Cristiano Ronaldo cannot believe it.
Kneeling on the lawn after the defeat against Serbia (1-2), the five-time golden ball becomes aware of the arduous task that awaits his family during the play-offs.
The smile seen throughout Euro 2020 gave way to spite for Roberto Mancini, following the draw (0-0) in Northern Ireland.
The last two Euro winners have cracked in the final sprint and find themselves in play-offs to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. A poor performance for two European mastodons who will have to engage in a very perilous exercise in March.
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Italy, the success of the Euro is gone.
This summer, Italy left its mark on the Euro.
Beyond the title gleaned, the Squadra Azzura seduced all observers with its vigor, its determination, and the style advocated by the proteges of Roberto Mancini.
Since the coronation, the Italians have been on alternating current.
Only two wins in seven matches in all competitions, and above all, only one success in the last four qualifying matches for the World Cup.
A bad form which made a spot to obtain its ticket to the world.
As a symbol of this soaring success, Jorginho, one of the best penalty shooters in the world, missed two crucial attempts against direct competitor Switzerland.
Without blaming his player, Roberto Mancini highlighted these missed opportunities.
“
We missed two penalties in the decisive matches and it is clear that such mistakes have put us in difficulty.
The two shots on goal against Switzerland weigh.
"
Missed opportunities which allowed the Helvetians to seize first place in Group C. However, this "failure" does not rest solely on the shoulders of the Chelsea midfielder.
A less dashing offensive Italy
First of all, Italy faced several major absentees for the last capital game against Northern Ireland (0-0). Marco Verratti, Spinazzola, Chiellini or even Ciro Immobile were forfeited for this part. The Lazio striker's injury highlighted Squadra Azzura's obvious shortcomings as a center-forward. Andrea Belotti not having convinced against Switzerland (1-1), Roberto Mancini decided to align Lorenzo Insigne in a false nine position against Northern Ireland, without success. Ciro Immobile is an essential profile to streamline the Italian attack. Races, movements, incessant calls for ball that create space for wingers like Chiesa. In lack of ideas on the offensive plan, and somewhat out of breath, Italy can no longer find the solution in attack.
Only two goals scored in the last 4 qualifying matches, except the 5-0 inflicted on Lithuania, red lantern.
"
It's a moment like that, we struggled to score,
" said Roberto Mancini after the game against Northern Ireland.
Second in group C, Italy must go through the blockade.
Despite the disappointment, Roberto Mancini clearly shows his ambitions.
“
The group remains the same but we have to regain our shine.
I am confident, totally confident.
The World?
Maybe we will win it.
"
“A global disgrace” for Portugal
“
A total eclipse
” for
O Jogo
, “
a global disgrace
” titled
Record
to qualify the defeat of Cristiano Ronaldo's teammates against Serbia (1-2).
Like Italy, the 2016 European champions missed the last deadlines by conceding a draw in Ireland (0-0) before collapsing in Lisbon against the Serbs.
A point taken on the last two meetings, and a first place nabbed by a more spirited Serbia in the game. A disillusionment which is added to an extremely average Euro, and which places Fernando Santos in an uncomfortable position.
Pointed out, the coach is designated as the main responsible for this mixed course of the Portuguese.
“
It's my responsibility.
We all know we haven't done everything we should.
But we will be in Qatar.
»Affirms Fernando Santos.
Fernando Santos in the eye of the storm
In the presence of a group of high-level individuals, Fernando Santos does not draw the fullness of his individualities and fails to establish a style of play that corresponds to the expectations of the diligent followers of Portugal. La Selecçao has not offered an attractive game for several years, and this defeat highlights the collective bankruptcies of the selection. Closely linked, Fernando Santos does not manage to get the best of several key players of the team like Bruno Fernandes or Joao Felix. On an ejection seat in the event of non-qualification for the 2022 World Cup, Fernando Santos can harbor regrets after the first leg against Serbia (2-2). The Portuguese led 0-2 before being caught in the second half. In the last moments of the meeting,Cristiano Ronaldo had restored the advantage to his team but his goal was unfairly denied.
A decision which caused much ink to flow and which had its influence on the fate of this group.
However, the five-fold golden ball wants to move forward and was reassuring on his Instagram account.
“
Football has shown us time and time again that sometimes it is the toughest roads that lead to the most expected results.
Our goal of reaching the 2022 World Cup is still there and we know what we need to do to get there.
We have no excuses.
Portugal is on its way to Qatar
”.