North Macedonia stunned European Champions Italy in the dying minutes to set up a clash against Portugal in the World Cup qualifying finals. The four-time World Champions failed to qualify for the tournament in Russia after being knocked out by Sweden in the play-offs.
And Aleksandar Trajkovski ensured the Italians would be watching the 2022 World Cup from their homes after his fantastic finish in the 93rd minute. The Macedonia No.9 broke past the Italian defence to fire a wonderful effort past Gianluigi Donnarumma from 25 yards out.
The Italians had 31 shots on goal but could not find the back of the net. They will travel to face Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in the final, who overcame Turkey after a late scare.
A shell-shocked Giorgio Chiellini expressed his "great disappointment" about the Azzurri's exit, but stated he wants Mancini to remain in his post. "There is great disappointment. We played a good game, we missed the goal," Chiellini said.. "I'm proud of my teammates. We are destroyed. I hope the future is still with Mr. Mancini."
While, Mancini was dressed in his usual suave and smooth style, the former Manchester City boss appeared non-plussed by the stunning result. “I’m more than disappointed, I’ve nothing to say," Mancini said after the match.
Something incredible happened tonight. We deserved to win the Euros, now we’ve been really unlucky… but that’s it, that’s the reality. I’m sorry for the players”
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Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo ’s Portugal were dealt a huge scare by Turkey. Porto winger Otavio latched onto a rebound to slot Fernando Santos’ side into a first-half lead.
The tie appeared to be over when Liverpool ace Diogo Jota sumptuously doubled their lead with a very powerful header. However, Portuguese nerves began to jangle when Burak Yilmaz halved the deficit in the second half.
And the Turkish captain had the perfect opportunity to halve the deficit from the penalty spot, after Jose Fonte fouled Enes Unal in the area. However, Yilmaz let the Portuguese of the hook as his spot-kick smashed against the crossbar. Portugal only just managed to hang on to their lead, setting up a home tie against Italy.
Gareth Bale’s dreams of leading Wales into a World Cup remain in course after they edged out Austria at the Cardiff City stadium. He smashed a sumptuous freekick past a helpless Hinz Lindner and into the top corner of the net. After the interval, Bale doubled Wales’ lead with another fantastic strike to solidify their place in the World Cup qualifying final.
Marcel Sabitzer's nicked a goal back with a heavily deflected effort for the Austrians, prompting Wales to man the barricades and protect their lead. However, Wales were never going to be knocked back, maturely compacting their defences to secure the result.
Bale has dragged Wales to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 and the Round of 16 of Euro 2020, but the World Cup has eluded the former Tottenham Hotspur ace – could this year finally be the wing wizard’s year?
Sweden beat Czech Republic 1-0 after extra-time thanks to Robin Quaison's late strike. The two sides played out a very tight 0-0 draw to force extra-time.
Russia ’s disqualification from the World Cup qualifiers amid Vladimir Putin ’s invasion of Ukraine means Poland will be awaiting Sweden in the next round.
