Wednesday, September 8th, 2021
England missed victory
There is no stopping Italy in qualifying for the World Cup
European soccer champions Italy have been undefeated in 37 games: In qualifying for the World Cup, the Squadra Azzurra almost effortlessly won a runaway victory against Lithuania. European Championship finalist England is having a harder time against Poland.
European soccer champions Italy are back on track for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. After two draws most recently, the Squadra Azzurra defeated Lithuania’s selection in Reggio nell ‘Emilia with 5: 0 (4: 0) and expanded their world record series to 37 games without defeat. England conceded the final 1: 1 (0: 0) in Poland shortly before the end, Spain and Belgium celebrated successes.
Moise Kean from Juventus Turin was twice as successful for Italy (11th, 29th). Edgaras Utkus provided the hosts with an own goal (14th) as well as Giacomo Raspadori (24th) and Giovanni Di Lorenzo (54th).
With 14 points from six games, coach Roberto Mancini’s team is clearly at the top of the table in Group C. Switzerland are six points behind after going 0-0 in Northern Ireland, but have played two games less.
England fails, but remains group first
Vice European champions England did not get past a 1: 1 (0: 0) in the top duel of Group I in Poland and missed a big point. Harry Kane decided the duel of the super strikers against Bayern star Robert Lewandowski for himself by taking the guest lead in Warsaw (80th) – Damian Szymanski (90th + 2) managed to equalize late. With 16 points from six games, the English continue to lead Group I with confidence, despite their no longer flawless record. Poland (11) lost second play-off place to Albania (12), who won 5-0 (1-0) against San Marino.
Former world champion Spain was meanwhile no nakedness. The team of head coach Luis Enrique won 2-0 (1-0) in Kosovo with plenty of effort and took advantage of the mistake of the Swedes, who lost 2-1 (0-0) in Greece. Pablo Fornals (32nd) and Ferran Torres (90th) scored for Spain, which lead Group B with 13 points. Despite their first defeat, the Swedes, who have played two games less than the league leaders, still have a chance of winning a direct World Cup ticket with nine points.
After their 1-0 (1-0) success in Kazan, Russia against Belarus, Belgium is the undisputed first place in Group E with 16 points. Dennis Praet (33rd) provided the decisive goal for the Belgians, in which Wolfsburgs Koen Casteels and Dodi Lukebakio and Dedryck Boyata from Hertha BSC were in the starting line-up. After six games, the “Red Devils” are nine points ahead of their closest rival, the Czech Republic, who, however, have played one game less.
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