During European World Cup Qualifiers, both Portugal and Italy failed to top their respective groups. As a result, each are to compete in the qualifying play-off in order to secure a spot in Qatar. Based on the format, Italy and Portugal are in a position in which one of the two will not be competing at the 2022 World Cup. Italy failed to qualify four years ago. The Italians are the current European Champions. so it would be bad for their image and history to miss out on two consecutive tournaments. Portugal is coming off a disappointing run at the Euros. With Cristiano Ronaldo nearing the end …