Italy out of WC: It was one of the darkest days in Italy’s football history as they missed out on the 2022 FIFA World Cup flight to Qatar.
A 1-0 loss to North Macedonia in the Qualifier semi-final ensured that the Azzurri will not grace their presence in successive World Cups.
After missing out in 2018, Italy will not be a part of the Qatar event in 2022 as Trajkovski’s 92nd minute strike dashed their hearts and dreams.
With this loss, Italy became the 4th side in the history of the game to became European Champions and miss out on the subsequent World Cup.
2017: Italy eliminated by Sweden
2022: Italy eliminated by North Macedonia
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 24, 2022
Italy joins the list
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Under Roberto Mancini, Italy became one of the top sides in the world and the icing on the cake was complete with the Euro 2020 triumph in England last year.
After the win Italy were expected to reach the WC without much trouble, but successive draws in their last 2 qualifier matches ensured a play-off spot.
This loss to North Macedonia will hurt the Italy faithful as they would not in their wildest dreams have expected the Azzurri to miss out on the WC again.
Being European champion and then missing out on the WC Spot is a hard pill to swallow and we look at the other 3 teams to have done the same.
North Macedonia in the 92nd minute to eliminate Italy.
Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/d4w4hOOD7B
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 24, 2022
Greece (2006)
The Piratiko side stunned the footballing world as they triumphed in the Euro 2004 final when they beat Portugal to the title.
However, the Euro champions finished 4th in their qualification group for the 2006 WC and missed out on the Germany based WC.
They finished the group with 21 points; 2 points shy of the play-off spot and had to bear an emotional exit of not reaching the World Cup.
Denmark (1994)
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Denmark won the Euro 1992 Cup as they beat Germany 2-0 in the final to win their maiden Euro title and only ever national title.
However, Denmark could not use this confidence in helping their side qualify for the 1994 WC as they finished 3rd in their Qualification group.
The Danish side were knocked out of goals scored having fallen 4 goals short of Republic of Ireland in that campaign.
This was yet another instance of team winning Euro and not qualifying for the subsequent WC.
Czechoslovakia (1978)
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The Czechoslovakia side beat West Germany on penalties in the Euro 1976 final to win their maiden crown.
This was followed by a damaging exit from the WC Qualifiers as they finished runners-up in their group consisting of Scotland and Wales.
In that Qualification campaign, only the winner got through while the other two took the fight home and the Euro 1976 winners were on the latter trip.
