{"id":1816,"date":"2025-11-18T15:33:43","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T07:33:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dxtynews.com\/?p=1816"},"modified":"2025-11-18T15:33:43","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T07:33:43","slug":"germany-and-netherlands-lock-up-world-cup-spots-in-style","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dxtynews.com\/index.php\/2025\/11\/18\/germany-and-netherlands-lock-up-world-cup-spots-in-style\/","title":{"rendered":"Germany and Netherlands lock up World Cup spots in style"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Germany and Netherlands went on goal sprees as they wrapped up World Cup qualification with resounding wins in their last European group matches on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Every player played well today and worked like a dog<\/strong>,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann<\/strong> told German broadcaster ‘ZDF’.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both European giants needed only to draw to be sure of reaching the global footballing showpiece<\/strong> in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Instead, both went on the attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Germany <\/strong>took early control as they beat Slovakia 6-0<\/strong> in Leipzig. The Netherlands<\/strong> took longer to pull away before overcoming Lithuania 4-0 <\/strong>in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slovakia finished second<\/strong> in Group A. Poland<\/strong>, who survived a scare to win 3-2 in Malta, ended up second<\/strong> to the Dutch in Group G. Second spot secures a place in the 16-team European play-offs in March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Northern Ireland’s 1-0 win over Luxembourg in Belfast could not lift them out of thi<\/strong>rd in Group A but they will make the play-offs because of their Nations League performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Group L, Croatia<\/strong>, already assured of first place, scored twice in the last 18 minutes to cone from behind and win 3-2 away to Montenegro<\/strong>. The Czech Republic, <\/strong>in second<\/strong>, slaughtered visiting Gibraltar 6-0.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Leipzig, four times winners Germany started the night level on points with opponents Slovakia atop Group A but with an edge in goal difference. Slovakia, who beat Germany earlier in qualifying, created some threatening moments but could not take them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nick Woltemade<\/strong> headed the Germans into an 18th minute lead. Once Serge Gnabry<\/strong> added a second 11 minutes later, the hosts were in total control. Leroy Sane scored twice<\/strong> before half time and substitutes Ridle Baku<\/strong> and Assan Ouedraogo<\/strong> struck in the second half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We’re relieved. It’s a great moment,” Woltemade told Germany’s ZDF. “I’m playing, I’m scoring goals and I’m hopefully playing at the World Cup.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Tonight we showed the quality we have in this team. It was a pleasure.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nagelsmann praised his team’s attitude<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“We showed incredible team spirit and pushed ourselves on the pitch from the very beginning,” he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

– High-tempo Dutch –<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Amsterdam, Ronald Koeman’s Dutch team entertained the 50,000 spectators as their high-tempo play constantly pinned Lithuania back in their own half.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tijani Reijnders<\/strong> perfectly set up by Frenkie de Jong gave the hosts a 15-minute lead but the massed visiting defence and a spectacular first-half display by goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas held the Dutch at bay until the 58th minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cody Gakpo added a second from the penalty<\/strong> spot before Xavi Simons and Donyell Malen struck in the next four minutes<\/strong> allowing Koeman to bring on five substitutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like Woltemade, the 27-year-old Reijnders was excited to be heading to the World Cup. He did not make his Netherlands debut until after the 2022 Qatar finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I watched it at home, on the couch, with my Oranje shirt on,” he said. “This time round it’s obviously going to be very different for me. I’ll have to wait a while until it comes around, but I’m really looking forward to taking part for the first time.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Malta, Poland were given a scare <\/strong>on the way to a victory which ultimately did not lift them out of second place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Robert Lewandowski<\/strong>, whose unhappiness at a reduced role in the team led to a coaching change earlier in the campaign, gave the Poles the lead after 32 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Irvin Cardona replied for the home<\/strong> four minutes later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lewandowski then set up Pawel Wszolek after 59 minutes<\/strong> but the game took a wild swing to Malta in the 68th minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Karol Swiderski finished a Polish counter-attack<\/strong> by sticking the ball into the net but a video check showed that at the start of the move Jakub Kiwior had fouled Cardona in the Polish box<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teddy Teuma levelled <\/strong>from the penalty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Piotr Zielinski’s long-range strike flew in off a post after 85 minut<\/strong>es to give Poland victory.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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