Here is a round-up of Monday night’s Euro 2020 qualifying games…
Northern Ireland 0-2 Germany
Northern Ireland suffered their first defeat of the Euro 2020 qualifying campaign as Marcel Halstenberg’s thunderbolt sent Germany on their way to a 2-0 win in Belfast.
The first of four crunch fixtures against the powerhouses of Group C – Northern Ireland face Holland in Rotterdam next – ended in defeat after Serge Gnabry rolled in a second in stoppage time, but the 18,000 fans packed into Windsor Park will hardly have been discouraged given their side’s display.
Michael O’Neill’s men played with heart and desire as they were roared on by a boisterous crowd, but ultimately Germany’s superior quality saw them take control.
Estonia 0-4 Netherlands
In Group C’s other match, two goals from Ryan Babel as well as one each from Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum saw off Estonia.
Scotland 0-4 Belgium
Scotland suffered more Hampden agony as a 4-0 defeat by Belgium made it four losses from six European Championship qualifiers.
Kevin De Bruyne set up first-half goals for Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Vermaelen and Toby Alderweireld as Scotland were punished for poor defending.
Steve Clarke’s men were more competitive after the break but De Bruyne rounded off the scoring in the 82nd minute to make it 11 Belgian goals without reply against Scotland in 12 months.
The defeat left Scotland in fifth place in Group I, nine points off second-placed Russia with four games remaining, the next one a trip to Moscow.
Russia 1-0 Kazakhstan
Figueira Fernandes hit an 89th minute winner to grab all three points for Russia.
San Marino 0-4 Cyprus
In Group I’s other match, Cyprus comfortably beat the continent’s whipping boys thanks go goals from Kousoulos, Papoulis and Artymatas.
Azerbaijan 1-1 Croatia
Luka Modric gave Croatia an 11th minute lead from the penalty spot, however the World Cup finalists were stunned by a 72nd minute Tamlin Khalilzade equaliser
Hungary 1-2 Slovakia
In Group E’s other match, Mak gave Slovakia the lead before Szoboszlai hit back for Hungary. However, Bozenik grabbed a winner for the away side six minutes later.
Latvia 0-2 North Macedonia
Pandev and Bardhi put the visitors 2-0 up within 17 minutes and the hosts never recovered.
Slovenia 3-2 Israel
In a topsy-turvy game, Verbic put Slovenia ahead before Natcho and Zahavi turned thinks in Israel’s favour. However, Bezjak equalised and Verbic scored a 90th minute winner.
Poland 0-0 Austria
Group G’s other match was a stalemate.
