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      Ecuador vs Brazil: Live stream, TV channel, kick-off time and team news for World Cup qualifier

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      SOUTH AMERICAN World Cup qualifying is back for a re-arranged round of fixtures.Brazil have already booked their place in Qatar and are now focused on securing top spot in the Conmebol table.
      Ecuador stunned Chile in Santiago in their last qualifierCredit: EPA
      Brazil have already qualified for the World CupCredit: AFP
      They travel to the altitude of Quito to take on a young and promising Ecuador side who are very close to qualifying themselves.
      The Ecuadorians lie in third place, six points ahead of fifth with the top four to make it to Qatar automatically.
      What time does Ecuador vs Brazil kick off?

      Ecuador take on Brazil on Thursday, January 27.
      The match kicks off at 9pm UK time – 4pm in Quito and 6pm in Rio de Janeiro.
      It will be held at the Estadio Rodrigo Paz Delgado, Quito.
      The sides last met in this summer’s Copa America, when they drew 1-1 in Goiania.

      What TV channel is Ecuador vs Brazil on and can I live stream it?

      Ecuador vs Brazil is live on Premier Sports 1 in the UK.
      Coverage commences at 9pm.
      To stream the game live, head to the Premier Player.
      A Premier Sports subscription costs £12.99/month or £14.99/month via Amazon Prime.

      Team news
      Byron Castillo and Luis Fernando Leon have been left out of the Ecuador squad due to injury.
      Neymar will play no part for Brazil as a result of an ankle injury, but Barcelona’s Dani Alves has returned to the squad.
      Roberto Firmino and Richarlison have not been called up for the Selecao.
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      England boss Wiegman reckons high-scoring defeats are not good for development of women’s game

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      SARINA WIEGMAN thinks top sides demolishing minnows in women’s international games is harmful to the sport’s development.  The Lionesses boss was reflecting on her team’s 20-0 crushing of their opponents, the highest-scoring win EVER for an English national side. 
      England recorded the biggest ever international win with their 20-0 thumping of LatviaCredit: Getty
      The whopping scoreline comes in a month in which five teams fell to double-figure drubbings in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
      Results include Belgium’s merciless 19-0 thumping of Armenia with the team ranked 109 places below their victors in Fifa’s rankings. 
      And it prompted questions on whether lower-ranked sides – new to international competition – should have to pre-qualify to battle top teams for a World Cup spot.
      Wiegman said: “You want competitive games and these are not competitive games. 
      “You want to develop the well-developed countries already and the countries that are not that far. I think we have to look at it. I’ve said that before.
      “In every country, you want to develop the women’s game but I don’t think it’s good that the scores now are so high. 
      “I know that has the attention of the federations and Uefa and Fifa, and that’s good because I don’t think a 20-0 game is good for the development of anyone.”

      Wiegman’s sentiments on hefty drubbings on the world stage were echoed by ex-England forward Lianne Sanderson.
      And the football pundit suggested it may take time to quell negative stereotypes and comments in response to high scoring victories in women’s games. 
      In a comment published on Twitter, Sanderson wrote: “I don’t know what the answers are because you can only play and beat what’s in front of you, so well done England – but 20-0 isn’t good for the women’s game at all. 
      “Unfortunately, it’s going to take a while to shake stereotypes because whenever there is a high-scoring women’s game, people react differently to if it’s a men’s game. 
      “Or if a goalkeeper makes a mistake people again react differently. That’s just the reality, unfortunately.”
      England had four players notch up hat-tricks in their defeat of Latvia at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium.
      Ellen White was among the quartet who bagged three goals to take her international tally to 48.
      Ellen White became the Lionesses all-time top scorer during England’s defeat of LatviaCredit: Rex
      The Manchester City striker made history by breaking Kelly Smith’s record of 46 goals become to Lionesses all-time leading scorer. 
      The hefty victory comes five weeks after they beat their opponents 11-0 away. 
      And it left Wiegman eagerly looking ahead to a round-robin February tournament with the Lionesses facing Germany, Spain and Olympic Gold winners Canada. 
      Wiegman added: “We really need some top-level games now which we’re going to have because then we’ll really know where we are. 
      “I do think we have done very well and we’re doing very well but we know we need those high-level games to really know where we stand.
      Northern Ireland beat Macedonia 9-0 at their Seaview home groundCredit: Getty
      “I’m really positive about that. But we have to see.”
      Elsewhere in Group D Northern Ireland thrashed North Macedonia 9-0 in front of a full house of their home fans at Seaview. 
      The game, which followed an 11-0 away rout of their rivals, saw Liverpool’s Rachel Furness surpassing David Healy to become Northern Ireland’s all-time top scorer with 38 goals. 
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      Wiegman urges England to be ‘aggressive’ against Latvia as team prepare for clash without Parris

