Euro 2020: Croatia continue Slovakia scare to join Germany in finals

Croatia, Germany, and Austria all sealed their places in the Euro 2020 finals with wins, while a draw in Northern Ireland also confirmed qualification for the Netherlands.

Croatia’s 3-1 victory over Slovakia means they top Group E, but the 2018 World Cup finalists got a scare when Robert Bozenik put the visitors ahead after 32 minutes in Rijeka. Euro Cup fans can purchase Croatia Euro Cup Tickets online to enjoy its stunning performances.

Two goals in four minutes from Nikola Vlasic and Bruno Petkovic settled the hosts’ nerves near the hour mark, before Ivan Perisic sealed the victory with a spectacular finish, volleying into the top corner on the stretch with 15 minutes to play.

Things were more forthright for Germany in Mönchengladbach, where the hosts shattered Belarus 4-0. Matthias Ginter’s back-heeled finish from Serge Gnabry’s cross gave Germany a half-time lead, and Leon Goretzka doubled their benefit shortly after the break, rifling a low shot home from a short corner.

Midfielder Toni Kroos then stole the show with two fine goals as Joachim Löw’s side sealed qualification from Group C.

The Real Madrid midfielder side-footed home clinically from the edge of the area on 55 minutes and added a second late on after twisting beyond two defenders. Manuel Neuer repudiated Belarus a comfort from the penalty spot, tilting Ihar Stasevich’s effort round the post.

Austria position

Austria protected a top-two finish in Group G with a 2-1 victory over North Macedonia in Vienna. Stefan Lainer was the star man for the hosts, the Gladbach right-back setting up David Alaba with a terrific through ball after seven minutes, then bundling home a second from a corner early in the second half.

Despite Vlatko Stojanovski’s late consolation, Franco Foda’s side held on to ensure their place at the finals. In other games, already-qualified Poland beat Israel 2-1 in Jerusalem.

Robert Lewandowski was on the substitutes’ bench for the first hour, with Grzegorz Krychowiak and Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek getting the goals in his absence.

Elsewhere in Group G, an individual goal from Igors Tarasovs fated Latvia to a loss in Slovenia, their ninth loss out of nine in this operation. Belgium forcefully secured top spot in Group I, thrashing second-placed Russia 4-1 in St Petersburg.

Eden Hazard scored twice after his brother, Thorgan, had put Roberto Martínez’s side ahead. Romelu Lukaku added a fourth, smashing the ball home from the edge of the area before Georgiy Dzhikija scored for the hosts.

The group whipping boys, San Marino, remain without a point after losing 3-1 at home to Kazakhstan, but they scored their first goal of the campaign through Filippo Berardi, whose cool finish on the break flashed scenes of joy in Serravalle.

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