Wins for two Royal Blues in EURO 2020 qualifiers

Germany have secured their ticket to next summer’s European Championship with a 4-0 win over Belarus. Die Mannschaft were also helped along the way by a scoreless draw between Group C rivals Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. Germany got off to a strong start in Mönchengladbach, but were unable to make their chances count for much of the first half. Matthias Ginter was able to break the deadlock with a back-heel goal just before the break (41’).

Head coach Joachim Löw’s side upped the intensity on offence during the second go-around, with both Leon Goretzka (49’) and Toni Kroos (55’, 83’) adding to the scoreline. Belarus was able to create chances for themselves, with Igor Stasewitsch having his penalty attempt saved by Manuel Neuer, but were unable to convert. Suat Serdar was an unused substitute during Saturday’s match. Germany currently top Group C with 18 points, ahead of the Netherlands (16) as they head into their final match of the year on Tuesday in Frankfurt against Northern Ireland.

Rabbi Matondo and Wales keep qualification hopes alive

Wales were faced with the prospect of two must-win matches during this international break. They got off to a successful start against Azerbaijan on Saturday, as the ‘Dragons’ stormed to a 2-0 win. Both goals fell during the first half, as Kieffer Moore (10’) and Harry Wilson (34’) netted for their side. Wales defended well during the second half in order to secure the win, with Rabbi Matondo being subbed on in the 82nd minute.

Wales remain firmly in control of their own destiny, after group rivals Slovakia (10 points) fell to Croatia on Saturday. Croatia currently top Group E with 17 points, with Hungary in second (12) and Wales in third (11). Head coach Ryan Giggs’ side will face Hungary in Cardiff on Tuesday (19.11 at 20:45 CET) and will be looking to pick up a win in order to move into second place. The top two teams in each group will qualify for next summer’s tournament.