European champions Italy will miss a second straight World Cup after being shocked 1-0 in stoppage time by North Macedonia in their semi-final playoff on Thursday.
Four-time world champions Italy dominated the entire game in Palermo but it was Aleksandar Trajkovski who found the net with a low shot into the left corner two minutes into time added on.
While Italy and their coach Roberto Mancini will be licking their wounds some eight months after lifting the Euro title, North Macedonia now face a deciding match against Portugal on Tuesday for a place at the finals in Qatar.
Portugal beat Turkey 3-1 in Porto after Turkey veteran Burak Yilmaz missed a penalty for a 2-2 equaliser with six minutes left.
The hosts got a 15th-minute lead when Otavio slotted home from a tight right angle in his home stadium off Bernardo Silva’s shot against the post.
Liverpool’s Diogo Jota, who had missed from point-blank range early on, doubled the lead in the 42nd.
Turkey were back in the game in the 64th from Burak Yilmaz’ low shot off Cengiz Ünder’s through ball.
But veteran Yilmaz then missed a golden opportunity to level by firing an 84th-minute penalty over the bar after Enes Ünal was hit by José Fonte, before Matheus Nunes then wrapped up matters.
Gareth Bale hardly sees any playing time at Real Madrid but he scored a brace in a 2-1 over Austria to keep Wales’ dream alive of playing at a first World Cup in 64 years.
Bale curled a free-kick into the top right corner in the 25th minute in Cardiff and smashed the second into the same place with a diagonal drive six minutes after the restart.
Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer pulled one back with a shot deflected by Ben Davis over the diving goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey a few minutes later but Wales hung on.
They will play for a spot in Qatar in June, with their opponents either Scotland or Ukraine whose game was postponed after the Russian invasion.
Thursday’s other game is between Sweden and Czech Republic, who were goalless in extra time.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
haven't said that in a while, but yes, it can take that long. I'd drive to a bus station about 45 mins, then depends on parking and how long a wait for the bus. The bus trip usually was about 30 mins, sometimes longer. Takes about an hour fifteen, depending on traffic, to drive to Dolphins.
Roberto Bettega
Roar Rookie
If you have followed Italian football for as long as I have, you'd know that this is par for course. Champions one day. Earning a draw with Malta the next. That's just Italy. Gli Azzurri fanno sempre così!!
coolncold
Roar Rookie
Were you, Lionheart, the one who said needing 2 hours to get to Suncorp before?
Tim Carter
Roar Pro
Russia would be willing to host.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
I had an Italian New Zealander neighbor in 2010 when Italy finished last in their Group, behind New Zealand. Passionate Italy fan, he had an Italy flag flying in his front garden. Heard noises early one morning, looked out and there was Joe, 2am, pulling down the Italy flag, hoisting the silver fern.
Paul
Guest
Is Mancini available now???
Stevo
Roar Rookie
So we're going to join an illustrious list of teams that didn't qualify!! Maybe those that don't qualify can hold an alternative World Cup :laughing:
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
all good,its all about a bit banter.
Chufortah
Guest
Hi Fabian, I should clarify it’s much better watching England lose in rugby… no comparison. I feel for my Italian mates, but if they were English I would rub it in. For Italy in soccer, I don’t rub it in but I’m mildly happy. ;)
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
HAHA REAL FUNNY.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
Italy as power nation is gone.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
Socceroos will fail to Qualify to the next worldcup also.LOL to that
Chufortah
Guest
Watching Italy lose soccer is almost as good as watching England lose rugby ;)
Waz
Roar Rookie
You fluke one Euro Championship and then you’re surprised when you’re knocked out in the next comp :laughing:
coolncold
Roar Rookie
LOL Current EU champ fails back to back in WC qualification. Socceroos, keep the heads up.
Isaac Buatava
Roar Pro
Mamma mia, perche perche perche!!!!