World Cup qualifiers. Wins for Skriniar and the Polish contingent, Schick draws

Three Blucerchiati players are racing towards Russia 2018, while one has faltered and another’s chances of making the next World Cup appear slim.

Milan Skriniar played 90 minutes as Slovakia beat Lithuania in Vilnius to move onto 12 points and within touching distance of group leaders England who could only draw in Scotland. Weiss and Hamsik got the goals for Jan Kozak’s side.

Poland are cruising in their campaign thanks to a 3-1 win over Romania in Warsaw. A hat-trick from Lewandowski strengthened their grip on top spot in Group E. Karol Linetty started the match before joining club team-mate Bartosz Bereszynski on the bench 18 minutes from time as the former was replaced by Milik.

Things are a little trickier for the Czech Republic in Group C. Patrik Schick replaced Krmencik shortly after the hour-mark but couldn’t inspire his country to a win, after Soderlund’s penalty cancelled out Gebre Sellasie’s opener in Oslo. Karol Jarolim’s men stay third in the table on nine points behind Germany (18) and Northern Ireland (13).