Nine FC Bayern players were in action for their national teams on Friday evening. While Germany - despite a strong Munich contingent - suffered a setback, an FCB quartet enjoyed wins. A round-up:
Germany miss out on top spot
The German national team missed out on a place in the UEFA Nations League finals. Die Mannschaft lost 1-0 to Hungary, who haven’t qualified for the World Cup in Qatar, in Leipzig and can therefore no longer attain first place in Group A3. “The 1-0 defeat is in the books now, and we have to take the criticism,” said Thomas Müller, who captained the team on the night, after the final whistle.
The 33-year-old was one of four Bayern players in coach Hansi Flick’s starting line-up, along with Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sané, while Jamal Musiala came on in the 69th minute. Former Bundesliga player Ádám Szalai put the underdogs from Hungary in front in the 17th minute. Germany laid siege to the visitors’ goal after that, but with no joy. The 2014 world champions meet England, who were relegated on Friday, in the concluding group match on Monday evening (20:45 CEST), with Hungary battling it out with Italy in a decider for top spot.
Canada defeat World Cup hosts
Alphonso Davies and the Canadian national team warmed up for the World Cup with a comfortable 2-0 win over tournament hosts Qatar in a friendly in Vienna. Cyle Larin (4’) gave the North Americans an early lead, and Jonathan David (13’) added a second shortly after Davies’ shot had been saved by Qatar goalkeeper Saad al-Sheeb.
FCB left-back Davies was subbed off on the hour mark but was busy signing autographs after the game. “Aalways appreciate the love and support everywhere we go,” wrote the 21-year-old later on Twitter. Canada face a tougher examination on Tuesday when they take on Uruguay in Bratislava.
Mazraoui celebrates successful comeback
It was also a successful night for Noussair Mazraoui. On his international comeback for the Moroccan national team, the Bayern right-back enjoyed a 2-0 win over Chile in Barcelona. Sofiane Boufal (52’) and Abdelhamid Sabiri (78’) were on the scoresheet for the North Africans. Mazraoui played the full 90 minutes, while ex-Bayern man Arturo Vidal was on the opposing team.
Gravenberch wins and gets promoted
Ryan Gravenberch was in action for the Dutch U21 side as they beat their Belgian counterparts 2-1 in a friendly in Leuven. A brace from Brian Brobbey gave the visitors a two-goal lead at half-time, and Belgium’s goal from Olivier Deman (73’) was too little too late. Gravenberch was on the pitch for just over an hour and after the final whistle, he left to join up with the senior team. Due to several injuries in his squad, ex-Bayern boss Louis van Gaal called up Gravenberch for the Oranje’s final Nations League group match against Belgium in Amsterdam on Sunday.
Wanner on course with Germany U18
It’s two wins in two games for the German U18 team and Paul Wanner. Two days after their 4-0 opening win against hosts Czech Republic, the German youngsters also saw off USA 2-0 in the Four Nations Tournament. Wanner played 67 minutes, the goals coming from Leon Catak (38’) and Dženan Pejčinović (73’ penalty). Wanner and Co round off the tournament against Mexico on Sunday.
Catch up on what happened in Thursday’s internationals:
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