Sergio Ramos’ Foul Denies Spain Away Victory In Italy

Italy managed to get a home draw through a late penalty kick in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in their match against Spain, no thanks to Sergio Ramos who fouled in the 81st minutes, to give the home side an opportunity to level up. Spain was in control of the game in the first half, enjoying a possession of about 72%, but failed to make judicious use of it. However, the visiting team finally broke the goal-drought in the 55 minutes, when keeper Gianluigi Buffon missed an attempted clearance and Vitolo converted it to a goal thereby putting the visiting team on the drivers seat with pressure now placed on the home team. Italy did not make serious attempt to get an equalizer, but Sergio Ramos contribution towards their equalizer was a boost and a big relief to a side who were being careful not to allow their visitors increase their lead. The draw makes Italy maintain a ten-year record of not losing a match in either of World Kup or European hampionship qualifier, the last time they lost was in September 2006, when France beat them 3-1. Italy and Spain now have four points each from two games, with Albania, who beat Liechtenstein 2-0, top of Group G on six points.