The first night of World Cup play-offs delivered everything — composure, heartbreak, chaos and a statement from France.
Italy finally looked like themselves. Goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean gave Gennaro Gattuso a comfortable 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in Bergamo, ending the Azzurri's anxiety about a third successive World Cup absence. They face Bosnia on March 31 after Bosnia knocked out Wales on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Cardiff. Craig Bellamy's side hit the post twice in the shootout and were eliminated 4-2, ending their World Cup dream again.
The story of the night came from Bratislava. Kosovo beat Slovakia 4-3 in one of the most extraordinary results in recent European football. Fisnik Asllani led the charge as the nation — only a FIFA member since 2016 — produced a comeback that no one saw coming. They face Turkey in the Path C final after Turkey edged Romania 1-0, Ferdi Kadioglu scoring with an Arda Guler assist.
Viktor Gyokeres settled Path B on his own. The Arsenal striker scored a hat-trick as Sweden dismantled Ukraine 3-0 in Valencia, ending Ukraine's World Cup hopes for the third time in four cycles. Poland join them in the final after beating Albania 2-1, Lewandowski and Zielinski scoring after a defensive error gifted Albania an early lead.
Denmark were ruthless in Path D, hammering North Macedonia 4-0 with ease. Czechia needed penalties to beat the Republic of Ireland — a 2-2 draw went to spot kicks, Czechia winning 4-3 to end Ireland's 24-year World Cup wait once again.
Across the Atlantic, France delivered the performance of the night. Mbappe, returning from injury, chipped Ederson in the 32nd minute with a finish of pure class at Gillette Stadium in Boston. Upamecano was sent off in the 55th minute but France barely noticed — Ekitike made it 2-0 before Bremer pulled one back late for Brazil. A 66,000 crowd watched France, even with ten men, look like a team that could win the whole thing.
