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Key players who will decide the fate of their teams in the play-offs

REUTERS/Antonio Bronic

Here's a look at the players who will be crucial in determining whether their respective nations can book a ticket to the 2018 World Cup in Russia during next month's play-offs for the final four European spots.

Italy vs. Sweden

Marco Verratti - Italy

Italy doesn't necessarily have to lean on Marco Verratti to ensure a World Cup berth, but the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder will be vital to the Azzurri's effort in preventing opportunities for a Swedish team loaded with goal-scoring options. On the other end, Verratti can help kickstart attacks by catching defenders off-guard with vision when picking out teammates all over the park.

Emil Forsberg - Sweden

Life after Zlatan Ibrahimovic hasn't been doom and gloom for a Sweden side that appears to have found its next star in the form of Emil Forsberg. The dynamic midfielder, however, could struggle to influence either of the two legs against an Italy side that many have already picked to advance to the World Cup.

Croatia vs. Greece

Luka Modric - Croatia

Luka Modric has a chance to turn, what he described as, a "catastrophic" situation into one of pure joy when Croatia clashes with Greece over two legs. The Real Madrid midfielder didn't have the best of qualifying campaigns, but he will certainly attract plenty of attention against a Greece team that simply doesn't measure up to Croatia.

Kostas Mitroglou - Greece

Outside of a sound defensive system, Kostas Mitroglou's ability to tow the line up front could be the difference if Greece has any hope of upsetting Croatia. While it's unlikely that Greece will employ an attack-minded game plan, Mitroglou is more than capable of taking advantage of whatever opportunities that do arise over the two legs.

Denmark vs. Republic of Ireland

Christian Eriksen - Denmark

Along with pulling the strings in the heart Denmark's midfield, Christian Eriksen also showed off his prolific goal-scoring skills after finding the back of the net eight times. The Tottenham star will undoubtedly be the focus during manager Martin O'Neill's preparations, but it may be his vision in the middle of the park and ability to find the likes of Kasper Dolberg that leave the Republic of Ireland without a ticket to Russia next summer.

Wes Hoolahan - Republic of Ireland

Despite his advanced age, Wes Hoolahan hasn't shown any signs of slowing down. The 35-year-old is more than capable of dictating play and finding cracks in opposing defences, while his vision will also be crucial as Ireland's lack of world-class attackers will rely on the Norwich City player's pinpoint delivery.

Switzerland vs. Northern Ireland

Xherdan Shaqiri - Switzerland

Switzerland isn't short on players capable of influencing matches, but Xherdan Shaqiri's increasing improvement as a well-rounded player could overwhelm a Northern Ireland team that will be desperate to limit that damage against potent attacking scheme.

Jonny Evans - Northern Ireland

Prevention is the name of the game for a Northern Ireland team that boasted one of the best defensive records during the group phase. Jonny Evans was terrific during the group stage, with his calm presence at the back proving crucial in limiting opponents to just six goals in 10 matches.

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

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