DBasia.news – Portugal national team coach Fernando Santos responded to the draw for the 2022 World Cup play-offs in a relaxed manner. He was not afraid even though his team was matched with the European champions, Italy.
The draw for the 2022 World Cup play-offs for the European zone did not directly bring together Portugal and Italy. The two seeded teams are on the same path and will only meet in the final match.
UEFA divided the 12 teams participating in the 2022 World Cup play-off equally into three sections. Later only the champions from each section will be entitled to compete in Qatar.
Italy will meet North Macedonia in the semifinal match of lane C. Meanwhile, Portugal, who are also members of that route, will meet Turkey.
The winners of the two matches will go head to head in the final match. Italy and Portugal are certainly the favorites to advance to that phase.
“I have full confidence that we will be in the Qatar World Cup. There is no point in talking about Italy, because first of all we have to focus on defeating Turkey,” said Fernando Santos.
“The match against Turkey is the most important game for us to be in the final (playoff) and winning it is our main goal. As for the draw, that’s how it is, there’s no point in discussing it any further.”
Santos must focus on restoring Portugal’s best performance. If not, Cristiano Ronaldo and his team could be humiliated by Turkey.
Santos also saw one positive thing from the draw. Portugal can take advantage of the host’s support to win.
The play-offs will only take place once. Portugal’s chart means they will host the semifinals and finals if they qualify.
“There are positive things from this draw. We will be playing at home and will have the opportunity to play in front of our fans if we reach the final.”