Tuchel celebrates
©IMAGO
Thanks to exceptional striker Harry Kane, England became the first team from Europe to secure a ticket to the World Cup. The Three Lions, trained by Thomas Tuchel, easily won 5-0 (3-0) in Latvia and can no longer be pushed out of first place in Group K. Portugal, on the other hand, gambled away early World Cup qualification despite a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo shortly before the end and couldn’t get past a 2-2 (2-1) draw against Hungary.
Bayern attacker Kane (44th minute/45th+4/foul penalty) laid the foundation with a brace, Anthony Gordon (26th), an own goal from Andrejs Ciganiks (59th) and Eberechi Eze (86th) provided the further goals in Riga. It was the fourth win in a row for Tuchel and his team.
Kane set a new record for a Three Lions player. For the 13th time in an international match, the London native scored more than one goal. Previously, he had been level with Nat Lofthouse in twelve games (all of Harry Kane’s international goals at a glance).
Criticized England coach Tuchel: “Great, great”
After initial doubts about German coach Tuchel, the 5-0 win in Latvia has silenced the last critics, at least for the time being. “Great, great,” said a delighted Tuchel. “Such a good atmosphere in the dressing room. It feels very different because it was our dream to go to the World Cup and we did it.”
Setback for Portugal, Spain on course for the World Cup
The Portuguese, on the other hand, suffered a late but serious setback in Lisbon. Ex-Leipzig player Dominik Szoboszlai prevented the early World Cup ticket with his equalizer in the first minute of stoppage time. Ronaldo (22nd/45th+3) had previously put Portugal on course, Attila Szalai (8th) scored Hungary’s first goal. Ronaldo couldn’t be happy about another record: he has now scored 41 goals in World Cup qualifying games – no one has more.
Spain remains on course for the World Cup after beating Bulgaria 4-0 (1-0). A brace from ex-Dortmunder Mikel Merino (35th/57th), an own goal from Atanas Chernev (79th) and Mikel Oyarzabal (90th + 2/foul penalty) secured the fourth win in the fourth qualifying game.