World Cup qualifiers

GERMANY hammered Liechtenstein 9-0 in their World Cup qualifier last night – making it their sixth win in as many games.The Germans achieved the incredible feat with a skeleton squad as five players, including ex-Arsenal star Serge Gnabry, were sidelined due to defender Niklas Sule’s Covid-19 infection.
Germany weren’t in the mood for niceties as they smashed nine past LiechtensteinCredit: Getty
But Bayern Munich pair Leroy Sane and Thomas Muller both scored twice in the German’s nine-goal rout to make sure their first-team absentees weren’t missed.
The German’s win over the European minnows saw them top Group J with 24 points, nine ahead of second-placed North Macedonia.
Their winning streak also saw boss Hansi Flick notch the best-ever start for a German coach while his predecessor Joachim Low, who received a standing ovation before the game, could only watch in awe from the stands.
The Germans got the goal-fest started just 11 minutes in with an Ilkay Gundogan penalty after Jens Hofer was sent off for kicking Leon Goretzka in the face.
Liechtenstein couldn’t wait for the half-time whistle as the Flick’s side ruthlessly went on to score two goals in two minutes, with the help of an own goal from the opposition’s Daniel Kaufmann in the 20th minute.
Ex-Manchester City star Sane followed up with a strike in the 22nd minute before hitting the net just after the second half commenced.

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Muller waded in with his first goal in the 76th minute and hit the net again ten minutes later.
Liechenstein’s misery was complete when Ridle Baku scored in the 80th minute, and then they scored another own goal just before the final whistle was blown.
If the Germans keep up this rich vein of form, their next opponents Armenia, who they face on Sunday, will be quaking in their boots.
Before humiliating Liechtenstein, the Germans thumped North Macedonia 4-0 in the World Cup qualifiers, securing their qualification from the group in the process courtesy of a double strike by Chelsea’s Timo Werner.
But Werner’s struggled to produce the same form for the Blues in the Premier League and reports claim they’re interested in doing a swap with Bayern for his German team-mate Sane.
Hansi Flick confirms plan to quit Bayern Munich amid internal power struggle with coach set to land Germany job More

CRISTIANO RONALDO couldn’t find the back of the net in Portugal’s drab draw with the Republic of Ireland – but he was still a hero after handing a delirious fan his shirt.The Manchester United man was unable to put his club woes aside after missing a host of golden chances to grab a win at the Aviva Stadium.
This young fan was determined to meet her hero once the 0-0 draw was overCredit: Rex
Ronaldo takes off his shirt for herCredit: Rex
He then hands it to teh delighted youngster as security look onCredit: Rex
And she even got a cuddle for her troubles – or is that a thank you hug?Credit: PA
The tears of joy appear to flow as she leaves the pitch with her prized possessionCredit: AFP
He also had to avoid the grasp of another pitch invader who charged towards him for a hug during the game.
Ronaldo looked shocked as the man ran all the way up to him after evading security.
But Ronnie wanted no part as the invader reached out, before eventually being dragged away by stadium staff.
However, one lucky fan did manage to get to Ronaldo at the final whistle, getting a treasured hug as well as the legend’s match shirt.
The young girl was in tears after forcing her way past security to get up close to her idol.
He then earned a huge roar from the crowd for stripping off his prized number seven top and handing it to her after a brief cuddle.
As for the game itself, Portugal held on to a draw by the skin of their teeth, meaning Fernando Santos’ men will now only need a point at home to Serbia this Sunday to top their group.
Ronaldo, 36, put the visitors in the driving seat early on by breaking free and shimmying beyond three Ireland shirts – but no one was in the box to make the crucial touch.
Ronaldo dodged another pitch invader in Portugal’s goalless draw with IrelandCredit: Sportsfile
Security eventually carried the man off on a frustrating night for RonnieCredit: Reuters
Ronaldo missed numerous chances as Portugal blew their chance to win in DublinCredit: Reuters

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He then teed up Andre Silva, but the RB Leipzig striker blazed over the bar.
The hosts hit back strongly with West Brom’s Callum Robinson sending a dipping and curling strike agonisingly wide.
Manchester United fans were made to sweat when Ronaldo went down in the box after a challenge from Matt Doherty and was left clutching his back – but he carried on.
Red hot Baggies man Robinson was then involved again down the other end.
Veteran defender Pepe received a late red cardCredit: AP
He kept the ball alive after a desperate scramble in the box and pinged an inch-perfect cross into the area, but Chiedozie Ogbene headed inches away from goal.
After the break, Josh Cullen stung the hands of Rui Patricio with a long-range shot.
Ronaldo then stood over a trademark free-kick, but smacked it straight into the wall.
And he had his head in his hands after scuppering a peach of an opportunity to put Portugal ahead after the ball was put on a plate by Silva.
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The ex-Juventus star got above Jeff Hendrick with a glancing header but luckily for goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, his effort was a fraction wide.
Frustrations boiled over for Santos’ side after Pepe was sent off for a second yellow after lightly shoving Robinson in the face on 81 minutes.
And Portugal’s blushes were spared when Matt Doherty put the ball in the net, but the whistle had already gone after Will Keane impeded Patricio.
Ronaldo and Portugal prepare for their crucial World Cup qualifiers More

EMILE SMITH ROWE could make his senior England debut when the Three Lions face Albania at Wembley on Friday night.The Arsenal youngster has enjoyed a sensational start to the season under Mikel Arteta, netting five times in 13 games and impressing with his influential performances.
How England could line up against Albania on Friday
Arsenal star Smith Rowe could join Saka as part of England’s front lineCredit: Getty
Those displays earned him a call-up to the England set-up following the withdrawals of Marcus Rashford and James Ward-Prowse.
Smith Rowe can play in a couple of different positions, either off the left or through the middle as a No10.
This means Gareth Southgate could opt to play him in a central role with Phil Foden and Gunners teammate Bukayo Saka providing the width and Harry Kane up front.
Or he may choose to go with the 21-year-old on the left and Saka on the other side of Kane.
In midfield, Declan Rice has already pulled out of the squad through injury and that could mean a place for Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham.
The 18-year-old, widely regarded as one of the most promising players in Europe, has continued his steep rise in Germany this season.

Another way England could line up at Wembley on Friday night
He could be joined by Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, who may be preferred to Leeds man Kalvin Phillips as he has started the season stronger.
Jordan Pickford is expected to keep his place in between the sticks, but in front of him there are a number of defensive decisions for Southgate to make.
Luke Shaw was England’s No1 left-back at Euro 2020 but he has suffered a major dip in form at the the start of Manchester United’s 2021-22 campaign.
By contrast, Chelsea man Ben Chilwell did not feature in a single minute of the Three Lions’ European Championship run despite being included in the final squad.
Yet he has started the season superbly under Thomas Tuchel, recently even adding goals to his game.
At centre-back, John Stones is expected to start but Southgate will need to decide whether to stick with the out-of-form Harry Maguire or bring in someone like Tyrone Mings or Conor Coady.
And at right-back the England boss’ options remain vast, with Reece James, Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold all vying for a starting place.
England face Albania on Friday before concluding their World Cup Qualifying campaign away at San Marino on Monday.
Southgate’s side need just four points from the two games to guarantee their place in Qatar next year.
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CROWD trouble broke out in the Hungary section of the crowd within three minutes of kick-off at Wembley – as one fan was arrested for racist abuse. Scores of Hungarian supporters made a beeline for stewards working in the small area cordoned off for visiting fans.
Trouble broke out between police and Hungary fans at Wembley – with one fan arrested because of racist abuseCredit: Getty
One fan had his head split open amid the chaos in the standsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
One fan held up a banner against players taking the kneeCredit: Rex
In terrifying scenes, the group of stewards, numbered around 20, were left to protect themselves under attack from all angles as tensions spilled over.
They received welcome reinforcement from police who attempted to wade in with batons in an effort to restore order.
But the line of stewards and police were driven down through the tunnel under the stands as punches and kicks rained in on them.
One policeman was knocked off his feet under the force of the attack and had to be dragged away to safety.
Play continued as normal as England attacked down the left wing, yards from where the trouble was.
Riot police and stewards finally restored order underneath the stands, as tempers started to settle down.

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Metropolitan Police confirmed at half-time there was an arrest for a racist slur from an unidentified supporter – sparking the crowd trouble.
The tweet said: “Shortly after the start of tonight’s match at Wembley, officers entered the stand to arrest a spectator for a racially aggravated public order offence following comments made towards a steward.
“As the officers made the arrest, minor disorder broke out involving other spectators.
“Order was quickly restored and there have been no further incidents at this stage.”
England defenders Tyrone Mings and John Stones had their say on the thugs.
When told of the racial abuse of a steward and asked about punishments, Mings said: “It’s very difficult for me to speak too freely on an issue that is to do with police. 
“Every time we speak about racial abuse, the punishments that follow never seem to be in line with what’s happened.
“I sincerely hope that if that was the case, the punishment this time fits what happened.”
Stones commented: “If they’re showing those signs to what we believe in as a nation, I’ve nothing good to say about them as supporters, as human beings.
“To hear that after the game, it’s upsetting and wrong.”
England boss Gareth Southgate added: “I’m only hearing this as I’m doing the interviews. I was aware of a disturbance.
“It sounds like it was not acceptable but I haven’t seen the detail.”
Trouble kicked off barely three minutes into the World Cup qualifierCredit: Getty
The stewards and police were forced back down the stairwellCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Hungary fans booed as England players took a knee before kick-offCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
But asked about the fighting, racial abuse of steward and fans letting them down, Hungary boss Marco Rossi said: “I cannot comment on this situation, this is not my task. 
“Everything I could say would be interpreted in a different way, so I prefer no comment.”
It is the second time trouble has flared at Wembley this year, following the storming of the turnstiles at the Euro 2020 final in July.
The FA are still awaiting a disciplinary decision from Uefa over that incident – and the governing body are sure to investigate this latest violence.
The FA had been expecting around 1,000 visiting supporters for the World Cup qualifier, the majority of them based in the UK.
Before kick-off the Hungarian fans loudly booed as England players took the knee, while the visiting team remained standing.
A banner was unfurled which showed a symbol against kneeling – but the home support responded with loud applause.
Riot police later took up positions under the stands beneath the small away section in case of more trouble.
The match at Wembley was the return game from the one that took place at Puskas Arena last month in which racist abuse was aimed at England players.
Three Lions players were also pelted with objects in the second half and a flare was thrown on the pitch by the home fans, with Fifa opening disciplinary proceedings after the game.
Despite Uefa ordering Hungary to play three home games behind closed doors after their supporters’ discriminatory behaviour at Euro 2020, visiting fans were allowed in as the game came under Fifa’s jurisdiction.
England condemned the abuse as ‘completely unacceptable’ while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Fifa ‘to take strong action against those responsible for the disgraceful behaviour’.
It is the latest example of violence in the stands at WembleyCredit: Reuters
The visiting supporters set off a smoke bomb after their side took the leadCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Play continued on the pitch despite the drama among the supportersCredit: Getty
England were expecting just around 1,000 away supporters for the gameCredit: Getty
Moment England hero Harry Maguire’s dad’s ribs were broken in a horror crush during the security meltdown at the Euro 2020 Final at Wembley More

CROWD trouble broke out in the Hungary section of the crowd within three minutes of kick-off at Wembley – as one fan was arrested for racist abuse. Scores of Hungarian supporters made a beeline for stewards working in the small area cordoned off for visiting fans.
Trouble broke out between police and Hungary fans at Wembley – with one fan arrested because of racist abuseCredit: Getty
One fan had his head split open amid the chaos in the standsCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
One fan held up a banner against players taking the kneeCredit: Rex
In terrifying scenes, the group of stewards, numbered around 20, were left to protect themselves under attack from all angles as tensions spilled over.
They received welcome reinforcement from police who attempted to wade in with batons in an effort to restore order.
But the line of stewards and police were driven down through the tunnel under the stands as punches and kicks rained in on them.
One policeman was knocked off his feet under the force of the attack and had to be dragged away to safety.
Play continued as normal as England attacked down the left wing, yards from where the trouble was.
Riot police and stewards finally restored order underneath the stands, as tempers started to settle down.

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Metropolitan Police confirmed at half-time there was an arrest for a racist slur from an unidentified supporter – sparking the crowd trouble.
The tweet said: “Shortly after the start of tonight’s match at Wembley, officers entered the stand to arrest a spectator for a racially aggravated public order offence following comments made towards a steward.
“As the officers made the arrest, minor disorder broke out involving other spectators.
“Order was quickly restored and there have been no further incidents at this stage.”
England defenders Tyrone Mings and John Stones had their say on the thugs.
When told of the racial abuse of a steward and asked about punishments, Mings said: “It’s very difficult for me to speak too freely on an issue that is to do with police. 
“Every time we speak about racial abuse, the punishments that follow never seem to be in line with what’s happened.
“I sincerely hope that if that was the case, the punishment this time fits what happened.”
Stones commented: “If they’re showing those signs to what we believe in as a nation, I’ve nothing good to say about them as supporters, as human beings.
“To hear that after the game, it’s upsetting and wrong.”
England boss Gareth Southgate added: “I’m only hearing this as I’m doing the interviews. I was aware of a disturbance.
“It sounds like it was not acceptable but I haven’t seen the detail.”
Trouble kicked off barely three minutes into the World Cup qualifierCredit: Getty
The stewards and police were forced back down the stairwellCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Hungary fans booed as England players took a knee before kick-offCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
But asked about the fighting, racial abuse of steward and fans letting them down, Hungary boss Marco Rossi said: “I cannot comment on this situation, this is not my task. 
“Everything I could say would be interpreted in a different way, so I prefer no comment.”
It is the second time trouble has flared at Wembley this year, following the storming of the turnstiles at the Euro 2020 final in July.
The FA are still awaiting a disciplinary decision from Uefa over that incident – and the governing body are sure to investigate this latest violence.
The FA had been expecting around 1,000 visiting supporters for the World Cup qualifier, the majority of them based in the UK.
Before kick-off the Hungarian fans loudly booed as England players took the knee, while the visiting team remained standing.
A banner was unfurled which showed a symbol against kneeling – but the home support responded with loud applause.
Riot police later took up positions under the stands beneath the small away section in case of more trouble.
The match at Wembley was the return game from the one that took place at Puskas Arena last month in which racist abuse was aimed at England players.
Three Lions players were also pelted with objects in the second half and a flare was thrown on the pitch by the home fans, with Fifa opening disciplinary proceedings after the game.
Despite Uefa ordering Hungary to play three home games behind closed doors after their supporters’ discriminatory behaviour at Euro 2020, visiting fans were allowed in as the game came under Fifa’s jurisdiction.
England condemned the abuse as ‘completely unacceptable’ while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Fifa ‘to take strong action against those responsible for the disgraceful behaviour’.
It is the latest example of violence in the stands at WembleyCredit: Reuters
The visiting supporters set off a smoke bomb after their side took the leadCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
Play continued on the pitch despite the drama among the supportersCredit: Getty
England were expecting just around 1,000 away supporters for the gameCredit: Getty
Moment England hero Harry Maguire’s dad’s ribs were broken in a horror crush during the security meltdown at the Euro 2020 Final at Wembley More