The potential residence last would have been the cherry on prime, however Italy can nonetheless be happy with the World Cup playoff draw that befell a couple of hours in the past.
Having prevented the hazards of Sweden (and Poland), the Azzurri will face Northern Eire within the semifinals in a match that may most definitely be performed in Bergamo.
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After which? As soon as this hurdle is overcome – hopefully -, the ultimate act will happen in Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina, the 2 protagonists of the opposite semifinal of Path A.
Few stars on the sphere, however the challenges that might come up from the 2 matches shouldn’t be underestimated: here’s a full information to the opponents to beat to succeed in the 2026 World Cup.
⚠️ THE CHALLENGES OF NORTHERN IRELAND
Three wins in six video games and a 3rd place in group A behind Germany and Slovakia: that is the file of Northern Eire, which reached the playoffs with a younger crew that hides some challenges.
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Coach O’Neill can certainly depend on a gaggle with a number of gamers who’re well-acquainted with the tempo of English soccer.
Essentially the most well-known title is Conor Bradley, a Liverpool full-back and already a key participant for the crew. But in addition regulate Jamie Donley, a 2005-born attacking midfielder from Tottenham, at the moment on mortgage at Stoke Metropolis.
NORTHERN IRELAND’S LATEST LINEUP
TYPICAL FORMATION (3-4-2-1): Peacock-Farrell; Hume, Ballard, McNair; Bradley, Lyos, Saville, Devenny; Galbraith, Worth; Donley. Coach O’Neill.
👀 BOSNIA OR WALES IN THE POTENTIAL FINAL? HOW THEY PLAY
A greater than optimistic path for Bosnia in group H of the World Cup qualification: Sergej Barbarez’s crew completed second, behind Austria with Arnautovic, amassing 17 factors in 8 matches. The magic of Miralem Pjanić’s free kicks is now a factor of the previous, however the affect of the outdated guard stays central to the crew.
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Edin Džeko continues to be the captain and the guiding mild of the Nationwide crew, a technical and charismatic chief. Alongside him, nevertheless, a brand new technology is rising able to make its mark: among the many brightest abilities is Muharemovic, who with Sassuolo has already attracted the eye of main Italian golf equipment and is confirming all his potential within the Nationwide crew.
In the newest beginning lineup, there may be additionally one other acquainted face to Italian followers: Tahirovic, a former Roma prospect offered to Ajax in 2023 and now owned by Brondby.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA’S LATEST LINEUP
TYPICAL FORMATION (4-4-2): Vasilj; Dedic, Muharemovic, Katic, Malic; Memic, Sunjic, Tahirovic, Gigovic; Dzeko, Demirovic. Coach Barbarez.
Wales completed group J with solely two defeats, each towards the main Belgium. Bale is a reminiscence, however the overwhelming 7-1 victory towards North Macedonia – the identical crew that left us out of the World Cup in 2022 – reveals that the nation nonetheless holds nice potential.
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Whereas the headline stars could also be lacking, the crew can depend on the expertise of a number of Premier League gamers. Amongst them are Brennan Johnson, a 2001-born proper winger owned by Tottenham; Harry Wilson, a beginning winger for Fulham; Neco Williams, an indispensable full-back for Nottingham Forest; and Ampadu, a midfielder/central defender (when wanted) for Leeds who has performed in Italy with Venezia and Spezia.
On the bench, nevertheless, sits Craig Bellamy, in his first expertise as a head coach after serving as Kompany’s assistant at each Anderlecht and Burnley.
WALES’ LATEST LINEUP
TYPICAL FORMATION (4-1-4-1): Darlow; Williams, Rodon, Davies, Dasilva; Ampadu; D. James, Jones, J. James, Johnson; Wilson. Coach Bellamy.
This text was translated into English by Synthetic Intelligence.
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