Saturday night across Europe hardly warranted a notice for some.
That is because the World Cup 2026 means it takes underperformance on a gigantic scale for any major nation to miss out on qualification for such a tournament.
It’s happened before, of course. In fact, Italy have failed to reach the last two tournaments, despite being reigning European champions at the time.
But I am not expecting a repeat, especially given the increase in countries able to play in what is supposed to be the showpiece of the international game.
After all, the established footballing nations should always qualify for and reach the latter stages of a major tournament nowadays and the SBOTOP World Cup Qualifier 2025 betting odds are rarely wrong.
The latest set of World Cup qualifiers did catch the eye for two reasons – firstly, the brave resistance of a Republic of Ireland team which can only dream of the achievements of their predecessors in the late 1980s and 90s.
Secondly, the prolific form of a frontman many consider the best in the world.
That Ireland missed out on the unlikeliest of points in Lisbon against former European champions and Nations League winners Portugal should not detract from their efforts.
In an attempt to tighten up his defence, manager Heimir Hallgrimsson restored former captain Seamus Coleman to the line-up on his 37th birthday.
For much of the night, it yielded the desired response as the Republic of Ireland stoutly defended their box to frustrate Portugal.
Sure they rode their luck with captain Cristiano Ronaldo striking the post and then seeing goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher keep out his penalty 15 minutes from time.
Then, in the first minute of stoppage time, Ruben Neves rose brilliantly to steer home a Francisco Trincao delivery and it was heartbreak for the visitors.
As he celebrated, the midfielder pointing to the sky in tribute to Diogo Jota in Portugal’s first home game since his tragic death in early July.
Portugal, as expected, are in control of the group and host Hungary on Tuesday.
At the same time, Ireland must put aside their latest disappointment before welcoming Armenia to Dublin in a must-win game
The other standout of the night was not the anticipated victory for Norway at home to Israel but the latest personal tally of Erling Haaland.
His hat-trick in a 5-0 romp means he has now scored in 10 consecutive matches for club and country and he is creating his own World Cup Qualifier 2025 highlights reel.
The 25-year-old has now scored 51 goals in 46 international appearances – the quickest man in history to score 50 or more goals for his nation, beating England captain Harry Kane’s record of bringing up a half-century in 71 matches for his country.
Haaland’s hat-trick – his sixth for Norway – also put him four behind the record in internationals that is jointly held by Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
They may not have qualified for a major tournament since the turn of the millennium, but victory leaves Norway in a commanding position in Group I as they look to compete in their first major international competition since 2000 and first World Cup for 28 years.
Norway have a six point lead over Italy, having played a game more, and a vastly superior goal difference.
The Azzurri should not miss out for a third time in succession though. FIFA, in its wisdom, has allocated 48 places in America next summer!
Never mind the dilution of quality and an already over-congested calendar, feel the width!
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