Italy OUT of World Cup after defeat to North Macedonia, Portugal through to final

Good morning soccer followers

Wales have put one foot into the World Cup win after a 2-1 victory over Austria within the play offs.

A surprising double courtesy of Gareth Bale ensured Wales made it previous a tricky Austria aspect.

Bale scored a shocking free kick within the first half earlier than matching his magic within the second interval with a elegant strike.

Wales are actually odds-on at 4-6 with bookmaker Coral to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar later this 12 months, following their victory over Austria this night in Cardiff.

Portugal have been additionally victorious and thumped Turkey 3-1 within the play off tie.

Objectives from Otavio, Diogo Jota and Matheus Nunes have been sufficient to see Portugal by way of.

Though that they had a late scare when Turkey missed a last-gasp penalty earlier than Nunes scored Portugal’s third.

Nevertheless, Wales and Portugal gained’t be joined within the finals by Italy who have been despatched packing after a shock 1-0 loss to North Macedonia.

The Italians’ World Cup desires got here crashing down when the Macedonians scored a winner within the final minutes of stoppage time.

Roberto Mancini’s males walked off the pitch to boos and jeers from the followers as Italy miss out on World Cup qualification for the second time in a row.

Czech Republic may also miss the World Cup after they have been crushed 1-0 by Sweden within the closing phases of additional time.

The 2 nations have been on the verge of a penalty shoot-out when Robin Quaison struck dwelling with a detailed vary low shot.

The Swedes obtained the job accomplished with out the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic who was stuffed with reward for compatriot Anthony Elanga earlier than the sport.

Ibrahimovic stated of the Man United starlet: “He is a good expertise – we’re proud and blissful that he comes from Sweden.

“He has all the long run forward of him, and if he continues simply as he has accomplished, it appears optimistic.”

Lastly, Portugal will now face North Macedonia within the finals, whereas Wales should look forward to Scotland and Ukraine’s play off tie to happen.

The tie was delayed till June after Russia invaded Ukraine, however Scots boss Steve Clarke doubts that would be the case.

Within the different play-off last, Sweden go up in opposition to Poland, with all video games going forward on Tuesday March 29.