Germany cruise, Kylian Mbappe scores for France in World Cup qualifying

PARIS – Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann admitted “not everything was perfect” but he was still pleased with his team’s desire to win, as they cruised past 10-man Luxembourg in World Cup qualifying on Oct 10.

Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe helped France see off Azerbaijan as the two European giants claimed easy wins.

Captain Joshua Kimmich’s double inspired Germany to a 4-0 home win over Luxembourg and to the top of Group A on goal difference from Slovakia and Northern Ireland, who await them in Belfast on Oct 13.

The Germans showed the poise and swagger that had abandoned them in their World Cup qualifying campaign. They lost in Slovakia for the first time on Sept 5 and edged out Northern Ireland at home three days later.

Kimmich converted a first-half penalty and tapped in from close range in the 50th minute. David Raum’s first-half free kick and a Serge Gnabry goal early in the second half secured the team an important victory in Sinsheim.

“We could have scored one or two more, but it was a deserved win, one we absolutely wanted and needed,” said Nagelsmann.

“Not everything was perfect but we did many things right. The desire was definitely there, though we could’ve scored more goals.

“When you play against a team that sits this deep, then having a man more is irrelevant. But we pressed well and won the ball back quickly. It’s not always easy to create chances when all opposing players are in their box.”

Germany were eliminated at the group stage of the World Cup in 2018 and 2022.

Lowly Luxembourg’s task was made even harder when, after only 20 minutes, Dirk Carlson saw red and gave away a penalty for handball in the box.

Northern Ireland kept alive their dream of appearing at their fourth World Cup and first since 1986 with a 2-0 home win over Slovakia, courtesy of Patrik Hrosovsky’s own goal and Trai Hume’s stunning volley nine minutes from time to ignite the fans at Windsor Park.

“It was a great night, good performance and the most important thing is the three points. I think we deserved it,” said the Sunderland defender.

In Paris, Mbappe’s fine form continued at the Parc des Princes, where the France captain struck on the stroke of half-time for his 10th goal in successive games for Real Madrid and his country.

Adrien Rabiot and the returning Florian Thauvin were also on the scoresheet as Didier Deschamps’s men eased past Azerbaijan 3-0 to remain perfect after three games and top of Group D.

Les Bleus will book their passage to the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026 if they win in Iceland on Oct 13 and Ukraine fail to beat Azerbaijan in Krakow.

But Mbappe and Ibrahima Konate have been ruled out the Iceland game through injury. 

Mbappe had been carrying a “small niggle” in his right ankle from playing for Real and then took two knocks in Paris, where he was replaced before the end of the match.

Liverpool defender Konate remained on the bench with a right thigh problem, with his place against Iceland now taken by Marseille’s Benjamin Pavard.

Despite making it three from three, Deschamps was keeping his feet firmly on terra firma.

“I’m not going to jump for joy, we won, we scored three, but we could have got more,” said the Frenchman, who was part of the side who put 10 past Azerbaijan when the teams last met in 1995.

“It’s three points more but perhaps not in the way we wanted to. We got the job done. Monday will be another game, another context.”

Ukraine sit second in the group, five points adrift, after a captivating 5-3 win in Reykjavik.

Belgium, seeking a 15th appearance at the World Cup, were held to a goal-less draw at home to North Macedonia, who famously downed Germany in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.

The Balkan side top Group J, tantalisingly close to a first-ever seat at football’s high table in 2026.

“We did everything we could to score but it was frustrating. If we had got a first goal, I’m sure we would have got a lot more,” Belgian midfielder Hans Vanaken told VTM television. AFP, REUTERS