      76. Scotland 0-5 England
      Hemp, who moved onto the right following Russo’s introduction, makes a run down the wing before sending a cross into the box.
      Russo goes for goal with a header, but her effort is saved.
      Toone then goes for the rebound, but Brown intercepts to make the clearance.
      71. Scotland 0-5 England
      Huge chance for Scotland!
      Hanson runs through on goal one-on-one with Earps, but the England keeper times her run well and gets a hand to the ball, sending the Scotland star wide.
      Hanson then goes for goal, but her effort is off-target.
      67. Scotland 0-5 England
      Earps is forced into one of her first saves of the game as Scotland go for goal.
      After some confusion in the box, Napier’s shot is parried away by the England keeper.
      65. Scotland 0-5 England
      England make two changes now.
      Russo replaces Mead.
      Toone replaces Kirby.
      Beth Mead scored her first England goal in 15 months tonightCredit: Getty
      64. Scotland 0-5 England
      Another chance for Scotland.
      Thomas is on to replace Emslie.
      60. Scotland 0-5 England
      England have a free kick in a dangerous area following a foul on James from Cuthbert.
      Greenwood goes for goal, but it is saved by Gibson!
      59. Scotland 0-5 England
      Huge chance for England to get a sixth!
      After Scotland fail to clear their lines in defence, the ball falls to Kirby who rattles the bar with her shot!
      Scotland eventually clear the danger…
      SCORE UPDATE: Netherlands 2-0 Belgium
      Netherlands have got another.
      They now just need one more goal to return to the top of the group…
      50. Scotland 0-5 England
      Stanway makes her way down the right with the ball before squaring it across goal and into the box.
      Kirby, who is left completely unmarked, manages to run into the space before slotting the ball past Gibson.
      Without hesitation the midfielder then picks up the ball before running back to the halfway line to put it on the spot. England are hungry for more.
      Credit: Getty
      49. GOOOOAAAAALLLLLL ENGLAND!!!!!
      It’s five!
      Kirby with the goal!
      Kick Off – Scotland 0-4 England
      We’re back underway!
      Scotland made three chances at the break.
      Brown has replaced Mitchell.
      Napier has replaced McLauchlan.
      Howard has replaced Clark. More

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      How Scotland Women will have to LOSE to England to qualify Team GB for Olympics 2024

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      SCOTLAND face England in the Women’s Nations League on Tuesday night in a match of extraordinary consequences.For the Scots, a DEFEAT – not a win – will keep alive hopes of playing at the Olympics in Paris next year.
      Olympics hopes at stake when Scotland face EnglandCredit: Getty
      Scotland vs England permutations
      Scotland face England on Tuesday night in the Nations League knowing a LOSS will keep alive players’ hopes of featuring in the Olympics next year.
      This is because Team GB can only reach the Olympics if the nominated nation England make it to the Nations League finals and reach the final.
      And after beating the Netherlands 3-2 with a last-gasp goal, the Lionesses now have to beat Scotland to stand a chance of advancing to the Nations League finals.
      England are level on points with the Netherlands on top of the Nations League Group A, but sit behind Dutch on goal difference.
      England boss Sarina Wiegman – who will also manage Team GB at the Olympics next year if they qualify – said: “We need to win in Scotland, we really need to win.
      “We are dependent on the other game but if we want to progress we need a really good win by four goals I would say.
      “What we can control is playing well and winning that game. That is what we need to do first. We can’t control what the others do.”
      Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert, Aston Villa’s Rachel Corsie and Tottenham’s Martha Thomas are among the Scottish stars that Wiegman could look to include in her Team GB squad.
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      Sarina Wiegman’s England are the nominated nation to qualify on behalf of Team GB for the OlympicsCredit: Getty
      When is Scotland vs England?
      Scotland vs England in the Nations League takes place on Tuesday, December 5.
      The match kicks off at 7.45pm.
      And will be broadcast live on BBC One. More

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      Alisha Lehmann sticks her tongue out in cheeky pic on international return as fans ask ‘why are you so beautiful?’

