World Cup 2014: France meet Ukraine in European play-offs

Former world champions France have been drawn against Ukraine in the European play-offs for the 2014 World Cup.

Portugal face Sweden, which means either Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not take part in next summer’s tournament in Brazil.

Iceland, the lowest-ranked team in the play-offs, must beat Croatia to reach their first finals, while Greece meet Romania.

The two-legged ties will be played on 15 November and 19 November.

The eight nations all finished second in the qualifying groups, with 1998 World Cup winners France runners-up to current holders Spain in Group I.

Ukraine were beaten to automatic qualification by Group H rivals England.

Portugal, Greece, Croatia and Ukraine were the four seeded teams in the draw which took place on Monday.

The four teams that qualify will complete a total of 13 European nations at the tournament in Brazil.

Europe’s eight play-off hopefuls

Portugal v Sweden

France v Ukraine

Greece v Romania

Iceland v Croatia

Ties to be played on 15 and 19 November.

Source: BBC Sport