World Cup Qualifiers: Big wins for Germany, Poland and Denmark
Last Updated: 04/09/17 11:00pm
Germany are not yet guaranteed a place at the World Cup, despite making it eight wins from eight with a 6-0 thrashing of Norway.
Mesut Ozil opened the scoring after just 10 minutes and further goals from Julian Draxler and Timo Werner (two) effectively ended the contest before half-time, with substitutes Leon Goretzka and Mario Gomez completing the rout.
However, qualification from Group C is not quite assured for Germany following Northern Ireland's 2-0 win over Czech Republic at Windsor Park.
The Germans are five points clear with two games to play, but must travel to Northern Ireland for their next fixture in October knowing that a draw will guarantee a place in Russia.
In Group C's other match, minnows San Marino remain without a point after losing 5-1 in Azerbaijan, who scored five goals in a World Cup qualifier for the first time.
Afran Ismayilov (two), Araz Abdullayev and Rashad Sadigov got on the scoresheet for the home side, who also benefited from an own goal from Michele Cevoli. Mirko Palazzi headed a consolation goal for San Marino.
Poland regained control of Group E thanks to a 3-0 win over Kazakhstan.
Arek Milik, Kamil Glik and a penalty from Robert Lewandowski secured all three points for Poland, who are three points clear of Montenegro and Denmark.
Stevan Jovetic scored in the 75th minute to give Montenegro a hard-fought 1-0 home win over Romania and move them into second spot, three points behind Poland.
A brilliant hat-trick from Thomas Delaney ensured Denmark recovered from a goal down to beat Armenia 4-1 and keep things tight at the top of Group E .
Ruslan Koryan gave the home side the lead with less than six minutes on the clock with a swerving, dipping shot from 25 yards which left goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel rooted to the spot.
But Delaney's free header from Henrik Dalsgaard's cross drew the Danes level in the 16th minute and a superb free-kick from Christian Eriksen after 28 minutes put the visitors in front.
Delaney lit up a poor second half with a stunning third goal from 30 yards and completed his hat-trick with a well-directed header in injury-time
In Group F, England beat Slovakia 2-1 at Wembley and Scotland kept their qualifying hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Malta.
And Slovenia, like Scotland, are now a point behind Slovakia after thrashing Lithuania 4-0, with Josip Ilicic scoring from the penalty spot in each half before late goals from Benjamin Verbic and Valter Birsa.