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      SARINA WIEGMAN wants England to show no mercy in front of goal against Latvia when the two sides clash in Doncaster later. And the head coach praised Ellen White’s consistency with the Man City ace two strikes short of becoming the Lionesses’ all-time top scorer.
      Sarina Wiegman’s England side will play Latvia next following their 1-0 win against AustriaCredit: Getty
      Wiegman’s aces face Latvia in their second World Cup qualifier this month and following a 10-0 thrashing of their opponents back in October. 
      The England chief, 52, told reporters: “It’s about just getting our game to the next level again.
      “So, speed up the game, have a high ball tempo, but also being patient, having runs behind the defence – we’re just putting emphasis on those things all the time. 
      “And then in the final third, stay aggressive, keep scanning and composed, and of course, ruthless, to get the ball in the net.
      “The team has to collaborate really well, stay connected and co-operate well so we can create many, many chances and score these goals.”
      The hosts, who have opened up a five-point gap at the top of their qualifying group, will be without the services of Nikita Parris. 
      The Arsenal forward, 27, has returned home from the camp for a few days’ rest amid worries of her being overplayed. 

      The former Lyon star could be set to feature for the Gunners on Sunday when they take on Chelsea in the FA Cup final. 
      On Parris’ departure, Wiegman added: “Nikita has had so much load during the last two years, from (her move from) Lyon to England she hardly had any rest. 
      “We had some chats with her, also with the medical staff, and after the game we decided, together with her, it was good for her to have a few days off.”
      Nikita Parris has returned home from England’s camp amid worries of the forward being overplayedCredit: Rex
      Ellen White could be in line to start against Latvia with the forward aiming to break Kelly Smith’s all-time international scoring record of 46 goals. 
      On White potentially becoming England’s highest ever scorer, Wiegman said: “She has shown so much consistency, the way she lives football, that’s the only way you can do things like this.
      “It would be really nice if she scores a record goal, but we just have to score goals – it doesn’t really matter who scores the goals, as long as we score a lot of them.”
      The duel between England and Latvia, who have lost all four qualifiers they have played, will take place at Doncaster Rovers’ Keepmoat Stadium, 
      The League Two club’s home has also been used by the Doncaster Rovers Belles, a team that has produced several top WSL players including Lionesses skipper Millie Bright.
      Former Doncaster Belle Millie Bright will skipper England against Latvia at Keepmoat StadiumCredit: Getty
      Wiegman added: “I learned a little about Doncaster – the Belles of course – about their tremendous history and them winning prizes in their earlier years. 
      “What (their past) players have done there makes the next generation take the next step. 
      “We should always be thankful for the generation of (England) players that have come through there.” 
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      England Women’s boss Sarina Wiegman takes her first training session with the Lionesses More

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      England 1 Austria 0: Lionesses ace White bags winner in landmark 100th game as Wiegman’s side beat Austria

