Netherlands, Switzerland, Romania qualify for Euro 2024. France crush Gibraltar in record 14-0 win

LONDON: The Netherlands, Switzerland and Romania all secured places at Euro 2024 on Saturday, and France racked up the biggest-ever win in European Championship qualifying by beating Gibraltar 14-0.

The Netherlands needed a win over Ireland to be sure of qualifying and Wout Weghorst gave his team the lead in the 12th minute, blasting a shot into the top-right corner. The goal was awarded despite Weghorst appearing to pull on Ireland defender Nathan Collins’ jersey just before he received the ball.

The Netherlands had 18 shots to Ireland’s three but couldn’t score again.

“We can be proud of ourselves and we certainly are now that we’re going to the European Championship,” Netherlands captain Virgil Van Dijk told Dutch broadcaster NOS.

“With all the problems, injuries we’ve had, we’ve still managed it. Now we can start preparing.”

SWISS STREAK

Switzerland drew 1-1 with Kosovo to make sure of qualifying and continue a run of not missing any major tournament since Euro 2012. But the game continued a troubling Swiss trend to let leads slip.

Switzerland dominated possession but couldn’t get through the Kosovo defense until Ruben Vargas headed in a deflected ball in the 47th. Kosovo’s Muhamet Hyseni leveled the score in the 82nd with a shot in off the post. It was Switzerland’s fifth draw in six games, and in all of those draws Switzerland conceded at least one goal after the 80th minute.

A draw was enough for Switzerland to qualify because Romania won 2-1 against third-place Israel.

Romania recovered from Israel’s Eran Zahavi scoring in the second minute, responding with goals from George Pușcaș and Ianis Hagi. Israel were the official host team but Saturday’s game was played in Hungary because of the Israel-Hamas