EUROPE WC Qualifiers- Thursday

Italy 1-1 Spain

 Spain were on the cusp of securing a 1-0 victory over host Italy before a last gasp De Rossi penalty made sure the spoils were shared. As expected, Spain controlled the tempo for large chunk of the match but failed to test the host back line who were without Chiellini.

AFP Photo/Marco Bertorello-De Rossi scores

But luck soon had the say when Buffon ran out of his box  and failed to clear a long through ball seemingly confused on what to do and inadvertently allowing Vitolo to shoot into an empty net. However, in the latter moments, Ramos fouled Eder in the box with De Rossi on hand to convert the resulting penalty. Both Alba and Montolivo succumbed to injuries during the course of the match as the LA Rojas failed to avenge their last-16 defeat to Italy at Euros.

Republic of Ireland 1-0 Georgia

 Martin O'Neill's side failed to impress in a game they were supposed to win comfortably. Georgia came close to taking the lead as both Levan Mchedlidze and Guram Kashia hit the woodwork. Though they were no match for Georgia, Ireland were toothless in attack.

A scrappy late goal from Coleman made sure they maintained their good form. James McClean headed Walter’s cross against the crossbar in the dying moments of the game to hold on to the victory.

Brady sustained a nasty head injury during the match that enforced his withdrawal.

Austria 2-2 Wales

Stokes Arnautovic was the star of the show as his double secured a comeback draw for the home team.
Joe Allen smashed a strike into the corner after Austria failed to clear the ball twice to open proceedings. Fellow Stoke City mate, Arnautovic equalised with a stooped header off
Alaba's pass after being allowed far too much space to do the damage.

Bale's long throwing cause commotion inside the box allowing a rebound to be struck home after Palmer saved James Chester's header to restore the lead.Arnautovic scored his second of the game after another questionable defending from Wales. Allen’s loose pass escaped Chester and Arnautovic was put through on goal coolly slotting past Hennessey. In the end, both teams failed to add to the scoreline ending the game in a 2-2 draw.

The result leaves the pair tied at the top of the group on four points from two matches.


In other results

Iceland
3 - 2
Finland

Kosovo
0 - 6
Croatia,

urkey
2 - 2
Ukraine

Moldova
0 - 3
Serbia

Liechtenstein
0 - 2
Albania

FYR Macedonia
1 - 2
Israel

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