Germany secures place at 2018 World Cup with convincing win in Northern Ireland

The reigning champion's place is secure.

Germany crossed the finish line on Thursday, beating Northern Ireland 3-1 at Windsor Park to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Die Mannschaft took the pitch without a number of regular starters - Timo Werner, Manuel Neuer, Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira, and Mario Gotze were sidelined - but, due to its production line, there was never cause for concern. Sebastian Rudy needed only 77 seconds to tally his first-ever international goal by virtue of a right-footed missile, Sandro Wagner produced a phenomenal goal of his own, and Joshua Kimmich scored minutes before the final whistle.

If Germany is victorious versus Azerbaijan, it will have won all 10 of its 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Nothing less than a win is expected, as the national team is unbeaten in 46 World Cup qualifiers on home soil - a run that stretches back to 1934.

As for Northern Ireland, the Green and White Army will finish second in Group C. Eight of the nine runner-ups will advance to the second round, where they'll be drawn into four play-offs.