Italy stay alive in World Cup race, underdogs shine in Europe
Italy stay alive in World Cup race, underdogs shine in Europe Out of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups after failures in both playoffs, and without reaching the knockout stage of a World Cup since winning the title in 2006, Italy took the field this Thursday (26) with the mission of avoiding another humiliation. The four-time champion faced Northern Ireland in the European playoff semifinals, overcame plenty of tension, but came out on top 2-0. The mission now is to get past Wales or Bosnia next Tuesday to end its drought.
The day also brought surprises, with Kosovo eliminating Slovakia — which had even beaten Germany in the qualifiers. And Ireland also pulled off an away upset. See below for a summary of the matches already finished and, afterward, which will be/could be the four decisive matches for the final spots.
Two matches went to extra time. 🇹🇷 Turkey 1 x 0 Romania 🇷🇴 A standalone clash that got underway at 2 p. m.
(Brasília time). Playing at Tüpraş Stadium, Besiktas' home ground, the hosts came out on top thanks to Kadioglu's goal after a precise pass from Arda Güler (53'). Turkey dominated from the start.
But it only managed one other shot on target. Romania, meanwhile, did little when it had possession and did not even hit the target defended by Cakir. 🇩🇰 Denmark 4 x 0 North Macedonia 🇲🇰 The hosts were in full control at Parken Stadium.