Spain notches six goals, Germany garners initial triumph in World Cup qualifiers
The Netherlands and Germany both secured impressive victories in their respective World Cup qualifying groups, with Memphis Depay breaking the Dutch all-time goalscoring record in the process.
In the Netherlands' 3-2 win over Lithuania, Depay scored a brace, taking his tally to 52 international goals. The opening goal came after Cody Gakpo's clever cutback, while the winning goal was a headed effort from Denzel Dumfries' cross after the hour mark. Quinten Timber also got on the scoresheet, scoring the second goal for the Netherlands.
Meanwhile, Germany overcame a difficult start to their qualifying campaign with a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland. After losing their opening qualifier 2-0 in Slovakia, Germany were under pressure to respond, and they did so in style. Florian Wirtz, who scored a double strike after 40 minutes, secured the win with a brilliant free-kick, pulling Germany level after Northern Ireland had taken an early lead.
Elsewhere, Mikel Merino starred for Spain in their 6-0 victory over Turkey. The Arsenal midfielder completed a hat-trick, with his first goal coming at the end of a superb team move, his second a controlled finish from a Pedri assist, and his third a curling shot into the top corner. Spain currently sit at the top of World Cup qualifying Group E with six points from two games.
North Macedonia are leading Group J with 11 points from five matches, one ahead of Belgium. Belgium recorded a 6-0 win over Kazakhstan, with Kevin De Bruyne scoring twice, while Poland won 3-1 at home to Finland, with Matty Cash, captain Robert Lewandowski, and Jakub Kaminski scoring for Poland.
Injury concerns for the Netherlands, however, as Nico Williams was withdrawn from the game due to an apparent thigh injury.
Ronald Koeman's side have 10 points after four matches in World Cup qualifying Group G, while Germany have seven points from three matches in Group A.
Read also:
- Stopping Osteoporosis Treatment: Timeline Considerations
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Trump's Policies: Tariffs, AI, Surveillance, and Possible Martial Law
- Expanded Community Health Involvement by CK Birla Hospitals, Jaipur, Maintained Through Consistent Outreach Programs Across Rajasthan
