Germany picked up an important away win in EURO 2020 qualifying on Monday evening. With Bayern quartet Manuel Neuer, Niklas Süle, Joshua Kimmich and Serge Gnabry in the starting line-up, die Mannschaft beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in Belfast, with Gnabry wrapping up the victory in injury time with his ninth goal in ten appearances for his country. All four Bayern players lasted the full 90 minutes.
The hosts made a lively start and captain Neuer twice had to save from Conor Washington in the first half. At the other end, Süle missed one of Germany’s best chances (27‘). Joachim Löw’s side were more positive and purposeful after the break and broke the deadlock just three minutes into the second half through Marcel Halstenberg. The Germans had several opportunities to extend their lead after that but it wasn’t until stoppage time, as Northern Ireland were throwing everything forward, that Gnabry finished off a perfect counter-attack with the decisive goal. The result means Germany move into top spot in Group C on goal difference.
Lewandowski and Alaba share the points
The points were shared between Bayern teammates Robert Lewandowski and David Alaba as Poland and Austria drew 0-0 in Warsaw. Captain Lewandowski missed one of a number of chances for the Poles during a hard-fought first half, while Alaba missed the target from a good opportunity in a less eventful second period. Poland lead Group G with 13 points from six games, ahead of Slovenia (11 points) and Austria (10).
Perišić and Croatia draw in Azerbaijan
FCB new boy Ivan Perišić and his Croatia side could only manage a draw in Azerbaijan. The World Cup winners went in front in the 11th minute when Luka Modric converted a penalty, but they were punished for being too passive in the second half when Tamkin Khalilzada equalised in the 72nd minute. Perišić played the full 90 minutes. The Croats remain top of Group E with ten points from five matches, one point ahead of Slovakia.
Topics of this article