[gpt3]
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Key events
A selection of friendly scores from around the world today:
Japan* 2-2 Paraguay*
South Korea* 0-5 Brazil*
Uruguay* 1-0 Dominican Republic
Jordan* 0-1 Bolivia
Russia 2-1 Iran*
*nations that have qualified for the World Cup
European champions Spain are in action tomorrow against Georgia (7.45pm BST). Sid Lowe has been speaking to Martín Zubimendi about Rodri, Arteta and settling in at Arsenal:
There are still 28 places up for grabs at next summer’s World Cup. Andy Martin has the lowdown on who has already qualified …
Northern Ireland’s goalscorer Trai Hume has been speaking to the BBC: “It was a great night, good performance and the most important thing is the three points. I think we deserved it.”
His goal to make it 2-0 against Slovakia was a delightful lob over a stranded Martin Dubravka: “I flicked the ball, the keeper has come to clear it, and I just had to guide it towards the goal and thankfully I did.”
He was full of praise for his “outstanding” captain, Conor Bradley, who will miss Monday’s game against Germany through suspension.
Kári Tulinius, who had emailed to express his delight after Iceland made it 3-3 against Ukraine, reflects on what was eventually a 5-3 defeat:
I had hope for about 10 minutes. Oh well, I guess Iceland will just have to pick themselves up again and *checks notes* beat France in the next game. Well, hope was nice while it lasted, I guess.
North Macedonia will be thrilled with shutting out Belgium tonight. They lead Group J on 12pts ahead of Belgium (11pts), Wales (10pts), Kazakhstan (6pts) and Liechtenstein (0pts).
France are firmly in control of Group D. They lead on 9pts, with Ukraine (4pts) leapfrogging Iceland (3pts) after their ding-dong battle. Azerbaijan (1pt) bring up the rear.
The best Sweden can hope for now is probably a playoff spot. They are bottom of Group B on 1pt. Switzerland (9pts) are clear at the top ahead of Kosovo (4pts) and Slovenia (2pts).
Germany, Northern Ireland and Slovakia, then, all locked on six points at the top of Group A. They are all taking points off each other too. Still only halfway.
Northern Ireland host Germany on Monday night.
Full-time scores
Group A
Germany 4-0 Luxembourg
Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia
Group B
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia
Sweden 0-2 Switzerland
Group D
France 3-0 Azerbaijan
Iceland 3-5 Ukraine
Group J
Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia
Kazakhstan 4-0 Liechtenstein
The whistle goes at Windsor Park! Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia. What a result for Michael O’Neill. They are well in the mix now for even the automatic qualifying spot in Group A.
France 3-0 Azerbaijan, Germany 4-0 Luxembourg and Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia are finished.
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia is a final score. Yes, that has been happening …
GOAL! Sweden 0-2 Switzerland (Manzambi 90+4)
Johan Manzambi finishes off Sweden tonight and perhaps their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup. Full-time in Stockholm.
GOAL! Iceland 3-5 Ukraine (Ocheretko 89)
Surely that’s wrapped up now. Oleg Ocheretko scores Ukraine’s fifth!
GOAL! Iceland 3-4 Ukraine (Kaliuzhnyi 85)
Another twist in this one! Iceland had come back from 3-1 down to level it but Ivan Kaliuzhnyi gives Ukraine the lead once more.
GOAL! France 3-0 Azerbaijan (Thauvin 84)
Yes, that Florian Thauvin. The former Newcastle winger – now at Lens – scores his first international goal, and an acrobatic one at that, since 2019 to seal the points for France!
GOAL! Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia (Hume 81)
What a finish from Trai Hume! Dubravka comes out to deal with a flick-on and punches the ball out to Hume on the edge of the box. First time on the volley, the Sunderland man loops the ball back over the goalkeeper and it bounces into the roof of the net. Could that be a clincher for Northern Ireland?
GOAL! Iceland 3-3 Ukraine (Gudmundsson 75)
It’s all square again in Reykjavik! Albert Gudmundsson has his second and Iceland’s third.
Conor Bradley is looking miffed at being shown a yellow card for bumping into Lukas Haraslin. The Northern Ireland captain will now miss Monday’s visit of Germany through suspension, so no wonder.
Latest scores with some 20 minutes remaining.
