We've finished qualifying in five of six continents, and only Europe is left. This is a reminder of how qualifying went:
Nine teams are through, and nine teams go into the play-offs. But only eight go into European play-offs; the team with the best record go into the (considered easier) Intercontinental Play-Off. This is the ranking of 2nd-placed sides:
On goal difference, it's Poland who go through to the ICPO. This leaves the eight teams below them. In terms of overall quality, Germany and Italy stand out, with the remaining teams all of a very similar level. They will contest two-legged play-offs to see who qualifies for the DWC finals.
Germany and Italy have qualified for every DWC so far, whilst Croatia and Hungary have made the last two. Wales made their debut last year, whilst Belgium have been absent since the first edition. Meanwhile, Austria and Cyprus both have only got as far as the play-offs.
The draw for the play-offs is unseeded, so will the big two draw each other?
Germany and Italy have qualified for every DWC so far, whilst Croatia and Hungary have made the last two. Wales made their debut last year, whilst Belgium have been absent since the first edition. Meanwhile, Austria and Cyprus both have only got as far as the play-offs.
The draw for the play-offs is unseeded, so will the big two draw each other?
Nope. But that doesn't mean they have easy draws; as the qualifying campaign has shown, every team here has a chance of getting through...
First leg
Austria vs Hungary
Aside from the historical aspect to this game, this presents an interesting tie. Hungary have the stronger DWC pedigree, but Austria performed much stronger in this year's qualification group.
David Lanzafame scored from close range to give Hungary the lead, and added a second from the spot. Austria's team contains some players to have made their name this season, and two combined to pull one back as Takumi Minamino crossed for Erling Haaland to head in. Patrick Farkas' cross was put in by Masaya Okugawa to bring Austria level, but Hungary re-established their lead as Ádám Gyurcsó tidily put away a half chance. That goal proved decisive, meaning Hungary took a slender lead into the second leg.
First leg
Austria vs Hungary
Aside from the historical aspect to this game, this presents an interesting tie. Hungary have the stronger DWC pedigree, but Austria performed much stronger in this year's qualification group.
David Lanzafame scored from close range to give Hungary the lead, and added a second from the spot. Austria's team contains some players to have made their name this season, and two combined to pull one back as Takumi Minamino crossed for Erling Haaland to head in. Patrick Farkas' cross was put in by Masaya Okugawa to bring Austria level, but Hungary re-established their lead as Ádám Gyurcsó tidily put away a half chance. That goal proved decisive, meaning Hungary took a slender lead into the second leg.
Cyprus vs Italy
After the limp way in which Italy fell short in their qualification group, anything is possible in this tie. Cyprus, meanwhile, overcame Scotland in finishing behind Spain.
Italy changed to a 5-3-2 formation that had served them in previous DWCs. It meant that Gonzalo Higuaín came in to partner Cristiano Ronaldo up front, and the Argentine gave Italy a 33rd-minute lead following a free kick. Italy continued to dominate, and were rewarded when Alex Sandro's shot rebounded to Higuaín to add his second. A 2-0 win saw Italy with a foot in the DWC finals.
After the limp way in which Italy fell short in their qualification group, anything is possible in this tie. Cyprus, meanwhile, overcame Scotland in finishing behind Spain.
Italy changed to a 5-3-2 formation that had served them in previous DWCs. It meant that Gonzalo Higuaín came in to partner Cristiano Ronaldo up front, and the Argentine gave Italy a 33rd-minute lead following a free kick. Italy continued to dominate, and were rewarded when Alex Sandro's shot rebounded to Higuaín to add his second. A 2-0 win saw Italy with a foot in the DWC finals.
Germany vs Croatia
Surely the reigning DWC champions will make it through to defend their crown? This would be an ignominious way to give up their crown. But Croatia are no pushovers, shown by their two excellent qualifications in 2018 and 2019. In the first of those DWC tournaments, the two sides met in the curtain-raiser, and Germany romped to a 6-1 victory.
Just like Italy, Germany took the lead in the 33rd minute, a simple ball over the top releasing Robert Lewandowski, who confidently put it away. Unlike Italy, however, Germany didn't control the game thereafter, largely having to suffer long spells of Croatian possession. However, they couldn't pierce Germany's solid defence, and the match finished 1-0.
