Northern Ireland remain Germany's closest challengers in qualification Group C for the 2018 World Cup in Russia following a 3-0 win over San Marino on Friday evening, leaving them in second place on 16 points.
Northern Ireland, who currently sit at number 23 on the FIFA world rankings, were clearly on top against the side ranked nearly 200 places below them, but struggled for a long time to create any clear-cut chances. However, a Josh Magennis brace and a Steven Davis penalty in the space of eight second-half minutes brought them swiftly back on track.
Norway overcome Azerbaijan
Norway remain a way back despite a 2-0 home win against Azerbaijan. A penalty from Joshua King and an own goal from Rashad Sadygov were enough for the victory, leaving Norway in fourth place on seven points, 14 behind Germany, nine behind Northern Ireland and two behind the Czech Republic.
The nine group winners will qualify directly for the group stage of the World Cup finals, with the eight best second-placed teams facing off in a play-off round for the four final places.
Northern Ireland remain Germany's closest challengers in qualification Group C for the 2018 World Cup in Russia following a 3-0 win over San Marino on Friday evening, leaving them in second place on 16 points.
Northern Ireland, who currently sit at number 23 on the FIFA world rankings, were clearly on top against the side ranked nearly 200 places below them, but struggled for a long time to create any clear-cut chances. However, a Josh Magennis brace and a Steven Davis penalty in the space of eight second-half minutes brought them swiftly back on track.
Norway overcome Azerbaijan
Norway remain a way back despite a 2-0 home win against Azerbaijan. A penalty from Joshua King and an own goal from Rashad Sadygov were enough for the victory, leaving Norway in fourth place on seven points, 14 behind Germany, nine behind Northern Ireland and two behind the Czech Republic.
The nine group winners will qualify directly for the group stage of the World Cup finals, with the eight best second-placed teams facing off in a play-off round for the four final places.
