Mueller grabs late winner as Germany beat Romania 2-1

Thomas Mueller

Germany needed a late winner from Thomas Mueller to beat Romania 2-1 while the Netherlands eked out a 1-0 win in Latvia to stay on course for the World Cup finals on Friday.

Four-time world champions Germany now have a six-point lead in Group J after their win in Hamburg. However, it was another rollercoaster evening for the European giants.

Early lead

Romania took a shock ninth minute lead when Rangers winger Ianis Hagi ghosted through the defence and fired past Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, a late replacement for injured Manuel Neuer. Serge Gnabry equalised with his 20th goal in 30 internationals after 52 minutes. Mueller then came off the bench for his 107th Germany appearance to claim his 40th international goal nine minutes from time.

Algeria win 6-1

Meanwhile, Riyad Mahrez scored twice as African champion Algeria romped to a 6-1 win over Niger to return to winning ways in World Cup qualifying. Egypt took top spot in its group from Libya by edging their encounter 1-0.

Ivory Coast claimed the other most significant result of the day as Max-Alain Gradel thumped in a volley to send the Ivorians on their way to a 3-0 victory in Malawi.

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