A shaky playoff run instead of a World Cup miracle!
Italy experienced failure in their final World Cup qualifying match, losing 4-1 at home to Norway. Top scorer Erling Haaland scored twice to ensure his country’s first participation in the World Cup since 1998.
Even before the match, the Italian team’s chances were slim; they will need a real World Cup miracle against league leaders Norway to cover a deficit of three points and 17 goals on the final group match day and still secure direct World Cup qualification.
On the other hand, the Azzurra Squad was completely dismantled by coach Gennaro Gattuso in the second half and now have to worry about taking part in the World Cup in the playoffs. If something goes wrong, Italy will miss their third consecutive World Cup.
Norway, who appeared convincing in the qualifying round, had little difficulty facing the 2006 world champions in the first 45 minutes. However, despite Italy’s clear lead, Inter striker Pio Esposito’s 1-0 win (11th minute) was nothing more than a win.
After the break, Norway were much better and were able to equalize through strong Leipzig professional Antonio Nusa (63′). Haaland finally turned things around with his 15th and 16th goals in qualifying (78/79). Jørgen Strand Larsen scored in stoppage time to make it 4-1 and make it an eighth win in an eighth game.
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Kane also with a double package
Bayern star Harry Kane also scored an eighth win for Thomas Tuchel and the already-qualified England team in their eighth qualifying match in Group K. In his 112th international match, the striker scored 77 and 78 to secure a 2-0 (0-0) win over group runners-up and playoff participants Albania. This means that the Three Lions remained clean in the qualifying round with a goal difference of plus 22.
Vice world champions France won 3-1 (3-1) in Azerbaijan without rested superstar Kylian Mbappé. Coach Didier Deschamps’ team easily qualified for the World Cup in Group D with 16 out of 18 possible points. Ukraine secured its playoff ticket with a final score of 2-0 (0-0) in the duel for second place with Iceland.
