5 Sep 2015

Germany beat Poland, Northern Ireland also top

3:42 pm on 5 September 2015

Football World Cup hero Mario Goetze scored twice as Germany beat Poland 3-1 in a Euro 2016 qualifier to take over at the top of Group D.

Germany's Mario Goetze celebrates scoring the winning goal against Argentina in the World Cup final.

Mario Goetze in action at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Germany, who had lost 2-0 in Warsaw last October, took over at the top of Group D on 16 points from seven games.

They're two points ahead of Poland. Ireland are third on 14, after thrashing Gibraltar 4-0 away.

Germany next play Scotland, who lost 1-0 in Georgia, in Glasgow on Tuesday.

Poland next host Gibraltar. Ireland welcome Georgia.

Albanians on track for Euro 2016

Albania remain on course for an unlikely first appearance in the European championship finals after holding Denmark to a goalless away draw in Group I.

The result leaves both teams on 11 points, one behind leaders Portugal, though Albania have a game in hand.

Denmark play in Armenia on Tuesday while Albania, who have never been remotely close to qualifying previously and never won more than two qualifying matches in a campaign, host Portugal.

Northern Ireland go top after beating Faroes

Northern Ireland beat the Faroe Islands 3-1 to move top of Group F and stay on course for a first appearance in the European championship finals.

The win takes Northern Ireland to 16 points, one ahead of Romania following their goalless draw away to Hungary, who have 12.

Northern Ireland are at home to Hungary on Tuesday when a win would guarantee them a top-two spot and a place in next year's finals in France.

Portugal also lost 1-0 at home to France in a friendly - their 10th victory in a row against the Portuguese.