Super Spain hit six as Germany get first World Cup qualifying win

AFP | Paris

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Mikel Merino scored a hattrick as Spain crushed Turkey 6-0 away in World Cup qualifying on Sunday, while Florian Wirtz’s brilliant free-kick helped Germany beat Northern Ireland 3-1.

European champions Spain were unstoppable in Konya, sealing their second-biggest away win in World Cup qualifying. Arsenal midfielder Merino netted his first professional hattrick, with goals of outstanding quality — the first finishing a superb team move, the second from a Pedri Gonzalez assist, and the third a curling shot into the top corner. Pedri opened the scoring inside six minutes and later completed it, while Ferran Torres also struck. The only concern was Nico Williams’ withdrawal with a thigh injury. Spain top Group E with six points from two matches.

Georgia are level with Turkey on three points after a 3-0 win over Bulgaria in Tbilisi, with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Nika Gagnidze and Georges Mikautadze.

Germany, under pressure after losing 2-0 in Slovakia, needed a strong response in Cologne. Serge Gnabry’s early opener was cancelled out by Isaac Price, leaving fans frustrated. Substitute Nadiem Amiri restored the lead in the 69th minute before local star Wirtz sealed the win with a superb free-kick. Both Germany and Northern Ireland now have three points, while Slovakia lead Group A with six after beating Luxembourg 1-0.

In Group G, Memphis Depay made his - tory by becoming the Netherlands’ all-time top scorer, netting twice in a 3-2 win in Lithuania. Poland defeated Finland 3-1 in Chorzow through goals from Matty Cash, Robert Lewandowski and Jakub Kaminski.

Belgium enjoyed a second successive 6-0 win, this time against Kazakhstan in Brussels, with Kevin De Bruyne and Jeremy Doku both scoring twice. Nicolas Raskin and Thomas Meunier added further goals. North Macedonia lead Group J with 11 points, one ahead of Belgium and Wales.