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      ELLEN WHITE feels ‘super lucky’ to become an England centurion as the Lionesses thwarted stubborn Austria in a 1-0 win at the Stadium of Light. The forward’s match-winning strike on her 100th game saw her move a goal short of Kelly Smith’s all-time record with the hosts unbeaten in five World Cup qualifiers. 
      Ellen White moved one goal shy of equalling Kelly Smith’s all-time record of 46 international goalsCredit: Zuma Press
      White netted England’s winner in the Lionesses World Cup qualifier clash with AustriaCredit: Getty
      Before the game White – who has netted 45 times for the team –  was presented with a special jersey to mark her milestone landmark appearance. 
      And it was fitting the Manchester City star bagged the winner against the team she scored against during her first senior performance in 2010. 
      White, 32, said: “It’s come full circle for me in terms of making my debut against Austria and then my 100th cap. 
      “I’m incredibly proud to have represented the country 100 times. 
      “I feel super lucky to be part of this team and be surrounded by such talented players and for us to get the win, that was the main goal. 
      “It was a really tough game in tough conditions and I’m really proud to have helped the team win.”
      England’s victory saw them strengthen their grip on pole position in the Group D battle for a 2023 World Cup spot. 
      And White’s strike saw the Lionesses consign the visitors to their first defeat in the qualifiers with her side yet to concede against any of their rivals. 

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      Sarina Wiegman, 52, added: “I’ve gotten to know Ellen as a real professional player, a terrific team player with the consistency she brings and still she wants to become better every day. 
      “If you have 100 caps, it means you’ve been so consistent. “You also see that everyone is so happy that she scored. 
      “But as long as we keep scoring goals then we’re happy and if she will break that record we will be very happy for her.
      Wiegman predicted a tougher test for England following their 4-0 defeat of Northern Ireland and 8-0 and 10-0 hammerings of North Macedonia, Latvia and Luxembourg. 
      And Austria were keen to give them one at various moments although the hosts had the strongest chances. 
      Fran Kirby was a persistent threat in attack along with Beth MeadCredit: ©MI News & Sport Ltd
      Fran Kirby came close to teeing up Lauren Hemp in the 14th minute with the winger narrowly missing the chance to bury a cross at the back post.
      England were denied moments later with a corner finding its way to Beth Mead with a high boot from Laura Weinrother thwarting her chance to score.
      The hosts turned up the pressure around the half-hour mark with Hemp forcing a quality save from Manuela Zinsberger.
      And they looked set to bag a goal when Mead’s pass glanced narrowly over the head of White before the England hotshot bundled the ball home following a Kirby cross. 
      The second half saw Austria up the ante forcing two stunning stops from Mary Earps. 
      I do think now we also need to be exposed to top, top countries and top opponents which will occur in February. Then we can really see where we areSarina Wiegman
      First from a Barbara Dunst shot a leaping one-handed save from the keeper in the 49th minute. 
      And then from Maria Plattner’s strike with Earps pushing the ball over the bar moments later with England caught short in defence. 
      Wiegman added: “Those two saves were difference makers because we’re 1-0 (up). She needed to have a very explosive action two times in a row. She made the difference.”
      The hosts had a penalty shout waved away after Austria skipper Carina Wenninger appeared to bring Mead down in the box around the 60th minute. 
      Skipper Millie Bright looked set to double England’s lead following a 67th-minute corner before the ball was headed out of danger. 
      And a last-ditch tackle denied White a chance to equal Kelly Smith’s record tally of 46 international goals before the win was sealed ahead of a clash with Latvia. 
      The result means England have won all five games played under Wiegman since her September arrival. 
      The England boss said: “I’m really proud of the performances. This was one of the hardest games I think. 
      “But I do think now we also need to be exposed to top, top countries and top opponents which will occur in February. Then we can really see where we are.”
      Mary Earps pulled off two quality saves to protect England’s slim leadCredit: Focus Images
      The nominees for the 2021 Women’s Ballon d’Or from UK teams More

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      Wiegman expecting tough Austria test and hails White’s ‘amazing journey’ to 100 England international caps

