Asllani & Muslija make Kosovo cheer
©IMAGO
Four-time world champions Italy have kept their chance of participating in the World Cup for the first time since 2014. In the semi-finals of the European playoffs, national coach Gennaro Gattuso’s team beat Northern Ireland 2-0 (0-0) in Bergamo. Italy missed qualifying for the World Cup in 2018 and 2022. The Kosovars also made progress thanks, among other things, to the professionals Fisnik Asllani and Florent Muslija, who are 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, are also through after penalties. In the penalty shootout, St. Pauli’s Nikola Vasilj once again proved to be a penalty killer in the Bosnian goal.
The goals for Italy were scored by Sandro Tonali (56th minute) from Newcastle United and Moise Kean (80th) from AC Fiorentina with a powerful shot from the edge of the penalty area. On Tuesday, the Italians will play against the winners of the semi-final Wales against Bosnia-Herzegovina for one of the last places at the summer World Cup finals in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Italy is having a hard time 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 made space tight for the hosts. The Squadra Azzurra couldn’t think of much to outplay the Northern Irish defense line. Guest keeper Pierce Charles only had to intervene seriously before the break when Federico Dimarco shot (8th).
After the break, the Italians became more active. They managed to increase the pressure and create more chances. Tonali’s goal seemed like a liberation. From then on, the hosts also got better in terms of play. After Kean’s goal the decision was made.
Denmark is turning up the heat, Lewandowski is successful for Poland
Denmark provided offensive fireworks after half-time in the home game against North Macedonia and deservedly won 4-0. Mikkel Damsgaard broke the spell after winning the ball in midfield (49′). Gustav Isaksen secured the early decision with a double strike (58th/59th). Christian Nørgaard was the last Dane to get on the scoresheet with a header from a corner from Christian Eriksen (75th). In the playoff final, Denmark will face the winner of the Czech Republic against Ireland.
The Swedes, who were dismal in the group stage, also defeated Ukraine 3-1 in Valencia thanks to a hat-trick from Viktor Gyökeres. Poland secured their place in the final with goals from Robert Lewandowski and Piotr Zieliński in a 2-1 win against Albania.
