Sweden

World Cup roundup: Italy knocked out by North Macedonia in dramatic finale

24-Mar-2022 22:12:43 | Guardian

• Aleksandar Trajkovski’s goal knocks out European champions
• North Macedonia now face Portugal, who beat Turkey 3-1

Italy missed out on the World Cup finals again after losing 1-0 at home to North Macedonia in their playoff semi-final as Aleksandar Trajkovski’s last-gasp strike earned the visitors a famous win.

Italy did not qualify for the World Cup four years ago, missing out for the first time since 1958, but the European champions dominated from the off in Palermo. The hosts became more desperate in their search for a winner after the break, however, as chances continued to come and go before, in stoppage time, Trajkovski arrowed in a stunning winner to spark wild North Macedonian celebrations.