Italy secured a playoff spot on Tuesday night with a 1-0 win over Israel in Group G. In Group I, Iceland kept their hopes of qualifying alive as they beat Ukraine 2-0, while Argentina was forced into a 1-1 draw against Venezuela on Tuesday night. Here's a quick summary of these World Cup qualifying matches:
Italy 1, Israel 0
Italy edge past Israel 1-0 at the Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore in Reggio Emilia. The Italians apparently struggled to find the back of the net as they were firmly held by the strong defense of Israel. Israel was able to absorb several counter attacks launched by the hosts.
However, Italy broke the deadlock in the second half thanks to a Ciro Immobile's decisive finish that gave the home team the victory. With this home win, Italy is second with nineteen points, while Israel is fourth with nine points. In their next qualifying fixtures, Italy will play host to Macedonia on October 6 at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, Turin. The same day, group minnows Lichtenstein will face Israel.
Iceland 2, Ukraine 0
Iceland kept their hope alive as they beat Ukraine 2-0 at Laugardalsvöllur in Reykjavík. Everton's Gylfi Sigurðsson's brace was just good enough to give the home team the maximum points. Iceland largely depended on the Everton man, and he never disappointed by scoring twice to seal the victory for Iceland.
This crucial home win now gives Iceland a chance to secure a playoff place. Coming up next, Turkey will take on Iceland on October 6 at the New Eskişehir Stadium, Eskişehir, while Kosovo will play host to Ukraine the same day at the Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodër (Albania).
Argentina 1, Venezuela 1
Tuesday's CONMEBOL qualifiers saw lowly Venezuela stunningly held Argentina to a draw at the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires.
The South American soccer powerhouse Argentina struggled much to score a goal throughout the encounter. Jhon Murillo scored the opener for the visitors in the fifty-first minute. A few minutes later, Argentina had to rely on an own goal from Rol Feltscher to settle for a draw. Despite their deadly attacking trio: Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Pablo Dybala, Argentina barely attempted open chances, and they were unable to find a second.
However, the draw was enough to at least lift Argentina into fifth (the playoff spot) heading into the final two matches in October. In the Matchday 17 fixtures, Argentina will play host to Peru on October 5. The same day, Venezuela will slog it out with Uruguay at Estadio Polideportivo de Pueblo Nuevo, San Cristóbal.
