Germany and the Netherlands scored on consecutive goals as they won their final group match of the week on Monday to earn their place in the World Cup.
German coach Julian Nagelsmann stated to German broadcaster ZDF, “Everyone played well today and worked like a dog.”
To be sure of reaching the world footballing spectacle in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, both European giants needed only to draw. Both went on the attack instead.
In Leipzig, Germany defeated Slovakia 6:0 to take command early on. Before defeating Lithuania 4-0 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands needed to hold on for more than one more game.
Poland, who defeated the Dutch 3-2 in Malta, came out on top of Group G, where Slovakia placed second, and placed second overall.
Although Northern Ireland could not escape third place in Group A with a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg in Belfast, they will still qualify for the play-offs thanks to their Nations League display.
Croatia, who is already in charge of Group L, scored twice in the closing 18 minutes to overcome Montenegro with a score of 3-2. Second place went to the Czech Republic, who defeated visiting Gibraltar 6-0.
Four-time champions Germany, who had a lead in Group A goals, started the night in Leipzig with a point lead over their nearest rival Slovakia. Slovacia, which earlier qualified beat Germany, had some threatening chances of failing to take them.
The Germans took an 18th-minute lead thanks to Nick Woltemade. The hosts had complete control when Serge Gnabry added a second 11 minutes later. Ridle Baku and Assan Ouedraogo were substituted for Leroy Sane in the second half, who scored twice before half-time.
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We’re relieved, we say. Woltemade addressed Germany’s ZDF in a “great moment.” “I’m playing, I’m scoring goals, and I’m hoping to win the World Cup.”
“Tonight, we demonstrated our commitment to this team.” It was enjoyable.
Nagelsmann praised the team’s attitude.
He said, “We pushed ourselves on the pitch from the beginning and showed incredible team spirit.”
Dutch High-Tempo
Ronald Koeman’s Dutch team entertained the 50, 000 spectators in Amsterdam as their fast-paced play kept Lithuania in their own half.
The hosts held the Dutch at bay until the 58th minute thanks to the massed visiting defense and a spectacular first-half display by goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas. Tijani Reijnders, who was flawlessly set up by Frenkie de Jong, gave the hosts a 15-minute lead.
In the following four minutes, Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen each scored from the penalty spot, allowing Koeman to substitute five players.
Reijnders, 27, was excited to travel to the World Cup, just like Woltemade. Before the 2022 Qatar finals, he didn’t make his Netherlands debut.
He said, “I sat down at home, slumped on the couch, and wore my Oranje shirt.” It’s obvious that things will be very different for me this time around. Although it will take some time before it arrives, I’m really looking forward to taking part for the first time.
Poland suffered a defeat in Malta, but it ultimately did not lift them out of second place.
After 32 minutes, Robert Lewandowski gave the Poles the lead after being unhappy with his team’s performance that caused a coaching change earlier in the campaign.
Four minutes later, Irvin Cardona responded with a home.
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After 59 minutes, Lewandowski then gave up Pawel Wszolek, but in the 68th minute, Malta took a wild swing.
A video check revealed that Jakub Kiwior had fouled Cardona in the Polish box at the beginning of the counter-attack, but Karol Swiderski stuck the ball into the net to seal the Polish victory.
Teddy Teuma received a penalty kick.
After 85 minutes, Poland won thanks to Piotr Zielinski’s long-range strike that flew in off the post.
