Thomas Muller struck twice as Germany moved within touching distance of Euro 2016 qualification with a 3-2 win against Scotland at Hampden Park.
A breathless first half in Glasgow saw Muller score twice, either side of a Mats Hummels own-goal, only for James McArthur to send the sides in at the break level with a crisp half-volley.
Muller was again decisive as his cut-back found Ilkay Gundogan, who swept home a winner for Joachim Low s men nine minutes into the second period.
The triumph means Germany remain top of Group D, while Scotland s hopes of qualifying for a first major tournament since 1998 hang by a thread.
Republic of Ireland moved four points clear of Gordon Strachan s men as they overcame Georgia 1-0 in Dublin, courtesy of Jonathan Walters second goal of the campaign.
Stoke City forward Walters notched from close-range in the 69th minute to settle an uninspiring contest, and enhance Irish hopes of sealing a play-off position at the least.
Poland made light work of Group D minnows Gibraltar – Robert Lewandowski, Kamil Grosicki and Arkadiusz Milik all grabbing braces in an 8-1 rout.
Northern Ireland would have sealed automatic qualification from Group F with a win over Hungary at Windsor Park, but the hosts had to settle for a 1-1 draw thanks to Kyle Lafferty s 93rd-minute effort.
Richard Guzmics reacted quickest to Michael McGovern s Lafferty, who now has seven goals in qualifying, reacted quickest to hammer home into the roof of the net after Niall McGinn s strike had been parried into his path.
Romania s 0-0 draw with Greece ensures Michael O Neill s men remain top of the pool, while the late Irish goal will have been music to the ears of Finland, who remain in with a shout of snatching third after a 10- win over Faroe Islands.
Miguel Veloso s thumping stoppage-time header spared the blushes of Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo in Albania, with the Real Madrid man having hit the post from three yards out early on in a 1-0 victory.
Albania had gone unbeaten in Group I, but they may have to settle for third place, although Denmark failed to pull away in second, drawing 0-0 with Armenia.
