Hansi Flick’s Germany registered their fourth successive win in the 2022 FIFA World Cup European qualifiers by beating Romania. The 2014 World Cup winners conceded an early goal to the visitors, but turned things around in the second half to claim all three points.
Ianis Hagi gave Romania the lead in the 9th minute with a wondergoal. The youngster collected the ball out on the right flank, dribbled inside, beat Antonio Rudiger and Thilo Kehrer with his quick footwork, and fired an unstoppable shot past Marc-Andre ter Stegen. Germany’s attempts to reply in kind during the first half were largely wasted, and Romania took the lead with them into the break.
Germany came roaring back into the game just minutes after the restart. Livewire Serge Gnabry fired a bullet into the bottom corner from outside the box after being set up by Marco Reus – and just like that, Die Mannschaft was level.
Romania’s resolve was broken ultimately by substitute Thomas Muller in the 81st minute, as he swept in at the back post to slam a flick from Leon Goretzka into the roof of the net. Germany, who have won four on the bounce, remain top of their group with 18 points.
In Riga, Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands narrowly defeated Latvia to maintain their sensational form of late. Memphis Depay and Davy Klaassen had early sighters of the Latvian goal before combining to give the away side the lead. Klaassen slammed home a volley following a Depay corner, and the Dutch led with just 19 minutes on the clock.
The Oranje racked up 19 goal attempts but were unable to double their lead. Cody Gakpo missed a sitter from close range in the first half before Robert Savalnieks cleared a dangerous Denzel Dumfries cross on the line with Guus Til lurking.
Latvia even gave the Dutchmen a late scare as custodian Justin Bijlow had to deny Igors Tarasovs at full stretch. The Oranje held on to their narrow lead and strengthened their position on top of their qualification group.
