Germany and Dutch Clinch World Cup Berths with Impressive Victories
Germany and the Netherlands launched scoring barrages to seal their World Cup qualification through dominant triumphs in their concluding European group fixtures on Monday.
"Every player played well today and worked like a dog," Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann told German broadcaster ZDF.
These two European powerhouses only required a point to confirm their spots at the international tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Yet both opted for an aggressive approach.
Germany seized command early by defeating Slovakia 6-0 in Leipzig. The Netherlands needed more time to dominate before securing a 4-0 win against Lithuania in Amsterdam.
Slovakia claimed second position in Group A. Poland, after edging out Malta 3-2 following a tense battle, finished as runners-up behind the Dutch in Group G. Securing second guarantees entry into the 16-team European play-offs scheduled for March.
Northern Ireland's 1-0 victory over Luxembourg in Belfast failed to elevate them beyond third in Group A, but they advance to the play-offs thanks to their Nations League results.
In Group L, Croatia, with top spot already locked in, netted two goals in the final 18 minutes to overturn a deficit and prevail 3-2 on the road against Montenegro. The Czech Republic, holding second, dismantled Gibraltar 6-0 at home.
In Leipzig, the four-time champions Germany entered level on points with Slovakia at the summit of Group A, though holding a superior goal difference. Slovakia, fresh off an earlier qualification win over Germany, generated a few dangerous chances but failed to convert them.
Nick Woltemade nodded Germany ahead in the 18th minute. Serge Gnabry extended the lead eleven minutes later, allowing the home side to dictate proceedings. Leroy Sane notched a brace before the break, while substitutes Ridle Baku and Assan Ouedraogo added goals after halftime.
"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."
"Tonight we showed the quality we have in this team. It was a pleasure."
Nagelsmann commended his squad's mindset.
"We showed incredible team spirit and pushed ourselves on the pitch from the very beginning," he said.
Dynamic Dutch Performance
In Amsterdam, Ronald Koeman's Netherlands side thrilled the 50,000 fans with their rapid pace, repeatedly confining Lithuania to their defensive third.
Tijani Reijnders, assisted flawlessly by Frenkie de Jong, opened the scoring in the 15th minute, yet Lithuania's compact defence and an outstanding first-half effort from keeper Edvinas Gertmonas kept the scoreline level until the 58th minute.
Cody Gakpo converted from the spot for 2-0, followed by quick strikes from Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen within the next four minutes, enabling Koeman to introduce five changes.
Similar to Woltemade, 27-year-old Reijnders was thrilled about his World Cup journey. His international debut for the Netherlands came post the 2022 Qatar tournament.
"I watched it at home, on the couch, with my Oranje shirt on," he said. "This time round it's obviously going to be very different for me. I'll have to wait a while until it comes around, but I'm really looking forward to taking part for the first time."
In Malta, Poland endured a fright en route to a win that still left them in second place.
Robert Lewandowski, whose frustration over a diminished role prompted a mid-campaign coaching switch, put Poland ahead after 32 minutes.
Irvin Cardona equalised for the hosts four minutes later.
Lewandowski assisted Pawel Wszolek in the 59th minute, but the match swung dramatically towards Malta in the 68th.
Karol Swiderski appeared to score on a counter, putting the ball in the net, but VAR revealed Jakub Kiwior's foul on Cardona in the penalty area at the sequence's outset.
Teddy Teuma converted the spot kick to tie it.
However, Piotr Zielinski's effort from distance ricocheted off the post after 85 minutes to hand Poland the win.