FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Germany, Holland and Croatia win

 

Germany vs Romania

Germany came from behind to beat Romania in Hamburg and all but guarantee their place at the 2022 World Cup.

With three games to go in qualifying, Germany have a six-point lead over Armenia and North Macedonia, meaning it now looks like simply a matter of when their qualification will be confirmed.

They had to work hard for the three points against Romania, though, in a frenetically paced game in which the visitors gave a very good account of themselves.

Romania got their reward for a bold start and took the lead in the ninth minute thanks to a brilliant solo effort from Rangers midfielder Ianis Hagi.

The 22-year-old bamboozled Antonio Rudiger with some fancy footwork before blasting the ball past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Romania led at the break, but Germany levelled with a wonder strike by Serge Gnabry from outside the box in the 52nd minute.

Holland vs Latvia

Barcelona forward Memphis Depay claimed an assist as the Netherlands edged past Latvia in Riga.

The Dutch were far from their best but were still clearly the better side and deserved the three points which take them two ahead of Norway at the top of their World Cup qualifying group.

Latvia set out with a low block which frustrated the Oranje for most of the match, but inside the first 20 minutes they found the goal which would be enough to secure the win.

A Memphis Depay corner was met excellently by Davy Klaasen, volleying the ball back across goal and beyond Roberts Ozols.

Latvia didn't change tact, but they did cause some problems at the other end soon after. Ultimately, though, it was plain sailing for Louis van Gaal's side.

Next up for the Netherlands is a home game against Gibraltar, who have yet to register a point in their seven group games.

Croatia vs Cypus

Real Madrid's midfield maestro Luka Modric marked his 143rd Croatia cap with a stellar performance in a 3-0 win over Cyprus, despite a second-half penalty miss.

 

Modric assisted Ivan Perisic's opener and was the standout performer as Croatia coasted to a victory that puts them top of their World Cup qualifying group, level on points with Russia.

Croatia dominated the home side from start to finish, but didn't find the breakthrough until the 47th minute when a beautifully weighted pass from Modric put Perisic in behind the defence.

The visitors remained on top but failed to put the game beyond all doubt until the closing stages, scoring twice in the last 10 minutes.

Defender Josko Gvardiol stabbed home at the back post following a corner to make it 2-0 in the 80th minute, then, in added time, it was Marko Livaja's turn to get a back-post tap-in after determined play by fellow substitute Josip Brekalo to set him up.

Croatia host Slovakia on Monday as they continue their road to Qatar.

Courtesy: MARCA

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 09/10/2021 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Germany, Holland and Croatia win

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