Italy are the first World Cup winners to miss three consecutive editions of the tournament, and it was also a third straight elimination in the play-offs after Sweden in 2018 and North Macedonia four years ago.

If Italy is going to qualify for its first World Cup in 12 years, the Azzurri's defenders are going to have to contain a striker they respect and know well.

Cole Palmer maintained his brilliant Chelsea form to underline his case to make Gareth Southgate's Euro squad.

Ukraine's hopes of making it to successive Euros were kept alive after a dramatic and very late come-from-behind 2-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica.

After Portugal's match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Speed finally got the chance to meet Cristiano Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo wore the captain's armband and played all 90 minutes as the 38-year-old men's international appearance record-holder won his 199th cap

Bosnian sports officials were lambasted by both players and others after announcing in September that it had accepted an offer to play in Russia, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.

2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Antoine Griezmann equalised for France in a match where Edin Dzeko had given Bosnia and Herzegovina a first-half lead.

The Stoke City striker Jon Walters missed Friday's play-off first leg through suspension but he more than made up for that with a goal in each half that saw Martin O'Neill's men progress 3-1 on aggregate.

Edin Dzeko's 85th minute strike helped Bosnia-Herzegovina draw level with Ireland during their Euro 2016 playoff.

Wales suffered a 2-0 defeat against Bosnia-Herzegovina but secured their place in Euro 2016 when Israel lost 2-1 at home to Cyprus.

While Belgium managed to find a 1-1 draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina, Wales - led by Gareth Bale - thumped Andorra 4-1.

Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko's new contract will keep him at the club until at least 2018.

Iran needed a win to have a chance to advance but their eventual 1-3 loss helped Nigeria finish second to Argentine in Group F.

Argentina topped Group F with a formidable 3-2 win against Nigeria. The Africans should hardly complain as Bosnia's 3-1 win against Iran in the other Group F match meant that they finish second in the table.

Iran play already-eliminated Bosnia in Salvador on Wednesday with a chance of reaching the second round of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Peter Odemwingie struck in the first half to hand Nigeria -- who had been held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Iran in their opening game -- a 1-0 win over Bosnia

Bosnia and Herzegovina lost 0-1 to Nigeria and striker Edin Dzeko feels New Zealand referee Peter O'Leary and his line judge were disallowing a goal for offside.