The latest round of World Cup qualifying has seen plenty of big names miss out on a place at the biggest international competition later this year, including Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.
Manchester United fans were happy to see Portugal qualify last night, after beating North Macedonia 2-0 in a play-off match, because it means everyone will get to see Cristiano Ronaldo play at least one more World Cup.
It was Bruno Fernandes who scored two goals to book Portugal’s place at the World Cup, while two fans at the Estadio do Dragao were seen requesting sperm from Ronaldo.
The Sun have formulated a best XI of players who will be watching this year’s World Cup from afar. Victor Lindelof is the only United player to feature – in a back three with two Italian defenders.
Leading the line for the best XI not at the World Cup is Norwegian goal machine Erling Haaland. He is joined by Mo Salah up front, while Luis Diaz, Martin Odegaard and Riyad Mahrez play in behind.
Mo Salah blazed a penalty over the bar in Egypt’s shootout defeat to Senegal, meaning the Premier League top scorer will not be competing in Qatar later this year.
Premier League duo Yves Bissouma and Jorginho are positioned in midfield.
Euro 2020 winners Italy were beaten last week in a play-off against North Macedonia, so Leonardo Spinazzola and Giorgio Chellini both sit alongside Lindelof in defence.
And finally, Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak completes the team, even though he is having one of his worst seasons between the sticks.
Best XI – players not going to 2022 World Cup: Oblak; Lindelof, Chiellini, Spinazzola; Jorginho, Bissouma; Mahrez, Odegaard, Diaz; Mo Salah, Haaland.
