Northern Ireland boosted their World Cup qualifying hopes with a 2-0 victory over Slovakia in Belfast. An early own goal from Patrik Hrosovsky rewarded a bright start by Michael O’Neill’s men before Trai Hume sealed the win with his first international goal late in the game. Hume capitalised on a poor clearance from goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, lifting the ball calmly into an empty net to confirm all three points. Captain Conor Bradley impressed throughout but picked up a yellow card that will rule him out of the upcoming clash with Germany. The win leaves Northern Ireland level on six points with both Germany and Slovakia in Group A.
Germany were clinical in a dominant 4-0 victory over Luxembourg in Frankfurt. Joshua Kimmich was the star of the show, scoring twice as the hosts climbed to the top of Group A on goal difference. The visitors’ task became harder after Dirk Carlson was sent off for handling the ball in the area, allowing Kimmich to double the lead from the penalty spot following David Raum’s early free-kick opener. Serge Gnabry added a third just after halftime before Kimmich struck again two minutes later to complete the rout.
Elsewhere, Belgium were frustrated by North Macedonia, who produced a resilient defensive performance to secure a 0-0 draw in Brussels. Despite relentless pressure from Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku, the visitors held firm thanks to several fine saves from Stole Dimitrievski. North Macedonia now lead Group J with 12 points, one ahead of Belgium and two clear of Wales.
In Paris, Kylian Mbappé led France to a 3-0 win over Azerbaijan as Les Bleus moved within touching distance of qualification from Group D. The Real Madrid forward broke the deadlock just before halftime, then turned provider for Adrien Rabiot’s goal before substitute Florian Thauvin wrapped up the win. France now sit on nine points from three matches.
Switzerland maintained their perfect start in Group B with a 2-0 win over Sweden. Granit Xhaka converted a penalty midway through the second half before Johan Manzabi’s deflected strike sealed victory. Sweden’s poor finishing, including a missed chance from Lucas Bergvall, leaves their hopes of reaching next year’s finals in serious jeopardy after earning just one point from three games.
