Russia, Poland seal spots for Euro 2020
NICOSIA: Russia and Poland have won in qualifying to seal their places at the 2020 European Championship, while Netherlands and Germany have furthered their hopes of doing so.
Russia routed Cyprus 50 yesterday while Poland defeated North Macedonia 20 to join already qualified Belgium and Italy at next year’s finals tournament.
Valencia forward Denis Cheryshev scored twice and set up two more for the Russians — who only needed a draw yesterday to be sure of qualification — to take their tally to 21 points after seven wins from eight games in group I.
With two games remaining, Russia has 11 points more than thirdplaced Cyprus and 12 more than fourthplaced Scotland, which thrashed San Marino 60 at a poorly attended Hampden Park in Glasgow.
Belgium already had its place at the finals secure but Roberto Martinez’s team retained its perfect record in qualifying with a 20 win over Kazakhstan in Astana.
Michy Batshuayi scored in the first half and Thomas Meunier wrapped up the win in the second, giving Belgium its eighth win from eight games.
The Belgians have scored 30 goals and conceded just one in their campaign.
‘‘Everything is down to the focus of the players. This is an incredible group,’’ Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said.
Secondhalf strikes from substitutes Przemyslaw Frankowski and Arkadiusz Milik guaranteed Poland will finish as one of the top two sides in group G.
Leaders Poland has 19 points from eight matches, three clear of Austria which accounted for host Slovnia 10.
North Macedonia and Slovenia are on 11 points with all of the top four having two games to play.
Netherlands retained the top spot in group C with a 21 win over Belarus in Minsk, thanks to two firsthalf goals from Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum.
Stanislav Dragun pulled Belarus back into the game but the Dutch held on to stay on course for qualification with 15 points from six matches.
They lead the group by virtue of their better headtohead record over Germany, which survived a difficult first half and 14thminute red card for Emre Can before a pair of deflected strikes from Ilkay Guendogan inspired a 30 victory over Estonia.
Guendogan’s 51st and 57thminute efforts were reward for a positive start to the second half for the visitors while substitute Timo Werner added a 71st minute third.
Northern Ireland is third, three points adrift, with two games remaining next month to settle the two qualifying spots.
Group E leader Croatia missed the chance to secure its qualification as they drew 11 with Wales in Cardiff.
Nikola Vlasic gave Croatia a ninth minute lead before Gareth Bale replied for the host side on halftime.
The result left 2018 World Cup runnerup Croatia on 14 points from seven games while Wales is on eight from six matches.
Mihaly Korhut’s early strike gave Hungary a 10 win over Azerbaijan in Budapest to move it to second, on 12 points from seven games, two clear of Slovakia which has a game in hand.
The top two teams of each of the 10 groups advance with the other four qualifiers to come through four tiers of playoffs. — AP