Twitter Reacts As Italy CRASH OUT Of World Cup 2018
Italy will not take part in a World Cup for the first time in SIXTY years, after failing to beat Sweden in the two-legged play-offs.
Sweden went into the encounter with a 1-0 lead thanks to Jakob Johansson’s goal in the first leg, and all Italy had to do was score once to at least take the game to penalties. They failed to do that though, and the football world is now set to witness a World Cup without the 2006 winners for the first time since 1958.
Both sides should arguably have been handed a penalty each, and poor refereeing decisions contributed to the game, but Italy have no one to blame but themselves. The Swedes were brilliant defensively, and were so well organized that the Azzurri could not break them down, despite dominating possession and throwing everything they could at the men in yellow.
The game wasn’t just the end of Italy’s hopes for the upcoming tournament in Russia though – it might also be the last time we ever see Gianluigi Buffon put on the Italy jersey as he collected his 175th for his country.
As expected, the shocking result sent shockwaves around the football world, and the impact was evident on social media, where sorrow, cheer and laughter were in full flow at the Italians’ plight. Here are some of the best tweets that are currently doing their rounds on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/blamefootball/status/930191279744466944
https://twitter.com/WelBeast/status/930192291024855042
A world cup without Netherlands, Chile and ITALY. pic.twitter.com/fBSlNhUtzd
— BlameFootball (@blamefootball) November 13, 2017
The saddest part about all this is that Italy has talented players. Ventura just didn't pick them or put them in positions to thrive. Insigne literally sat there on a cooler. Unbelievable. The FIGC, who gave Ventura an extension, is just as culpable for this embarrassment.
— Anthony Lopopolo (@sportscaddy) November 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/blamefootball/status/930193687832805377
https://twitter.com/WorldCupHQ/status/930193883174195200
Buffon choking up again. Says he doesn’t want to cry in front of the kids watching at home on TV who dream of playing for Italy. Apologises. Hero
— James Horncastle (@JamesHorncastle) November 13, 2017
Guess who's coming out of retirement… #Italy #Sweden pic.twitter.com/fbGQxE8VMh
— BlameFootball (@blamefootball) November 13, 2017
No Italy. No Chile. No Netherlands. No USA. Maybe it’s time to consider a 48 team World Cup….oh wait a minute.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 13, 2017
https://twitter.com/EUniversee/status/930192620785160192
https://twitter.com/Sporf/status/930191356957425666
Written by Reyhan Ashley
Manchester United fan, Wayne Rooney is his role model. Passionate writer who has written for several sites in the past. He’s also an aspiring pianist and creates background music for BlameFootball’s Youtube channel.