Germany stormed into next year’s World Cup with a ruthless 6-0 demolition of Slovakia, securing top spot in their group and sending Slovakia into the March playoffs. Four first-half goals set the tone: Nick Woltemade opened the scoring, Serge Gnabry added a second, and Florian Wirtz assisted two goals for Leroy Sané. After the break, Ridle Baku and 19-year-old debutant Assan Ouédraogo completed the rout.
The Netherlands also qualified in style, cruising past Lithuania 4-0 at home to finish top of Group G. Tijjani Reijnders struck before half-time, with Cody Gakpo, Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen adding rapid-fire goals in the second half.
Poland kept their hopes alive with a dramatic 3-2 win in Malta, securing a playoff place after Piotr Zielinski’s late winner. Robert Lewandowski and Pawel Wszolek had earlier put them ahead twice.
Northern Ireland ended their campaign with a flat 1-0 win over Luxembourg. Jamie Donley scored his first international goal from the penalty spot in what became a dead rubber after their Friday loss to Slovakia, though a Nations League performance ensures them a playoff place.
Elsewhere, the Czech Republic – already playoff-bound – crushed Gibraltar 6-0, including five first-half goals. Croatia topped their group after a remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to beat Montenegro 3-2.
