Itakura makes his comeback during World Cup warm up

During the 2-1 loss to Canada, Ko Itakura celebrated his comeback from injury. Yvandro Borges Sanches started in Luxembourg’s 2-2 draw with Hungary. In the next few days, he and other Foals will take part in their final international games of the year.

Japan

Japan and Ko Itakura’s dress rehearsal for the World Cup went wrong on Sunday. They lost their final game before the World Cup to Canada (2-1). Yuki Soma (9) gave Ko’s Japan the lead but then Steven Vitoria quickly brought Canada back on level terms. Canada’s winning goal came in the form of a penalty from Lucas Cavallini (90+5). Itakura, who was a late substitute in Borussia’s most recent Bundesliga game against BVB marking his return from a two-month long injury, was in starting eleven for Japan. He was substituted after 67 minutes. This coming Wednesday (14:00 CET), Japan kick off their World Cup campaign against Germany and Jonas Hofmann.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg and Hungary couldn’t be separated in their friendly. Gerson Rodrigues (7) gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot before Attila Szalai (25) and Andra Nemeth (67) turned the game around for Hungary. Alessio Curci (77) then salvaged a draw for Luxembourg, having just come onto the pitch in place of Yvandro Borges Sanches 6 minutes earlier. The youngsters from the Foals’ stable, Tiago Pereira Cardoso and Selim Turping, who were called up for their first cap, spent the evening on the substitutes’ bench. On Sunday, another friendly awaits for the “Red Lions” in Bulgaria.

Algeria

Ramy Bensebaini and Algeria face Sweden in Malmo on Saturday in their final friendly of the year. Borussia’s left-back, who came out of quarantine on Monday following a negative COVID-19 test, missed the most recent game for the “Desert Foxes” against Mali (1-1).

Germany U21

Luca Netz as well as Burnley loanee Jordan Beyer have an intense friendly in store for Germany’s U21 when they face Italy in Ancona.

France U21

Manu Koné is another Foal in his final game of the year. His France side take on Norway in XCaen on Saturday.

Denmark U20

Denmark U20s played out a 2-2 draw with Sweden in Antalya. Oscar Fraulo made his debut for the U20s by coming on as an early substitution. Casper Winther and Wahidullah Faghir got on the scoresheet for Denmark whilst Mayckel Lahdo and Jacob Ondrejka were the scorers for their Swedish opponents. Denmark have another friendly before the year’s end, taking on Hungary again in Antalya this Sunday.