Xtra Time Web Desk: Former champions Germany and England registered big wins in the World Cup qualifiers on Thursday while Spain were held 1-1 by Greece at home. Four-times winners Germany enjoyed a 3-0 win over Group J rivals Iceland in Duisburg thanks to goals from Leon Goretzka, Kai Havertz and Ilkay Gundogan.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice and Ollie Watkins marked his debut with a goal as England crushed San Marino 5-0 at Wembley. The other goal scorers for England were Raheem Sterling and James Ward Prowse.
In Parma, Roberto Mancini’s Italy had a hard fought 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in Group C.
Two goals inside the first 39 minutes from Domenico Berardi and Ciro Immobile settled Italy’s nerves as they look to banish the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
It was a frustrating night for Spain in Granada as they were held 1-1 by Greece. The hosts began promisingly when Alvaro Morata opened the scoring after 32 minutes. However, shortly before the hour mark, substitute Inigo Martinez – on for captain Sergio Ramos – was penalised for a rash tackle on Greek midfielder Giorgos Masouras.
Anastasios Bakasetas smashed the ball in from the spot to stun Luis Enrique’s side.
Robert Lewandowski struck a thunderous 83rd-minute equaliser as Poland fought back to earn a 3-3 draw with Hungary in a pulsating Group I game in Budapest.