Initially, it seemed like smooth sailing for all of them, but spirited comebacks from their opponents made things more thrilling than expected. Portugal and Belgium managed to hold on for 3-2 victories against Slovakia and Austria, respectively, while France defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in Amsterdam.
Cristiano Ronaldo, in his 202nd appearance for Portugal, made history by becoming the first male player to score 125 international goals for his country. Goncalo Ramos had already given Belgium the lead in the 18th minute, and Ronaldo added two more goals – one from a penalty and the other from close range after a low pass from Bruno Fernandes.
Portugal's remarkable record of not conceding in qualifying was broken just before Ronaldo's second goal, with David Hancko reducing the deficit briefly for Slovakia. Stanislav Lobotka pulled another goal back for Slovakia 10 minutes from time, but the visitors couldn't find an equalizer in Porto.
In a winner-takes-all showdown between Austria and Belgium, the top two sides in Group F, Belgium took an early 3-0 lead in Vienna. Dodi Lukebakio scored his first two international goals on either side of half-time, and Romelu Lukaku, the top scorer in Euro 2024 qualifying, continued his prolific form with a third goal.
Austria mounted a comeback in the final 20 minutes, with Konrad Laimer scoring in the 73rd minute and Marcel Sabitzer converting from the penalty spot 11 minutes later. Austria's hopes received a boost when Belgium's Amadou Onana was sent off between those two goals, but the visitors managed to hold on and secure their place in Germany.
World Cup runners-up France will join Portugal and Belgium in the tournament, largely thanks to Kylian Mbappe's standout performance in their victory over the Netherlands. The Paris Saint-Germain forward scored twice to move level with Michel Platini in his nation's all-time goal-scoring ranks, while the Netherlands only managed an 83rd-minute goal in response.
As of now, the host nation, Germany, is the only other team guaranteed a place in next summer's tournament, but more teams may qualify during the second round of fixtures in this international break.
