European Super Football

Bosnia-Herzegovina 1 -1 Italy (Bosnia-Herzegovina won 4-1 on penalties) Four-time world champions Italy have failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup after a crushing penalty shootout defeat by Bosnia-Herzegovina. Author | Josh T Stadium | Stadion Bilino Polje No previous winner of the competition has missed three straight tournaments, with Italy also absent from Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. Pio Esposito, who blazed over, and Bryan Cristante, whose effort struck the underside of the crossbar, missed from the spot after Gennaro Gattuso’s 10-man side had clung on under sustained Bosnian pressure to force penalties. Bosnia-Herzegovina, led by 40-year-old captain Edin Dzeko, have now reached just the second World Cup in their history and will face Canada, Qatar and Switzerland in Group B this summer. It had started so well for Italy Before the match, a lot of Italian fans and pundits had spoken about their nerves. This was clearly a huge game and a huge moment for the present and...

Wales 1 - 1 Bosnia-Herzegovina (Bosnia won 4-2 on penalties) Wales were left with familiar heartbreak in Cardiff, their hopes of reaching a second successive World Cup ending in defeat on penalties Author | Stephen Chad Stadium | Cardiff City Stadium Craig Bellamy’s side appeared set to move within one game of the finals, leading deep into the second half, only for a late equaliser to force extra time and, ultimately, another shootout loss.  All of this simply echoed the pain of their defeat to Poland in the Euro 2024 play-off final two years ago. Watch | Video of passionate rendition of the Welsh National Anthem. Video uploaded by BlueBirdLegend A tense first half was largely controlled by Wales, who monopolised possession and came closest to a breakthrough when Harry Wilson’s curling effort struck the post. The breakthrough arrived six minutes after the interval  Daniel James seized on a loose backpass and drove a fierce, swerving strike from 25 yards into the roof of the ne...

Netherlands 5 - 2 Bosnia-Herzegovina New Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee scored his first goal for the Netherlands as they scored Bosnia-Herzegovina in the Nations League. United's summer signing from Bologna who was only winning his third cap, netted a fine flicked header following Xavi Simons' deflected shot. Ermedin Demirovic levelled for the away side with a first-time finish from Denis Huseinbasic's through ball in Eindhoven.  But Zirkzee then picked out Tijjani Reijnders to put the hosts ahead again in first-half injury time. Liverpool's Cody Gakpo then scored a third. He slid the ball into an empty net from Reijnders' low drive across the six-yard box. Former Manchester City and Inter Milan strimer Edin Dzeko did give the Bosnians some hope after he scored his 66th international goal  Wout Weghorst, who also has a connection with Manchester United, came on for Zirkzee and scored the Netherlands' fourth, before Simons eventually wrapped up an...

 England 3 - 0 Bosnia-Herzegovina Cole Palmer celebrated his first start for England by setting Gareth Southgate's team on the path to victory against Bosnia-Herzegovina at St James' Park, as preparations for Euro 2024 continued. England's heavily rotated side struggled to find their rhythm in a scrappy match. Still, they eventually broke the deadlock an hour in when Palmer confidently converted a penalty after Ezri Konsa was fouled during a corner. Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold secured the win with a fine volley at the far post five minutes before full-time. Harry Kane then added a third from close range, giving the final scoreline a more convincing look. Iconic Euros Moments: Throwback to England v Scotland (1996)  Iconic Euros moments: Throwback to England v Italy (2021)  Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze, also making his full debut, was a standout performer until he was substituted, giving manager Southgate much to consider as he finalises his squad for the...