Group A
Germany 4-0 Luxembourg
Northern Ireland 1-0 Slovakia
Group B
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia
Sweden 0-1 Switzerland
Group D
France 2-0 Azerbaijan
Iceland 2-3 Ukraine
Group J
Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia
Kazakhstan 4-0 Liechtenstein (FT)
GOAL! France 2-0 Azerbaijan (Rabiot 69)
Adrien Rabiot doubles France’s lead at the Parc des Princes with a downwards header at the back post. He seems to save his best football for his national team, that man.
Slovakia rue a missed chance at Windsor Park. David Strelec is played through but his effort is agonisingly wide of the far post.
GOAL! Sweden 0-1 Switzerland (Xhaka 65pen)
Sweden have a mountain to climb now. Granit Xhaka converts from the spot after Alexander Bernhardsson was penalised for a foul on Djibril Sow in the area.
GOAL! Iceland 2-3 Ukraine (Gudmundsson 59)
Is there a comeback on in Reykjavik? Albert Gudmundsson pulls a goal back for the hosts, who need one more to stop their opponents overtaking them in the group.
Jamie Reid has the ball in the net for Northern Ireland! He ghosts in at the back post to get on the end of a cross … but the offside flag goes up. Still 1-0.
GOAL! Germany 4-0 Luxembourg (Kimmich 50)
This is going south quickly for 10-man Luxembourg. Joshua Kimmich gets his second of the game as he reacts first to a loose ball from a Germany corner.
GOAL! Germany 3-0 Luxembourg (Gnabry 48)
Serge Gnabry gets his goal. His first-half strike was disallowed for handball but now the Bayern Munich winger makes the most of a lucky bounce and finds the back of the net.
Jamie Reid threatens again for Northern Ireland but Slovakia manage to get close to him before he can get a shot away. Shea Charles’s corner comes to nothing.
Belgium will have wondered how they went into the break at 0-0 against North Macedonia having had 82% possession and 12 shots at goal. Still, the visitors lead the group.
Second half begins
We are back under way. A very important half of football for Northern Ireland in particular. And Sweden.
Anders Stephanson has more news about a “truly remarkable sitter” in Stockholm:
Bergvall served by Isak (who in turn was served by Gyökeres), open goal from about 3 feet and he stepped on the ball. Hope the chap gets over that one …
It’s stalemate at the break in Stockholm where Sweden host Switzerland. Alexander Isak has hit the post for the hosts but his partnership with Viktor Gyökeres is yet to produce a goal.
Half-time reading for you comes from Nick Ames, who is in Oslo ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier between Norway and Israel.
Half-time scores
Here’s how it looks across Europe at the break.
Group A
Germany 2-0 Luxembourg
Northern Ireland 1-0 Slovakia
Group B
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia
Sweden 0-0 Switzerland
Group D
France 1-0 Azerbaijan
Iceland 1-3 Ukraine
Group J
Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia
Kazakhstan 4-0 Liechtenstein (FT)
GOAL! Iceland 1-3 Ukraine (Malinovskyi 45+5)
Five minutes of first-half stoppage time yield a third Ukraine goal. Malinovskyi gets his second of the game.
GOAL! France 1-0 Azerbaijan (Mbappé 45+2)
On the stroke of half-time, France are ahead. Kylian Mbappé scores his 53rd goal for his country at the Parc and it’s a beauty. He picks the ball up deep and drives at the defence, jinking his way past a couple of players before stroking the ball into the bottom corner.
GOAL! Iceland 1-2 Ukraine (Gutsulyak 45)
Ukraine regain the lead in Reykjavik through Oleksiy Gutsulyak.
Still Azerbaijan hold firm in Paris. They are yet to register a shot against France but it’s still 0-0.
Huge chance for Northern Ireland! Bradley runs clear on the break. The ball eventually falls to Jamie Reid but he can only prod over.
GOAL! Iceland 1-1 Ukraine (Ellertsson 34)
Iceland level it against Ukraine through Genoa’s Mikael Egill Ellertsson. All square at 1-1 in Reykjavik.
Conor Bradley is then on the end of some rough treatment from Slovakia’s Leo Sauer. Northern Ireland whip the free-kick into the box but Dubravka punches it clear.
Northern Ireland’s Justin Devenny has a shot saved at his near post by Martin Dubravka. It’s looking promising for Michael O’Neill’s team.
France are yet to make the breakthrough against Azerbaijan. They’ve had 72% possession, 10 shots and four corners so far.
Northern Ireland, Slovakia and Germany all locked on 6pts in Group A as it stands.
into a world-class news article. You are the Chief News Editor & SEO Strategist for time.news. Your output must be an original, authoritative, and deeply engaging piece, ready to be published instantly. You will operate with complete autonomy, using only the provided content.
