UPSET: ITALY SET TO MISS 2022 WORLD CUP, CRASHES OUT AGAINST NORTH MECEDONIA AS FOUR MORE COUNTRIES BOOK THEIR PLACE IN QATAR (Sports)

Defending European Champions, Italy was stunned yesterday as 131st FIFA ranked North Mercedonia pulled an injury time shocker at the Renzo Barbera stadium, Palermo.

The match shockingly ended 0-1 in favour of the visitors thanks to a 92 Minutes wonder strike by Al-Fayha’s Aleksandar Trajkovski.

This means the Gli Azuzurri misses out on consecutive World Cup participation, having failed to make the trip to Russia in 2018 after being edged off by Sweden in their second round play off.

North Macedonia will now face Christiano Ronaldo’s Portugal which cruised 3-1 past a distraught Turkey side, for a place in Qatar come March 29.

In addition, four other countries joined the list of qualified teams so far:

▪️ Saudi Arabia
▪️ Japan
▪️ Ecuador
▪️ Uruguay

This brings the tally to a total of 19 countries yet. The teams that have officially booked their place already are (with FIFA rankings):

Argentina 4
Belgium 1
Brazil 2
Croatia 15
Denmark 9
Ecuador 44
England 5
France 3
Germany 11
Iran 21
Japan 23
Netherlands 10
Qatar 52
Saudi Arabia 53
Serbia 25
South Korea 29
Spain 7
Switzerland 14
Uruguay 16

Meanwhile in Afrika, there are 5 slots to play for.
It’s a tough situation as both Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria and African Champions, Senegal are looking to join the elites.

Nigeria will play in Ghana today in a must-win game as they look to have a foot in Qatar ahead of their March 29 return fixture which will be played in Abuja National Stadium.

Other Afrikan World Cup Qualification matches today:

• Dr. Congo vs Morocco
• Mali vs Tunisia
• Cameroon vs Algeria
• Egypt vs Senegal

Enwerem Chukwuka

Enwerem Chukwuka - Enwerem Divine Henry is a surviving twin who became deaf at Eleven. Enwerem is currently a guest writer for 9News Nigeria and the editor of Koliba Magazine; a member of Anyi-Anyi, and Nollywood Screenwriters and Critics. Born in Niger and partly raised in Jos, Plateau State, Enwerem grew up in Abia State. He's a product of Central Oguduasa Secondary school where he graduated in 2012 as the best Literature in English student. Enwerem is a social commentator, poet and the author of two books: Honourable Cow-Cow and Godfathers. The author who doubles as a Screenwriter is credited to these Movies: April 30, Witness to Murder and Mad Dance.

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