England had already won the right to participate in the continental tournament, hosting Malta as group leader. Only the goal difference could be in question, but the British did not really push for goals and only won 2-0. One with an unfortunate own goal they took the lead, then in the middle of the second half they managed to break the defense of the guests in a small-court fashion, and It was set up by Harry Kane the end result.
Harry Kane scores England’s second goal against Malta. Photo: AFP
The Italian national team missed last year’s World Cup because they lost to North Macedonia in Palermo in the alternate qualifiers, and now on Friday night it was time to retaliate. Of course, the stakes were higher than the desire for revenge, because the Italians really needed the three points to be in a favorable position for the last round on Monday. During the break, it seemed that everything was decided in the Olympic Stadium in Rome, the home team led 3-0, but in the 74th minute the scoreboard showed only 3-2… The fans on the floor could chew their nails for seven minutes, then Giacomo Raspadori increased the difference to two, and in extra time, substitute Stephan El Shaarawy scored the penalty kick. So Italy won 5-2, and on Monday they play a one-on-one match with Ukraine, for them even a draw is enough for salvation.
Roberto Lewandowski couldn’t help the Poles either. Source: Uefa.com
In Group E, Poland could only hope for a win, but if the Czech Republic wins, then regardless of the other results, they will get the quota for next year’s European Championship. In the end, none of them came together, because even though the Poles took the lead before the break, the visitors quickly equalized after the turn, and although both teams had further opportunities in a battle that was not without hard clashes, no more goals were scored even from the best situations, and it remained that way. it’s 1-1. With this, it was decided that the Poles will definitely not qualify for the European Championship in a straight line, but at the same time they can still hope for the playoffs, and the Czechs need one point against Moldova on Monday to qualify.
In addition to the hosts Germany, 12 national teams from the qualifiers have now secured their place at next year’s European Football Championship, which will take place between June 14 and July 14. Confirmed participants of the 2024 European Football Championship: Germany (as host), HUNGARY (from group G), Spain (A), Scotland (A), France (B), England (C), Turkey (D), Albania (E), Belgium (F), Austria (F), Denmark (H), Portugal (J), Slovakia (J).
European Championship qualifiers, Friday results
Group C: Italy-North Macedonia 5-2, scorers: Darmian (17th), Chiesa (41st, 45th + 2nd), Raspadori (81st), El Shaarawy (90th + 3rd), and Atanaszov (52nd, 74th .), England-Malta 2-0, scorers: Pepe (8th – own goal), Kane (75th), group standings: 1. England 19/7, 2. Italy 13/7, 3. Ukraine 13/7 , 4. North Macedonia 7/7, 5. Malta 0/8.
This group: Moldova-Albania 1-1, scorers: Baboglo (87th) and Cikalleshi (25th – from 11th), Poland-Czech Republic 1-1, scorers: Piotrowski (38th), respectively. Soucek (49th), group standings: 1. Albania 14/7 match, 2. Czech Republic 12/7, 3. Poland 11/8, 4. Moldova 10/7, 5. Faroe Islands 1/7.
Group H: Kazakhstan–San Marino 3-1, scorers: Chesnokov (19th, 51st), Aimbetov (90+2nd – from 11th), or Franciosi (60th), Finland-Northern Ireland 4-0, scorers: Pohjanpalo (40th – from 11), Hakans (48th), Pukki (74th), Lod (88th), Denmark-Slovenia 2- 1, scorers: Maehle (26th), Delaney (54th), or Janza (30th), group standings: 1. Denmark 22/9, 2. Slovenia 19/9, 3. Kazakhstan 18/9, 4. Finland 15/9, 5. Northern Ireland 6/9, 6. San Marino 0/9.
Cover photo: It started smoothly, it ended smoothly, but the Italians had to be nervous (Photo: AFP)
2023-11-19 13:46:36
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