Euro World Cup Qualifiers Wrap: Italy Too Strong For Northern Ireland, As Stubborn Greece Fraustrate Spain

  By Omolagba Oluwayemi A commanding first-half display by Italy condemned Northern Ireland to a 2-0 defeat in their opening World Cup qualifier in Parma, BSNSports.com.ng reports. An early goal from Domenico Berardi set the tone for the slick hosts, with Bailey Peacock-Farrell then beaten by Ciro Immobile at his near post. Spain suffered a frustrating start to their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign as they were held to a draw by Greece in Granada.   Alvaro Morata have the home side the lead from close range, shortly after Dani Olmo's drive had hit the crossbar.   However, substitute Inigo Martinez conceded a penalty for a rash tackle on Greek midfielder Giorgos Masouras.   Anastasios Bakasetas converted from the spot to stun Luis Enrique's team and earn his side an impressive point. England's World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign started with a predictably routine stroll to victory against San Marino at Wembley. The side rooted to the bottom of the Fifa world rankings at 210 were never going to be anything other than an easy target for England, even with captain Harry Kane starting on the bench, and so it proved in this one-sided qualifier behind closed doors. Ward-Prowse (14'), Calvert-Lewin (21',53'), Sterling (31'), Watkins (83') all scored for England in the 5-0 win. Thursday's Results Bulgaria 1:3 Switzerland Israel 0:2 Denmark Germany 3:0 Iceland Liechtenstein 0:1 Armenia Romania 3:2 North Macedonia Spain 1:1 Greece Sweden 1:0 Georgia Italy 2:0 Northern Ireland Moldova 1:1 Faroe Islands Scotland 2:2 Austria Andorra 0:1 Albania England 5:0 San Marino