Italy equal unbeaten world record with Swiss draw

Jorginho missed a penalty as Italy were held to a 0-0 draw by Switzerland in a World Cup qualifier on Sunday, a result that meant Roberto Mancini’s side equalled the world record for international matches unbeaten in a row.

Italy have now not lost for 36 consecutive matches, matching Brazil’s record set between 1993 and 1996.

The result could have been more positive had Jorginho converted from the penalty spot in the 52nd minute after Domenico Berardi had been fouled, but the Chelsea midfielder was thwarted by home goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Italy had further chances to snatch victory but had to settle for a draw, meaning they remain top of qualification Group C on 11 points from five games, four ahead of the second-placed Swiss, who have two matches in hand on the Azzurri.

Centurion Lukaku sets Belgium on their way to convincing win over Czechs

Romelu Lukaku marked his 100th cap with an early goal to set Belgium on their way to an impressive 3-0 win over the Czech Republic in their World Cup qualifier in Brussels on Sunday.

It was Lukaku’s 67th goal for his country and came after eight minutes, followed by a second from captain Eden Hazard four minutes before halftime.

Substitute Alexis Saelemaekers added a third with 25 minutes left to play to underline Belgium’s top place in the FIFA rankings and extend to 29 games their unbeaten home record.

Victory consolidated Belgium’s top place in Group E as they moved to 13 points from five games, six points clear of the second placed Czechs.

Spain back on track with Georgia thrashing

Spain got back to winning ways as they thrashed Georgia 4-0 in their Group B World Cup Qualifying meeting on Sunday.

Jose Gaya, Carlos Soler and Ferran Torres put the hosts in control with three first half strikes as they showed no hangover from a first World Cup qualifying defeat in 28 years last time out against Sweden.

Pablo Sarabia added another after the break as Luis Enrique’s side cruised to three points.

Spain move back top of the group with 10 points from five games, one ahead of Sweden who have two games in hand.

The margin of victory also ensured they currently have a better goal difference than their group rivals.

Kosovo, who on Sunday drew 1-1 with Greece, host Spain on Wednesday, while Sweden travel to Greece.

Germans find goal-scoring touch in 6-0 thrashing of Armenia

Midfielder Serge Gnabry scored two early goals as Germany rediscovered their form in front of goal to hammer Armenia 6-0 on Sunday and go top of World Cup qualifying Group J with 12 points from five games.

After Germany’s attack struggled in a laboured 2-0 win over Liechtenstein on Thursday, Gnabry netted twice in the opening 15 minutes and Marco Reus and Timo Werner both scored before the break as they dismantled the Armenian defence with clever passing and deft flicks.

Jonas Hofmann added a fifth seven minutes after the break with a low bouncing drive, and substitute Karim Adeyemi put the icing on the cake with a goal on his international debut to make it 6-0 in second-half stoppage time.

The win means the Germans leap-frog Armenia to the top of the group, with their visitors now two points behind in second spot. Romania are third on nine points, one ahead of North Macedonia.