Sports

Euro 2024 qualifiers: Mbappe nets hat-trick as France whip Gibraltar 14-0

France recorded their biggest-ever victory with a 14-0 rout of 10-man Gibraltar in a Euro 2024 Group B qualifier on Saturday as Kylian Mbappe grabbed a hat-trick and Warren Zaire-Emery scored on his debut.

France were 7-0 up by halftime with Marcus Thuram, Zaire-Emery, Mbappe, Jonathan Clauss, Kingsley Coman, and Youssouf Fofana on the scoresheet after they had taken the lead through a third-minute own goal.

Gibraltar were reduced to 10 men in the 18th minute and France’s biggest ever win, 10-0 over Azerbaijan in 1995, was clearly within sight.

Adrien Rabiot and Coman’s second brought the record closer and Ousmane Dembele made it 10-0 before Mbappe scored twice and Olivier Giroud got in on the act with two late goals to complete the demolition job.

Meanwhile, Romania reached just a second major tournament since 2008 by ending Israel’s chances of automatic qualification with a 2-1 win.

READ ALSO: Saka nets hat-trick in Euro 2024 qualifiers as Mbappe lifts France

Despite being forced to play what should have been a home fixture in Hungary due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Israel went in front after just two minutes through Eran Zahavi.

But Romania hit back quickly to level through George Puscas and secured their place in Germany thanks to Ianis Hagi, son of Gheorghe Hagi who inspired the Romanians famous run to the 1994 World Cup quarter-finals.

Switzerland also qualified despite being held 1-1 at home by Kosovo.

Romania are now in pole position to win Group I with a draw at home to the Swiss on Tuesday enough to secure top spot.

Wales’ hopes of reaching a third consecutive European Championship were dealt a huge blow by a 1-1 draw away to Armenia.

Rob Page’s men began the day with automatic qualification in their own hands.

But Wales fell behind early on to Lucas Zelarayan’s strike from outside the box in Yerevan.

Nair Tiknizyan’s own goal brought the visitors level before half-time, but Wales failed to find a winner that leaves them needing Croatia to slip up.

The 2022 World Cup semi-finalists moved into second place in Group D thanks to a 2-0 win in Latvia as Lovro Majer and Andrej Kramaric struck inside the first 16 minutes.

Wales must beat already-qualified Turkey in Cardiff on Tuesday and hope Croatia fail to beat Armenia at home.

The Star

Segun Ojo

Recent Posts

Officer Woos threatens legal action over viral NAFDAC arrest claims

Popular Nigerian content creator and skit maker, Jubril Oladapo Gbadamosi, popularly known as Officer Woos,…

3 hours ago

‘My husband hasn’t kissed me since we married’ – Newlywed cries out

A newly married pregnant woman has sparked reactions on social media after revealing that her…

3 hours ago

Sunday Igboho gives Fulani leaders two-hour deadline over abducted Oyo residents

Yoruba nation agitator and youth leader, Sunday Adeyemo, has issued a two-hour ultimatum to Fulani…

3 hours ago

Why the centre-states’ partnership and alignment matter, By TUNDE RAHMAN

By TUNDE RAHMAN Twenty-seven years into unbroken democracy, Nigeria’s federal structure remains our best tool…

3 hours ago

Troops arrest terrorist in Zamfara school

Troops of the 1 Brigade have arrested a suspected terrorist at the Government Science Secondary…

4 hours ago

NAF airstrike neutralises terrorists in Kaduna

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has carried out a precision airstrike against suspected terrorist elements…

5 hours ago

This website uses cookies.