A review of the action in the European qualification rounds of the 2018 FIFA World Cup including victories for the favourites Germany; European Champions Portugal, and a winning start for Gareth Southgate at Wembley.

Germany is still the +500 favourite to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup after brushing the Czech Republic aside on Saturday. The Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos squeezing a goal between a brace from Thomas Muller to lead Group C with two wins out of two, after a 3-0 home win.

It’s early days, but Azerbaijan has become the unlikeliest of Group C challengers after also winning their first two games. The side ranked 133rd in the world followed up their opening day victory away in San Marino with a 1-0 win at home to Norway. The Norwegians have now lost both of their opening games, as have the microstate.

Northern Ireland is the only other unbeaten side in Group C. Michael O’Neill’s green army drew against the Czech Republic in their opening game and beat San Marino 4-0 on the weekend to take third in the group with four points. Northern Ireland travels to Hannover on Tuesday to face the reigning champions. Germany beat Northern Ireland 1-0 at the Euro 2016 finals.