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The 2022 World Cup play-off schedule
Trajkovski as executioner of Italy
Aleksandar Trajkovski in history.
After additional time (90 + 3), the Macedonian striker unleashes an unstoppable strike and allows his side to win 1-0 on the lawn of Italy.
A perfect uncrossed shot from 25 meters which deceives Gigio Donnarumma on his right.
With four strikes during this match - including two on target - he is the author of all the attempts of his team.
At 29, he scored his 20th goal there in 71 caps.
A goal that is worth gold and that sends Italy to purgatory, after having already missed the 2018 World Cup...
Read also2022 World Cup play-offs: North Macedonia creates a sensation and eliminates Italy
Verratti radiates
Fortunately for Italy, "Little Owl" is present.
The midfielder of Paris Saint-Germain shed light on Palermo this evening, distilling the caviar to his teammates, unfortunately too rough.
This Thursday evening, Marco Verratti recovered nine balls, won 16 of the 21 duels he played or distributed 81 assists.
The vice-captain of Squadra Azzura often on the last pass but also very close to 1-0 at the end of the first half.
After a center from Emerson, the Parisian extends his foot to regain the ball (38th) but his shot is too crushed to worry the opposing goalkeeper.
A Macedonian defense in place
Quietly, the defense of North Macedonia settled on the ground and certainly in the head of the Italians.
An impermeable defense which countered no less than 16 of the 32 opposing attempts.
In the axis, Visar Musliu won 75% of his duels.
His friend Darko Velkovski recovered nine balloons, his team's record.
In the cages, Stole Dimitrievski made five saves to leave Palermo with a clean sheet.
flops
Berardi beats Italy
The inefficiency of the Sassuolo winger is costing the Italians dearly this Thursday evening.
Domenico Berardi tried a lot, but above all failed a lot.
Eight strikes to his credit against North Macedonia, for only two on target.
At half an hour of play (31st), the inevitable is missing.
The Italian number 11 recovers the ball at the entrance to the opposing area after a huge blunder from the goalkeeper.
He just has to shoot into the empty goal but Domenico Berardi dithers too much and Stole Dimtrievski has time to get back into his goal and stop an attempt that is too soft.
In the second period, the Italian striker chained blunders and missed opportunities (54th, 58th, 65th).
24 lost balls for the player with 14 goals in Serie A, match record.
Next to him, Ciro Immobile was not very glorious either.
The Squadra must work on set pieces
In turn, they all tried it.
Emerson, Insigne, Raspadori, Florenzi, Verratti or Berardi fired the set pieces from the Squadra Azzurra this Thursday evening.
Phases of play often unproductive despite numerous attempts: 16 corners.
Corner kicks that have only too rarely exceeded the near post.
Only Bastoni (68th) and Mancini (73rd) were found following corners but attempts too timid to worry Dimitrievski.
The few free kicks struck were also in vain.
Too bad not to find the flaw on set pieces when there are no solutions in the game.
