Borussia Dortmund internationals: Marco Reus and Germany qualify for 2022 FIFA World Cup
By Tushar Bahl
Germany have become the first nation to qualify for next year’s FIFA World Cup following their 4-0 win over North Macedonia on Monday evening.
Looking to seal their qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup with two games to spare, Germany went up against North Macedonia on Monday evening in Skopje. They had to wait until the second half to open the scoring. But the breakthrough finally arrived in the 50th minute through Kai Havertz, and it opened the floodgates for Hansi Flick’s side. Timo Werner then scored a quick-fire brace to make sure of the three points, before Jamal Musiala added the icing on the cake with a goal in the 83rd minute.
The dominant win helped Germany become the first team to book their place in next year’s FIFA World Cup, after hosts Qatar. The feat marks an impressive turnaround for Germany, who suffered a 2-1 defeat to North Macedonia in the reverse fixture earlier this year.
Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus was an unused substitute for Germany, allowing him to get some much needed rest.
World Cup qualifiers: Donyell Malen on target in Netherlands win
Elsewhere, Donyell Malen was on target for the Netherlands as they enjoyed a 6-0 win over Gibraltar. The Borussia Dortmund striker came off the bench and scored his national team’s sixth goal in the 86th minute. The Netherlands remain two points clear at the top of their qualifying group with two games left.
Second placed Norway once again had to make do without Erling Haaland. But they managed to earn a 2-0 win over Montenegro on Monday.
How the players who left Borussia Dortmund this summer are faring at their new clubs. dark. Next
Meanwhile, Marin Pongracic was an unused substitute for Croatia as they came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw against Slovakia. The result saw the 2018 World Cup finalists slip to second place behind Russia in their qualifying group.