The biggest shock in the World Cup 2018 Qualifiers came on Tuesday. Four times World Champions and the World Cup winner of 2006, Italy won't be traveling to Russia for the FIFA World Cup 2018 as they missed out to be among the 32 nations.
A very sad news for the football fans around the world though.
The goal that has Sweden in the driver's seat! #WCQ https://t.co/ZiylmrU6iQ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) November 10, 2017
Italy will be the most high profile team to miss the tournament as they could not overturn the 1-0 loss against Sweden in the first leg. The Azzurri could not take advantage of the home ground as they played 0-0 draw against Sweden in the second leg held in San Siro, Milan. The 1-0 loss in the first leg held in Sweden became the deciding factor that knocked Italy out of the biggest football feast only second time after 1958.
Football pundits and several former Italian players blamed Italy manager Gian Piero Ventura for the defeat and even criticized his tactics.
Sadly, the football fans will miss Gianluigi Buffon as he has announced his retirement from football. This was expected to be his last World Cup, after featuring in five consecutive editions since 1998. However, people will get to see iconic Swedish star Zlatan Ibrahimovic in World Cup 2018, first time after 2006.
Some of the other big names to miss the tournament are Wales, Chile, United States, and Netherlands.
