England win; Germany stunned in qualifiers
Article by March 31, 2021
Harry Maguire’s late winner made it a maximum nine points from three World Cup 2022 qualifiers for England as they overcame Poland 2-1 at Wembley.
Poland presented a much sterner test than the formalities against San Marino and Albania and it looked like England would have to settle for a point until Maguire struck five minutes from time.
England’s impressive first half brought a deserved lead when Harry Kane scored his 34th international goal from the penalty spot in the 19th minute, following Michal Helik’s challenge on Raheem Sterling.
The 2014 World Cup champions were humbled by Eljif Elmas winner in the 85th minute.
The last time they were beaten in qualifying was rather embarrassing for Die Mannschaft, too. It was the famous 5-1 defeat to England in September 2001 ( even Heskey scored! )
No heads will roll. Joachim Löw is already going to leave his post at the end of Euro 2020, but there have been calls for the long-standing gaffer s departure for some time now.
Crashing out of the 2018 World Cup in the group stages was bad enough, sealed with notoriety and a stunning defeat to South Korea.
Then, in November of last year, Germany were hit for six by Spain - their heaviest defeat for 89 years.
(Photo credit: @en sscnapoli Twitter handle)
NAPLES: Napoli earned a 2-0 victory over lowly Parma thanks to a goal in each half on Sunday, with their Serie A win easing the pressure on under-fire coach Gennaro Gattuso.
In a poor first period, Eljif Elmas solo effort in the 32nd minute broke the deadlock, with the midfielder beating three players before scoring.
Nervy Napoli spent the majority of the second half defending their lead before substitute Matteo Politano s deflected strike in the 82nd minute made sure of the points, with every player going to Gattuso to celebrate.
Napoli publicly backed their coach this week as speculation persisted that Gattuso could be sacked, but a move back into the top four on 37 points, above AS Roma who host Hellas Verona later on Sunday, will further help the 43-year-old s cause.