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      SARINA WIEGMAN hopes Ellen White will ‘have fun’ when she makes her landmark 100th senior England appearance.  But the Lionesses boss warned helping the striker break Kelly Smith’s all-time scoring record will not be the team’s priority against Austria. 
      Ellen White is in line to make her 100th senior appearance for England when they play Austria – and is close to breaking Kelly Smith;s all-time goal record for the LionessesCredit: Reuters
      England face their sternest World Cup qualifier test against their rivals at the Stadium of Light with both sides unbeaten in Group D after four games.
      And their upcoming clashes in Sunderland and Doncaster could see White surpass Smith’s tally of 46 goals with the Manchester City ace, 32, just three short of equalling this figure.
      On whether the Lionesses will be looking to help White break the record, Wiegman, 52, said: “It doesn’t matter who scores, we just have to score goals as a team. 
      “We’ll be really happy when she breaks the record, but it’s not our main point to have Ellen score. We have to score the goals.
      “Ellen is focusing on the game and it is going to be a special one. Hopefully, she will have a great performance for herself and for the team. 
      “She has had an amazing journey (in the game) and to reach 100 caps is so impressive.” 

      Skipper Millie Bright added: “Ellen is fully focused on the game and is a true professional. Everything she does is for the team.
      “Obviously, it’s something that will be in the back of her mind, but her focus is 100 per cent on the team and going out and putting on a good performance for the fans.”
      Austria, who are second and two points behind England in Group D, have won three and drawn one of their four qualifiers this year netting 21 goals.
      Current players in the side that reached the 2017 Euros semi-finals include Arsenal keeper Manuela Zinsberger and Hoffenheim striker Nicole Billa. 
      But the visitores will be without skipper Viktoria Schnaderbeck with the Gunners centre-back currently out of action with an injury. 
      Sarina Wiegman expects Austria to be a tougher challenge for England followingCredit: Getty
      Meanwhile, the Lionesses will be without stand-in skipper Leah Williamson due to hamstring problems with Bright set to captain the side in their next two games. 
      A win for Austria would see them leapfrog England to the top of Group D with Wiegman’s aces facing Latvia at Doncaster’s Keepmoat Stadium on Tuesday. 
      The team, currently ranked the 21st best side in the world, will be a stiffer test for England with the visitors yet to lose a qualifier clash.
      Wiegman added: “They have a style of play that’s very organised. I expect a tougher game than any other we’ve played so far.”
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      World Cup 2022 play-off draw LIVE REACTION: Scotland face Ukraine, Wales vs Austria plus potential for Portugal vs Italy

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      SCOTLAND, Wales, Portugal and Italy have discovered their fate for the World Cup play-offs.The Welsh will face Austria, while Scotland face a tricky home tie against Ukraine at Hampden Park.
      Both nations are in Path A and could therefore then face-off for a place in Qatar if they make it through the semi-finals.
      While Italy and Portugal have also been drawn in the same path, meaning at least one of them will miss out on the finals.
      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

      Follow all the latest reaction below in our live blog…

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      THAT’s ALL FOR TONIGHT

      Wooooooow………

      We MIGHT not see Cristiano Ronaldo at the Qatar World Cup, possibly his last!

      Portugal might face European champions Italy in the play-off final with both being drawn in Path C.

      Luckily for Portugal, should they get past Turkey, they’ll be the home team for the final.

      A little bit closer to home, Scotland and Wales COULD battle it out for a spot in Qatar in Path A, but they have to get past Ukraine and Austria respectively.

      Goodnight!RON LAST TIME

      If Portugal fail to qualify for the 2022 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo is unlikely to play in 2026.

      He will be 41-years-old by the time the next one comes around.

      NAIL-BITER

      Who’s your money on?

      The Euro 2016 winners Portugal, or the Euro 2020 winners Italy?

      Both, of course, have to beat Turkey and North Macedonia respectively to then face each other.

      PLAY-OFF FINAL HOSTS

      PATH A

      The winner of Wales vs Austria will host the World Cup play-off final against either Scotland or Ukraine.

      PATH B

      Either Russia or Poland will host the play-off final from Path B, welcoming either Sweden or the Czech Republic.

      PATH C

      And finally, Portugal or Turkey will host the winner of Italy and North Macedonia.

      Wales or Austria vs Scotland or UkraineRussia or Poland vs Sweden or Czech RepublicPortugal or Turkey vs Italy or North MacedoniaPATHWAYS CONFIRMED

      Wow……

      Three very, very tough paths to the Qatar World Cup.

