European Qualifiers World Cup 2022 Qatar Roundup: France and Spain Take Wins While Germany Suffers Defeat

EU, April 01 (QNA) - The German national team suffered a surprise defeat from their guests North Macedonia 2-1 in the European qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 , in the third round matches that also witnessed France's victory over Bosnia 2-1, and Spain over Kosovo. 3-1. In the first match, Germany lost their 17 successive victory record in the World Cup qualifiers, by a surprising defeat at home , against North Macedonia, leaving Armenia at the top of Group J. Ilkay Gundogan scored from a penalty kick 63rd minute Germany's goal, Goran Pandev 45th minute and Elf Elmas 85th minute scored the two goals for North Macedonia. Germany were seeking to continue the strong start in the qualifiers by defeating Romania 1-0 in the second round, after a 3-0 win over Iceland at the start of the Qualifiers. This is Germany's first defeat in World Cup qualifiers, since it drew 4-4 with Sweden in 2012. In the second match, the French national team won its second successive victory against Bosnia 1-0, staying top of Group D with seven points, four points ahead of Ukraine, which fell to a draw against Kazakhstan, bottom of the group. France entered the match tonight after a victory away against Kazakhstan 2-0 in the second round, and a disappointing 1-1 draw against Ukraine. France owes its victory to Antoine Griezmann, who scored the only goal of the match in the 60th minute. In the third match, Spain overcame their hosts Kosovo 3-1. Spain scored through Dani Olmo in the 34th minute, Ferran Torres in the 36th minute and substitute Gerard Moreno in the 75th minute, leading Group B with seven points, while Pisar Halimi scored the only goal for Kosovo in the 70th minute. The Spanish national team escaped a thrilling match against Georgia wining 2-1 in Tbilisi, after a sudden stumble with Greece 1-1 in the first round. (QNA)