Gnabry, Muller score second-half goals as Germany completes comeback against Romania

By Can Erozden

ANKARA (AA) - Germany completed a 2-1 comeback Friday against Romania in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers match -- a huge step to winning Group J.

Romanian midfielder Ianis Hagi scored the opener in the ninth minute in Hamburg's Volksparkstadion.

But Germany came back in the second half.

Forward Serge Gnabry equalized in minute 52, firing a low shot into the far corner.

In the 81st minute, Germany scored the winner as forward Thomas Muller netted on a half-volley to clinch the 2-1 victory.

Group J leaders Germany have 18 points in seven matches. They are close to winning the group and having direct World Cup qualification.

North Macedonia and Armenia have 12 points each.

Romania have 10 points and is in fourth place in the group.

Iceland have five points and Liechtenstein got one point in seven matches.

Only group winners will automatically qualify for the 2022 World Cup. The runners-up in each group will face the playoff stage to fight for limited spots for Qatar 2022.

Germany will win the group and bag a ticket to Qatar 2022 if they beat North Macedonia on Monday in Skopje and Armenia fail to win against Romania in Bucharest.

- European qualifiers' results

- Group E:

Czech Republic - Wales: 2-2

Estonia - Belarus: 2-0

- Group G:

Gibraltar - Montenegro: 0-3

Latvia - The Netherlands: 0-1

Turkey - Norway: 1-1

- Group H:

Greek Cypriot Administration - Croatia: 0-3

Malta - Slovenia: 0-4

Russia - Slovakia: 1-0

- Group J:

Germany - Romania: 2-1

Iceland - Armenia: 1-1

Liechtenstein - North Macedonia: 0-4