Monday 15th November 2021
Switzerland shocks European champions
Italy must now tremble mightily about the World Cup
Italy must tremble mightily about qualifying for the soccer World Cup next year: The European champions only come second in their qualifying group and have to go to the complicated playoffs. The preliminary decision had already been made.
Horror in Italy, jubilation in Switzerland: European soccer champions Italy have given away the ticket for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which they believed was safe. Instead, Switzerland qualified directly for the tournament thanks to a 4-0 (0-0) win against Bulgaria.
The Squadra Azzurra did not get more than 0-0 in the parallel game in Northern Ireland and had to let Switzerland pass. As second in Group C, Italy could still make it through the playoffs to the finals. However, several top-class teams are already waiting there. Portugal with superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, Poland with world footballer Robert Lewandowski or the Swedes with Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Erling Haaland’s Norwegians could also end up in the playoffs.
“We should have made it clear much earlier in this group. Now we have to fix it in March,” said coach Roberto Mancini, who was completely dismayed. In a direct comparison last Friday, Italy missed the big chance for a relaxed group final: Jorginho missed a penalty in the last minute. Instead of three points ahead of Italy, both teams went into the final matchday with the same number of points. With a terrifying ending for Italy.
Kane manages a lightning four-pack
England is also at the World Cup in Qatar. At the 10-0 (6-0) in San Marino, Harry Kane was the outstanding goalscorer with four goals. He scored all goals within just 15 minutes, including two from penalties. Poland has to go to the playoffs. In the 1: 2 (0: 1) against Hungary Robert Lewandowski from FC Bayern Munich was missing at every nook and cranny.
Italy had more of the game in Belfast, but the guests could not convert their superiority into goals. The team also received no help from Bulgaria, because Switzerland turned up after the break. Noah Okafor (48th), Ruben Vargas (57th), Cedric Itten (72nd) and Remo Freuler (90th +1) caused cheers among the Swiss. “I have to compliment the team for what they did in this campaign and how they played. They always believed in it, now we did it, that was our goal, now we are all happy and proud”, said captain Xherdan Shaqiri after his 100th international match.
In Group F, it was already clear before the last matchday that Denmark would make it to the finals. In the end, however, the 1992 European champions missed their tenth win in their tenth game. At 0: 2 (0: 1) in Scotland, John Souttar and Ché Adams screwed up the Danes’ perfect qualification. The Scots can still hope for second. Austria, however, achieved a conciliatory end. The fourth in the group, who moves into the playoffs via the Nations League, won against Moldova 4-1 (2-0).