Mesut Ozil and Germany celebrate
Mesut Ozil and Germany celebrate

World Cup qualifying: Round-up of Monday night's matches in Europe


Round-up of Monday night's World Cup qualifying action in Europe.

World Cup qualifying results

Group C
Azerbaijan 5-1 San Marino
Germany 6-0 Norway
Northern Ireland 2-0 Czech Republic

Group E
Armenia 1-4 Denmark
Montenegro 1-0 Romania
Poland 3-0 Kazakhstan

Group F
England 2-1 Slovakia
Scotland 2-0 Malta
Slovenia 4-0 Lithuania

Sky Bet's updated World Cup qualifying odds

World Cup qualifying tables

World Cup holders Germany are not yet guaranteed a place in Russia despite making it eight wins from eight with a 6-0 thrashing of Norway.

Mesut Ozil opened the scoring after just 10 minutes and further goals from Julian Draxler and Timo Werner (two) effectively ended the contest before half-time, with substitutes Leon Goretzka and Mario Gomez completing the rout.

Germany are second-favourites at 11/2 to win the World Cup in Sky Bet's outright odds. France head the betting at 5/1.

Northern Ireland kept Germany waiting for qualification and they remain firmly on course for a play-off spot after guaranteeing second place in Group C thanks to a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic.

First-half goals from the West Brom duo of Jonny Evans and Chris Brunt gave Michael O'Neill's side a fifth successive victory which virtually assures them of a place in November's play-offs.

The eight best runners-up from the nine European qualifying groups go into the play-offs, with Northern Ireland having taken 19 points from eight games as they seek to reach a second successive major tournament and a first World Cup finals appearance since 1986.

Chris Brunt celebrates for Northern Ireland
Chris Brunt celebrates for Northern Ireland

San Marino remain without a point after losing 5-1 in Azerbaijan, who scored five goals in a World Cup qualifier for the first time.

Afran Ismayilov (two), Araz Abdullayev and Rashad Sadigov got on the scoresheet for the home side, who also benefited from an own goal from Michele Cevoli. Mirko Palazzi headed a consolation goal for San Marino.

In Group F, England are five points clear of Slovakia with two games remaining after beating their nearest rivals 2-1 at Wembley.

Marcus Rashford went from villain to hero after being dispossessed to allow Stanislav Lobotka to give the visitors a shock lead after three minutes, before providing the corner for Eric Dier's equaliser and then firing home the 59th-minute winner from 20 yards.

England can be backed at 18/1 with Sky Bet to win the World Cup!

Scotland kept their qualifying hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Malta, Christophe Berra heading the opener after nine minutes and Leigh Griffiths adding a second just after the break.

Slovenia, like Scotland, are a point behind Slovakia after thrashing Lithuania 4-0, with Josip Ilicic scoring from the penalty spot in each half before late goals from Benjamin Verbic and Valter Birsa.

Sky Bet offer Scotland at 5/2 to qualify for the World Cup finals!

Christophe Berra and Scotland celebrate
Christophe Berra and Scotland celebrate

Poland regained control of Group E thanks to a 3-0 win over Kazakhstan, which came hours after Denmark had temporarily taken over top spot following a 4-1 win in Armenia.

Arek Milik, Kamil Glik and a penalty from Robert Lewandowski secured all three points for Poland, who are three points clear of Montenegro and Denmark.

Stevan Jovetic scored in the 75th minute to give Montenegro a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Romania, while a Thomas Delaney hat-trick and a superb free-kick from Christian Eriksen saw Denmark come from behind to win following Ruslan Koryan's brilliant opener for the home side.

Related links

Like what you've read?

MOST READ FOOTBALL

Sporting Life
Join for free!
Access to exclusive features all for FREE - No monthly subscription fee
Race Replays
My stable horse tracker
giftOffers and prize draws
newsExclusive content

FOOTBALL TIPS

We are committed to Safer Gambling and have a number of self-help tools to help you manage your gambling. We also work with a number of independent charitable organisations who can offer help and answers any questions you may have.
Gamble Aware LogoGamble Helpline LogoGamstop LogoGordon Moody LogoSafer Gambling Standard LogoGamban Logo18+ LogoTake Time To Think Logo