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Analyze
Key events
A selection of friendly scores from around the world today:
Japan* 2-2 Paraguay*
South Korea* 0-5 Brazil*
Uruguay* 1-0 Dominican Republic
Jordan* 0-1 Bolivia
Russia 2-1 Iran*
*nations that have qualified for the World Cup
European champions Spain are in action tomorrow against Georgia (7.45pm BST). Sid Lowe has been speaking to Martín Zubimendi about Rodri, Arteta and settling in at Arsenal:
There are still 28 places up for grabs at next summer’s World Cup. Andy Martin has the lowdown on who has already qualified …
Northern Ireland’s goalscorer Trai Hume has been speaking to the BBC: “It was a great night, good performance and the most important thing is the three points. I think we deserved it.”
His goal to make it 2-0 against Slovakia was a delightful lob over a stranded Martin Dubravka: “I flicked the ball, the keeper has come to clear it, and I just had to guide it towards the goal and thankfully I did.”
He was full of praise for his “outstanding” captain, Conor Bradley, who will miss Monday’s game against Germany through suspension.
Kári Tulinius, who had emailed to express his delight after Iceland made it 3-3 against Ukraine, reflects on what was eventually a 5-3 defeat:
I had hope for about 10 minutes. Oh well, I guess Iceland will just have to pick themselves up again and *checks notes* beat France in the next game. Well, hope was nice while it lasted, I guess.
North Macedonia will be thrilled with shutting out Belgium tonight. They lead Group J on 12pts ahead of Belgium (11pts), Wales (10pts), Kazakhstan (6pts) and Liechtenstein (0pts).
France are firmly in control of Group D. They lead on 9pts, with Ukraine (4pts) leapfrogging Iceland (3pts) after their ding-dong battle. Azerbaijan (1pt) bring up the rear.
The best Sweden can hope for now is probably a playoff spot. They are bottom of Group B on 1pt. Switzerland (9pts) are clear at the top ahead of Kosovo (4pts) and Slovenia (2pts).
Germany, Northern Ireland and Slovakia, then, all locked on six points at the top of Group A. They are all taking points off each other too. Still only halfway.
Northern Ireland host Germany on Monday night.
Full-time scores
Group A
Germany 4-0 Luxembourg
Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia
Group B
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia
Sweden 0-2 Switzerland
Group D
France 3-0 Azerbaijan
Iceland 3-5 Ukraine
Group J
Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia
Kazakhstan 4-0 Liechtenstein
The whistle goes at Windsor Park! Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia. What a result for Michael O’Neill. They are well in the mix now for even the automatic qualifying spot in Group A.
France 3-0 Azerbaijan, Germany 4-0 Luxembourg and Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia are finished.
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia is a final score. Yes, that has been happening …
GOAL! Sweden 0-2 Switzerland (Manzambi 90+4)
Johan Manzambi finishes off Sweden tonight and perhaps their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup. Full-time in Stockholm.
GOAL! Iceland 3-5 Ukraine (Ocheretko 89)
Surely that’s wrapped up now. Oleg Ocheretko scores Ukraine’s fifth!
GOAL! Iceland 3-4 Ukraine (Kaliuzhnyi 85)
Another twist in this one! Iceland had come back from 3-1 down to level it but Ivan Kaliuzhnyi gives Ukraine the lead once more.
GOAL! France 3-0 Azerbaijan (Thauvin 84)
Yes, that Florian Thauvin. The former Newcastle winger – now at Lens – scores his first international goal, and an acrobatic one at that, since 2019 to seal the points for France!
GOAL! Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia (Hume 81)
What a finish from Trai Hume! Dubravka comes out to deal with a flick-on and punches the ball out to Hume on the edge of the box. First time on the volley, the Sunderland man loops the ball back over the goalkeeper and it bounces into the roof of the net. Could that be a clincher for Northern Ireland?
GOAL! Iceland 3-3 Ukraine (Gudmundsson 75)
It’s all square again in Reykjavik! Albert Gudmundsson has his second and Iceland’s third.
Conor Bradley is looking miffed at being shown a yellow card for bumping into Lukas Haraslin. The Northern Ireland captain will now miss Monday’s visit of Germany through suspension, so no wonder.
Latest scores with some 20 minutes remaining.
