Sphere theorem for three-manifolds

If an orientable three-manifold has nonzero ${\pi }_2$, it contains an embedded essential two-sphere. Consequently a closed orientable irreducible three-manifold with infinite fundamental group is aspherical: its simply connected noncompact universal cover has zero second homotopy and top ordinary homology, hence is acyclic and contractible by the Hurewicz theorem and Whitehead theorem.