World Cup footballPainful evening for Italy. The European champion is not yet certain of participating in the World Cup in Qatar after a dismal 0-0 draw against Northern Ireland. Big competitor Switzerland did beat Bulgaria and thus takes the direct World Cup ticket. The Squadra Azzurra must try to qualify through the jump-offs.
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The assignment for Italy was clear in advance: to do at least as well as Switzerland, which took on Bulgaria at home, and the direct World Cup ticket had been received. On the Northern Ireland pitch, that wouldn’t be a problem, would it? Well…
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An uninspired Italy kept bumping into a wall of green shirts. And that while Switzerland did settle with Bulgaria in the second half, as expected. After goals from Okafor, Vargas and Itten, it was 3-0 20 minutes before the end. A sweat of fear broke out at Italy, because even with a 0-1 win in Belfast, they were trumped by the Swiss on goal difference. Northern Ireland grew in the game and was the better team at times. National coach Roberto Mancini, gesticulating fiercely on the sidelines, couldn’t believe his eyes.
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Italy was stuck on a dramatic 0-0 draw, the Swiss eventually won 4-0 and celebrated. They can prepare for the World Cup in Qatar. Italy, which also missed the 2018 World Cup after losing in the jump-offs against Sweden, must avoid another qualifying trauma. Appointment in March 2022 for the play-offs.
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