Group A
Germany 4-0 Luxembourg
Northern Ireland 1-0 Slovakia
Group B
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia
Sweden 0-1 Switzerland
Group D
France 2-0 Azerbaijan
Iceland 2-3 Ukraine
Group J
Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia
Kazakhstan 4-0 Liechtenstein (FT)
GOAL! France 2-0 Azerbaijan (Rabiot 69)
Adrien Rabiot doubles France’s lead at the Parc des Princes with a downwards header at the back post. He seems to save his best football for his national team, that man.
Slovakia rue a missed chance at Windsor Park. David Strelec is played through but his effort is agonisingly wide of the far post.
GOAL! Sweden 0-1 Switzerland (Xhaka 65pen)
Sweden have a mountain to climb now. Granit Xhaka converts from the spot after Alexander Bernhardsson was penalised for a foul on Djibril Sow in the area.
GOAL! Iceland 2-3 Ukraine (Gudmundsson 59)
Is there a comeback on in Reykjavik? Albert Gudmundsson pulls a goal back for the hosts, who need one more to stop their opponents overtaking them in the group.
Jamie Reid has the ball in the net for Northern Ireland! He ghosts in at the back post to get on the end of a cross … but the offside flag goes up. Still 1-0.
GOAL! Germany 4-0 Luxembourg (Kimmich 50)
This is going south quickly for 10-man Luxembourg. Joshua Kimmich gets his second of the game as he reacts first to a loose ball from a Germany corner.
GOAL! Germany 3-0 Luxembourg (Gnabry 48)
Serge Gnabry gets his goal. His first-half strike was disallowed for handball but now the Bayern Munich winger makes the most of a lucky bounce and finds the back of the net.
Jamie Reid threatens again for Northern Ireland but Slovakia manage to get close to him before he can get a shot away. Shea Charles’s corner comes to nothing.
Belgium will have wondered how they went into the break at 0-0 against North Macedonia having had 82% possession and 12 shots at goal. Still, the visitors lead the group.
Second half begins
We are back under way. A very important half of football for Northern Ireland in particular. And Sweden.
Anders Stephanson has more news about a “truly remarkable sitter” in Stockholm:
Bergvall served by Isak (who in turn was served by Gyökeres), open goal from about 3 feet and he stepped on the ball. Hope the chap gets over that one …
It’s stalemate at the break in Stockholm where Sweden host Switzerland. Alexander Isak has hit the post for the hosts but his partnership with Viktor Gyökeres is yet to produce a goal.
Half-time reading for you comes from Nick Ames, who is in Oslo ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier between Norway and Israel.
Half-time scores
Here’s how it looks across Europe at the break.
Group A
Germany 2-0 Luxembourg
Northern Ireland 1-0 Slovakia
Group B
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia
Sweden 0-0 Switzerland
Group D
France 1-0 Azerbaijan
Iceland 1-3 Ukraine
Group J
Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia
Kazakhstan 4-0 Liechtenstein (FT)
GOAL! Iceland 1-3 Ukraine (Malinovskyi 45+5)
Five minutes of first-half stoppage time yield a third Ukraine goal. Malinovskyi gets his second of the game.
GOAL! France 1-0 Azerbaijan (Mbappé 45+2)
On the stroke of half-time, France are ahead. Kylian Mbappé scores his 53rd goal for his country at the Parc and it’s a beauty. He picks the ball up deep and drives at the defence, jinking his way past a couple of players before stroking the ball into the bottom corner.
GOAL! Iceland 1-2 Ukraine (Gutsulyak 45)
Ukraine regain the lead in Reykjavik through Oleksiy Gutsulyak.
Still Azerbaijan hold firm in Paris. They are yet to register a shot against France but it’s still 0-0.
Huge chance for Northern Ireland! Bradley runs clear on the break. The ball eventually falls to Jamie Reid but he can only prod over.
GOAL! Iceland 1-1 Ukraine (Ellertsson 34)
Iceland level it against Ukraine through Genoa’s Mikael Egill Ellertsson. All square at 1-1 in Reykjavik.
Conor Bradley is then on the end of some rough treatment from Slovakia’s Leo Sauer. Northern Ireland whip the free-kick into the box but Dubravka punches it clear.
Northern Ireland’s Justin Devenny has a shot saved at his near post by Martin Dubravka. It’s looking promising for Michael O’Neill’s team.
France are yet to make the breakthrough against Azerbaijan. They’ve had 72% possession, 10 shots and four corners so far.
Northern Ireland, Slovakia and Germany all locked on 6pts in Group A as it stands.
