International Football
Spain are among five big national teams at risk of missing the 2022 World Cup
The World Cup qualifiers are in full swing in almost all the confederations -Africa, Europe and South America.
There’s still a long way to go until the 2022 finals in Qatar, with fans having to wait a few extra months for next year’s tournament due to it being held in the winter. That said, there are some big-name countries already at risk of missing out on qualification.
Having failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but going on to win Euro 2020, Italy have shown that failure to reach the greatest show on earth isn’t always as bad as it first appears, but the following countries will nonetheless be desperate to avoid the humiliation of missing out.
Spain
It may be pain for Spain as the La Roja suffered their first World Cup qualifying defeat since 1993 on Thursday in Sweden, ending a 66-game streak, but that is just the latest of Luis Enrique‘s concerns.
The national team haven’t enjoyed the same success in his second spell as the promise they showed in his first might have hinted at, and there is a need to find a regular goalscorer who can deliver at international level.
Alvaro Morata has had his share of criticism since before Euro 2020, while other options have endured similar complications when handed a place in the XI.
Spain must now win all their matches and hope Sweden slip up in order to have a chance of taking first place in their group, but even winning all their remaining games could be a tough task.
Colombia
Almost at the mid-way point of South American qualification, Colombia are in a position that they’d rather not find themselves in, sitting fifth and out of the automatic qualification places.
Currently occupying the spot that would take them into an inter-confederation play-off, Colombia are level on points with Uruguay ahead of them, but just two ahead of Paraguay behind them.
Controversy surrounding the national team and James Rodriguez from before the summer’s Copa America hasn’t helped things.
Netherlands
The European qualifiers are still at their early stages, but the Netherlands have found a lot of stiff competition in Group G.
Currently second on seven points – level with Montenegro and Norway – the Dutch trail leaders Turkey, following their underwhelming European Championship performance.
Ronald Koeman‘s time in charge is just a memory now. They haven’t hit those same heights since he left his job.
Chile
Another South American side who find themselves in trouble. Chile are seventh from 10 sides in qualification and don’t look as though they’ll make it, despite there being time for them to make up ground.
Having enjoyed success in recent Copa Americas and having been an exciting side at a couple of World Cups, their participation in Qatar is very much at risk.
Japan
Japan are a side who should be at every World Cup and they always offer a lot to the tournament.
Just one matchday into Group B of the third round of qualification in Asia, though, they are pointless behind Australia, Saudi Arabia and Oman, who all won their opening games.
There is plenty of time left, but Japan have started in the worst possible way by losing to Oman. The top two teams make the World Cup, with the third team advancing to a fourth round.
-Marca
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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