Important wins for FCA’s internationals
International round-up
First Team
15.10.2025, 09:07
The October international break came to a close last night, as teams played out their final World Cup qualifying games for the time being. A number of FCA players were in action for their national sides last night, with some of them picking up some important victories.
The Germany national side sit at the top of Group A thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland in Belfast. Nick Woltemade’s goal got Germany over the line in a game in which FCA goalkeeper Finn Dahmen remained an unused substitute. Slovakia sit second in the group on goal difference and join Germany on nine points following their 2-0 victory over Luxembourg. Aiman Dardari played the full 90 minutes for Luxembourg and narrowly missed a chance to put his team in front early on in the match.
Switzerland and Fabian Rieder maintained their run of clean sheets in World Cup qualifying after their 0-0 draw with Slovenia. Rieder was brought on in the 77th minute and helped Switzerland defend their position at the top of their group. Switzerland are still ahead of Kosovo in the table, despite their landmark 1-0 win over Sweden. Elvis Rexhbecaj was not in the Kosovo squad due to injury.
Germany U21s and Mert Kömür showed great spirit in their game against Northern Ireland, coming from behind to win 2-1. FCA’s talented midfielder was brought on in the 64th minute of his side’s comeback win. The U21s sit second in Group F of EUROs qualifying.
Samuel Essende started for the Democratic Republic of Congo and played 75 minutes of their 1-0 win against Sudan before being substituted. The win wasn’t enough to overtake group winners Senegal, meaning a playoff semi-final against Cameroon awaits Essende and his teammates.
Saad and Gharbi keep flawless record
Elias Saad and Ismaël Gharbi had already booked their place at next year’s World Cup with Tunisia before the game against Namibia even kicked off. Their 3-0 victory meant they set a new record, having won 28 points from a possible 30 in their ten qualifying games, all without conceding a goal. Saad started the game and was replaced by teammate Gharbi in the 65th minute.
Dimitris Giannoulis and Greece are now officially unable to qualify for next year’s World Cup following their 3-1 defeat to Denmark. FCA’s left-back was an unused substitute in the game. Croatia made 11 changes to their starting XI ahead of their game against Gibraltar, however Kristijan Jakic did not see any action in his side’s 3-0 win.
