Germany booked their place at next year’s World Cup in emphatic fashion, hammering Slovakia 6-0 in their final qualifier to finish top of their group. Four first-half goals set the tone, with Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry and a Leroy Sané double putting the game out of reach. Substitutes Ridle Baku and 19-year-old debutant Assan Ouédraogo added two more after the break. Slovakia now head for the March playoffs.
The Netherlands also qualified comfortably, beating Lithuania 4-0 at home to top Group G. Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring before quick-fire second-half goals from Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen sealed the win.
Poland secured a playoff place after a dramatic 3-2 victory in Malta. Robert Lewandowski and Pawel Wszolek scored before Piotr Zielinski netted a late winner.
Northern Ireland ended their Group A campaign with a flat 1-0 win over Luxembourg, thanks to Jamie Donley’s first international goal from the penalty spot.
Czech Republic, already assured of a playoff berth, swept Gibraltar aside 6-0, while group winners Croatia staged a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to beat Montenegro 3-2.