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Key events
A selection of friendly scores from around the world today:
Japan* 2-2 Paraguay*
South Korea* 0-5 Brazil*
Uruguay* 1-0 Dominican Republic
Jordan* 0-1 Bolivia
Russia 2-1 Iran*
*nations that have qualified for the World Cup
European champions Spain are in action tomorrow against Georgia (7.45pm BST). Sid Lowe has been speaking to Martín Zubimendi about Rodri, Arteta and settling in at Arsenal:
There are still 28 places up for grabs at next summer’s World Cup. Andy Martin has the lowdown on who has already qualified …
Northern Ireland’s goalscorer Trai Hume has been speaking to the BBC: “It was a great night, good performance and the most important thing is the three points. I think we deserved it.”
His goal to make it 2-0 against Slovakia was a delightful lob over a stranded Martin Dubravka: “I flicked the ball, the keeper has come to clear it, and I just had to guide it towards the goal and thankfully I did.”
He was full of praise for his “outstanding” captain, Conor Bradley, who will miss Monday’s game against Germany through suspension.
Kári Tulinius, who had emailed to express his delight after Iceland made it 3-3 against Ukraine, reflects on what was eventually a 5-3 defeat:
I had hope for about 10 minutes. Oh well, I guess Iceland will just have to pick themselves up again and *checks notes* beat France in the next game. Well, hope was nice while it lasted, I guess.
North Macedonia will be thrilled with shutting out Belgium tonight. They lead Group J on 12pts ahead of Belgium (11pts), Wales (10pts), Kazakhstan (6pts) and Liechtenstein (0pts).
France are firmly in control of Group D. They lead on 9pts, with Ukraine (4pts) leapfrogging Iceland (3pts) after their ding-dong battle. Azerbaijan (1pt) bring up the rear.
The best Sweden can hope for now is probably a playoff spot. They are bottom of Group B on 1pt. Switzerland (9pts) are clear at the top ahead of Kosovo (4pts) and Slovenia (2pts).
Germany, Northern Ireland and Slovakia, then, all locked on six points at the top of Group A. They are all taking points off each other too. Still only halfway.
Northern Ireland host Germany on Monday night.
Full-time scores
Group A
Germany 4-0 Luxembourg
Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia
Group B
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia
Sweden 0-2 Switzerland
Group D
France 3-0 Azerbaijan
Iceland 3-5 Ukraine
Group J
Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia
Kazakhstan 4-0 Liechtenstein
The whistle goes at Windsor Park! Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia. What a result for Michael O’Neill. They are well in the mix now for even the automatic qualifying spot in Group A.
France 3-0 Azerbaijan, Germany 4-0 Luxembourg and Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia are finished.
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia is a final score. Yes, that has been happening …
GOAL! Sweden 0-2 Switzerland (Manzambi 90+4)
Johan Manzambi finishes off Sweden tonight and perhaps their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup. Full-time in Stockholm.
GOAL! Iceland 3-5 Ukraine (Ocheretko 89)
Surely that’s wrapped up now. Oleg Ocheretko scores Ukraine’s fifth!
GOAL! Iceland 3-4 Ukraine (Kaliuzhnyi 85)
Another twist in this one! Iceland had come back from 3-1 down to level it but Ivan Kaliuzhnyi gives Ukraine the lead once more.
GOAL! France 3-0 Azerbaijan (Thauvin 84)
Yes, that Florian Thauvin. The former Newcastle winger – now at Lens – scores his first international goal, and an acrobatic one at that, since 2019 to seal the points for France!
GOAL! Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia (Hume 81)
What a finish from Trai Hume! Dubravka comes out to deal with a flick-on and punches the ball out to Hume on the edge of the box. First time on the volley, the Sunderland man loops the ball back over the goalkeeper and it bounces into the roof of the net. Could that be a clincher for Northern Ireland?
GOAL! Iceland 3-3 Ukraine (Gudmundsson 75)
It’s all square again in Reykjavik! Albert Gudmundsson has his second and Iceland’s third.
Conor Bradley is looking miffed at being shown a yellow card for bumping into Lukas Haraslin. The Northern Ireland captain will now miss Monday’s visit of Germany through suspension, so no wonder.
Latest scores with some 20 minutes remaining.
Group A
Germany 4-0 Luxembourg
Northern Ireland 1-0 Slovakia
Group B
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia
Sweden 0-1 Switzerland
Group D
France 2-0 Azerbaijan
Iceland 2-3 Ukraine
Group J
Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia
Kazakhstan 4-0 Liechtenstein (FT)
GOAL! France 2-0 Azerbaijan (Rabiot 69)
Adrien Rabiot doubles France’s lead at the Parc des Princes with a downwards header at the back post. He seems to save his best football for his national team, that man.
