Four-time world champions Germany rediscovered their rhythm on Friday night with a commanding 4-0 victory over 10-man Luxembourg, while Kylian Mbappé once again proved decisive as France eased past Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying action across Europe.
At the RheinEnergieStadion, captain Joshua Kimmich led by example, scoring twice to inspire Germany to a much-needed win that lifted them to the top of Group A on goal difference.
Kimmich opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Dirk Carlson was sent off for handling the ball in the area, before adding his second from close range shortly after the interval.
David Raum had earlier curled home a superb free kick, and Serge Gnabry added a fourth to complete the rout, restoring confidence to Julian Nagelsmann’s side after an inconsistent qualifying start that included a loss in Slovakia.
“We could have scored one or two more, but it was a deserved win, one we absolutely wanted and needed,” Nagelsmann said, praising his team’s “aggression and greed.”
Germany, eliminated in the group stages of both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, will next face Northern Ireland in Belfast on Monday.
Northern Ireland, meanwhile, kept their qualification hopes alive with a 2-0 victory over Slovakia in front of a jubilant Windsor Park crowd.
An own goal from Patrik Hrosovsky and a brilliant late volley from Trai Hume sealed the win, reviving dreams of a first World Cup appearance since 1986.
“It was a great night, a good performance, and the most important thing is the three points. I think we deserved it,” said Hume.
In Paris, France captain Kylian Mbappé continued his extraordinary form, netting his 10th goal in successive games for club and country as Les Bleus beat Azerbaijan 3-0 at the Parc des Princes.
Adrien Rabiot and returning winger Florian Thauvin also scored to keep Didier Deschamps’s men unbeaten and atop Group D after three matches.
France could secure early qualification for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, if they defeat Iceland on Monday and Ukraine fail to beat Azerbaijan.
Despite the convincing scoreline, Deschamps tempered expectations: “I’m not going to jump for joy. We won, we scored three, but we could have got more. It’s three points more, but perhaps not in the way we wanted. Monday will be another game, another context.”
Elsewhere, Ukraine stayed in contention with a thrilling 5-3 win in Iceland, while Switzerland maintained their perfect record in Group B with a 2-0 victory over Sweden, despite the presence of Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak. Kosovo and Slovenia settled for a goalless draw.
In Group J, Belgium were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw at home by North Macedonia, who famously beat Germany during the 2022 qualifiers and now lead the group, edging closer to what would be their first-ever World Cup appearance.
Source: AFP
Written By Rodney Mbua