      Path A:

      Scotland vs UkraineWales vs Austria

      Path B:

      Russia vs PolandSweden vs Czech Republic

      Path C:

      Italy vs North MacedoniaPortugal vs TurkeyPATH C

      Italy will welcome North Macedonia.

      And Portugal will play Turkey!PATH B

      Poland will take on Russia.

      And Sweden will host Euro 2020 quarter-finalists Czech Republic. PATH A

      We’re now into the unseeded teams who will play their semi-final away from home.

      Ukraine are drawn first and they will play Scotland!

      Austria are out of Pot 2 next and they will take on Wales.

      Path A looks interesting to say the least!PATH C

      Oh my……….

      PORTUGAL and ITALY have been drawn into Path C!

      Should they both win their semi-finals, they WILL face each other for a place at the Qatar World Cup.PATH B

      Russia and Sweden have been drawn into Path B.PATH A

      Scotland and Wales have been drawn into Path A, meaning they COULD face each other in the final for a place at the World Cup.HERE WE GO!

      THE DRAW IS ABOUT TO START!WORLD CUP SCHEDULE

      Whilst we wait for the official draw to get underway, here’s all the key dates you need to know for next year’s tournament.

      TARTAN ARMY

      Will Scotland reach their first World Cup in over two decades?

      WHICH TEAMS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORLD CUP PLAYOFF DRAW?

      Here’s a reminder of who’s in today’s draw:

      SEEDED

      Portugal, Italy, Scotland, Russia, Sweden, Wales

      UNSEEDED

      Austria, North Macedonia, Turkey, Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic

      Just THREE teams will book their place in Qatar.NOT LONG TO GO

      The draw is due to start at 4PM UK time.MIDFIELD MAESTROS

      Jorginho could face Portuguese powerhouse Joao Palhinha in their World Cup play-off decider.

      Despite Palhinha being the more defensive out of the two, he managed to chip in with two goals during qualifying.

      HERO TO ZERO

      Italy failed to qualify automatically for the World Cup after just winning Euro 2020.

      They saw off England at Wembley on penalties to re-announce themselves as one of Europe’s heavyweights.

      But it hasn’t quite gone to plan as they finished second in their qualifying group behind Switzerland.

      Chelsea’s Jorginho missed a crucial penalty in the last round of fixtures this month which would’ve booked their place in Qatar.

      Now, they have a real possibility of facing Portugal for a spot at the tournament.

      HOW DOES THE DRAW WORK?

      The play-off draw can be rather confusing, so here’s how it works:

      The last three European slots for the Fifa World Cup are allocated via a 12-team play-off systemTen runners-up from the group stage plus the next two best teams from the Uefa Nations League go into the hatThe six highest-ranked runners-up from the group stage are seeded in Pot 1 and are guaranteed to play their semi-final at homeThe remaining six teams are unseeded in Pot 2 and will be drawn against the seeded nations in Pot 1The one-legged semi-finals are separated into three ‘Paths’ featuring four teams, leading to one-legged finals between semi-final winnersA further draw will take place to decide which team plays at home in these finalsThe winners of the finals from the three ‘Paths’ will be the trio of additional European qualifiers for Qatar 2022HORROR DRAW

      Portugal and Italy COULD face each other if this simulated draw is right.

      SunSport’s simulation would see Portugal face minnows North Macedonia, and Italy would take on Austria.

      And if both get through the semis unscathed, they would then face each other in a blockbuster World Cup shootout.

      LAST DANCE

      After losing their last group game to Serbia, Portugal were dumped into the play-offs.

      Despite Cristiano Ronaldo netting six during qualifying, it wasn’t enough to carry his Euro 2016 winners to the Qatar World Cup.

      It may be Ronaldo’s last chance of World Cup glory.

      WE CAN DO IT

      Italy striker Domenico Berardi is confident that Italy can secure qualification from the World Cup play-off.

      The Euro 2020 winners find themselves in a battle for a spot in Qatar, but Berardi reckons they’ve got enough in their tank to see them through no matter who they face.

      Italy, along with Wales, Scotland and Portugal will find out their opponents in the next hour.

