Italy will miss a third straight World Cup after a dramatic playoff loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The match ended 1-1 before Bosnia won 4-1 on penalties, with Italy reduced to ten men early and struggling under pressure.
Moise Kean gave Italy an early lead in the 15th minute, but a red card for Alessandro Bastoni shifted momentum. Bosnia equalised through Haris Tabakovic and held their nerve to convert all four penalties, with Esmir Bajraktarevic scoring the decisive kick.
Bosnia secures its second World Cup appearance and will join Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. Fans in Zenica erupted in celebration as the team sealed a historic victory over four-time champions Italy.
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Meanwhile, Iraq ended a 30-year absence from football’s biggest stage by defeating Bolivia 2-1 in Monterrey. Goals from Ali Al-Hamadi and Aymen Hussein secured Iraq’s return, with Hussein’s second-half strike proving decisive for the Lions of Mesopotamia.
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