Surely the reigning DWC champions will make it through to defend their crown? This would be an ignominious way to give up their crown. But Croatia are no pushovers, shown by their two excellent qualifications in 2018 and 2019. In the first of those DWC tournaments, the two sides met in the curtain-raiser, and Germany romped to a 6-1 victory.
Just like Italy, Germany took the lead in the 33rd minute, a simple ball over the top releasing Robert Lewandowski, who confidently put it away. Unlike Italy, however, Germany didn't control the game thereafter, largely having to suffer long spells of Croatian possession. However, they couldn't pierce Germany's solid defence, and the match finished 1-0.
Wales vs Belgium
Wales taking on Belgium evokes memories of the famous 2016 European Championship quarter-final. There's no Hal Robson-Kanu this time, but Wales arguably start this game from a stronger position than they did that one. In last year's DWC they reached the quarter-finals, and followed it up by finishing runners-up in the inaugural DWC Nations Cup.
Borja Bastón's header from a corner gave Wales the opening goal, and they held on for 70+ minutes despite being largely outplayed. Like Germany, Wales take a 1-0 win from a game they were second-best in.
Wales taking on Belgium evokes memories of the famous 2016 European Championship quarter-final. There's no Hal Robson-Kanu this time, but Wales arguably start this game from a stronger position than they did that one. In last year's DWC they reached the quarter-finals, and followed it up by finishing runners-up in the inaugural DWC Nations Cup.
Borja Bastón's header from a corner gave Wales the opening goal, and they held on for 70+ minutes despite being largely outplayed. Like Germany, Wales take a 1-0 win from a game they were second-best in.
This is how the ties stand halfway in:
Second leg
Italy (2) vs Cyprus (0)
We'll go through these second legs in reverse order of how close they are. Italy are unchanged, whilst Cyprus bring in Eric Bauthéac for Gevorg Ghazaryan.
Italy (2) vs Cyprus (0)
We'll go through these second legs in reverse order of how close they are. Italy are unchanged, whilst Cyprus bring in Eric Bauthéac for Gevorg Ghazaryan.
Any hope of a Cypriot comeback was quickly dashes as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic steered a low shot into the bottom corner 24 seconds into the game.
It was 2-0 on 12 minutes as Miralem Pjanic played a world class pass through the defence to give Ronaldo a simple finish. And Ronaldo had another two minutes later following a clever dribble. Cyprus see the remaining half hour until the break without any further damage. During the interval they replace Apostolos Giannou with centre back Mikel González in a clear attempt to limit any further embarrassment.
It generally works, but Ronaldo completes a wonderful hat trick with a box-to-box dribble and low drilled shot following a failed Cypriot free kick routine. The point when he receives the ball is shown below:
It generally works, but Ronaldo completes a wonderful hat trick with a box-to-box dribble and low drilled shot following a failed Cypriot free kick routine. The point when he receives the ball is shown below:
Higuaín got in on the action with a reaction volley a few minutes later, and a final score of 5-0 summed up the two teams' performances. Italy avoid a potential banana skin with the very minimum of fuss.
Croatia (0) vs Germany (1)
Croatia stick with the side that gave Germany a good run in the first leg. Germany meanwhile bring in Kevin Kampl for Corentin Tolisso, who struggled.
Croatia stick with the side that gave Germany a good run in the first leg. Germany meanwhile bring in Kevin Kampl for Corentin Tolisso, who struggled.
A swift German counter-attack sees Thomas Muller through on goal, but he drags it well wide. However, they score with their next chance; a one-two between Marco Reus and Kampl leaves the former in, and he fires a powerful shot home!
Croatia, who haven't really got going in this game, now need three goals. And the big problem is how dangerous Germany look when they break. Another fast move results in Reus shooting narrowly over, before Muller misses a straightforward chance. We reach the break with Germany in complete control.
However, the break appears to disrupt their rhythm, as Croatia score 22 seconds into the second half - a simple long ball from Hamza and Bruno Petkovic races away from the defenders and puts it through Manuel Neuer's legs!
However, the break appears to disrupt their rhythm, as Croatia score 22 seconds into the second half - a simple long ball from Hamza and Bruno Petkovic races away from the defenders and puts it through Manuel Neuer's legs!
Germany get a scare as Mislav Orsic finds a way through, but places his shot wide when one-on-one. From the resulting goal kick Croatia press Germany, but it backfires horribly as they play it upfield for Reus to run through and surely end Croatia's hopes, as he makes it 3-1 on aggregate! This seemed to finish Croatia, as Germany began to create chance after chance. Lewandowski and sub Serge Gnabry were culpable for the fact they didn't add to their lead until the 92nd minute, when Lewandowski finally put one away. Full time, 3-1 on the night and 4-1 on aggregate, and Germany are through with a very strong showing.
