Unless a miracle happens, Mexico and Uruguay will become the last two teams to reach the 2014 World Cup in Brazil next summer. They beat New Zealand and Jordan 5-1 and 5-0 respectively in the first leg of their playoffs, meaning they already have one foot on the plane.
Cristiano Ronaldo became a Portuguese national hero after his hat trick against Sweden
The World Cup qualifiers playoffs produced some highly entertaining and dramatic matches overnight. The French produced a unique feat in World Cup history – becoming the first team to overcome a two-goal first leg deficit to reach the finals. France beat Ukraine 3-0 in Paris through goals to Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho and Real Madrid striker Benzema and after such an incredible achievement, their confidence must be flying high now. Having made it through the playoffs for the second time in a row, their next task will be to avoid a repeat of the tragedy in South Africa next summer.
The chilliness in Stockholm couldn’t prevent Cristiano Ronaldo from casting his magic. With 26 goals from 19 appearances so far this season, the in-form striker produced a fabulous hat-trick, contributing all four goals across the two legs to help Portugal beat Sweden 4-2. Zlatan Ibrahimović scored a brace himself, but the top striker will unluckily miss the World Cup for the second time in a row.
In other European playoffs, Croatia and Greece grabbed the other two World Cup berths. Midfield magician Luka Modrić played the key role in Croatia’s 2-0 win against Iceland. Meanwhile, Ghana and Nigeria knocked off Egypt and Ethiopia respectively to reach the World Cup.
After the end of the World Cup qualifiers, the stage has been set for the finals!
The curtain is drawn now with only half a year left before the start of the tournament. We will now switch our focus to the European leagues and the Champions League while praying the best players are able to keep injury free and join in the glorious World Cup in peak form!
