The Spaniards did not let their chance to seize the first place in Group B on Greece's ground with one day before the end of this qualifying phase passed.
Taking advantage of the misstep of Sweden, beaten earlier Thursday in Georgia 2-0 despite the return to the selection of Zlatan Ibrahimovic seven months after his last match, the Spaniards are now a step ahead of their dolphin.
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, during the match against Georgia, counting for the qualifiers of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, on November 11 in Batumi Vano SHLAMOV AFP
They won thanks to a penalty from Sarabia, enough to beat the Greeks, who can no longer hope for qualification.
Spanish striker Pablo Sarabia scores on a penalty, the only goal to win against Greece, during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Qatar, November 11, 2021 in Athens ARIS MESSINIS AFP
To avoid the dams, a draw will suffice for the "Roja" Sunday (8:45 pm) in Sevilla against Sweden, which will have to win to get his ticket to the Qatari World Cup.
The situation is similar to that of the Spanish neighbor for Portugal, which could not bring back better than a draw from Ireland (0-0).
The Portuguese suffered against the Irish without complex, but this point allows them to pass the goal difference in front of Serbia, exempt on Thursday evening, which they will face on Sunday (8:45 p.m.) without central defender Pepe, excluded after two yellow cards .
The teammates of Cristiano Ronaldo, who remained silent despite several opportunities in the second half, will therefore be able to settle for a draw to qualify directly for Qatar, where the World Cup will take place in a year (21 November - 18 December), while victory will be imperative for the Serbs.
Portuguese striker Cristiano Ronaldo, fighting with the Irish defense, during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers in Qatar, November 11 in Dublin Paul Faith AFP
Another high-stakes game will take place on Sunday (3:00 p.m.) in Group H between second-placed Croatia with 20 points and leading Russia with 22 points.
The Russians easily dominated Cyprus 6-0 on Thursday as the finalist of the last World Cup corrected Malta 7-1.
The evening was quieter for Germany, already qualified in Group J, which unfolded against Liechtenstein 9-0.
Behind Mannschaft, North Macedonia took an option to participate in the play-offs by dominating Armenia 5-0.
One point behind, Romania, hung 0-0 by Iceland, can still believe it since they will face modest Liechtenstein on Sunday while North Macedonia will host Iceland.
© 2021 AFP