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World Cup 2014: France meet Ukraine in European play-offs

DA NANG Today
Published: October 22, 2013

Former world champions France have been drawn against Ukraine in the European play-offs for the 2014 World Cup.

Portugal face Sweden, which means either Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not take part in next summer's tournament in Brazil.

Iceland, the lowest-ranked team in the play-offs, must beat Croatia to reach their first ever major tournament, while Greece meet Romania. The two-legged ties will be played on 15 November and 19 November.

Iceland, top, will be happy enough to face Croatia; Cristiano Ronaldo, right, will come head to head with Sweden and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, bottom left; France and Franck Ribéry will take on Ukraine
Iceland, top, will be happy enough to face Croatia; Cristiano Ronaldo, right, will come head to head with Sweden and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, bottom left; France and Franck Ribéry will take on Ukraine

The eight nations all finished second in the qualifying groups, with 1998 World Cup winners France runners-up to current holders Spain in Group I.

Portugal, Greece, Croatia and Ukraine were the four seeded teams in the draw which took place on Monday.

"We have been drawn against a Sweden team against whom we will be playing two complicated and relatively balanced matches," said Portugal coach Paulo Bento.

"Besides having one of the best strikers in the world (Ibrahimovic), the quality of their team is their collective spirit."

Greece coach Fernando Santos admitted he was disappointed to be playing their first match at home. He said: "The Romanians are of great quality and dangerous and difficult opponents. I would have preferred the first match to be away."

The four teams that qualify will complete a total of 13 European nations at the tournament in Brazil.

(Source: BBC)

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