FOOTBALL – SWEDEN’S World Cup hopes were dealt a crushing blow as they suffered a 1-0 home loss to Kosovo yesterday that all but ends their chances of reaching the finals, with a third qualifying defeat piling more pressure on coach Jon Dahl Tomasson.
The result leaves Sweden bottom of Group B with one point from four matches and only a slim mathematical chance of reaching the playoffs after next month’s final two rounds of matches.
Kosovo are second with seven points, three behind leaders Switzerland who drew 0-0 away to third-placed Slovenia (three points) in Ljubljana yesterday.
The group winners qualify directly for the World Cup with the runners-up going into the playoffs.
Kosovo, who beat the Swedes 2-0 in Pristina last month, completed a famous double with Fisnik Asllani’s first-half strike proving decisive.
The forward scored his first international goal in the 32nd minute with a close-range finish after fine link-up play between Vedat Muriqi and Veldin Hodza sliced open a static back line.
Sweden controlled possession after the break but remained toothless in front of goal.
Alexander Isak twice went close, first heading over and later slicing wide as Kosovo’s defence stood firm amid boos from the frustrated home fans around the Ullevi Stadium.
The striker came agonisingly close to snatching a stoppage-time equaliser but his powerful header was kept out by Arijanet Muric, whose stunning save ensured victory for the visitors.
Meanwhile, Nick Woltemade’s first international goal was enough to earn Germany a 1-0 win against a brave Northern Ireland in Belfast, and keep his side top of their World Cup qualifying group.
Windsor Park was rocking, and Northern Ireland full of confidence after wins either side of a 3-1 loss in Germany last month. A ball which went in off Woltemade’s shoulder was the only difference between the hosts and the four-time world champions.
Germany are on nine points in Group A, ahead of Slovakia, who beat Luxembourg 2-0, on goal difference. Northern Ireland are third on six points. Group winners qualify automatically while runners-up advance to the playoffs.
The Germans, who began their campaign with a 2-0 defeat in Slovakia, their first away loss in a World Cup qualifier, also arrived in Belfast with a spring in their step after two successive wins, but were made to battle for the three points.
The hosts survived early pressure from the Germans and thought they had taken a shock lead when their keeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell pumped a free kick into the area, leading to Daniel Ballard finding the net. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Germany took the lead in the 31st minute from a corner, where Woltemade rose above his marker Isaac Price and the striker’s shoulder sent the ball into the corner of the net.
Northern Ireland had chances to level before the break but Jamie Reid fired high and wide after great work from Ethan Galbraith and Alistair McCann smacked a shot on the turn from distance which went narrowly wide.
Germany could have doubled their lead shortly after the interval, but Karim Adeyemi sent his shot wide when through one-on-one with the keeper, keeping the hosts in the game and they responded with belief.
German keeper Oliver Baumann was forced into action, denying Shea Charles and Galbraith, and reigniting the home crowd. Peacock-Farrell pushed away Serge Gnabry’s shot for a corner, but it was Northern Ireland who looked the likelier to score next.
In the closing minutes, Galbraith sent another chance just over and Callum Marshall’s shot from a wide angle in the area was saved, and Germany held on to record their 11th straight win over Northern Ireland.
Kevin De Bruyne tucked away two penalties as Belgium came back after conceding an early goal to beat Wales 4-2 away in their World Cup qualifier, moving them closer to a place at next year’s finals.
Joe Rodon had the home side ahead at the Cardiff City Stadium in the eighth minute, but a De Bruyne penalty brought Belgium level within 10 minutes before veteran full back Thomas Meunier put them ahead for a 2-1 halftime advantage.
De Bruyne scored a second spotkick in the 76th minute to extend the lead, but Wales looked to be back in the contest as Nathan Broadhead came off the bench to score with two minutes remaining.
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