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Northern Ireland's Paul Smyth Aims to Upset Italy in Playoff

3/26/2026

26 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Paul Smyth of Northern Ireland aims to upset Italy in the World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final.
He scored twice for Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in a recent victory, boosting confidence as the underdog.
Smyth said the squad is driven by passion and determination.
A win would send Northern Ireland to a play-off final against Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Smyth plans to channel excitement and nerves.

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Story summary

Paul Smyth of Northern Ireland aims to upset Italy in the World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final.
He scored twice for Queens Park Rangers (QPR) in a recent victory, boosting confidence as the underdog.
Smyth said the squad is driven by passion and determination.
A win would send Northern Ireland to a play-off final against Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Smyth plans to channel excitement and nerves.