Leipzig: Germany and the Netherlands went on goal sprees as they wrapped up World Cup qualification with resounding wins in their last European group matches on Monday. “Every player played well today and worked like a dog,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann told German broadcaster ZDF.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, both European giants needed only to draw to be sure of reaching the global footballing showpiece in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Instead, both teams went on the attack, with Germany taking early control as they defeated Slovakia 6-0 in Leipzig. The Netherlands took longer to pull away before overcoming Lithuania 4-0 in Amsterdam.
Slovakia finished second in Group A. Poland, who survived a scare to win 3-2 in Malta, ended up second to the Dutch in Group G. Second place secures a spot in the 16-team European play-offs in March. Northern Ireland’s 1-0 win over Luxembourg in Belfast could not lift them out of third place in Group A, but they will make the play-offs due to their Nations League performance.
In Group L, Croatia, already assured of first place, scored twice in the last 18 minutes to come from behind and win 3-2 away to Montenegro. The Czech Republic, in second, defeated visiting Gibraltar 6-0.
In Leipzig, four-time winners Germany started the night level on points with Slovakia atop Group A but with an edge in goal difference. Slovakia, who had previously defeated Germany in the qualifiers, created some threatening moments but could not capitalize. Nick Woltemade headed the Germans into an 18th-minute lead. Once Serge Gnabry added a second 11 minutes later, the hosts were in total control. Leroy Sane scored twice before halftime, and substitutes Ridle Baku and Assan Ouedraogo struck in the second half.
“We’re relieved. It’s a great moment,” Woltemade told Germany’s ZDF. “I’m playing, I’m scoring goals, and I’m hopefully playing at the World Cup.” Nagelsmann praised his team’s attitude, stating, “We showed incredible team spirit and pushed ourselves on the pitch from the very beginning.”
In Amsterdam, Ronald Koeman’s Dutch team entertained the 50,000 spectators as their high-tempo play constantly pinned Lithuania back in their own half. Tijani Reijnders, perfectly set up by Frenkie de Jong, gave the hosts a 15-minute lead. The massed visiting defense and a spectacular first-half display by goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas held the Dutch at bay until the 58th minute. Cody Gakpo added a second from the penalty spot before Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen struck in the next four minutes, allowing Koeman to bring on five substitutes.
In Malta, Poland faced a scare on their way to a victory that ultimately kept them in second place. Robert Lewandowski, whose dissatisfaction with a reduced role in the team led to a coaching change earlier in the campaign, gave the Poles the lead after 32 minutes. Irvin Cardona replied for the home side four minutes later. Lewandowski then set up Pawel Wszolek after 59 minutes, but the game swung wildly to Malta in the 68th minute. Karol Swiderski finished a Polish counter-attack by placing the ball into the net, but a video check showed that Jakub Kiwior had fouled Cardona in the Polish box at the start of the move. Teddy Teuma leveled from the penalty spot. However, Piotr Zielinski’s long-range strike flew in off a post after 85 minutes to secure Poland’s victory.