Trai Hume’s first international goal sealed a vital 2-0 win for Northern Ireland over Slovakia, keeping their World Cup qualifying hopes alive.
An early own goal from Patrik Hrosovsky put Michael O’Neill’s side ahead, before Hume calmly lifted the ball over Martin Dubravka with 10 minutes left. “It was a great night, good performance and the most important thing is the three points,” Hume said.
Captain Conor Bradley impressed but will miss Monday’s clash with Germany after a late yellow card. Northern Ireland, Slovakia, and Germany are now level on six points in Group A.
Germany went top on goal difference after crushing Luxembourg 4-0. Joshua Kimmich scored twice, with David Raum and Serge Gnabry also on target.
Elsewhere, North Macedonia held Belgium to a 0-0 draw, remaining top of Group J by a single point. Goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski starred as Belgium failed to break through.
In Paris, Kylian Mbappé inspired France to a 3-0 win over Azerbaijan, scoring one and assisting another to move Les Bleus within touching distance of qualification.
Ukraine produced a dramatic 5-3 comeback victory in Iceland, scoring twice in the final five minutes to move second in Group D.
Meanwhile, Switzerland beat Sweden 2-0 in Group B, with Granit Xhaka’s penalty and a late Johan Manzabi goal leaving the Swedes bottom with just one point from three games.
