It was a great night for Northern Ireland and Wales with both teams’ chances of qualifying for next summer’s World Cup enhanced, despite the latter not even playing.
Northern Ireland beat Slovakia 2-0 in Belfast with both sides now having six points in Group A, along with Germany.
Patrik Hrošovský’s own goal gave the hosts an 18th minute lead and Sunderland defender Trai Hume netted a stunning second with nine minute to go to make the points safe.
Germany visit Northern Ireland on Monday in another crunch encounter.
“I thought the performances were excellent,” said Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill. “Right from the first minute the intensity of the play, the quality of the play and not letting the opposition have any opportunity to breathe and play.
“I think they understand now the levels they can get to with this group of players.
“Tonight, we showed what we can be like at home, we have shown this before if you look back to the Bulgaria game, but we played a better team tonight.”
Belgium stalemate cheers up Wales
Wales may have been thumped 3-0 by England in a friendly last night but they would have enjoyed watching Belgium’s 0-0 draw with North Macedonia.
The stalemate means Wales are third in Group J but will go top if they can beat Belgium in Cardiff on Monday.
Switzerland have a commanding five-point lead in Group B after a 2-0 win in Sweden.
The hosts’ attack of Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres failed to shine and the Swiss dominated throughout. Captain Grant Xhaka put them ahead from the penalty spot and they doubled their lead in stoppage time when Johan Manzabi’s tame effort was deflected past keeper Viktor Johansson.
Sweden are bottom of the pool, behind both Kosovo and Slovenia who drew 0-0.
Mbappe stars for France
Kylian Mbappe was among the goalscorers as France beat Azerbaijan 3-0 to take control of Group D.
The Real Madrid striker scored a brilliant goal but limped off late on at the Parc des Princes. Adrien Rabiot and the returning Florian Thauvin also scored for Les Bleus, who are five points clear of Ukraine, who left it late to win 5-3 in Iceland.
