European champions Italy have once again missed out of World Cup qualification after a shock 1-0 home loss to minnows North Macedonia in the playoffs semi-finals on Thursday.
Alexsandar Trajkovski was the hero as his 93rd minute strike, sent North Macedonia into the playoff final from path C.
Italy have now failed to qualify for back-to-back World Cups for the first time in their history.
Recall they lost to Sweden 1-0 on aggregate in the 2018 World Cup qualifying playoffs.
Despite playing in front of their fans, Italy could not break down a resolute North Macedonian side.
The four-time World Cup winners edged North Macedonia in every aspects of the game.
They led on number of shots which was 32-4, shots inside the box: 16-0, shots on target: 5-2, possession: 66%-34% and corners: 16-0, but it was North Macedonia who got the most important statistics.
With the game heading for extra-time, Trajkovski arrowed home a long-range right-footer after the Azzurri’s Chelsea midfielder Jorginho missed a header – leaving the whole of Italy in shock.
North Macedonia will now take on Portugal in the playoffs final to determine who qualifies for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
To get to the playoffs final, Portugal beat Turkey 3-1.
The post UPDATE: Minnows North Macedonia Knock Italy Out Of 2022 World Cup appeared first on Complete Sports.
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