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Germany secured a place at next year's World Cup by crushing Slovakia 6-0 in their final qualifier on Monday, pummeling them into submission with four goals in the first half, and sending their opponents into a playoff in March, Reuters reported.

The four-time world champions, who crashed out in the first round of the last two editions of the World Cup, finished top of their group on 15 points, with the Slovaks second on 12.

The Czech Republic dismantled Gibraltar in their final World Cup qualifier on Monday, cruising to a 6-0 win and a second-place finish in Group L that brings a playoff spot for next year's tournament in Mexico, Canada and the U.S, Reuters reported. 

The hosts notched five first-half goals with David Doudera scoring in the fifth minute when his first-time effort from Tomas Chory's pass found the bottom right corner.

Chory, Vladimir Coufal, Adam Karabec and captain Tomas Soucek also netted in a dominant opening period, according to Reuters.

Poland's Piotr Zielinski struck late to earn a 3-2 victory away to Malta on Monday but it was not enough to claim top spot in their World Cup qualifying group and they had to settle for a place in the playoffs for next year's finals, Reuters reported.

Poland’s win at Ta'Qali's National Stadium lifted them to 17 points in Group G, the second-place finish bringing a chance to book a ticket to North America via the playoffs in March.

The Netherlands claimed direct qualification as they finished top with 20 points after thrashing visiting Lithuania 4-0. Malta finished fourth with five points, according to Reuters.

Two matches are being held today in the Nepal Premier League 2025, a franchise-based Twenty20 cricket tournament that began in Kirtipur on Monday.

In the first match starting at 11:45 am, Chitwan Rhinos and Karnali Yaks will compete while Biratnagar Kings and Pokhara Avengers will face each other in the second match.

Kushal Malla will lead Chitwan Rhinos and Sompal Kami is the captain of Karnali Yaks. 

Likewise, Sandeep Lamichhane will take command of Biratnagar Kings as the team captain and Kushal Bhurtel for Pokhara Avengers.  

On Monday, Kathmandu Gurkhas defeated defending champions Janakpur Bolts by five wickets  in the inaugural match. 

According to Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN), the tournament will be conducted until December 13 and altogether 32 matches including the league stage, three play-offs and the final will be held. 

CAN stated that the winner of the tournament will be awarded a cash prize of Rs 11 million. 

Similarly, the runner-up team of the tournament will receive the cash award of Rs 5.1 million. 

The team securing third place will receive Rs 2.5 million while the fourth-placed team will get Rs 1.5 million. 

All matches of the NPL will be held at the Kirtipur cricket ground. 

Eight franchise teams, including defending champion Janakpur Bolts along with previous runner-up Sudurpaschim Royals, Karnali Yaks, Pokhara Avengers, Biratnagar Kings, Chitwan Rhinos, Kathmandu Gorkhas, and Lumbini Lions are competing in the NPL.