It was Poland’s first defeat in seven Euro 2016 qualifiers
Mario Goetze. (Photo: AFP)
Paris: Striker Mario Goetze scored twice in a 3-1 win over Poland which put Germany top in their group as Northern Ireland moved closer to the Euro 2016 finals by beating the Faroe Islands 3-1 on Friday.
It was Poland’s first defeat in seven Euro 2016 qualifiers with the world champions gaining revenge for losing 2-0 in Warsaw last October to knock Poland from top of Group ‘D’.
Georgia’s 1-0 home win over Scotland, whom Germany play in Glasgow on Monday, and the Republic of Ireland’s 4-0 thumping of Gibraltar means Germany are on top with 16 points with Poland second on 14 while Ireland go third with 12, one ahead of the Scots.
“We had just one objective — to win the match. It was the most important,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew. “Overall I can only be very satisfied, we produced some super football in the first 35 minutes. The Polish chances came uniquely from our mistakes.”
All four goals came from Bayern Munich players as Thomas Mueller gave Germany an early lead, then Goetze made it 2-0 before Poland captain Robert Lewandowski pulled one back with a diving header for 2-1 at the break. Mueller and Goetze then combined for Germany’s third on 82 minutes.
A double from captain Robbie Keane, which took his international tally to 67, and goals from Cyrus Christie and Shane Long saw the Republic of Ireland past Gibraltar.
( Source : AFP )
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