One of Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimović will be absent from next year's World Cup in Brazil, as their respective nations, Portugal and Sweden, have been drawn against each other in the qualifying playoffs. With Portugal finishing runners-up to Russia in their group and Sweden coming second behind Germany, there's unfortunately going to be a star name -- and a fairly big nation -- who miss out.
Portugal meet Sweden in UEFA World Cup 2014 playoffs
There’s no doubt that Portugal’s meeting with Sweden is the pick of the UEFA World Cup qualifying playoff draw, though France have a tough tie against Ukraine.
Jamie McDonald
After drawing the shortest straw of them all and finishing second to Spain in their qualifying group, France also have to go via the playoffs. Their tie hasn't been too kind either, matching them against Ukraine, though they should have what it takes to win over two legs. Elsewhere, Greece will face off against Romania, while Croatia have arguably been given the easiest draw of anyone, against Iceland -- who have never made it to a World Cup finals before.
The two-legged affairs take place on the 15th and 19th of November, with the actual World Cup draw to be made on the 6th December.
European playoff draw (15 & 19 November)
Portugal vs. Sweden
Ukraine vs. France
Greece vs. Romania
Iceland vs. Croatia
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