Austria
There was great euphoria last summer because Austria had reached the round of 16 at a European Championship for the first time. There, the team of coach Franco Foda was only eliminated in extra time against eventual European champions Italy. Now the German is under pressure in the semifinals against Wales. A resignation could mean his end. Now of all times he has to do without his sick midfield strategist Florian Grillitsch.
Wales
More than 30,000 fans will be cheering on the Welsh in particular in Cardiff. Wales are unbeaten at home since November 2018 and should even be slightly favored because of home advantage. Similar to the Portuguese, a lot depends on the superstar. Although Gareth Bale is rarely used at Real Madrid, he should direct it against the Austrians. The winner of this semi-final would probably play against Scotland or Ukraine in June for a World Cup ticket. The game had been postponed because of the war.
Sweden
He’s back – again. Although he probably won’t even be in the starting XI, Zlatan Ibrahimovic was keen to help his side. That’s why national coach Janne Andersson nominated the 39-year-old for the game against the Czech Republic. The winner meets Poland, who are automatically in the final after Russia’s exclusion.
Sweden’s Ibrahimovic: “We’re going to the World Cup, there’s no doubt about that”
sports show.
03/23/2022.
00:41 minutes.
Available until 03/23/2023.
ARD.
Czech Republic
Ironically, before this important game against Ibrahimovic and Co., the Czechs are worried about serious injuries. Most prominent failure: Striker Patrik Schick. Due to a calf injury, the Leverkusen player has to pass. Nevertheless, after reaching the quarter-finals at the European Championship, the Czech Republic believes in its chance.
Source: dpa