Win for Germany, Ito qualifies for World Cup

Numerous FC Bayern players were on international duty on Thursday. João Palhinha did not play in Portugal’s 1-0 defeat to Denmark and Konrad Laimer missed Austria’s 1-1 draw against Serbia with a one-match ban, but many FCB pros were in action in the Nations League. In addition, Hiroki Ito and Japan qualified for the World Cup.

Germany side with four FCB pros beat Italy

Germany beat Italy 2-1 in the UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg thanks to two Joshua Kimmich assists and a goal by comeback man Leon Goretzka. It was Germany’s first away win against the Squadra Azzurra in 39 years. Jamal Musiala and Leroy Sané too started for Germany, who suffered an early setback when Sandro Tonali netted after eight minutes. Kimmich’s pinpoint cross after the restart invited Tim Kleindienst to level the scores (49’) before Goretzka completed the turnaround with a quarter-hour to go (76’).

“I’m very happy,” said Goretzka, who made his first appearance for Germany in 16 months and crowned his comeback with the match-winner: “It’s a nice story, you sometimes imagine such a scenario before a match, which is what I did this time,” added the 30-year-old. Julian Nagelsmann praised Goretzka’s strong performance: “I’m happy for him, he turned in an outstanding display in the second half in particular. He was the MVP of the game in my view, he had a big impact in both defence and attack.” Germany can progress to the final four when they entertain Italy in the return leg in Dortmund on Sunday at 20.45 CET.

Stanišić’s Croatia beat France

Josip Stanišić and Croatia put themselves in a promising position against France with his FCB teammates Dayot Upamecano and Michael Olise. Stanišić played the full 90 minutes in Croatia’s 2-0 victory, whereas Upamecano (46’) and Olise (84’) came on for France in the second half. Andrej Kramarić missed a penalty after seven minutes, but Ante Budimir (26’) and former Bayern man Ivan Perišić (45’+1) handed Croatia a two-goal lead before half-time. France were dominant after the break but failed to take their chances.

“The positive thing is that we showed a good reaction in the second half. We’ll build on that and stay positive,” Bayern defender Upamecano said after the game. The return leg will be staged in Paris on Sunday at 20.45 CET. “Everything will be decided at the Stade de France, I hope we’ll turn in a different display,” added the 26-year-old.

Canada beaten in semi-finals

Alphonso Davies’ dreams of advancing to the Concacaf Nations League final ended when Canada fell 2-0 to Mexico in the semi-finals in Inglewood (USA) overnight from Thursday to Friday. Raúl Jiménez handed Mexico a first-minute lead and doubled the advantage with a quarter-hour to go. Alphonso Davies played the full 90 minutes but was unable to prevent the defeat. Canada take on the USA in the third-place play-off in Inglewood on 23 March at 23.00 CET.

Ito and Japan qualify for World Cup

What a comeback for Hiroki Ito! In his first international since his metatarsal fracture, the FC Bayern defender and Japan booked a berth in the 2026 World Cup. The Samurai Blue are the first team to qualify besides hosts USA, Canada and Mexico. Ito played the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 victory in Saitama. Daichi Kamada (66’) put Japan in front and Takefusa Kubo (87’) put the game to bed. On 19 from a possible 21 points, Japan are certain to finish their group in first or second place with three matchdays to go.

Find out who’s in action and where in our overview.