A last-minute goal from North Macedonia sealed the end: European soccer champions Italy sensationally missed out on participating in the World Cup.
Italy surprisingly lost 0-1 (0-0) against the blatant outsiders North Macedonia in the playoff semifinals in Palermo on Thursday and therefore have to watch the finals again. Trajkovski scored the decisive goal in stoppage time.
For North Macedonia it is now in the playoff final on Tuesday against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portuguese, who won 3-1 (2-0) against Turkey coached by Kuntz. Only the winner goes to the World Cup.
Austria’s selection also missed out on their first appearance at the World Cup since 1998. Captain David Alaba’s team lost 2-1 (0-1) against Wales in Cardiff.
The Welsh will have to wait until June for their opponents, however, as Ukraine are scheduled to play their semi-finals against Scotland. FIFA postponed the game because of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.