The qualifying rounds for the 2026 World Cup are in full swing in Europe, and the matches held on September 8th presented fans with astonishing results.
The clash between Italy and Israel in Group I became a real goal marathon. Led by Gennaro Gattusoo, the Azzurri fought tooth and nail until the final minutes and secured a 5-4 victory. Moise Kenning's brace, Politanò's accurate shots, and Tonali's last remaining goal secured an important victory for the Italians.
2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Europe. September 8
Group I. Round 6
Israel - Italy 4:5
Goals: Locatelli 16 (auts), Perez 52, 89 (doubles), Bastoni 87 (auts) - Ken 40, 54 (doubles), Politano 58, Raspadori 81, Tonali 90+1.
Israel: Daniel Perez, Dasa (Ehezkel 66), Naxmias, Lemkin (Shlomo 9, Turdjeman 88), Halaili (Baribo 66), Eliel Perez, Dor Perez, Revivo, Glux, Solomon, Biton (Mizrahi 66).
Italy: Donnarumma, Di Lorenzo, Mancini, A. Bastoni, Dimarco (Cambiazo 79), Locatelli, Barella (Frattezi 68), Tonali, Politano (Orsolini 68), Ken (Raspadori 79), Retegi (Maldini 88).
In Group C, Denmark unexpectedly defeated Greece 3-0. Goals from Damsgard, Christensen, and Højlund provided the Scandinavians with a solid three-point advantage. Scotland, after a 2-0 victory over Belarus, continues to play strongly in their group.
Group C. Round 6
Greece - Denmark 0:3
Goals: Damsgard 32, Christensen 62, Hojlund 81.
Greece: Solakis - Vagiannidis, Mavropanos, Kuliyerakis, Simikas - Kurbellis (Siopis, 64), Zaffairis (Joannidis, 76), Karetsas (Bakasetas, 46), Constantelias (Masuras, 46), Solis (Pelkas, 83) - Pavlidis.
Denmark: Schmeichel - Maigle (Grenbeck, 90), Christensen, Andersen, Christensen - Frogoldt (Larsen, 83), Jölmann, Heiberg - Damsgaard (O'Reilly, 83), Biret (Hojlund, 63), Olsen (Dorgu, 63).
Group C. Round 6
Belarus - Scotland 0:2
Goals: Adams 43, Volkov 65 (out).
In Group L, Croatia once again demonstrated their championship ambitions by defeating Montenegro 4-0. Experienced players like Perishich and Kramarich made their mark on the field. The Faroe Islands, however, won a small victory over Gibraltar.
Group L. Round 6
Croatia - Montenegro 4:0
Goals: Jakić 35, Kramarić 51, Kuch 85 (aut), Perisic 90+2.
Croatia: Livaković, Jakic, Šutalo, Chaleta-Car, Stanisić, Modrić (Moro 82'), Sučić (Majer 70'), Pasalic (Fruk 61'), Kramarić (Baturina 70'), Perišić, Ivanović (Budimir 61').
Montenegro: Petkovich, Vuyachich (Rubejich 7), Savich, Shipchich, Roganovich, Bulatovich, Brnovich (Kuch 74), Samay (Vukchevich 60), Vukotich (Bakich 46), Yovetich (Lonchar 60), Krstovich.
Group L. Round 6
Gibraltar - Faroe Islands 0:1
Goal: Agnarson 68.
The biggest surprise came in Group B: Kosovo beat Sweden 2-0 at home. Rexbejač and Muriqi's goals secured the historic victory. Meanwhile, Switzerland defeated Slovenia 3-0 to take the group lead.
Group B. Round 6
Switzerland - Slovenia 3:0
Goals: Elvedi 18, Embolo 33, Ndoye 38.
Switzerland: Kobel - Widmer (Schmidt 62), Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez - Freuler, Rider (Ebisher 62), Xhaka - Ndoye (Zom 90), Embolo (Zakaria 78), Vargas (Manzambi 62).
Slovenia: Oblak - Kornichnik (Brekalo 86), Drkushich, Bijol, Janja - Stojanovic (Sturm 61), Gnezda Cherin, Elsnik (Svetlin 61), Lovric (D. Petrovic 21) - Sheshko, Vipotnik (Seslar 86).
Group B. Round 6
Kosovo - Sweden 2:0
Goals: Rexbejač 26, Muriki 42.
Red card: Ameerlahu 90+1.
Kosovo: Muric - Vojvoda, Krasnichi, Dellova, Aliti, Gallapeni - Muslia (Hodza), Avdullahu, Rejbechai (Emerllahu), Rrahmani (Yashari) - Muric (Asllani).
Sweden: Olsen - Gudmundsson, Ekdal (Kraft), Gien, Bernhardsson (Nigren), Larsson (Nanasi), Ayari, Saletros, Svensson (Sema) - Elanga (Isak), Gokeres.
Thus, the qualifying stage demands constant attention from fans. Sensations, dramatic goals, and big scores are being recorded in each round. There are still many matches ahead, and unexpected events will undoubtedly continue in European arenas.
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