Germany seals World Cup place with 3-1 victory in Belfast

Defending champion Germany booked its place at next year's World Cup and stayed perfect in qualifying by beating Northern Ireland 3-1 on Thursday.

Sebastian Rudy and Sandro Wagner scored in the first half and Joshua Kimmich wrapped it up late as Germany made it nine wins from nine games to be certain of finishing top in Europe Group C.

Josh Magennis claimed the home side's consolation after a corner in injury time.

Germany moved eight points clear of Northern Ireland, which was already assured of at least second place, with just one round of games remaining.

Group winners qualify automatically for the finals in Russia, while the top eight runners-up from nine groups go on to playoffs to decide the other four places allocated to Europe.

Already out of contention, the Czech Republic defeated Azerbaijan 2-1 in Baku to move to third, and Mohamed "Moi" Elyounoussi scored a hat trick in Norway's 8-0 rout of San Marino.

Kane sends England to World Cup with 1-0 win over Slovenia

Harry Kane secured England's place at the World Cup by scoring in stoppage time to seal a 1-0 victory over Slovenia that highlighted the limitations of Gareth Southgate's Russia-bound team.

England offered little attacking threat on a dreary and subdued night at Wembley Stadium that was lit up only in the fourth minute of additional time when Kane latched onto Kyle Walker's cross and struck under goalkeeper Jan Oblak.

England, which hasn't missed a World Cup since 1994, could still be joined in Russia next year by neighbor Scotland.

Martin Skrtel's own goal gave Scotland a 1-0 victory over 10-man Slovakia in Glasgow.

The Scots, missing from the World Cup since 1998, will be guaranteed second place and a potential place in the playoffs if they beat Slovenia in the last round of games on Sunday.