Belgium, Germany and Switzerland confirmed their participation in the 2014 FIFA World Cup to be held in Brazil, after the European qualifying rounds on Friday night.
Germany took on the Republic of Ireland in Cologne to seal their place in the World Cup and wrapped up things in style with a 3-0 victory. The Germans finished top of Group C with goals from Sami Khedira in the first half, followed by strikes by Andre Schurrle and Mesut Ozil in the second half. Manager Joachim Low would be looking to improve upon last World Cup’s 3rd place finish for his team.
Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku proved his worth on the international stage with a professional performance yielding two goals to help Belgium win Croatia 2-1 in Zagreb. Lukaku scored in the 15th and the 38th minute of the first half.
Though Croatia pulled a goal back six minutes from time through Niko Kranjcar, it proved to be too little too late for the Croatians. Belgium finished top of Group A with this match.
Switzerland also secured qualification with a 2-1 victory over Albania. Xherdan Shaqiri scored early in the second half to give them an advantage, which was later doubled by Michael Lang.
Though Albanian Hamdi Salihi scored from the spot later in the match, it proved to be only consolation for his team.
In other matches, Spain beat Belarus 2-1 in Group I and now just need a point off Georgia on Tuesday to secure qualification. Xavi and Alvaro Negredo were on the scoresheet for Spain.
Dutch Robin van Persie became his country’s all time highest goalscorer with a splendid hat-trick against Hungary in Eindhoven. Van Persie, who was doubtful to play this match with a toe injury, overtook Patrick Kluivert’s record to achieve this feat. Netherlands humbled the Hungarians 8-1.
England beat minnows Montenegro 4-1 in Group H with goals from Wayne Rooney, Andros Townsend, Daniel Sturridge and a Branko Boskovic own goal. They now need to win against Poland to secure their entry to the World Cup. Meanwhile, Italy drew 2-2 with Denmark in Copenhagen and Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw against Israel.