Northern Eire are prime of Group A after as group favourites Germany had been shocked by Slovakia within the opening video games of World Cup qualifying.
Germany had been crushed 2-0 in Bratislava, leaving boss Julian Nagelsmann dealing with extra questions over his squad.
David Hancko put Slovakia in entrance shortly earlier than half-time earlier than Middlesbrough ahead David Strelec curled dwelling a nice second purpose after 55 minutes to in the end full the win.
In the meantime, Justin Devenny and Shea Charles scored their first worldwide targets as Northern Eire opened their marketing campaign with a 3-1 win in Luxembourg.
An early Jamie Reid strike was cancelled out by Aiman Dardari, however Charles struck lower than 30 seconds into the second half, and after Luxembourg defender Seid Korac was proven a second yellow card, Devenny’s 69th-minute strike secured Northern Eire’s first aggressive away win since March 2023.
It earned three factors an injury-hit Northern Eire staff knew they wanted to safe forward of Sunday’s journey to Cologne to face Germany.
Reid scored from the spot when Korac slipped within the field. Referee Andris Treimanis was advised to verify the display by VAR Kristas Ratnieks because the defender dealt with after slipping.
Anthony Moris saved Isaac Worth’s penalty however Reid pounced on the rebound for his first aggressive worldwide purpose.
Luxembourg levelled when Daniel Sinani’s neat flick launched Dardari, who skipped past Paddy McNair as he reduce in from the left to hit a low shot past Bailey Peacock-Farrell, who was making his first Northern Eire look in a 12 months within the absence of Pierce Charles and Conor Hazard.
Northern Eire responded instantly after the restart.
Shea Charles celebrates together with his teammates after scoring towards Luxembourg
Conor Bradley’s low cross deflected out to Charles and the Southampton midfielder’s strike took a nick off the hapless Korac on its approach in.
Luxembourg went all the way down to 10 when, having already been booked within the aftermath of the early penalty resolution, Korac tangled with Reid as they contested a excessive ball. Reid went down holding his face, however a second yellow card appeared harsh.
Northern Eire didn’t care, and after Charles pumped ahead the ensuing free-kick, it fell to Devenny to lash dwelling from shut vary.
Wales additionally went prime of Group J with a hard-fought 1-0 win away to Kazakhstan. Kieffer Moore marked his fiftieth cap with a Twenty fourth-minute purpose as Wales held out after Kazakhstan twice hit the crossbar in the course of the second half.
Spain cruise to win as Money scores for Poland
Spain’s Pedri, middle, celebrates after his staff’s purpose towards Bulgaria
European champions Spain coasted to a 3-0 win of their Group E opener away to Bulgaria.
La Roja took an early lead on the Vasil Levski Nationwide Stadium when Mikel Oyarzabal struck after simply 5 minutes.
Chelsea wing-back Marc Cucurella drilled dwelling a second on the half-hour earlier than Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino headed in a 3rd from a nook to place the Nations League runners-up in management.
Turkey had earlier received 3-2 in Georgia, the place they completed with 10 males.
Mert Muldur’s header gave the guests a third-minute lead with Kerem Akturkoglu then placing twice both aspect of the break.
Zuriko Davitashvili pulled a purpose again simply after the hour earlier than tempers flared within the 71st minute. Turkey substitute Baris Alper Yilmaz was proven a pink card for a late problem on Giorgi Kochorashvili – with Georgia supervisor Willy Sangol then despatched from the dugout for his protests.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia struck a late second for Georgia deep into added time.
Polish gamers have a good time with Matt Money after his equaliser towards the Netherlands
Aston Villa defender Matty Money fired in a late equaliser as Poland fought again to attract 1-1 with the Netherlands in Rotterdam.
Denzel Dumfries headed the Oranje – who had received their opening two video games – in entrance from a twenty eighth minute nook. Money, although, secured a degree when he drilled an angled shot into the highest nook with 10 minutes left.
Lithuania scored a stoppage-time penalty to grab a 1-1 draw with Malta in Kaunas – the place each side had a participant despatched off throughout a chaotic ending.
Belgium later thrashed Liechtenstein 6-0 to make it two wins from their three video games to date.
Maxim De Cuyper’s header set Belgium on their approach within the first half. Youri Tielemans scored twice after the break whereas Arthur Theate, Kevin De Bruyne and Malick Fofana had been additionally on the right track.
