Nagelsmann’s facet hit six in Leipzig because the Dutch staff cruise to a four-goal victory over Lithuania
PARIS:
Germany and Netherlands went on objective sprees as they wrapped up World Cup qualification with resounding wins of their final European group matches on Monday.
“Each participant performed effectively as we speak and labored like a canine,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann advised German broadcaster ZDF.
Each European giants wanted solely to attract to make certain of reaching the worldwide footballing showpiece in the US, Canada and Mexico. As a substitute, each went on the assault.
Germany took early management as they beat Slovakia 6-0 in Leipzig. The Netherlands took longer to drag away earlier than overcoming Lithuania 4-0 in Amsterdam.
Slovakia completed 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 spot secures a spot within the 16-team European play-offs in March.
Northern Eire’s 1-0 win over Luxembourg in Belfast couldn’t carry them out of third in Group A however they may make the play-offs due to their Nations League efficiency.
In Group L, Croatia, already assured of first place, scored twice within the final 18 minutes to cone from behind and win 3-2 away to Montenegro. The Czech Republic, in second, slaughtered visiting Gibraltar 6-0.
In Leipzig, 4 occasions winners Germany began the evening stage on factors with opponents Slovakia atop Group A however with an edge in objective distinction. Slovakia, who beat Germany earlier in qualifying, created some threatening moments however couldn’t take them.
Nick Woltemade headed the Germans into an 18th minute lead. As soon as Serge Gnabry added a second 11 minutes later, the hosts have been in complete management. Leroy Sane scored twice earlier than half time and substitutes Ridle Baku and Assan Ouedraogo struck within the second half.
“We’re relieved. It is an incredible second,” Woltemade advised Germany’s ZDF. “I am enjoying, I am scoring objectives and I am hopefully enjoying on the World Cup.”
“Tonight we confirmed the standard we have now on this staff. It was a pleasure.”
Nagelsmann praised his staff’s angle.
“We confirmed unimaginable staff spirit and pushed ourselves on the pitch from the very starting,” he mentioned.
Excessive-tempo Dutch
In Amsterdam, Ronald Koeman’s Dutch staff entertained the 50,000 spectators as their high-tempo play consistently pinned Lithuania again in their very own half.
Tijani Reijnders completely arrange by Frenkie de Jong gave the hosts a 15-minute lead however the massed visiting defence and a spectacular first-half show by goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas held the Dutch at bay till the 58th minute.
Cody Gakpo added a second from the penalty spot earlier than Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen struck within the subsequent 4 minutes permitting Koeman to convey on 5 substitutes.
Like Woltemade, the 27-year-old Reijnders was excited to be heading to the World Cup. He didn’t make his Netherlands debut till after the 2022 Qatar finals.
“I watched it at dwelling, on the sofa, with my Oranje shirt on,” he mentioned. “This time spherical it is clearly going to be very totally different for me. I will have to attend some time till it comes round, however I am actually wanting ahead to participating for the primary time.”
In Malta, Poland got a scare on the way in which to a victory which finally didn’t carry them out of second place.
Robert Lewandowski, whose unhappiness at a lowered function within the staff led to a training change earlier within the marketing campaign, gave the Poles the lead after 32 minutes.
Irvin Cardona replied for the house 4 minutes later.
Lewandowski then arrange Pawel Wszolek after 59 minutes however the recreation took a wild swing to Malta within the 68th minute.
Karol Swiderski completed a Polish counter-attack by sticking the ball into the online however a video examine confirmed that at first of the transfer Jakub Kiwior had fouled Cardona within the Polish field.
Teddy Teuma levelled from the penalty.
However Piotr Zielinski’s long-range strike flew in off a submit after 85 minutes to provide Poland victory.