Slovakia rue a missed chance at Windsor Park. David Strelec is played through but his effort is agonisingly wide of the far post.
GOAL! Sweden 0-1 Switzerland (Xhaka 65pen)
Sweden have a mountain to climb now. Granit Xhaka converts from the spot after Alexander Bernhardsson was penalised for a foul on Djibril Sow in the area.
GOAL! Iceland 2-3 Ukraine (Gudmundsson 59)
Is there a comeback on in Reykjavik? Albert Gudmundsson pulls a goal back for the hosts, who need one more to stop their opponents overtaking them in the group.
Jamie Reid has the ball in the net for Northern Ireland! He ghosts in at the back post to get on the end of a cross … but the offside flag goes up. Still 1-0.
GOAL! Germany 4-0 Luxembourg (Kimmich 50)
This is going south quickly for 10-man Luxembourg. Joshua Kimmich gets his second of the game as he reacts first to a loose ball from a Germany corner.
GOAL! Germany 3-0 Luxembourg (Gnabry 48)
Serge Gnabry gets his goal. His first-half strike was disallowed for handball but now the Bayern Munich winger makes the most of a lucky bounce and finds the back of the net.
Jamie Reid threatens again for Northern Ireland but Slovakia manage to get close to him before he can get a shot away. Shea Charles’s corner comes to nothing.
Belgium will have wondered how they went into the break at 0-0 against North Macedonia having had 82% possession and 12 shots at goal. Still, the visitors lead the group.
Second half begins
We are back under way. A very important half of football for Northern Ireland in particular. And Sweden.
Anders Stephanson has more news about a “truly remarkable sitter” in Stockholm:
Bergvall served by Isak (who in turn was served by Gyökeres), open goal from about 3 feet and he stepped on the ball. Hope the chap gets over that one …
It’s stalemate at the break in Stockholm where Sweden host Switzerland. Alexander Isak has hit the post for the hosts but his partnership with Viktor Gyökeres is yet to produce a goal.
Half-time reading for you comes from Nick Ames, who is in Oslo ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier between Norway and Israel.
Half-time scores
Here’s how it looks across Europe at the break.
Group A
Germany 2-0 Luxembourg
Northern Ireland 1-0 Slovakia
Group B
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia
Sweden 0-0 Switzerland
Group D
France 1-0 Azerbaijan
Iceland 1-3 Ukraine
Group J
Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia
Kazakhstan 4-0 Liechtenstein (FT)
GOAL! Iceland 1-3 Ukraine (Malinovskyi 45+5)
Five minutes of first-half stoppage time yield a third Ukraine goal. Malinovskyi gets his second of the game.
GOAL! France 1-0 Azerbaijan (Mbappé 45+2)
On the stroke of half-time, France are ahead. Kylian Mbappé scores his 53rd goal for his country at the Parc and it’s a beauty. He picks the ball up deep and drives at the defence, jinking his way past a couple of players before stroking the ball into the bottom corner.
GOAL! Iceland 1-2 Ukraine (Gutsulyak 45)
Ukraine regain the lead in Reykjavik through Oleksiy Gutsulyak.
Still Azerbaijan hold firm in Paris. They are yet to register a shot against France but it’s still 0-0.
Huge chance for Northern Ireland! Bradley runs clear on the break. The ball eventually falls to Jamie Reid but he can only prod over.
GOAL! Iceland 1-1 Ukraine (Ellertsson 34)
Iceland level it against Ukraine through Genoa’s Mikael Egill Ellertsson. All square at 1-1 in Reykjavik.
Conor Bradley is then on the end of some rough treatment from Slovakia’s Leo Sauer. Northern Ireland whip the free-kick into the box but Dubravka punches it clear.
Northern Ireland’s Justin Devenny has a shot saved at his near post by Martin Dubravka. It’s looking promising for Michael O’Neill’s team.
France are yet to make the breakthrough against Azerbaijan. They’ve had 72% possession, 10 shots and four corners so far.
Northern Ireland, Slovakia and Germany all locked on 6pts in Group A as it stands.
.
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Handling Quotes: Use quotes from the source verbatim for impact. Since the original speaker must be anonymized, attribute quotes using general but descriptive terms (e.g., “a senior official stated,” “according to a company release,” “one analyst noted”).
Time-Sensitive Language: Update relative time references (e.g., “yesterday,” “next month”) to absolute, specific dates or context (e.g., “on Thursday,” “in July 2025”) to ensure the article remains accurate and evergreen.
