Poland secures World Cup berth

With a record-setting 16th goal in European qualifying, Robert Lewandowski led Poland’s charge into a first World Cup since 2006 on Sunday.

Lewandowski scored Poland’s third goal in its 4-2 win over Montenegro that clinched first place in Group E, at the expense of Denmark. Poland is the fifth European nation to qualify — after Belgium, Germany, England and Spain — with Russia already sure of participating as tournament host.

Denmark assured itself the consolation prize of a place in the playoffs — for the best eight runners-up from the nine groups — by drawing 1-1 at Romania. Northern Ireland’s spot in the playoffs was also confirmed despite a 1-0 loss to Norway.

Also, England finished qualifying with eight wins and two draws after beating Lithuania 1-0 thanks to Harry Kane’s firsthalf penalty; Germany completed a perfect qualification campaign by beating Azerbaijan 5-1.

In Africa, Mohamed Salah scored from a penalty kick deep into injury time to send host Egypt to a 2-1 win over Republic of Congo and its first World Cup berth since 1990.

Denise O’Sullivan scored in the 90th minute to send the host North Carolina Courage to the National Women’s Soccer League championship with a 1-0 semifinal victory over the Chicago Red Stars.

The Courage will face the Portland Thorns on Saturday in Orlando. The Thorns beat the Orlando Pride 4-1 on Saturday.