2023-11-20 21:58:13
European champions Italy, the Czech Republic and Slovenia are taking part in the 2024 European Football Championship in Germany. A 0-0 draw in Leverkusen against pursuers Ukraine on Monday was enough for the Italians to qualify directly in Group C behind England. Slovenia finished second behind Denmark with a 2-1 win in a direct duel with Kazakhstan. The Czech Republic won its “final” against a decimated Republic of Moldova 3-0 at home.
The three favorites thus prevailed before their group finals, Ukraine and Kazakhstan have one last chance in the play-offs in March. The Ukrainians, who recently qualified for the European Championships three times in a row, could then meet Israel, which is also currently homeless in terms of football due to the Gaza war.
Italy’s players and fans made a statement before the emotionally charged game by clapping during the Ukrainian anthem. The yellow and blue actors seemed moved by the gesture. The emotionality carried over into a wild starting phase with an increase in chances for Italy. But the European champions failed due to their own inefficiency or the strong goalkeeper talent of Anatolij Trubin.
Ukraine, which was under pressure to win in the alternative town of Leverkusen 21 months after the start of the Russian war of aggression, also had its moments – and became stronger and stronger as it went on. The Italians were really lucky in the third minute of added time when there was no penalty after Bryan Cristante tackled Mykhailo Mudryk. Group winners England finished 1-1 in North Macedonia.
The Czech Republic secured second place behind Albania and thus took part in the European Championship for the eighth time in a row. David Doudera (14th), Tomas Chory (72nd) and Tomas Soucek (89th) scored in Olomouc. The Republic of Moldova – two points behind before the game – tried in vain to make up for the deficit from the 55th minute when they were outnumbered. The Eastern Europeans finished fourth in the group with ten points. Poland (3rd) also missed direct qualification, but has secured its play-off ticket via the Nations League.
Slovenia succeeded in taking part in the European Championship for the first time since 2000. In Ljubljana, however, there were long tremors despite a break. Benjamin Sesko scored a penalty after video evidence (41′), Kazakhstan came back through Ramasan Orasow (47′). Benjamin Verbic scored the winning goal (86th). Sturm Graz player Jon Gorenc Stankovic came on as a substitute in the 90th minute before the celebrations. Group winners Denmark suffered a second qualifying defeat (0-2) in Northern Ireland.
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