QATAR 2022
World Cup 2022 play-off draw: Scotland and Wales set for eliminator while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal face Italy clash
SCOTLAND and Wales are on course to face one another in a mouth-watering World Cup play-off final.
The Home Nations were drawn in Path A in Friday night's draw in Zurich.
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And they'll duke it out for a place in next winter's tournament if they win their respective clashes with Ukraine and Austria.
Steve Clarke's Scotland will welcome Ukraine to Hampden Park, while Wales will also have home advantage in the first leg of the crunch tie with Franco Foda's troops.
The draw also threw up tasty semi-final ties in Path B, in which Russia will lock horns with Poland and Sweden will take on the Czech Republic.
The semi-finals and finals being played between March 24-29.
Wales have not qualified for a World Cup since 1958 but Page beamed: "If you had a wish, you'd want two home games and we got the luck of the draw for the second one so the incentive is there for us.
"I was anticipating in my head the best scenario and if I'm honest we got it. That's no disrespect to the opposition we're up against.
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"We've managed to avoid Italy and Portugal, two of the strongest teams, which is great for us. We've given ourselves a great opportunity.
"It's all there to play for. Why can't we dream? That's what we are here for.
"Since we were young boys we've always wanted to be part of a World Cup and we're two wins away from it.
"We've met Austria a few times in recent years and done okay against them. We'll give it absolutely everything to get through to that final."
All eyes will be on Path C to see which of powerhouses Italy and Portugal will fail to qualify for the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal will play Turkey in their semi-fina tie, while Italy will face North Macedonia.
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The European big boys will have the benefit of home advantage in the first leg of their respective semis.
Fans of Scotland and Wales immediately took to Twitter to reflect on their potential Battle of Britain.
One said: "Scotland vs Wales for a place in the World Cup gives off MASSIVE "Avengers: Endgame fight scene" energy. Of course, Scott McTominay portrays giant Antman in this scenario."
Another said: "Imagine Wales vs Scotland for a place in the World Cup."
And another said: "Cardiff if Wales and Scotland both win. Mental. Surely take it to the Millennium."
One remarked: "Don't see us beating the Welsh at Cardiff, plus the Austrians will be out for revenge. Tough ask, but doable."
And footie fans around the world also shared their reactions to the potential blockbuster tie between the Italians and the Portuguese.
One tweeted: "That Italy Portugal game will be one for the ages, a guaranteed iconic moment will be produced."
Another said: "Honestly can’t believe that Italy and Portugal are in the same path."
And another said: "Portugal vs Italy for a World Cup qualification spot? It's gonna be a war LMAOOO."
Another remarked: "No way Italy or Portugal isn’t going to the World Cup…could be the last one of Ronaldo’s career."
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World Cup 2022 Play-Off Ties in Full
Path A
Scotland vs Ukraine
Wales vs Austria
Path B
Russia vs Poland
Sweden vs Czech Republic
Path C
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Italy vs North Macedonia
Portugal vs Turkey
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