Paris (AFP)

The French team, the reigning world champion, hopes to revive after five consecutive draws with the reception of Finland on Tuesday, as part of the European zone qualifications for the 2022 World Cup.

Leaders of Group D, the French have four points ahead of the Finns who have two games less, and Didier Deschamps' men can not afford the slightest misstep at home after their disappointing draw on Saturday in Ukraine (1-1).

In the same group, Bosnians and Kazakhstanis face off in an attempt to secure their first victory while Ukraine is exempt.

In Group A, Portugal, difficult home winners of Ireland (2-1) last Wednesday, has the opportunity to take the lead with a trip to Azerbaijan.

The Portuguese will not however be able to count on Cristiano Ronaldo, now the only top scorer in the history of national teams with 111 goals, suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards and who left the selection Thursday.

Serbia, leader of the group with the benefit of the goal difference, went to Ireland, which they had beaten 3-2 at home in the first leg.

In Group F, Denmark, winner of its first five matches, will seek to continue its full card by welcoming Israel, its runner-up in the standings.

At the same time, Austria, struggling with seven points in five games, absolutely must recover against Scotland, which is ahead of it by one unit.

The Faroes and Moldova will be looking for a first success in this qualifying campaign.

- The Netherlands under pressure -

In Group G, the Netherlands of Memphis Depay will be under pressure in Amsterdam against Turkey, leader with one point ahead of the Dutch and Norwegians.

The Oranje, coached by the experienced Louis van Gaal, prepare for the Zeist camp, near Utrecht, on September 6, 2021, the day before the shock against Turkey MAURICE VAN STEEN ANP / AFP

Norway could take advantage of a draw to seize the first place directly qualifying as they will be ultra-favorites at home against the modest team of Gibraltar.

Montenegro, which is four units from the Turks, absolutely needs a success in front of Latvia to join the fight in the lead.

Finally in Group H, Russia seems able to keep the lead when Malta comes to Moscow.

Croatia, 2nd on goal difference, will however have to be wary of Slovenia, which is so far only three points behind.

Marcelo Brozovic author of the only goal of Croatia's victory in Slovakia, September 4, 2021 in Bratislava VLADIMIR SIMICEK AFP / Archives

And Slovakia, which receives Cyprus, will aim for a necessary success to continue to consider qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, twelve years after its sole participation in a World Cup.

Schedule of qualifying matches in the Europe zone for the 2022 World Cup played on Tuesday:

Group A

(6:00 p.m.) Azerbaijan - Portugal

(8:45 p.m.) Ireland - Serbia

Group D

(8:45 p.m.) France - Finland

Bosnia - Kazakhstan

Group F

(8:45 p.m.) Denmark - Israel

Faroe Islands - Moldova

Austria - Scotland

Group G

(8:45 p.m.) Netherlands - Turkey

Norway - Gibraltar

Montenegro - Latvia

Group H

(8:45 p.m.) Croatia - Slovenia

Slovakia - Cyprus

Russia - Malta

© 2021 AFP