      Speaking on Italy’s chances, Berardi said: “We have to roll up our sleeves and give our all in the play-offs to go to Qatar.

      “We care a lot about the World Cup and I’m sure we will be able to qualify.”WE’LL EARN IT

      Wales legend Robert Earnshaw reckons his nation have nothing to fear going into the World Cup play-off.

      The Welsh find out who they face in the draw for the next stage of qualifying in just a few hours.

      But with Wales’ vast array of talent, Earnshaw is confident they can get through and clinch one of the three World Cup spots on offer.

      He said: “Whoever we play we have to be positive in our approach because we have some very good players.

      “It’s great we have the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale because they are great footballers.

      “The one thing that doesn’t get highlighted is the amount of pressure and weight of the nation on their shoulders always, but they deliver consistently.

      “Our approach has to be right with those great players. Going into the play-offs that’s where we can do well and qualify.”WHICH TEAMS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORLD CUP PLAYOFF DRAW?

      The draw will include ten nations who finished as runners up in qualifying, as well as two Nations League group winners who missed out on a spot in their respective group.

      Just three sides will make it through the play-offs and play at the 2022 World Cup from the twelve who enter the play-off stage.

      SEEDED

      Portugal, Italy, Scotland, Russia, Sweden, Wales

      UNSEEDED

      Austria, North Macedonia, Turkey, Poland, Ukraine, Czech RepublicWHO CAN SCOTLAND AND WALES PLAY?

      Scotland and Wales can be drawn at home to any of the six unseeded teams in the semi-final, who they will play at home.

      In the final, they can be drawn home or away to the winner of any of the other five ties.

      The only teams who cannot meet each other in either the semi-final or final are Russia and Ukraine, who asked to be kept apart due to the conflict in Ukraine’s Donbass region.Load more entries… More

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      World Cup 2022 play-off draw LIVE: Stream FREE, UK start time, TV channel – Scotland, Portugal, Wales & Italy learn fate

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      SCOTLAND, Wales, Portugal and Italy will find out their fates today in the World Cup 2022 play-off draw.The next round of qualifying takes place after a draw in Zurich, Switzerland – with a two-round playoff incoming early next year.

      UK start time: 4pm GMT
      Live stream FREE: FIFA official website
      TV channel: No UK TV channel

      Stay up to date with all the latest below in our live blog…

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      TARTAN ARMY

      Will Scotland reach their first World Cup in over two decades?

      WHICH TEAMS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORLD CUP PLAYOFF DRAW?

      Here’s a reminder of who’s in today’s draw:

      SEEDED

      Portugal, Italy, Scotland, Russia, Sweden, Wales

      UNSEEDED

      Austria, North Macedonia, Turkey, Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic

      Just THREE teams will book their place in Qatar.NOT LONG TO GO

      The draw is due to start at 4PM UK time.MIDFIELD MAESTROS

      Jorginho could face Portuguese powerhouse Joao Palhinha in their World Cup play-off decider.

      Despite Palhinha being the more defensive out of the two, he managed to chip in with two goals during qualifying.

      HERO TO ZERO

      Italy failed to qualify automatically for the World Cup after just winning Euro 2020.

      They saw off England at Wembley on penalties to re-announce themselves as one of Europe’s heavyweights.

      But it hasn’t quite gone to plan as they finished second in their qualifying group behind Switzerland.

      Chelsea’s Jorginho missed a crucial penalty in the last round of fixtures this month which would’ve booked their place in Qatar.

      Now, they have a real possibility of facing Portugal for a spot at the tournament.

      HOW DOES THE DRAW WORK?

      The play-off draw can be rather confusing, so here’s how it works:

      The last three European slots for the Fifa World Cup are allocated via a 12-team play-off systemTen runners-up from the group stage plus the next two best teams from the Uefa Nations League go into the hatThe six highest-ranked runners-up from the group stage are seeded in Pot 1 and are guaranteed to play their semi-final at homeThe remaining six teams are unseeded in Pot 2 and will be drawn against the seeded nations in Pot 1The one-legged semi-finals are separated into three ‘Paths’ featuring four teams, leading to one-legged finals between semi-final winnersA further draw will take place to decide which team plays at home in these finalsThe winners of the finals from the three ‘Paths’ will be the trio of additional European qualifiers for Qatar 2022HORROR DRAW

      Portugal and Italy COULD face each other if this simulated draw is right.

