Azzuri tears yet again; Rejuvenation for Iraq

BOSNIA: Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row, leaving the Azzuri fans across the globe in tears. This time, Italy's World Cup hopes were dashed when they lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in the European Qualifiers final. The match went into extra time and a shootout after the two teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regular time. Bosnia won the shootout 4-1. Italy managed to score only one of the first three kicks in the shootout. With this, Bosnia secured its ticket to the World Cup.

Sandro Tonali was the only Italian player to score in the shootout. Pio Esposito, who took the first kick, and Bryan Cristante, who took the third kick, both missed. Bosnia secured their first World Cup appearance in 12 years when Esmir Bajraktarević scored the decisive fourth goal.

After playing cautiously, Italy took the lead in the 15th minute through Moise Kean. But they were dealt a blow when Alessandro Bastoni was given the marching orders in the 41st minute. However, Italy managed to maintain the lead until the 78th minute.

In the 79th minute, Haris Tabakovic equalised for Bosnia. After the two teams remained level in regulation and extra time, the match went to a penalty shootout.

Italy will be the first former champions to fail to qualify for three consecutive World Cups. Italy last played in the World Cup in 2014. Before that, they failed to qualify in 2018 and 2022.

After overcoming all the crises on and off the field, Iraq has qualified for the FIFA World Cup after forty years. Iraq reached the World Cup by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in the Intercontinental Play-off Final in Mexico City. Iraq last played in the World Cup hosted by Mexico in 1986. Iraq is the 48th team to qualify this time. With this, the picture of the teams participating in the World Cup this time is clear.