Three Liverpool stars can still go to the World Cup despite failing to qualify automatically
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The World Cup dream is still alive for some of Liverpool’s big players.International breaks can be a tad boring for fans, but the last few have actually had huge significance for the players involved.Many of the games have been World Cup qualifiers, with the majority of places confirmed via the automatic qualification. Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
13 Liverpool players will feature at the competition should they be selected, although three will definitely not go after not even making the play-offs.Three more Reds still stand a chance, though, and here are the stars who still have plenty to fight for.Conor BradleyPhoto by Charles McQuillan/Getty ImagesNorthern Ireland may have only finished third in their qualifying group, but they still made the play-offs and have a chance of making the World Cup.This is because their UEFA Nations League performance back in March, which saw them top the group, means they were one of the ‘best of the rest,’ hence why they still have a chance.At just 22, Conor Bradley will have plenty more chances left in his career to qualify, but based on how much effort he puts into games, he deserves to be there this time around. Alexander IsakPhoto by Atila Altuntas/Anadolu via Getty ImagesAlexander Isak is a name that seems far too big not to go to the World Cup, so Sweden, as well as Isak himself, need to pull their finger out after a terrible qualifying campaign.
Sweden finished bottom of their group, losing four of their six games and failing to pick up a single win throughout.However, again due to topping their Nations League group, they have snuck into the play-offs very undeservingly to say the least.READ MORE: ‘Special’ Liverpool star admits to frustration over lack of game time Arne Slot is giving himIsak played just 28 minutes across the last two games for his country, leaving many questioning his fitness, but at least now he should be fully fit for Sweden when they need him most.Federico ChiesaPhoto by Sebastian Frej/Getty ImagesItaly are just one of the nations many would have expected to qualify automatically, but this was not the case this year.They came second in Group I, six points behind a flawless Norway side who made their first World Cup since 1998.This means they will be at the play-off in Berlin in March, although whether Federico Chiesa features is another thing.The winger rejected Gennaro Gattuso’s call-up this time around, with it unclear whether he will be asked next time, especially if his game time remains limited.