Germany and Netherlands wrapped up World Cup qualification with resounding wins in their last European group matches on Monday.
Both Germany and Netherlands needed only to draw to be sure of reaching the global footballing showpiece in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Instead, both went on the attack.
Germany took early control as they beat Slovakia 6-0 in Leipzig, while Netherlands took longer to pull away before overcoming Lithuania 4-0 in Amsterdam.
Slovakia finished second in Group A, while Poland, who survived a scare to win 3-2 in Malta, ended up second to the Dutch in Group G. Second spot secures a place in the 16-team European play-offs in March.
Northern Ireland’s 1-0 win over Luxembourg in Belfast could not lift them out of third in Group A but they will make the play-offs because of their Nations League performance.
In Group L, Croatia, already assured of first place, scored twice in the last 18 minutes to come from behind and win 3-2 away to Montenegro.
Czech Republic, in second, also thrashed visiting Gibraltar 6-0.
“We showed the quality we have in this team. It was a pleasure,” Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said after the game.
