Germany have become the first nation to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after cruising to a 4-0 victory again North Macedonia on Monday night.
Seven months after suffering a shock 2-1 home defeat against the Red Lynxes – ranked 74th in the world by FIFA – Hansi Flick's side got their revenge in emphatic style away from home.
The Germans lacked a cutting edge in the first half and were frustrated by the hosts, who managed to get to half time all square.
👏 Congratulations Germany! The 4-time #WorldCup winners have become the 1st team to join hosts Qatar at the 22nd global finals 🏆 pic.twitter.com/jBy4YsnZTm
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) October 11, 2021
However, it did not take long for the visitors to get into gear, with Thomas Muller setting up Chelsea's Kai Havertz for the opening goal just five minutes after the restart.
Havertz's club teammate Timo Werner then bagged a three-minute brace midway through the second half, before 18-year-old Jamal Musiala became Germany's second-youngest ever goalscorer when he added a fourth seven minutes from time.
After Armenia lost 1-0 away against Romania, Germany's three points claimed in Skopje has seen them move eight points clear at the top of Group J, booking their place at next summer's tournament in Qatar with two games to spare.
Oliver Thomas
