World Cup play-offs: heartbreak for Italy as final spots confirmed
Italy failed to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup after losing to Bosnia & Herzegovina on Tuesday. The 2006 champions fell on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw in their qualification pl...
World Cup play-offs: heartbreak for Italy as final spots confirmed Italy failed to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup after losing to Bosnia & Herzegovina on Tuesday. The 2006 champions fell on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw in their qualification play-off final. The Azzurri remain the highest-profile absence from this summer’s 48-team tournament in North America.
Sweden, Turkiye and the Czech Republic also secured their places during a dramatic night of international action. DR Congo beat Jamaica 1-0 in extra time, while Iraq defeated Bolivia 2-1 to complete the field. World Cup Play-offs: heartbreak for Italy as final spots confirmed Italy’s campaign sabotaged in Sarajevo Italy appeared to have the advantage after Moise Kean scored a brilliant early opener.
However, Alessandro Bastoni received a red card for a reckless challenge before half-time, forcing the Azzurri to defend deep for the remainder of the match. Bosnia capitalised when Haris Tabakovic scrambled home a deserved equaliser in the 79th minute. The contest proceeded to a penalty shootout despite late Italian resistance.
Bosnia converted all four of their spot-kicks, while Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante both missed the target. Bosnia & Herzegovina advance to Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Qatar and Switzerland. Gyokeres inspires Swedish revival Sweden returned to the world stage with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Poland in Stockholm.