(Football news) The qualifiers of the 2022 Qatar World Cup is reaching its final stage which is the playoffs. Only one out of Austria, Wales, Sweden and Czech Republic will make it to the elusive tournament. The semi finals will be Australia vs Wales and Sweden vs Czech Republic. The winners of the two matches will face off in the final.

Sweden comfortably finished 2nd in their qualification group behind Spain while Czech Republic qualified because they won their Nations League group. The Czechs are aiming to go to the World Cup for the first time since 2006 while Sweden are hoping to achieve back to back World Cup finals qualification after making it to the quarter finals in Russia. Sweden have a fully fit squad but Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Emil Krafth are suspended for the first game but will be available in the final if their team qualifies. The hero of the Euro 2020 Patrik Schick is a major miss for the Czech Republic as he is out with a calf injury. 

Austria also qualified after winning their Nations League group. Wales on the other hand narrowly edged the already qualified Czech Republic to finish 2nd behind Belgium. The good news for Wales is that Gareth Bale is fit and ready to play even though he has only played 77 minutes since November. As for Austria, all eyes will be on Bale's club teammate David Alaba who will captain the side. Alaba will without question be Austria's most important player but it will be interesting to see what position he plays. He can play centre back, left back and CDM. The manager needs to figure out which position he will be most influential in.

Also read: European Champions Italy face North Macedonia in World Cup qualifier