This time, Euro-winners Italy were in the same group as Switzerland in the qualifying round. Bulgaria, Lithuania and Northern Ireland were also included. But everyone knew that the main battle would be between Italy and Switzerland. Even so. Italy couldn't get the spot if they were at the top of the group to get a direct ticket to the World Cup.
Georgino was arrested by Northern Ireland
Georgino resists Northern Ireland Photo: Reuters
They led Switzerland to the top of the group with a goalless draw against Northern Ireland at Windsor Park last night. And they themselves have fallen into the sword of the play-offs, the pain in which Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal fell yesterday. Switzerland, meanwhile, steeled themselves by beating Bulgaria 4-0. Italy will only get a shot at the World Cup if they can pass the play-off test.
He wouldn't have had to go through so much reckoning if Georgini hadn't missed two penalties in two crucial games. Do you know who Italy's rival was in those two games? This is Switzerland! Italy drew two games against Switzerland. The Chelsea midfielder missed penalties in those two games. It goes without saying that if they had not missed the penalty in both matches, Italy would have come off the field with the victory, instead of 2 points they would have gotten 6 full points, today they would also have gone up in the World Cup! Georgini won't slap herself on the forehead, then who's going to slap her!
Italy coach Roberto Mancini
Italy coach Roberto Mancini: Reuters
Italy created several chances to score from the start of the match. However, Federico Kiesa and Dominico Berardi were unable to score thanks to Northern Ireland goalkeeper Bailey Picco-Farrell. In all, Italy have taken a dozen shots along Northern Ireland's goal posts, none of which have been scored.
But it's not that Northern Ireland didn't have the chance; Leeds United midfielder Stuart Dallas and Charlton Athletic forward Connor Washington had a chance to score on the fast break. Although they did not win anything with the draw, they are still the third team in the group, without having the opportunity to play in the World Cup.
The joy of traveling to the Swiss World Cup
Swiss World Cup win: Reuters
Meanwhile, as usual, captain Jordan Shakiri contributed to the loss to Bulgaria. The attacking midfielder scored two goals despite not scoring a goal himself. The goals were scored by Salzburg forward Noah Okafor, Augsburg winger Ruben Vargas, Rangers forward Cedric Etten and Atalanta midfielder Remo Fryler.
Not only Italy and Portugal, but also Robert Lewandowski's Poland and Zlatan Ibrahimovic's Sweden are in the playoffs. The play-off matches will be in March next year.
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