      SunSport’s simulation would see Portugal face minnows North Macedonia, and Italy would take on Austria.

      And if both get through the semis unscathed, they would then face each other in a blockbuster World Cup shootout.

      LAST DANCE

      After losing their last group game to Serbia, Portugal were dumped into the play-offs.

      Despite Cristiano Ronaldo netting six during qualifying, it wasn’t enough to carry his Euro 2016 winners to the Qatar World Cup.

      It may be Ronaldo’s last chance of World Cup glory.

      WE CAN DO IT

      Italy striker Domenico Berardi is confident that Italy can secure qualification from the World Cup play-off.

      The Euro 2020 winners find themselves in a battle for a spot in Qatar, but Berardi reckons they’ve got enough in their tank to see them through no matter who they face.

      Italy, along with Wales, Scotland and Portugal will find out their opponents in the next hour.

      Speaking on Italy’s chances, Berardi said: “We have to roll up our sleeves and give our all in the play-offs to go to Qatar.

      “We care a lot about the World Cup and I’m sure we will be able to qualify.”WE’LL EARN IT

      Wales legend Robert Earnshaw reckons his nation have nothing to fear going into the World Cup play-off.

      The Welsh find out who they face in the draw for the next stage of qualifying in just a few hours.

      But with Wales’ vast array of talent, Earnshaw is confident they can get through and clinch one of the three World Cup spots on offer.

      He said: “Whoever we play we have to be positive in our approach because we have some very good players.

      “It’s great we have the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale because they are great footballers.

      “The one thing that doesn’t get highlighted is the amount of pressure and weight of the nation on their shoulders always, but they deliver consistently.

      “Our approach has to be right with those great players. Going into the play-offs that’s where we can do well and qualify.”WHICH TEAMS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORLD CUP PLAYOFF DRAW?

      The draw will include ten nations who finished as runners up in qualifying, as well as two Nations League group winners who missed out on a spot in their respective group.

      Just three sides will make it through the play-offs and play at the 2022 World Cup from the twelve who enter the play-off stage.

      SEEDED

      Portugal, Italy, Scotland, Russia, Sweden, Wales

      UNSEEDED

      Austria, North Macedonia, Turkey, Poland, Ukraine, Czech RepublicWHO CAN SCOTLAND AND WALES PLAY?

      Scotland and Wales can be drawn at home to any of the six unseeded teams in the semi-final, who they will play at home.

      In the final, they can be drawn home or away to the winner of any of the other five ties.

      The only teams who cannot meet each other in either the semi-final or final are Russia and Ukraine, who asked to be kept apart due to the conflict in Ukraine’s Donbass region.ON THE MEND

      Portugal legend Tiago Mendes reckons Ukraine could be the surprise package in the World Cup play-off.

      Ukraine are one of the 12 nations alongside Portugal who are fighting for a place in this competition.

      Both countries will find out who stands in their way in the next round of qualifying today.

      But Mendes doesn’t put it past the Ukrainian’s to secure on of the coveted three spots available.

      He’s well aware of their capabilities as Portugal couldn’t beat them when they last faced each other.

      Mendes said: “We know that in football anything can happen.

      “But if I had to pick one I’d say Ukraine because they also have a lot of good players, they are very compact, and we suffered against them and couldn’t beat them in our two most recent games.”RON HAS TO COME

      The World Cup won’t be the same without Cristiano Ronaldo which is why Portugal have to qualify.

      That’s the view of German icon Lothar Matthaus who thinks the tournament won’t be as good without Ronaldo, or Germany’s rivals Italy.

      Both Portugal and Italy will find out who they will go up against in the World Cup play-off that takes place today.

      Matthaus said to Fifa: “A personality like Cristiano Ronaldo just has to be part of the FIFA World Cup. The same applies to Italy.”

