Germany target ‘Perfect 12’ on road to Russia

AFP, BERLIN: Germany are not only targeting another win in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland but want a perfect 12 points on the road to Russia with wins in both of their remaining games this year.
Victories away to Norway and at home to the Czech Republic by the same 3-0 scorelines leave Germany top of Group C and the world champions are in no mood to drop points against Michael O’Neill’s Northern Ireland in Hanover.
A win over the Irish, then a fourth straight victory, at minnows San Marino on November 11, would yield a maximum 12 points from four qualifiers leaving Germany in pole position to qualify for 2018 World Cup. 
“We want to do it all again and make sure we have 12 points in November, then we would be in a very comfortable situation in the table,” said defender Mats Hummels.
Germany top the group on goal difference from surprise package Azerbaijan, who have also won their opening two games. Northern Ireland are third after beating San Marino 4-0 in Belfast on Saturday following last month’s goalless draw against the Czech Republic in Prague.
After Germany beat the Irish 1-0 in their Euro 2016 group match in June, coach Joachim Loew expects another hard-fought match.

Germany target Perfect 12 on road to Russia

AFP, BERLIN: Germany are not only targeting another win in Tuesdays World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland but want a perfect 12 points on the road to Russia with wins in both of their remaining games this year. Victories away to Norway and at home to the Czech Republic by the same 3-0 scorelines leave Germany top of Group C and the world champions are in no mood to drop points against Michael ONeills Northern Ireland in Hanover. A win over the Irish, then a fourth straight victory, at minnows San Marino on November 11, would yield a maximum 12 points from four qualifiers leaving Germany in pole position to qualify for 2018 World Cup. We want to do it all again and make sure we have 12 points in November, then we would be in a very comfortable situation in the table, said defender Mats Hummels. Germany top the group on goal difference from surprise package Azerbaijan, who have also won their opening two games. Northern Ireland are third after beating San Marino 4-0 in Belfast on Saturday following last months goalless draw against the Czech Republic in Prague. After Germany beat the Irish 1-0 in their Euro 2016 group match in June, coach Joachim Loew expects another hard-fought match.