Northern Ireland's quest for automatic World Cup qualification ended in dramatic, late frustration in Slovakia, but their dream of reaching the tournament remains firmly alive through the play-offs. The dramatic night of international football also saw Germany set up a winner-takes-all clash, England suffer an injury setback, and Cristiano Ronaldo face a potential World Cup suspension.
Northern Ireland's Agonising Night in Kosice
Michael O'Neill's side saw their hopes of a top-two finish in Group A evaporate in a devastating finale against Slovakia. The match in Kosice seemed destined for a goalless draw, only for substitute David Bobcek to strike in the first minute of stoppage time, securing a 1-0 victory for the hosts.
The frustration was compounded moments later when defender Dan Ballard received a red card. Despite the defeat, a significant consolation emerged from other results, confirming that Northern Ireland have secured a place in the qualification play-offs, thanks to their earlier success in the Nations League.
Winner-Takes-All in Leipzig and Other Group Drama
The victory for Slovakia means they finished level on points with group leaders Germany, who defeated a resilient Luxembourg 2-0 with a brace from Newcastle's Nick Woltemade. The two nations will now meet on Monday in Leipzig in a high-stakes match where the winner will qualify automatically for the World Cup. Both teams are at least assured of a play-off spot.
Elsewhere, Croatia confirmed their ticket to North America with a 3-1 win over the Faroe Islands. The Netherlands are also virtually through after a 1-1 draw with rivals Poland, needing only an unlikely set of results next week to be denied automatic qualification.
Tuchel's Anthem Dilemma and England's Injury Blow
England manager Thomas Tuchel has hinted he may finally sing God Save the King at the World Cup. The German coach, who previously stated he needed to "earn the right" to sing the anthem, was questioned after his team's 2-0 win over Serbia.
"You think it is already there? I will think about it," Tuchel teased. When asked if he might sing at the tournament, he replied, "Yeah, maybe. Let's see."
In less positive news for the Three Lions, defender Marc Guehi has withdrawn from the squad for Sunday's final Group K qualifier against Albania. The Crystal Palace centre-half, who missed the Serbia victory with a foot injury, has returned to his club for treatment.
Ronaldo's World Cup in Jeopardy
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could be set to miss the opening matches of the World Cup. The 40-year-old forward was shown a red card for swinging an elbow at Republic of Ireland's Dara O'Shea during Portugal's 2-0 defeat in Dublin.
He will serve an automatic one-match ban against Armenia on Sunday, but a disciplinary panel could extend the suspension to three games, which would rule him out of the start of the global tournament.
What's Next in World Cup Qualification?
The qualification drama continues today. Scotland will bid to keep their automatic qualification hopes alive with a crucial match in Greece, while Wales travel to Liechtenstein aiming to keep hold of second place in their group. Spain can also secure their place at the World Cup with a victory in Georgia.
On the domestic front, the Women's Super League features a Manchester derby, with City hosting United.
