Germany stormed into next year’s World Cup with a dominant 6-0 win over Slovakia, sealing top spot in their group. Four first-half goals – from Nick Woltemade, Serge Gnabry and a Leroy Sané double – overwhelmed Slovakia, who were pushed into the playoffs. Ridle Baku and 19-year-old debutant Assan Ouédraogo added goals after the break.
The Netherlands also booked their place with a comfortable 4-0 win over Lithuania to finish top of Group G. Tijjani Reijnders opened the scoring before Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen struck in a rapid second-half burst.
Poland’s 3-2 victory in Malta – with goals from Robert Lewandowski and Pawel Wszolek before Piotr Zielinski’s late winner – secured a playoff place. Northern Ireland ended their campaign with a 1-0 win over Luxembourg thanks to Jamie Donley’s first international goal but were already bound for the playoffs via the Nations League.
Czech Republic, already assured of a playoff spot, hammered Gibraltar 6-0, while Croatia came from two goals down to beat Montenegro 3-2 and finish atop their group.
