Cristiano Ronaldo's probably last participation in a football World Cup could fail because of Stefan Kuntz.

Should the national coach eliminate Portugal with Turkey in the World Cup playoffs, the 37-year-old world star would not be at the tournament in Qatar at the end of the year.

The duel between the 2016 European champions and the Turks is just one of a total of four explosive semi-finals this Thursday (8:45 p.m. on DAZN).

In addition to Ronaldo and Kuntz, it is also about Bayer Leverkusen's striker Patrik Schick.

And the question of whether the European champion will miss the World Cup.

Actually, there would have been six encounters.

Ukraine will not face Scotland until June because of the Russian war of aggression.

The Russians were excluded, that's why Poland is already ahead.

Italy:

"The tournament is worth less without the Azzurri," headlined the "Gazzetta dello Sport" on Wednesday.

"Football can't afford a second World Cup without us." The Italians surprisingly missed out on the 2018 World Cup.

Now Jorginho, Ciro Immobile and Co. have to tremble again.

In the playoff semi-finals, they are the clear favorites against North Macedonia.

In the final on Tuesday there would be a duel with Portugal or Turkey.

In any case, the European champion is not lacking in self-confidence.

"We want to be world champions," announced national coach Roberto Mancini.

North Macedonia:

The underdogs finished second behind Germany in World Cup qualifying, leaving them with a chance to make the playoffs.

A victory in Palermo would be a small sensation.

Unlike the Italians, who are equipped with numerous exceptional talents, the North Macedonians do not have top players.

Somewhat well-known players are Darko Churlinov from the second division club FC Schalke 04 or Eljif Elmas from SSC Naples.

Kuntz wants to annoy Portugal

Portugal:

It would be a top-class final duel if Portugal met Italy on Tuesday.

But there are at least slight doubts as to whether Ronaldo and Co. will even make it there.

The Portuguese are missing both traditional central defenders against Turkey: Pepe has to do without because of Corona, Rúben Dias is injured.

In any case, the Portuguese engine is faltering despite numerous stars.

The sporting mood in the country is tense.

Now Ronaldo should fix it.

again.

Turkey:

For Kuntz and the Turks it's all about turning the heated atmosphere at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto.

On Wednesday evening, he made it clear that the former U-21 coach has complete confidence in his team: “We want to show that we can compete with the big teams in Europe.

I believe that my team can absolutely do it," said the 59-year-old in Porto.

Portugal have the better players, while Turkey have the better mood.

Even taking part in the playoffs is a small success for Kuntz.

Now Hakan Calhanoglu and Co. want more.

Austria:

Last summer there was great enthusiasm 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 the 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 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.

Czech Republic:

Just 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.