With A Win In North Macedonia, Germany Qualifies For The 2022 World Cup
Touchaheart Nigeria reports that Germany qualified for the 2022 World Cup with a 4-0 win against North Macedonia on Monday, finishing first in Group J with two games to spare.
Timo Werner’s two second-half goals, as well as one each from Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala, helped Germany to 21 points with two games remaining.
Romania is in second position with 13 points.
All group winners are guaranteed a spot in the tournament in Qatar.
With a Thomas Muller header, the Germans, who were eliminated in the first round of the 2018 World Cup and the last 16 of this year’s Euros, had an early chance.
However, the Hanis Flick’s team lacked precision with their final pass and finishing, creating only a handful of chances in the first half until Werner hit the post with a low drive in stoppage time, like they did in their 2-1 home triumph over Romania on Friday.
“From the result it was perfect. We got what we wanted, qualified as quickly as possible and we now have five wins in a row,”
Flick, who succeeded Joachim Low earlier this year, said:
“Again the attitude was right. Compliments to the team. They did not ease off. The first half was a bit wild and we lacked a bit of precision. But we kept at it. We can be satisfied.”
In the 50th minute, Serge Gnabry split the defense with a fantastic through ball for Muller, who lay it off for Havertz to tap in. Germany had been beaten 2-1 by North Macedonia in Duisburg in March.
Werner then scored twice in three minutes, the first from another Muller pass in the 70th minute and the second from 15 meters three minutes later.
“It was difficult at the start but it was good we did not concede a goal,” Werner, who has now netted in four of the five matches under Flick.
“We know that if we push and attack over 90 minutes then it is only a matter of time until we score. After the lead it was easier for us.”
Substitute Musiala completed the victory seven minutes before the end with his first international goal.
