WCQ: Swedes Deny Italy a World Cup Invitation

From the moment substitute Jakob Johansson caromed the only goal in the first leg of this World Cup play-in, there were no secrets in how the rest of this eliminator would proceed.

Italy would turn the pitch into a shooting gallery.

Sweden would play more angles than Minnesota Fats.

And the game officials wanted nohttp://www.fifa.com/worldcup/index.html part of deciding who'd be going to Russia for the 2018 World Cup.

The tone was identical, too. This was a match full of flying elbows, ankle bites, and the occasional high knee.

All of which played into Sweden's hands. Or feet.

In the end, this was a 0-0 match for which the Azzurri have no one to blame but themselves.

If the Blågult had any real concerns, it had to be the play of 'keeper Robin Olsen. Was that dude living in this universe or what?

He's 6-6 and punching balls he could easily be catching when he's not simply taking advantage of the fact he's got the best seat in the house to watch the game.

Elsewhere on the pitch, players had to pay attention, if only to preserve their well-being.

No one was shy. Even in the box.

It could fairly be said that Mikael Lustig touched the ball first in what could be called an anti-nutmeg:

Meanwhile, the Azzurri cost themselves territory on numerous occasions with absolutely vacant decisions:

Not that the Swedes didn't get their own back, because they're bigger than the Italians and, frankly, just better at this sorta thing:

No yellow, by the way.

Sweden didn't attack very often, but they were unfortunate when a pair conveniently extended Italian forearms weren't called hand balls. Still, as the Spanish referee had basically swallowed his whistle, little was said.

Nor, as it turned out, did it need to be. The Blågult are back in the World Cup finals for the first time since 2006.

And Italy are out for the first time since 1958. Coincidentally, that Cup was hosted by Sweden.