Wales just officially secured a play-off place for the 2022 World Cup
Rob Page's men will clinch their place at a World Cup for the first time since 1958 with just two wins in March next year
By Ian Mitchelmore
Friday 12th November 2021
Wales' Gareth Bale reacts to his side's win (Image: AP Photo/Alexei Nasyrov)
Wales are officially guaranteed a 2022 World Cup play-off spot after Spain defeated Greece on Thursday night.
The 2010 world champions beat the Euro 2004 winners 1-0 in Athens thanks to Pablo Sarabia's first half penalty.
It means Luis Enrique's side are now guaranteed to finish in the top two of Group B while Belgium and Italy have already secured top two finishes in their respective pools.
And it all means that Wales - even if they fail to finish in the top two of their own group - officially have the safety net of the March play-offs to fall back on as a result of their impressive performances in last year's Nations League.
There is, of course, the unlikely scenario that Wales could still top Group E and qualify for next year's Qatar tournament automatically, although they would need to beat Belarus and Belgium while also hoping that the Belgians lose to Estonia on Saturday night (or that they draw against Estonia and see a monumental goal swing).
Realistically, Wales' prime aim is to secure second place in their group. Four points from their final two qualifiers will guarantee this.
Finishing second gives them a chance of being at home in the play-off semi-finals, although they need to claim as many points as possible in the upcoming double header to give themselves the best chance of being seeded.
The 10 group runners-up from the UEFA qualifying groups will go into the play-offs along with the two best ranked sides from the Nations League.
The top six ranked runners-up will be at home in the one legged play-off semi-finals while the remaining six nations involved will all be away.
The hosts of each of the three play-off finals will be determined by a draw.
The play-off draw takes place on Friday, November 26, while the play-offs themselves run from March 24 to March 29 next year.
Wales take on Belarus at Cardiff City Stadium on Saturday night before hosting Belgium three days later.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.