Asllani and Muslija make Kosovo applaud
©IMAGO
Four-time world champions Italy retained their chance to participate in the World Cup for the first time since 2014. In the semi-final of the European qualifiers, national coach Gennaro Gattuso’s team beat Northern Ireland 2-0 (0-0) in Bergamo. Italy missed the World Cup qualifiers in 2018 and 2022. The Kosovars also progressed thanks, among others, to professionals Fisnik Asllani and Florent Muslija, active in Germany. Denmark, Poland and Sweden are also in the final. The Czechs, who eliminated Ireland, and the Bosnians led by Schalke’s Edin Dzeko, who scored the late equalizer and extra time against Wales, also qualified on penalties. In the penalty shootout, St. Pauli’s Nikola Vasilj once again proved himself a killer from the penalty spot in the Bosnian goal.
Italy’s goals were scored by Sandro Tonali (56th minute) of Newcastle United and Moise Kean (80th) of AC Fiorentina with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area. On Tuesday, the Italians will face the winners of Wales’ semi-final against Bosnia and Herzegovina for one of the last places at the Summer World Cup finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Italy is going through a difficult period against the disciplined Northern Irish
In front of 25,000 spectators in Bergamo, the Italians struggled after a good start. The Northern Irish defended in a disciplined manner and gave the hosts space. The Squadra Azzurra did not find much to surpass the Northern Irish defense line. Guest goalkeeper Pierce Charles only had to seriously intervene before the break when Federico Dimarco shot (8th).
After the break, the Italians were more active. They managed to increase the pressure and create more chances. Tonali’s goal seemed to be liberation. From then on, the hosts also improved in terms of play. After Kean’s goal, the decision was made.
Denmark turn up the pressure, Lewandowski succeeds for Poland
Denmark provided offensive fireworks after halftime in the home game against North Macedonia and deservedly won 4-0. Mikkel Damsgaard breaks the spell by recovering the ball in midfield (49th). Gustav Isaksen ensured the early decision with a double goal (58th/59th). Christian Nørgaard was the last Dane to score with a header from Christian Eriksen’s corner (75th). In the playoff final, Denmark will face the winner of the Czech Republic against Ireland.
The Swedes, dismal in the group stage, also beat Ukraine 3-1 in Valencia thanks to a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres. Poland secured their place in the final thanks to goals from Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zieliński in a 2–1 victory over Albania.
