La ROja took advantage of Sweden’s slip-up against Georgia to go top of their qualification group; the two teams will meet in the deciding clash later in the window. Meanwhile, Portugal will face Serbia in an equally important fixture.
Results on matchday 9 of the FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers could have lasting consequences, with several of the top sides heading into the final matchday for a do-or-die match. Spain, Portugal, and Croatia are all at risk of falling into the play-offs, as they face the first or second-placed sides in their respective groups.
Spain will play second-placed Sweden in their final qualifier with just a point separating the two teams. Importantly, La Roja head into the tenth matchday at the top of Group B, after leapfrogging Sweden earlier thanks to a narrow win over Greece.
Sweden came into the international break two points ahead of Spain, but relinquished their advantage following a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Georgia – wonderkid Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored both the goals in that game after the hour mark.
Luis Enrique’s men took advantage of Sweden’s slip-up; a Pablo Sarabia penalty in the 26th minute of their clash against Greece was enough to put them in the driving seat.
Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal was held by Ireland in a blow to their World Cup qualification hopes. The two teams were far closer on the night in terms of territory and attempts on goal than Portugal head coach Fernando Santos would’ve hoped but were unable to land the telling blow.
Pepe saw red late in the game, but Ireland could not take advantage, and the game finished 0-0. Portugal will now face Serbia in the final qualifying game, with both teams tied on 17 points at the top of Group A. The winner, if there is one, will book their place in Qatar.
2018 FIFA World Cup runners-up Croatia find themselves in a similar position heading into the final matchday. Despite thrashing Malta 7-1, Croatia will go into their final game against Russia, trailing the latter by two points in Group H.
Group leaders Russia, who themselves recorded a big win over Cyprus (6-0) on the penultimate matchday, need just a point to secure a berth in next year’s World Cup.
