Soccerpost: Draws for UEFA playoffs for FIFA World Cup...

[Maroon Eagle]

Sweden versus Portugal
France versus Ukraine
Romania versus Greece
Iceland versus Croatia

 

[seshomoru]

Wow...

So either Ibrahimovic or Ronaldo won't be making the trip to Brazil. That's brutal.

 

[Maroon Eagle]

Yeah. ESPN has Portugal as only a slight favorite of advancing. Greece, France, and Croatia are seen as bigger favorites-- at least a two-thirds chance of winning. Iceland might have a bigger chance than expected since Croatia recently fired their coach but Iceland play at home first so they need a big win.

 

[seshomoru]

Given the choice, I'd rather see Sweden advance.

Ibrahimovic has been putting in some all-time highlight reel goals.

 

[skb124]

So Ukraine is favored over France?

 

[Maroon Eagle]

Actually, France is favored...

...Good catch. They're the only unseeded nation who's favored.

I'm just accustomed to France being so good that they have to be seeded.

 

[GratefulDawg.sixpack]

Perhaps I'm putting the cart before the horse, but I think this draw may help the U.S. advance in the Group Stage. Having Sweden v Portugal and France v Ukraine knocks two of the best out of this eight out.

Should be four entertaining pairings. I could see Iceland pulling off the upset. Croatia didn't score much in their group.