Football: End of a two-year odyssey
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.AFTER two years and 492 matches, the 24 teams for next year's World Cup finals should be known by around 2am tomorrow morning. Europe has eight places left to fill, and the very last qualifying tie, the second leg between Argentina and Australia, kicks off in Buenos Aires at a quarter past midnight.
In Group One, Italy will go through if they draw with Portugal in Milan. The Swiss need to beat Estonia by two goals in Zurich, while the in-form Portuguese need a win or, if the Swiss only manage one, a high-scoring draw with Italy.
A Republic of Ireland win in Belfast would put them through from Group Three and leave Spain needing to beat Denmark in Seville. If the Irish draw, then a draw in Spain would suit both teams there.
Romania, in Cardiff, and Belgium, home to RCS (Czechoslovakia), only need draw to qualify from Group Four. Wales need a 2-0 win to be sure, while RCS just need to win.
Group Five was long ago settled in favour of Greece and Russia, but they meet tonight in Athens anyway. And in Group Six, France need only avoid defeat against Bulgaria in Paris to book a seat beside Sweden on the plane to the United States.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments