Joachim Low took charge of a FIFA World Cup European qualifier for the final time as the Germany head coach. However, he was let down by his side, who suffered a shock defeat against North Macedonia. England, meanwhile, continued their perfect run with a win over Poland, who were missing star striker Robert Lewandowski.
Germany suffered a shock 2-1 loss against North Macedonia in their third 2022 FIFA World Cup European qualifier. Die Mannschaft head coach, Joachim Low, was in the dugout for a World Cup qualifier for the final time. The result meant that Low lost his unbeaten record in this phase of the competition, which had spanned over fifteen years. The 61-year-old will take charge of the German national team for the final time during the 2021 UEFA Euros, following which he will step down from his role – a decision he has already announced.
Leon Goretzka came close to scoring for Germany early on in the match after being set up by Kai Havertz. However, the Bayern Munich midfielder hit the crossbar with his shot from inside the box. Serge Gnabry then tested Stole Dimitrievski with an effort from a tight angle, but the custodian stopped the ball from going into the net with a smart save. The Bayern attacker then missed a gilt-edged chance minutes later when he blasted the ball over with just Dimitrievski to beat.
North Macedonia took the lead against the run of play through Goran Pandev. The former Inter Milan star, who has already achieved legendary status for his country, tapped the ball into the net following a cross by Enis Bardhi.
Germany won a penalty shortly after the hour mark after Leroy Sane was tripped in the box. The in-form Ilkay Gundogan stepped up to level the match for the European giants. Chelsea forward Timo Werner then produced the miss of the round when he somehow scuffed his shot in front of the goal. North Macedonia, who should have had a penalty of their own, took advantage of the situation and scored the winner shortly after – Napoli’s Eljif Elmas the goal scorer.
England, meanwhile, welcomed Poland to the Wembley Stadium for the final qualification match of the international break. The Three Lions held a perfect record in the competition ahead of the game, beating San Marino and Albania without conceding a goal.
Captain Harry Kane gave Gareth Southgate’s side the lead in the 19th minute of the tie from the penalty spot. Kane’s spot-kick was a significant one, as it made him his nation’s record penalty scorer. The Spurs’ star moved up to 34 goals in 53 international appearances – 10 of which have been penalties.
Poland hit back through Brighton’s Jakub Moder in the second half. The midfielder pressed John Stones into committing an error, which the midfielder used to his benefit. However, England had the final say in this match as they retook the lead through Harry Maguire. The Manchester United defender smashed the ball in, following a corner.
Elsewhere, World Champions France registered a narrow 1-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina to continue their unbeaten start. Antoine Griezmann scored the only goal of the match in the 60th minute, taking Les Bleus’ points tally to seven from three games.
Luis Enrique’s Spain finally clicked together as they beat Kosovo by three goals to one. Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres gave La Roja a quick-fire two-goal lead before the half-time interval, but Kosovo pulled one back in the 70th minute. Villarreal’s Gerard Moreno restored their two-goal advantage in the 75th minute when his glancing header beat Samir Ujkani in goal.
As a result of their win, Spain moved to seven points from three games – one ahead of Sweden. However, they have played one more game than their European counterparts.