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Key events
A selection of friendly scores from around the world today:
Japan* 2-2 Paraguay*
South Korea* 0-5 Brazil*
Uruguay* 1-0 Dominican Republic
Jordan* 0-1 Bolivia
Russia 2-1 Iran*
*nations that have qualified for the World Cup
European champions Spain are in action tomorrow against Georgia (7.45pm BST). Sid Lowe has been speaking to Martín Zubimendi about Rodri, Arteta and settling in at Arsenal:
There are still 28 places up for grabs at next summer’s World Cup. Andy Martin has the lowdown on who has already qualified …
Northern Ireland’s goalscorer Trai Hume has been speaking to the BBC: “It was a great night, good performance and the most important thing is the three points. I think we deserved it.”
His goal to make it 2-0 against Slovakia was a delightful lob over a stranded Martin Dubravka: “I flicked the ball, the keeper has come to clear it, and I just had to guide it towards the goal and thankfully I did.”
He was full of praise for his “outstanding” captain, Conor Bradley, who will miss Monday’s game against Germany through suspension.
Kári Tulinius, who had emailed to express his delight after Iceland made it 3-3 against Ukraine, reflects on what was eventually a 5-3 defeat:
I had hope for about 10 minutes. Oh well, I guess Iceland will just have to pick themselves up again and *checks notes* beat France in the next game. Well, hope was nice while it lasted, I guess.
North Macedonia will be thrilled with shutting out Belgium tonight. They lead Group J on 12pts ahead of Belgium (11pts), Wales (10pts), Kazakhstan (6pts) and Liechtenstein (0pts).
France are firmly in control of Group D. They lead on 9pts, with Ukraine (4pts) leapfrogging Iceland (3pts) after their ding-dong battle. Azerbaijan (1pt) bring up the rear.
The best Sweden can hope for now is probably a playoff spot. They are bottom of Group B on 1pt. Switzerland (9pts) are clear at the top ahead of Kosovo (4pts) and Slovenia (2pts).
Germany, Northern Ireland and Slovakia, then, all locked on six points at the top of Group A. They are all taking points off each other too. Still only halfway.
Northern Ireland host Germany on Monday night.
Full-time scores
Group A
Germany 4-0 Luxembourg
Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia
Group B
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia
Sweden 0-2 Switzerland
Group D
France 3-0 Azerbaijan
Iceland 3-5 Ukraine
Group J
Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia
Kazakhstan 4-0 Liechtenstein
The whistle goes at Windsor Park! Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia. What a result for Michael O’Neill. They are well in the mix now for even the automatic qualifying spot in Group A.
France 3-0 Azerbaijan, Germany 4-0 Luxembourg and Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia are finished.
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia is a final score. Yes, that has been happening …
GOAL! Sweden 0-2 Switzerland (Manzambi 90+4)
Johan Manzambi finishes off Sweden tonight and perhaps their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup. Full-time in Stockholm.
GOAL! Iceland 3-5 Ukraine (Ocheretko 89)
Surely that’s wrapped up now. Oleg Ocheretko scores Ukraine’s fifth!
GOAL! Iceland 3-4 Ukraine (Kaliuzhnyi 85)
Another twist in this one! Iceland had come back from 3-1 down to level it but Ivan Kaliuzhnyi gives Ukraine the lead once more.
GOAL! France 3-0 Azerbaijan (Thauvin 84)
Yes, that Florian Thauvin. The former Newcastle winger – now at Lens – scores his first international goal, and an acrobatic one at that, since 2019 to seal the points for France!
GOAL! Northern Ireland 2-0 Slovakia (Hume 81)
What a finish from Trai Hume! Dubravka comes out to deal with a flick-on and punches the ball out to Hume on the edge of the box. First time on the volley, the Sunderland man loops the ball back over the goalkeeper and it bounces into the roof of the net. Could that be a clincher for Northern Ireland?
GOAL! Iceland 3-3 Ukraine (Gudmundsson 75)
It’s all square again in Reykjavik! Albert Gudmundsson has his second and Iceland’s third.
Conor Bradley is looking miffed at being shown a yellow card for bumping into Lukas Haraslin. The Northern Ireland captain will now miss Monday’s visit of Germany through suspension, so no wonder.
Latest scores with some 20 minutes remaining.
