2-0 against Northern Ireland in the World Cup playoffs: Italy breathes a sigh of relief

Four-time soccer world champions Italy have kept their chance of participating in the World Cup for the first time since 2014. In the semi-finals of the European playoffs, national coach Gennaro Gattuso’s team beat Northern Ireland 2-0 (0-0) in Bergamo. Italy missed qualifying for the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.

The goals were scored by Sandro Tonali (56th minute) from Newcastle United with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area and Moise Kean (80th) from Fiorentina. On Tuesday, the Italians will play the winner of the other semi-final, Wales against Bosnia-Herzegovina, for one of the last places at the summer World Cup finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

In front of 25,000 spectators in Bergamo, the Italians struggled after a good start. Gattuso did not deny the immense pressure on the Italians and spoke of the “most important game” of his career. The Northern Irish defended in a disciplined manner and made space tight for the hosts. The Squadra Azzurra couldn’t think of much to outplay the Northern Irish defense line. Guest keeper Pierce Charles only had to intervene seriously before the break when Federico Dimarco shot (8th).

After the break, the Italians became more active. They managed to increase the pressure and create more chances. Tonali’s goal seemed like a liberation. From then on, the hosts also got better in terms of play. After Kean’s goal the decision was made.

Türkiye meets Kosovo

Turkey is also one step closer to taking part in the World Cup for the first time in 24 years. In the playoff semi-finals, Vincenzo Montella’s team beat Romania 1-0 (0-0) in Istanbul. Arda Güler delicately lifted the ball from the right half of the field into the path of full-back Ferdi Kadioglu, who processed the pass cleanly and slotted it in for the goal of the day. Next Tuesday Turkey will face Kosovo. Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani’s team beat Slovakia 4-3.

Poland beats Albania and challenges Sweden

Robert Lewandowski can also continue to dream of the World Cup with Poland. The long-time Bundesliga professional from FC Barcelona and his team beat Albania 2-1 (0-1) and scored to make it 1-1 (63′). Piotr Zielinski (73′) turned the game in favor of the Poles, who now have to play in Sweden. The Scandinavians, who qualified for the playoffs via the Nations League, defeated Ukraine 3-1 (1-0) in Valencia thanks to a hat-trick from Arsenal attacker Viktor Gyökeres (6th, 51st, 73rd/foul penalty).