MONACO — European champions Spain demonstrated their unstoppable form with a commanding 6-0 away victory over Turkey in World Cup qualifying on Sunday. In a separate match, Germany’s bid to qualify got back on track with a late 3-1 win over Northern Ireland, highlighted by a brilliant free-kick from Florian Wirtz.
Merino’s Hat-Trick Seals Spain’s Commanding Victory
Spain was in majestic form in the central Turkish city of Konya, delivering their second-biggest ever away win in World Cup qualifying. The man of the match was Mikel Merino, who scored his first professional hat-trick for the national team. The Arsenal midfielder’s goals were a blend of superb teamwork and individual brilliance, including a controlled finish from a Pedri Gonzalez assist and a curling shot into the top corner. Barcelona’s Pedri also found the net twice, while Ferran Torres scored the other goal.
The only downside for Spain was the apparent thigh injury to Nico Williams. However, Luis de la Fuente’s side is now clear at the top of qualifying Group E with a perfect six points from two games. In the same group, Georgia defeated Bulgaria 3-0 thanks to goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nika Gagnidze, and Georges Mikautadze.
Germany Bounces Back Against Northern Ireland
Germany was under significant pressure heading into their home match in Cologne after a 2-0 loss to Slovakia in their opening qualifier. Serge Gnabry gave Julian Nagelsmann’s team an early lead, but West Bromwich Albion’s Isaac Price equalized before halftime. The home fans grew restless with the score level until the final quarter of the match.
The hosts eventually retook the lead on 69 minutes when substitute Nadiem Amiri turned in a cross from David Raum. The victory was then sealed in spectacular fashion by Florian Wirtz, who converted a brilliant free-kick in his home city to give Germany their first win in Group A.
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