Group A
Germany 4-0 Luxembourg
Northern Ireland 1-0 Slovakia
Group B
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia
Sweden 0-1 Switzerland
Group D
France 2-0 Azerbaijan
Iceland 2-3 Ukraine
Group J
Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia
Kazakhstan 4-0 Liechtenstein (FT)
GOAL! France 2-0 Azerbaijan (Rabiot 69)
Adrien Rabiot doubles France’s lead at the Parc des Princes with a downwards header at the back post. He seems to save his best football for his national team, that man.
Slovakia rue a missed chance at Windsor Park. David Strelec is played through but his effort is agonisingly wide of the far post.
GOAL! Sweden 0-1 Switzerland (Xhaka 65pen)
Sweden have a mountain to climb now. Granit Xhaka converts from the spot after Alexander Bernhardsson was penalised for a foul on Djibril Sow in the area.
GOAL! Iceland 2-3 Ukraine (Gudmundsson 59)
Is there a comeback on in Reykjavik? Albert Gudmundsson pulls a goal back for the hosts, who need one more to stop their opponents overtaking them in the group.
Jamie Reid has the ball in the net for Northern Ireland! He ghosts in at the back post to get on the end of a cross … but the offside flag goes up. Still 1-0.
GOAL! Germany 4-0 Luxembourg (Kimmich 50)
This is going south quickly for 10-man Luxembourg. Joshua Kimmich gets his second of the game as he reacts first to a loose ball from a Germany corner.
GOAL! Germany 3-0 Luxembourg (Gnabry 48)
Serge Gnabry gets his goal. His first-half strike was disallowed for handball but now the Bayern Munich winger makes the most of a lucky bounce and finds the back of the net.
Jamie Reid threatens again for Northern Ireland but Slovakia manage to get close to him before he can get a shot away. Shea Charles’s corner comes to nothing.
Belgium will have wondered how they went into the break at 0-0 against North Macedonia having had 82% possession and 12 shots at goal. Still, the visitors lead the group.
Second half begins
We are back under way. A very important half of football for Northern Ireland in particular. And Sweden.
Anders Stephanson has more news about a “truly remarkable sitter” in Stockholm:
Bergvall served by Isak (who in turn was served by Gyökeres), open goal from about 3 feet and he stepped on the ball. Hope the chap gets over that one …
It’s stalemate at the break in Stockholm where Sweden host Switzerland. Alexander Isak has hit the post for the hosts but his partnership with Viktor Gyökeres is yet to produce a goal.
Half-time reading for you comes from Nick Ames, who is in Oslo ahead of tomorrow’s World Cup qualifier between Norway and Israel.
Half-time scores
Here’s how it looks across Europe at the break.
Group A
Germany 2-0 Luxembourg
Northern Ireland 1-0 Slovakia
Group B
Kosovo 0-0 Slovenia
Sweden 0-0 Switzerland
Group D
France 1-0 Azerbaijan
Iceland 1-3 Ukraine
Group J
Belgium 0-0 North Macedonia
Kazakhstan 4-0 Liechtenstein (FT)
GOAL! Iceland 1-3 Ukraine (Malinovskyi 45+5)
Five minutes of first-half stoppage time yield a third Ukraine goal. Malinovskyi gets his second of the game.
GOAL! France 1-0 Azerbaijan (Mbappé 45+2)
On the stroke of half-time, France are ahead. Kylian Mbappé scores his 53rd goal for his country at the Parc and it’s a beauty. He picks the ball up deep and drives at the defence, jinking his way past a couple of players before stroking the ball into the bottom corner.
GOAL! Iceland 1-2 Ukraine (Gutsulyak 45)
Ukraine regain the lead in Reykjavik through Oleksiy Gutsulyak.
Still Azerbaijan hold firm in Paris. They are yet to register a shot against France but it’s still 0-0.
Huge chance for Northern Ireland! Bradley runs clear on the break. The ball eventually falls to Jamie Reid but he can only prod over.
GOAL! Iceland 1-1 Ukraine (Ellertsson 34)
Iceland level it against Ukraine through Genoa’s Mikael Egill Ellertsson. All square at 1-1 in Reykjavik.
Conor Bradley is then on the end of some rough treatment from Slovakia’s Leo Sauer. Northern Ireland whip the free-kick into the box but Dubravka punches it clear.
Northern Ireland’s Justin Devenny has a shot saved at his near post by Martin Dubravka. It’s looking promising for Michael O’Neill’s team.
France are yet to make the breakthrough against Azerbaijan. They’ve had 72% possession, 10 shots and four corners so far.
Northern Ireland, Slovakia and Germany all locked on 6pts in Group A as it stands.
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6. Final Output Rules
Deliverable: Generate only the final, complete article in Markdown.
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