Gary Lineker risks being left embarrassed after making a dismissive claim over the nature of the World Cup qualification process.
The lengthy qualifiers draw to a close this week with the finalisation of the 32 nations who will compete in this year’s tournament in Qatar (barring Scotland’s postponed clash against Ukraine, the winners of whom will face Wales for the final slot). Two further European nations will qualify on Tuesday, as Poland take on Sweden while Portugal – Euro 2016 winners – play host to North Macedonia.
Despite being notable outsiders for the tie, North Macedonia are on a high having stunned Italy with a last-minute winner last week and they could be set for their second major finals in the space of two years – having qualified for their first ever tournament for last summer’s European Championships.
