The date for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar is getting closer, and we already have 29 spots filled up. As it stands, only three spots are left for eight teams to battle it out. One team out of the last three in Europe and two teams from the intercontinental playoffs will make it to the World Cup. As a result, it is hard to tell which teams will make it like slots at an online casino.
The group stages are already done. Therefore, all that remains is for the teams to play their remaining teams to play for a spot. The games left will be in a knockout-round format. As a result, there is no second chance for any team that slips up. In that case, here are our top five picks to most likely get a shot for the last three spots in Qatar.
Costa Rica
The CONCACAF team, Costa Rica, has a big shot at making it to the FIFA World Cup in Qatar if they can get past either New Zealand in their OFC/CONCACAF Intercontinental playoff match. The match would determine if North/Central America would have four teams in the world cup or AFC would have one team representing the continent.
Costa Rica was unlucky to miss out on the automatic World Cup spot during the regular qualifiers to the US. They had the same points and similar stats, but they came short in terms of goals, placing them 4th on the log. So, they have one more hurdle to reach the World Cup finals, and we think they have a real shot at it.
Peru
Even though Peru lost eight games during their qualifying campaign, they stand a chance to go to the World Cup after sealing a 5th place standing on the CONMEBOL log. They’ll face the winners of the AFC 3rd-place playoffs in a CONMEBOL/AFC intercontinental qualifying round. It’s going to be a showdown for the ages.
Peru is a resilient team that would certainly bring the fight in this matchup because there is a good chance they make it to Qatar. Undoubtedly, they’d hope for a different path to the World Cup, but it is better than not qualifying at all, and we think they have a good chance to reach the tournament in Qatar.
Scotland
It has been a long, hard road for the Scotts, and they’re two matches away from going to the World Cup for the first time in a very long time. The last time we saw Scotland in a World Cup competition was in 1986, after going through a qualifying playoff round. This team has the chance to do that again this year.
Scotland has a better team than they did previously, meaning that they have a chance at getting to the World Cup finals if they work hard enough. However, with the teams left, it will not be an easy task as they only have one shot at winning. So, we look forward to how it plays out for the Scotts.
Wales
Wales waits in the European playoffs’ final after seeing off Austria in a 2-1 epic battle. The team has one leg in, and they have to face either Ukraine or Scotland to get to the final. It will not be easy because either team they face would bring their A-game and ensure that they make it to Qatar.
However, Wales can rely on their talisman, Gareth Bale to turn up and bring his best to the team. With his help, they can expect to go further and even make it to Qatar. Undoubtedly, other players would also need to step up, but their World Cup dreams are not impossible to attain.
Ukraine
The last name on our list is Ukraine. After a hard-fought second place, they have a chance to make it to the World Cup if they can beat Scotland and Wales. It is not going to be an easy task, but there is a chance for the team to qualify. They have the talent to make it all the way.
As long as their players remain fit, they wouldn’t have a problem against the Scotts or Welsh teams. We expect them to maintain their shape and try to make their fellow citizens proud.
Final Thoughts
The World Cup is gearing to be a hotbed of showdowns, and we expect to witness some eventful matchups throughout the tournament. Undoubtedly, making the World Cup is a thing of pride, and any country would want their names among the final 32. We look forward to the three teams come November.