Hungary (3) vs Austria (2)
Roland Juhász picked up a twisted ankle in the last minute of the first leg, and so he is replaced by Anton Kravchenko in an otherwise-unchanged Hungary team. Austria also choose to stick, as they keep faith with the same XI.
Roland Juhász picked up a twisted ankle in the last minute of the first leg, and so he is replaced by Anton Kravchenko in an otherwise-unchanged Hungary team. Austria also choose to stick, as they keep faith with the same XI.
Lanzafame took under a minute to give Austria a scare, as he rose highest to head a corner against the bar. Austria's first good chance came on the half hour mark as Zlatko Junuzovic broke through, but Dénes Dibusz stood tall to deny him. The resulting corner saw an Okugawa header cleared off the line by Stopira! However, other than that spell, Hungary were Austria's equal throughout the half. We reach the break scoreless, with Austria still needing to score at least twice.
Once again, Hungary fashion a chance from a corner at the start of the second half. This time it's Ivan Petryak who takes aim for 20 yards, and finds the back of the net! Hungary are now in a very commanding position.
Once again, Hungary fashion a chance from a corner at the start of the second half. This time it's Ivan Petryak who takes aim for 20 yards, and finds the back of the net! Hungary are now in a very commanding position.
On the hour mark, Hungary make a nuisance from another set piece, and the second ball finds Petryak at the far post to add his and Hungary's second! Strictly speaking, this doesn't change the equation for Austria, they still need 3. They get one quickly, half time substitute Michael Liendl racing through and finishing with aplomb.
However, despite moving to a 4-2-4, Austria couldn't create chances. They did finally create a huge one in the 88th minute as Haaland was played clean through, but he hit it at Dibusz. Minamino had a chance soon after, but he was offside, and the final whistle went to signal that Hungary had secured qualification!
Belgium (0) vs Wales (1)
Belgium's bad day in front of goal in the first leg results in Kevin Mirallas and Mbaye Diagne making way for Samir Nasri (o...kay...) and Dieumerci Mbokani. Wales bring in Marlon Pack and André Ayew for Callum Paterson and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.
Belgium's bad day in front of goal in the first leg results in Kevin Mirallas and Mbaye Diagne making way for Samir Nasri (o...kay...) and Dieumerci Mbokani. Wales bring in Marlon Pack and André Ayew for Callum Paterson and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.
It took Belgium less than four minutes to restore parity, as a corner fell to Hans Vanaken and he found the bottom corner. This was the only real action of the first half.
The second half continued in a similarly quiet vein. Belgium nearly took the lead as Vincent Kompany headed a free kick over, and another not long after. Still, nobody could create a decent chance, particularly in open play, and we finish with Belgium winning the leg 1-0, and the teams tied 1-1 on aggregate. So, to extra time!
The first half of extra time flies by with no incidents, but at the start of the second half there was an open play chance! Wales work it down the right and Ayew's cross is headed narrowly over by Pack. In the 118th minute Belgium have a free kick out wide. It's met by Éder Alvarez Balanta, who eders it wide, but Mbokani is there to divert it into the net for a late, late winner!
The first half of extra time flies by with no incidents, but at the start of the second half there was an open play chance! Wales work it down the right and Ayew's cross is headed narrowly over by Pack. In the 118th minute Belgium have a free kick out wide. It's met by Éder Alvarez Balanta, who eders it wide, but Mbokani is there to divert it into the net for a late, late winner!
Wales don't have time to respond, and Belgium have set pieced their way to the DWC finals! Heartbreak for Wales, but they really didn't help themselves with their negative play and unimaginative midfield.
Here's the full results of the play-offs:
Overall, there are few surprises, and certainly no shocks. However, those matches were all pretty fun, with a lot of goals scored (except by poor Cyprus). Wales and Austria miss out fairly narrowly, whilst Cyprus and Croatia will bemoan the luck of the draw.
Anyway, our next episode is the Intercontinental play-off, where one team from each continent battle it out for the final three spots in the DWC, wrapping up qualification!
Anyway, our next episode is the Intercontinental play-off, where one team from each continent battle it out for the final three spots in the DWC, wrapping up qualification!