The Faroe Islands boosted their World Cup qualifying hopes with a stunning 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic on Sunday, keeping alive their dream of reaching the tournament for the first time.
Ranked 136th in the world, the tiny North Atlantic nation with fewer than 55,000 people now sits third in Group L after winning four of its last five qualifiers. The victory narrowed the gap to just one point behind second-placed Czech Republic in the race for a playoff spot behind group leader Croatia.
Substitute Martin Agnarsson became the hero for the hosts, scoring the decisive goal in the 81st minute at Torsvollur Stadium in Torshavn. Earlier, Hanus Sorensen gave the Faroe Islands a 67th-minute lead before Adam Karabec equalised for the Czechs in the 78th minute.
The historic win dealt a blow to the Czech Republic’s hopes of topping the group and set up a dramatic finale with one match remaining. Croatia, World Cup runner-up in 2018 and semifinalist in 2022, stayed three points clear after a 3-0 win over Gibraltar and holds a game in hand with a superior goal difference.
Depay leads Netherlands to another big win
In Group G, the Netherlands strengthened their lead with a convincing 4-0 win against Finland in Amsterdam.
Memphis Depay extended his national scoring record with his 54th goal, converting from the penalty spot. Donyell Malen, Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo also found the net as the Dutch moved to 16 points with two games left.
Poland kept the pressure on in second place, three points behind, with a 2-0 victory over Lithuania thanks to Sebastian Szymanski’s goal directly from a corner and Robert Lewandowski’s strike.
Denmark, Scotland still level on points
Group C remains tight as Denmark and Scotland both picked up wins to stay tied on 10 points.
Scotland beat Belarus 2-1 at Hampden Park, with goals from Che Adams and Scott McTominay, while Gleb Kuchko pulled one back late for the visitors.
Rasmus Hojlund continued his fine form for Denmark, opening the scoring in a 3-1 win over Greece. The Napoli striker has now scored eight goals for club and country since joining the Italian side on loan from Manchester United.
Austria’s winning streak ends
After routing San Marino 10-0 earlier in the week, Group H leader Austria saw its perfect run halted by Romania.
Virgil Ghita’s stoppage-time strike earned Romania a 1-0 win, closing the gap at the top to just two points and giving second-placed Bosnia and Herzegovina renewed hope in the qualification race.