World Cup qualifiers round-up: Northern Ireland score three second half goals to beat San Marino, While Germany leave it late to beat Czech Republic

Sep 01, 2017

JOSH MAGENNIS saved Northern Ireland from embarrassment as his second-half brace earned Michael O’Neill’s men a 3-0 win against San Marino.

The striker netted in the 70th and 76th minute at the Olimpico di Serravalle while Steven Davis added a late penalty to give their side a vital three points in their quest to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Josh Magennis bagged himself a brace against San Marino in a hard-fought 3-0 win

The striker celebrates after helping his team to a vital three points to boost their World Cup qualifying chances

Steven Davis netted a late penalty for Michael O’Neill’s men

Magennis opened the scoring after tapping home from close range after fine work from Davis, before doubling his tally again from a few yards out with a header from a Conor Washington chipped cross.

Davis then got on the score sheet as he placed his spot-kick into the bottom corner in the 79th minute.

The Green and White army sit second in the table.

While also in Group C, Germany left it late to beat Czech Republic at the Eden Arena after Mats Hummels scored in the 88th minute with an expert header.

Vladimir Darida thought he earned his country a point after his 78th minute strike, but it wasn’t to be as the Confederations Cup champions rallied in the closing stages.

Timo Werner had got Joachim Low’s side off to the perfect start after finding the back of the net in the fourth minute.

Germany centre-back Mats Hummels scored a late winner against Czech Republic

Timo Werner opened the scoring in the fourth minute in the Group C clash

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The Germany players celebrate after the RB Leipzig striker gifted them the lead early on

Norway beat Azerbaijan 2-0 at the Ullevaal Stadion as they look to challenge Northern Ireland for the second spot in Group C.

Romania beat Armenia 1-0 at the National Arena in their Group E battle, with the away side having Andranik Voskanyan sent off in the second half.

Alexandru Maxim scored a dramatic 91st minute winner to leapfrog their opponents in the table.

Denmark boosted their chances of reaching Russia next summer as they cruised to a victory over Poland as they comfortably won 4-0, with Tottenham star Christian Eriksen on the score sheet.

While also in the same group Kazakhstan lost at home to Montenegro as Ljubisa Tumbakovic's men ran out easy 3-0 winners.