DeBresen, Hungary (AP) — Sandro Tonari dodged another big set break to compete in the 2026 World Cup on Monday as Italy scored a chaotic nine-goal thriller against Israel 5-4.
The Italian qualification campaign was in trouble after a 3-0 loss to Norway in June. There were even more difficulties when Israel led twice in a game held in Neutral Hungary.
Moise Keene found space between Israeli defenses, earning each aspect of halftime and leveling the score on both occasions. Matteo Politano finally gave Italy the lead in the 59th minute from Mateo Retegui’s back heel flick assist, with Giacomo Raspadori taking fourth.
The game seemed to be over, but Israel scored twice in two minutes, leveling the score 4-4, with Dor Peretz scoring the second score in the game.
Tonari then hit a speculative curling shot in the first minute of stopping time, which seemed unthreatening, but went through the crowd of players and entered the net.
Italian errors were a major topic, with two unique goals and obvious mistakes from new Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The game was played less than a month after the Italian Association of Football Coaches said it had written a formal letter calling for Israel to be stopped in the war in Gaza. Parts of the mostly empty stadium appeared to be blowing their mouth whis during the Israeli national anthem.
Israeli players He wore a black armband For the subsequent game Palestinian attacker fired at bus stop Monday in Jerusalem. Six people were killed and 12 more were injured in the attack, Israeli officials said.
Italy will move ahead of second place in Europe, Israel. Group I remained at the top with four wins on Tuesday, facing four games and final placement Moldova.
Sweden in trouble
Swedish qualifying bids are already struggling after a 2-0 loss to Kosovo left the Swedes by one point from the first two games. Kosovo scored both goals in a fast backlash from lightning that began in its own penalty area.
Switzerland remained at the top of Group B after beating Slovenia 3-0 with two goals from the Corners header.
Denmark and Scotland victory
Denmark and Scotland leveled up by four points at the top of Group C after the Danes defeated Greece 3-0 and Scotland won 2-0 over Belarus.
Croatian cruise
Croatia loosened the top group L past Montenegro 4-0 after Montenegro’s Andrija Bratovic was sent for two bookings eight minutes before halftime.
Croatia had levelled up on points in second place Czech Republic, but played one less game. The Faroe Islands defeated Gibraltar 1-0.
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