Fernduell on the last matchday of the World Cup qualification – and Italy is more concerned than ever about the ticket for the winter tournament in Qatar!
Because Switzerland won 4-0 against Bulgaria and Italy really embarrassed themselves at 0-0 in Northern Ireland, the Swiss actually snatched the group victory away from the European champions on the last day of the match.
As before the 2018 World Cup, the Italians have to go to the play-offs. At that time they failed because of Sweden – and then had to endure scorn and ridicule.
Italy struggled in Belfast from the start. The hosts play with a five-man chain, the European champion runs headless.
The only real chance before the break is lost by di Lorenzo after eight minutes when he is defeated by goalkeeper Peacock-Farrell (plays in England 3rd division at Sheffield Wednesday). Northern Ireland, without conceding a goal in all other qualifying home games, is limited to defending, there is not much going forward at first.
Meanwhile, Switzerland also lacks good ideas in the offensive game against Bulgaria. With the last action before the break, Okafor only hits the inside post, so it’s also 0-0 in Lucerne at the break. In the first leg, the Swiss had already led 3-0 at this point …
Switzerland as if in a frenzy – Italy remains goalless
Shocking moment for Italy five minutes after the break! Saville finishes completely free from close range, Donnarumma holds strong.
It would probably have been the almost safe step into the play-offs, because Switzerland is leading at this point in time. Okafor hits a head after a cross from Shaqiri (48th). And it gets worse for Italy. Augsburg’s Vargas increased to 2-0 (57th), the ex-Schalke Gavranovic was denied the alleged third Swiss goal by the VAR because of an offside position, but Fürth attacker Itten made the decision shortly afterwards (72nd). Freuler makes it 4-0 (90th + 1) in stoppage time.
Italy needs a total of three goals, but Roberto Mancini’s (56) team is far away from one goal. Northern Ireland even has good counter-chances to win the game, but in the end the draw remains so disappointing for Italy.
Noah Okafor celebrates his 1-0 goal, Switzerland goes to the World Cup in QatarPhoto: Alessandro Della Valle / dpa
The European champion has to detain!
And in the play-offs it will be very difficult. The ten runners-up in the qualifying groups will compete in a mini-tournament – including Portugal and Sweden as well as the two best group winners of the Nations League who have not yet made it to the World Cup via their qualifying group. These are Austria and the third from Group E – Wales or the Czech Republic.
The twelve participants will then be drawn into three tournament trees with four teams each on November 26th. So there will be two semi-finals and one final each. The best runners-up in the qualification have home rights. There is only one game per round, no return leg. The three nations that win two games go to the World Cup.
Four pack from Kane
England has meanwhile dispelled the last theoretical doubts about qualifying for the World Cup. The European Championship finalist prevailed 10-0 (6-0) in San Marino. Top star Harry Kane managed a four-pack for which he only needed 15 minutes before the break (27th, 31st, 39th, 42nd). In the entire calendar year he scored 13 goals for England – a new record!
Continued to play:
Scotland – Denmark 2-0
Austria – Moldova 4-1
Poland 1-2 Hungary
Israel – Faroe Islands 3: 2
Albania 1-0 Andorra