Sports Pundit
Football

Croatia, Germany, Netherlands & Austria clinch Euros spots

Northern Ireland midfielder Steven Davis (8) plays the ball as Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek (20) watches on during the UEFA European 2020 Qualifier match between Northern Ireland and Netherlands
Northern Ireland midfielder Steven Davis (8) plays the ball as Netherlands midfielder Donny van de Beek (20) watches on during the UEFA European 2020 Qualifier match between Northern Ireland and Netherlands

World Cup runners-up Croatia, Germany, the Netherlands and Austria have all secured their places at the 2020 European Championships on Saturday night.

Croatia came from a goal down to defeat Slovakia 3-1 in Rijeka and secure top spot and qualification from Group E.

Robert Boenik had put Slovakia ahead in the 32nd minute, but Croatia responded after the break.

Nikola Vlasic levelled in the 56th minute with a near post strike before Bruno Petkovic added another on the hour.

Ivan Perisic fired in a classy volley in the 74th minute to confirm the victory and qualification.

The second automatic qualification spot in Group E remains wide open, with Wales’ 2-0 win in Azerbaijan meaning it’ll come down to the final game.

Wales, who are third in Group E on 11 points, will host Hungary who are second on 12 points. Slovakia are fourth on 10 points and entertain Azerbaijan on Tuesday.

Netherlands and Germany progressed from Group C, leaving Northern Ireland having the face the play-offs to qualify.

The Dutch drew 0-0 with the Northern Irish in Belfast, with Steven Davis missing a first-half penalty.

Germany cruised past Belarus 4-0 in Moenchengladbach, with Toni Kroos scoring a double.

Austria secured their place at the Euros for the second straight tournament with a 2-1 home victory over North Macedonia in Group G.

Elsewhere, Belgium sealed top spot in Group I with a 4-1 win away to Russia while Scotland beat Cyprus 2-1.