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1974 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)

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Listed below are the dates and results for the 1974 FIFA World Cup qualification rounds for the European zone (UEFA). For an overview of the qualification rounds, see the article 1974 FIFA World Cup qualification.

A total of 32 UEFA teams entered the competition. The European zone was allocated 9.5 places (out of 16) in the final tournament. West Germany, the hosts, qualified automatically, leaving 8.5 spots open for competition between 32 teams.

The 32 teams were divided into 9 groups of 3 or 4 teams each (four groups with 3 teams and five groups with 4 teams). The teams would play against each other on a home-and-away basis. The group winners would qualify, except the winner of Group 9, which would advance to the UEFA / CONMEBOL Intercontinental Play-off.

Austria and Sweden finished level on points and goal difference, and a play-off on neutral ground was played to decide who would qualify.

Sweden qualified.

Italy qualified.

Netherlands qualified on goal difference. The campaign ended with a controversial decision in the final match when the referee disallowed a legal Belgian goal for offside in the last minute of the game.

East Germany qualified.

Poland qualified.

Bulgaria qualified.

Spain and Yugoslavia finished level on points and goal difference, and a play-off on neutral ground was played to decide who would qualify.

Yugoslavia qualified.

Scotland qualified.

Soviet Union advanced to the UEFA – CONMEBOL Play-off.

References

1974 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA) Wikipedia