Tuesday was a significant step forward for defending champion Italy. On their way to the Euro 2024, Belgium and Spain both won with ease. It seems that Sweden will not make the tournament for the first time in 28 years.
The game between Kosovo and Romania was successfully completed. Players were escorted back to their locker rooms after a 45-minute stoppage in the first half due to political pro-Serbia shouts by home supporters in Bucharest.
Late goals gave Romania a 2-0 victory after they had threatened to abandon the match as a 3-0 defeat, but the national federation now risks penalties in a UEFA disciplinary action.
In the game with the greatest stakes of the night, Italy defeated Ukraine 2-1 to score an important victory in what seems to be a close contest for second place in the group headed by England.
After a tense tie against North Macedonia on Saturday, Davide Frattesi of Inter Milan scored twice in the first half at his home stadium, San Siro, to give new coach Luciano Spalletti his first victory.
The Ukrainian striker Andriy Yarmolenko’s attempt to reduce the deficit before halftime was able to withstand Italy’s better and more spirited effort.
North Macedonia, who defeated Malta 2-0 but has the hardest schedule, is behind Italy and Ukraine by six points. Spalletti’s squad must play England at Wembley Stadium next month.
A scenario that may occur is a pivotal final-round match between Italy and Ukraine on November 20; the winner would secure a spot at Euro 2024, while the loser would face uncertainty in the playoffs in March, which prevented Italy from qualifying for the last two World Cups.
ARRANGED SPAIN
In sharp contrast to the scandalous commotion surrounding its now-former federation head Luis Rubiales, the Spanish men’s squad has found peaceful tranquillity on the pitch.
Tuesday’s 6-0 thrashing of Cyprus came after Friday’s 7-1 victory against Georgia. In the meanwhile, FIFA suspended Rubiales, who is now the subject of a criminal investigation by Spanish authorities after an alleged sexual assault he allegedly committed on player Jenni Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup final on August 20.
Despite his connections to Rubiales, coach Luis de la Fuente seems to still be employed, and his players contributed to the positive atmosphere on the men’s squad in Granada.
De la Fuente expressed his happiness and added, “I’m happy because there’s a reason to be,” when Gavi began to score in the 18th. In a late barrage of goals, substitute Ferran Torres scored two goals.
Currently, Spain is six points behind of Scotland, the group’s leader. Spain, who fell to Scotland 2-0 in Glasgow in March, will visit Scotland on October 12 before traveling to face Norway three days later.
Norway defeated Georgia 2-1 on Tuesday, with first-half goals from players Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard keeping them in the running for the top two spots. Norway has the playoffs as a backup plan.
SWEDEN FAILS
Sweden sits in Group F’s bottom two spots, well below Belgium and Austria, and has little chance of making the playoffs.
Coach Janne Andersson vowed to stay in his position after Sweden’s 3-1 home defeat to Austria while Belgium romped past last-place Estonia 5-0. Andersson has been in the position for more than seven years.
Since missing the 1996 tournament, Sweden has qualified for six consecutive Euros; however, with three rounds remaining, it is now seven points behind the two leaders. On October 16, travel to Belgium is next.
In his 150th appearance for the Red Devils, experienced defender Jan Vertonghen gave Belgium the lead against Estonia with a header in the fourth minute.
Romelu Lukaku scored twice in the last three minutes of the second half to bring his total to 77 goals in 110 outings for the national team. On October 13, Belgium will visit Austria next.
A CLOSE RACE
For two qualifying spots from Group I, Switzerland, Romania, and Israel are in a three-way tie.
Nicolae Stanciu, the captain of Romania, approached the group of supporters who had been yelling and holding a banner that said “Kosovo is Serbia” early in the game. Romania is the only member of the European Union that has not legally recognized Kosovo’s 2008 declaration of independence from Serbia.
Stanciu and Valentin Mihăilă scored late goals in stoppage time to secure the victory, which was all the more significant given that Israel had scored in extra time via Gabi Kanichowsky to defeat Belarus 1-0.
With goals from Cedric Itten, Granit Xhaka, and Xherdan Shaqiri in the second half, Switzerland finally defeated Andorra, who was in last position, 3-0.
Each team had four games remaining as the Swiss led Romania by two points and Israel was a point behind. On October 12, Israel will host Switzerland.
