adminPARIS. — Northern Ireland and Iceland have punched above their weight so far and will be out to land further blows in Euro 2016 qualifying this weekend while world soccer champions Germany seek a morale-boosting win over the amateurs from Gibraltar.
Elsewhere, England skipper Wayne Rooney earns his 100th cap against Slovenia, Scotland clash with the Republic of Ireland, and reigning European champions Spain host Belarus.
A shock 1-1 draw with the Republic in Germany last month left Joachim Loew’s men, already seen off by Poland, playing catch-up in fourth in Group D, three points shy of the Poles and the Irish. Minnows Gibraltar, who have leaked 17 goals to none scored, should represent easy pickings for the continental superpower.
“We know we’re clear favourites and that is exactly how we want to step out against them,” said Loew.
Gibraltar, who only played their first international in September, have modest ambitions from the game in Nuremberg, as their goalkeeper, Jordan Perez explained.
Tonight’s European Championship Qualifying Fixtures (all 9:45pm unless otherwise stated):
Scotland v R. of Ireland; Romania v Northern Ireland; Georgia v Poland (7pm); Germany v Gibraltar; Greece v Faroe Islands; Hungary v Finland; Portugal v Armenia; Serbia v Denmark. — AFP.
Online Reporter