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      ALISHA LEHMANN has wowed her followers with some new pictures as she jets off on international duty.The Aston Villa star was called up for the Switzerland national team ahead of their matches against Sweden and Italy in the Nations League.
      Alisha Lehmann stunned as she shared a snap to her Instagram before heading on international dutyCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Alisha is preparing for some Nations League clashes with SwitzerlandCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      Before heading from Birmingham to Switzerland she stopped to pose for a photo with her suitcase.
      The 24-year-old was sporting some Louis Vuitton trousers, a fluffy jacket and some shades as she got ready for her flight.
      After touching down in Switzerland she updated her 16.1MILLION Instagram followers with some snaps from her training session with the national team.
      And her adoring fans were blown away by the photos and showered her with compliments in the comments section.
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      One wrote: “The princess of football!”
      While another asked: “Why are you so beautiful?”
      A third simply commented: “Dreamy.”
      And a fourth added: “Beautiful mesmerising marvel.”
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      Alongside her impressive online following Alisha has an impressive set of skills on the pitch to match.
      The former West Ham forward has featured six times for Aston Villa this season and is hoping to build on her campaign last term.
      She managed five goals in 22 appearances for the Villans in the WSL last season.
      She will be hoping to make her 61st appearances for the Switzerland national team this Friday as they try to pick up their first points in Group 4 of the Nations League.
      Scroll down to see more of Alisha’s glam life
      Alisha Lehmann plays for Aston VillaCredit: Rex
      She is one of the WSL’s top starsCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7
      Alisha has amassed a huge following onlineCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      She has even created her own calendar for her fansCredit: Instagram @alishalehmann7
      She has over 16 million followers on InstagramCredit: instagram/alishalehmann7
      Alisha has joined the Prime teamCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7
      Lehmann is the most-followed female footballer in the world.Credit: instagram
      Lehmann seems delighted to be partnering KSI and Logan PaulCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7
      She has previously shown off her ‘PRIME’ chainCredit: Instagram / @alishalehmann7
      She is also a Switzerland internationalCredit: Getty More

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      Scotland’s Euro 2024 draw simulated as Steve Clarke’s men handed group of death with final table revealed

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      WE won’t find out until December 2 who Steve Clarke and Scotland get for real in the Euro 2024 draw.Indeed, the identity of the final three qualifiers will be unknown until March when the play-off process is completed.
      Steve Clarke will learn Scotland’s fate for real next monthCredit: Getty
      But we’ve fast-forwarded a week or two at SunSport to simulate the draw right now – and the results won’t make great reading for the Tartan Army.
      Bizarrely, you have to go back to 1998 for the only time that a major tournament featuring two home nations DIDN’T see at least two of them paired in the same group.
      England found themselves paired with Wales at both the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2016, and grouped with Scotland at Euro 2020.
      It remains to be seen whether the same will transpire at Germany next summer but that’s not who we’ve been paired with in our totally random simulation.

      Instead we land a third crack at Spain – who we split the series with in qualifying, winning one and losing one.
      You could argue that hands Clarke’s men an advantage should we meet again in Germany next summer – although you could quite equally make the opposite case.
      But with a Fifa ranking of eight – and featuring the talents of stars like Rodri, Pedri, Gavi and Alvaro Morata – they’re no easy touch.
      From the second pot of seeds, our random prediction lands us with Austria – a side who we beat on their own patch during the previous qualification campaign.
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      That will stand us in good stead in a tournament were four of the third place finishers will also make it out of the group stages.
      But the really bad news for Clarke’s men – should this simulation come true at the start of next month – is the fact that we landed Italy from Pot 4.
      How our simulator turned out
      Luciano Spaletti’s men are the HOLDERS of the competition and quite frankly are the side no-one wants to see coming out of Pot 4.
      Steve Clarke’s men will fancy their chances of getting out of ANY group come the summer.
      But Swiss Football Data’s prediction algorithm at least doesn’t give them much credit.
      They predict that the Scots would finish bottom of that group – with Spain finishing first, Italy second and Austria coming third.
      Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page  More

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      Stephen Kenny SACKED as Republic of Ireland boss after FAI confirm no contract extension following Euro 2024 disaster

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      STEPHEN Kenny has been sacked as Republic of Ireland boss after FAI brass confirmed they won’t be offering him a contract extension.The news comes after a horrific EURO 2024 qualifying campaign in which his side won just two games.
      Stephen Kenny has been sacked
      FAI brass confirmed they won’t be offering him a contract extension
      The move comes after a horrific EURO 2024 qualifying campaign
      Kenny’s dismissal comes after Ireland finished fourth in Group B EURO 2024 qualifying from five teams.
      FAI confirmed his departure in a lengthy statement this evening after last night 1-1 draw at home against New Zealand.
      The statement read: “Following a meeting this evening and a presentation to the Board by CEO Jonathan Hill and Director of Football Marc Canham.
      “The FAI Board has decided that Stephen Kenny’s contract as Manager of the Ireland senior men’s national team will not be renewed following the conclusion of the UEFA EURO 2024 qualification process.

