The fourth European in a row, despite everything.
Despite the war.
Ukraine, on a neutral pitch in Poland, snatches one of the last three passes made available for the
continental
tournament scheduled for June in Germany: it does so by coming back from Iceland with character and play, winning the play-off final 2-1 and now it reaches Belgium, Slovakia and Romania in the Euro 2024 group.
For the Icelanders, who had eliminated Israel in the semi-final, the home star, Genoa striker Albert Gudmundsson, who - author of the hat-trick against Israel - had given them the momentary advantage, was not enough.
But in the second half the goals from Tsygankov and Mudryk overturn it: and there are tears of joy for the Kiev national team who try to give small moments of celebration to a country tormented by the two years of war with Moscow.
Much more than a qualification for Ukraine who feels on a mission every time they take the field knowing that the stakes are much higher than just a sporting result.
And
the play-offs also smile on Georgia which eliminates Greece and flies to the European Championships for the first time in its history
.
The Kvaratskhelia national team achieved historic qualification, beating the Greeks on penalties 4-2 in Tbilisi.
After 120' the match remained at 0-0, Georgia then prevailed from the spot, joining Portugal, the Czech Republic and Turkey in the group.
The Napoli player was forced to come off during extra time due to a muscle problem.
The last pass was taken by Poland,
which qualified for its fifth European Championship by beating Wales 5-4, but only on penalties.
Lewandowski's national team flies to Germany where they will play in the group with Holland, Austria and France.
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