      “I had a fantastic time at Inter, hence a part of my heart beats for the Azzurri.”When is World Cup play-off draw?

      The draw for the play-off stage will be held at Fifa HQ in Zurich, Switzerland.It will take place on Friday, November 26 – TODAY.Things get underway at 4pm UK time, which will be 5pm in Switzerland.To follow all the ties as they are drawn, join us here on SunSport where we will be running a live blog.ZOOM CALLS

      The World Cup play-off draw will be held on Zoom due to Covid-19 restrictions.

      The draw will be conducted by FIFA Director of Competitions Manolo Zubiria, and presented by Samantha Johnson and Adriano del Monte.

      After the draw, the bosses of the 12 nations involved will share their feelings to Johnson and Del Monte.

      GOOD AFTERNOON WORLD CUP FANS

      The draw for the World Cup European play-off is now just hours away.

      Twelve teams consisting of six seeded and unseeded nations will battle it out for the THREE remaining spots left at the Qatar tournament in 2022.

      England have already automatically qualified for the first-ever winter edition of the tournament.

      However, Wales and Scotland weren’t so lucky and will be on the edge of their seats to find out who they will face in the next stage of the two-round play-off.

      There could be some thrills in the draw as Cristiano Ronaldo’s seeded Portugal side may be pitted against Robert Lewandowski’s Poland team, setting up a potential epic duel between the two footballing greats.

      You can catch all the latest from the draw right here SunSport’s live blog.

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      Shiels says Northern Ireland win was for George Best after team’s 11-0 thrashing of North Macedonia

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      KENNY SHIELS dedicated Northern Ireland’s record-breaking drubbing of North Macedonia to football legend George Best.Shiels’ side crushed their rivals 11-0 – with their win coinciding with the 16th anniversary of the death of the Manchester United icon.
      Northern Ireland thrashed North Macedonia 11-0 to go level on points with Austria in their World Cup qualifying groupCredit: Press Eye
      Kenny Shiels says Northern Ireland’s triumph was a win for George Best, on the 16th anniversary of his deathCredit: Empics
      The legendary winger, one of the best players ever, made 37 appearances and scored nine goals for Northern Ireland.
      And the match, which was the fifth of their World Cup qualifying campaign, saw Rachel Furness join David Healy as Northern Ireland’s all-time top scorer on 36 goals.
      An ecstatic Shiels said: “I thought [the match] was controlled really well by the girls. Before it started, we said, ‘Let’s do it for George’.
      “He was our hero, and he wore the No 11 shirt when he played for us.
      “We’ve done it in the 11th month, we’ve scored 11 goals and so all of that is resonating with me.
      “It’s fantastic and I hope he is watching us up there to see that we’re doing it for Northern Ireland because he was one of our heroes, if not the hero.
      “That’s been in my inner thoughts. Try and get 11 and get a message up to George.”

      Before the game, Northern Ireland midfielder Sarah McFadden said players intended to approach the match with ‘no ego’
      By half-time, the Durham star and her team-mates were 6-0 up before notching up another five.
      And the team had six different goal scorers with Rebecca McKenna, Lauren Wade, Kirsty McGuiness and Birmingham’s Rebecca Holloway all on target.
      And Everton’s Simone Magill bagged four goals while Liverpool ace Furness netted a hat-trick.
      The scoreline could have been far bigger for the visitors, who crashed the woodwork three times and saw Furness miss a first-half spot-kick.
      Rachel Furness netted a hat-trick for Northern IrelandCredit: Press Eye
      Shiels’ aces brushed their opponents aside in the Macedonian capital Skopje in the third win of their campaign for a 2023 World Cup spot.
      Northern Ireland are set to host their rivals at home in the second game of their qualifier double-header this month.
      The match will be played in front of a full house at their Seaview ground on November 29.   
      Shiels added: “We play them again Monday and it will be a total totally different ballgame.
      “Let’s bring it on The Green and White army will be there as well.”
      Simone Magill and Kirsty McGuiness were both on target for their teamCredit: Press Eye
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