France and Germany recorded convincing wins in their FIFA World Cup qualifying matches on Friday night.
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| Image Source: The Independent |
In Paris, Kylian Mbappe continued his brilliant scoring form as France comfortably defeated Azerbaijan 3-0 at the Parc des Princes. The French captain struck just before half-time, netting his 10th goal in consecutive games for both Real Madrid and his national team. Adrien Rabiot and returning forward Florian Thauvin also added goals, helping Didier Deschamps’ side stay unbeaten after three matches and remain at the top of Group D.
If France manage to beat Iceland on Monday and Ukraine fail to win against Azerbaijan, Les Bleus will officially qualify for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Despite the win, coach Didier Deschamps was calm and realistic after the game. “We won and scored three goals, but we could have had more. It’s three points, but not exactly how we wanted it. Monday will be another match, another situation,” he said. Deschamps also recalled the 1995 meeting when France scored ten goals against Azerbaijan.
Over in Group A, Germany looked sharp again as they defeated 10-man Luxembourg 4-0. Team captain Joshua Kimmich led the way with two goals — the first from a penalty in the opening half and the second from close range just after the break. David Raum opened the scoring with a free kick, and Serge Gnabry added the final touch early in the second half.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann praised his team’s intensity and focus. “We could have scored one or two more, but it was a deserved win. It was something we absolutely needed,” he said. Germany had earlier struggled in their qualifying campaign, including a loss to Slovakia and a narrow home win over Northern Ireland.
Luxembourg’s chances were damaged early when defender Dirk Carlson was sent off in the 20th minute for handling the ball inside the penalty area, which also gave away a spot-kick.
Northern Ireland kept their qualification hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Slovakia at Windsor Park. An own goal from Patrik Hrosovsky gave them the lead, and Trai Hume sealed the result with a stunning volley nine minutes before full-time. “It was a great night and a good performance. The most important thing is the three points — I think we deserved it,” said Hume after the match.
Elsewhere, Ukraine earned an exciting 5-3 victory over Iceland to stay in second place in Group D, five points behind leaders France.
In Group B, Switzerland extended their perfect start with a 2-0 win over Sweden, whose squad included Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak. Kosovo and Slovenia shared the points in a goalless draw.
Meanwhile, Belgium were held to a 0-0 draw at home by North Macedonia in Group J. North Macedonia, who famously beat Germany during the 2022 qualifiers, now sit at the top of the group and are closing in on a potential first-ever World Cup appearance.