      “Having reviewed the EURO 2024 qualification campaign in its entirety, and recognising how difficult the Group was, the results needed to realise our goal of qualification for the Tournament were not achieved.
      “The Board agrees that now is the right time for change ahead of the friendly matches in March and June 2024 and the next Nations League campaign starting in September 2024.
      “FAI CEO Jonathan Hill commented, “Over the period of his tenure, Stephen and his staff have worked tirelessly to create the right environment to support the development of our senior men’s team, and we are hugely grateful for that considerable contribution.
      “Stephen has also overseen an important period of transition for our senior men’s national team and has given debuts to a significant number of new and younger players and this will serve as a solid platform for whoever now takes this group of players forward.”
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      FAI President Gerry McAnaney added: “The Board and all at the FAI would like to sincerely thank Stephen and his staff for their hard work, professionalism and unwavering dedication to the team, the fans, and to Irish football.
      “We wish Stephen every success for the future.”
      The recruitment process for a new Head Coach is now underway.
      Kenny was close to tears when he discussing he run as Ireland manager following Ireland’s 1-1 draw against New Zealand earlier this week.
      ‘NOTHING WILL COMPARE’
      And he said nothing would ever compare to managing Ireland as his reign drew to an end.
      Speaking after what was his final game in charge, Kenny said: “It may well be my last match, that has been well documented and if it is, so be it. I’ve had the privilege of managing my country.”
      He added: “Of course it would be a dream to carry on but my instinct is that is not going to happen and the evidence would suggest it’s not going to happen.”
      “And so do I, so does everyone. We will have to see. I’ve had amazing support from my staff and it’s been an amazing journey with the 21s and the last three years with the senior team.”
      Asked if any other job could rival this in terms of what it meant to him, he said: “No, nothing could ever. Irish supporters gave been great home and away.
      “No matter what I do in life, it would be a step down.”
      KENNY CRITICS
      Kenny came in for fierce criticism during his tenure – including from former Ireland legends.
      Richard Dunne said he believes the Ireland job remains a ‘very attractive’ one despite Stephen Kenny leading the side to rock bottom.
      The Virgin Media pundit has been a consistent critic of Kenny’s – long before the wider tide of public opinion turned against him.
      Dunne told Betway: “We’re almost at rock bottom and the only way is up.
      “I think he’s had three-and-a-half years to get his philosophy across but it’s just not transferred into results.
      “It’s not made us competitive in the qualifying groups.
      “He’s given a lot of debuts but the final judgement comes down to results and they just haven’t been there.
      “There may be other people out there. It’s still a very attractive job and there’s still some good players in this squad.
      “It’s an opportunity to build, and there’s surely someone who sees this as a good challenge for them.
      “Hopefully we can look forward to the future with a little more optimism.”
      The recruitment process for a new manager to replace Kenny is underway More

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      Minnows ranked 118th in world land Euro 2024 playoff place despite ZERO qualifying wins and fewer goals than San Marino

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      ESTONIA are one step away from qualifying for Euro 2024 despite winning ZERO games.The Minnows have lost seven of their eight matches in qualification – but have landed a play-off place on a technicality.
      Estonia have made the play-offs due to bizarre ruleCredit: Getty
      Estonia goalkeeper Karl Hein is Arsenal’s third choice goalkeeperCredit: Getty
      Estonia conceded 22 goals during those eight games, scoring just twice and suffering back-to-back 5-0 defeats to Sweden and Belgium.
      That dismal goal return is lower than San Marino, who scored in three consecutive games during qualifying.
      Estonia’s rotten record places them bottom of the group and, in normal circumstances, would see them eliminated from Euro 2024.
      But not this time – after a technicality means the 118th ranked Minnows have sensationally landed a play-off space.
      READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWS
      While they suffered a humiliating Euro group campaign, Estonia prospered in the Nations League.
      They topped Group D – the lowest ranked group – ahead of Malta and the aforementioned San Marino.
      In order to make the Euro play-offs, 12 teams are selected from Leagues A, B and C, who are then replaced by the next highest-ranked team in their league if they’ve already qualified for Germany.
      But if fewer than four teams from the same league enter the play-offs, the highest-ranked team in League D are given the spot instead.
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      And after Czech Republic beat Moldova 3-0 on Monday, Estonia’s spot was confirmed.
      But they face Robert Lewandowski and Poland in the play-off round – meaning they have a significantly uphill task.
      If Estonia beat Poland, they will play the winner of the other Path A semifinal- Wales, Finland, Ukraine or Iceland- for a spot at Euro 2024.
      Meanwhile, the draw for the final tournament will be made at a ceremony in Hamburg, Germany, on December 2. More