GERMANY ended their worst winless run since 1988 overnight after they narrowly held off Saudi Arabia 2-1.

The world champions entered the game determined to overturn their fortunes in 2018, in which they were yet to record a win.

Die Mannschaft proved successful in their bid, however, not after a late Saudi charge that placed the result in doubt.

Elsewhere, Croatia rallied from behind to defeat Senegal by the same scoreline, while Poland recorded a 2-2 draw against Chile.

GERMANY 2-1 SAUDI ARABIA
Germany survived a late scare to see off Saudi Arabia and claim their first victory this year, putting a five-game winless run behind them.

Timo Werner opened the scoring and Omar Hawsawi’s own goal doubled their lead on the stroke of halftime.

Yet Saudi Arabia, who will also be in Russia, fought back, Taisir Al-Jassim smashing in the rebound after a Mohammad Al-Sahlawi penalty was saved by Marc-Andre ter Stegen five minutes from fulltime.

Al-Sahlawi then had strong claims for a second spot kick waved away in stoppage time as he went down under a challenge from Mats Hummels as Germany hung on to claim a morale-boosting victory.

There was frustration for Germany coach Joachim Low, as Ilkay Gundogan’s every touch was booed for the second game in a row.

German fans are angry over a picture he took with Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan last month, addressing him in a message as “my president”.

“He’s a member of the national team and that (booing) does not help anyone,” said an irritated Low.

The coach went on to voice his discontent at his side’s performance, but was adamant they will ready when they face Mexico in their opening World Cup game next Sunday.

“Today we missed a lot of chances, were really open in defence and allowed too many counter attacks from Saudi Arabia. In the end we were lucky to win,” he said.

CROATIA 2-1 SENEGAL
Croatia defeated Senegal in a tightly contested battle between two World Cup-bound sides.

Senegal are returning to the finals for the first time since 2002 and led Croatia through Ismaila Sarr’s goal early in the second half.

But Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic equalised and Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramaric notched the winner 12 minutes from time for the Croats.

Croatia meet Argentina, Iceland and Nigeria in Russia while Senegal take on Poland, Colombia and Japan.

POLAND 2-2 CHILE
Poland blew a 2-0 lead against World Cup non-qualifiers Chile to only walk away with a draw.

Captain Robert Lewandowski and midfielder Piotr Zielinski shot Poland out to a two-goal lead after 34 minutes.

But Diego Valdes ensured Chile were still in the contest at halftime by scoring just minutes later.

Miiko Albornoz then scored after 56 minutes to hand the visitors - who were without most of their biggest names - a hard-earned draw.

IRAN 1-0 LITHUANIA
Group B qualifiers Iran left it until the 88th minute to score a late winner and defeat Lithuania 1-0 in a closed door friendly in Moscow.

Karim Ansarifard saved Iran’s blushes after Carlos Queiroz’s side spent much of the second half under sustained pressure from the Lithuania attack.

The Iranians take on 2010 winners Spain and reigning European champions Portugal, along with Morocco, in a tough looking Group B.

SWITZERLAND 2-0 JAPAN
The Japanese, still finding their feet under new coach Akira Nishino, followed a home loss to Ghana with a 2-0 defeat in Switzerland.

A Ricardo Rodriguez penalty and Haris Seferovic strike in either half gave the Swiss victory as they prepare to meet Brazil, Costa Rica and Serbia in Group E.