- The reigning European champion Italy is struggling to reach the European Championship finals in the European Championship qualification group C with a 0-0 draw in Leverkusen against Ukraine.
- In Group E, alongside Albania, the Czech Republic also qualified for the EURO in Germany.
- Slovenia secured their European Championship ticket in Group H thanks to a 2-1 win against Kazakhstan.
Group C: Italy is nervous about the European Championships
It wasn’t without tremors for the defending champion. Italy had to fear for its European Championship ticket until the last second in the “away game” in Leverkusen. In added time there was a contentious duel between Bryan Cristante and Michailo Mudryk in the Italian penalty area, but Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano’s whistle remained silent. Shortly afterwards, the referee released the “Squadra Azzurra” with the final whistle.
The Italians dominated the first half and created several good scoring chances with attractive offensive football. However, coach Luciano Spalletti’s team sinned repeatedly in the end. The Ukrainians appeared dangerous in front of the opponent’s goal less often. Mudryk missed the best opportunity in the 65th minute when the Chelsea player was denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma from close range and a tight angle. The Ukrainians still have the chance to qualify for the European Championship finals via the playoffs.
- North Macedonia – England 1-1
The “Three Lions” were already group winners before qualifying in North Macedonia. Accordingly, England lacked the ultimate consequence. Thanks to an own goal from Jani Atanasov in the 59th minute, England at least avoided their first defeat of the current campaign. Enis Bardhi gave North Macedonia the lead before the break with a follow-up shot after a missed penalty.
Group E: The Czech Republic can no longer falter
- Czech Republic – Moldova 3-0
The Czech Republic has always been able to qualify for a European Championship and is now definitely taking part in the 2024 European Championship in Germany. In the decisive group game at home against Moldova, a draw would have been enough for Jaroslav Silhavy’s team. But the Czechs didn’t want to take a chance right from the start.
After a quarter of an hour, winger David Doudera took the lead in Olomouc after a nice solo effort, opening the gates wide early on. After a yellow-red card against Moldova’s Vladislav Babohlo (55th), the game was decided. Tomas Chory (72nd) and namesake Soucek (90th) added two more goals to make it 3-0.
- Albania – Faroe Islands 0-0
The Czech Republic was no longer enough to win the group. This is because a goalless draw against the Faroe Islands in Tirana was enough for Albania to defend first place.
Group H: Slovenia breaks the spell
- Slovenia – Kazakhstan 2:1
Slovenia is going to a European Championship for the first time since 2000. In the last group game against Kazakhstan, the Slovenians needed at least a draw. It looked like this for a long time, but after a nice shot from Benjamin Verbic in the 86th minute to make it 2-1, they even managed to win. Benjamin Sesko (41st) had previously been successful with a penalty and Ramazan Orazov (48th). Slovenia takes second place in the group, Kazakhstan misses direct qualification and has to hope for the playoffs.
- Northern Ireland – Denmark 2-0
Northern Ireland, who had already been eliminated, pulled off a surprise against group winners Denmark and won 2-0 at home. Isaac Price caught keeper Kasper Schmeichel in the near corner with his shot after an hour and took the lead, and after a counterattack in the final phase, Dion Charles made the decision.
- San Marino – Finland 1:2
San Marino kept up with Finland for one half. After the break, the Finnish class prevailed. Pyry Soiri scored a brace (50th/58th) for the Finns, who found themselves in 3rd place in the group and had no chance of direct qualification before the game. In stoppage time, Filippo Berardi shortened the score with a penalty for the home team – who scored three times in a row for the first time ever.