Guide to FIFA World Cup Qualifiers 2018
What's the story
In a shocker, Italy failed to reach 2018 FIFA World Cup, as they were held to a goalless draw in the second leg of European play-offs by Sweden. Sweden booked their spot on a 1-0 aggregate win.
This is the first time in 60 years that the four-time world champions will not play in the tournament.
Let us know more about World Cup qualifiers.
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Not part of the World Cup for the third time
This is only the third time that the Italian team will not be part of a World. The last two times include- the first edition of World Cup in 1930, and later in 1958 tournament in Sweden.
End of Buffon's career
A teary end to Buffon's World Cup journey
As hard as it is to imagine a World Cup without Italy, it is heartbreaking to witness the end of an era for the legendary Gigi Buffon, who announced his retirement after Italy's failure to qualify.
He has been part of the last five World Cups, 1998 to 2014.
Buffon was the best goalkeeper of the 2006 tournament where Italy were champions.
Chile, Netherlands
Other big teams that failed to make it
Apart from Italy, other biggies that failed to make it to the 2018 world Cup are Alexis Sanchez-led Chile from the South American region, Netherlands from Europe confederation, United States from North, Central American and Caribbean group.
While it is the first time US did not qualify since 1986, Netherlands last missed it in 2002, and Chile last sat out of the 2006 edition.
Who's in?
Who have made it so far?
Apart from hosts Russia, the following 28 teams have made it to the final 32 of the 2018 World Cup.
The big teams from respective confederation- Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Portugal, France, Spain, England, Uruguay, Colombia, Japan, South Korea.
Regulars- Belgium, Croatia, Poland, Sweden, Serbia, Switzerland, Mexico, Costa Rica, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt.
Underdogs- Iceland, Panama
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Who all are left?
With three spots left for the 2018 World Cup, results are awaited for Ireland vs Denmark, Australia vs Honduras, and Peru vs New Zealand, to decide the qualified teams.