Wöber and Austria miss out on early EURO qualification, Netz wins with Germany U21s

Max Wöber started Austria’s 3-2 EURO qualifier defeat to Belgium, and Luca Netz was named on Germany U21s’ team sheet as they won 3-2 against Bulgaria.

AUSTRIA

Max Wöber and Austria have missed an opportunity to secure early qualification for EURO 2024 after the Group F top-of-the-table clash finished 3-2 to Belgium. Wöber played on the left of a back four for 71 minutes, as the hosts dominated proceedings but were mercilessly punished on the counter by their visitors. A Dodi Lukebakio brace (12’, 55’) and another from Romelu Lukaku (58’) gave Belgium a 3-0 lead, before Austria clawed themselves back into the game with goals from Konrad Laimer (72’) and Marcel Sabitzer (84’ pen). The 3-2 defeat leaves Austria in second place in Group F on 13 points, third-placed Sweden are currently on six points but with game in hand. A win in Azerbaijan on Monday evening (18:00 CEST) would seal Austria’s place at next summer’s tournament in Germany.  

GERMANY U21s

Germany U21s stayed on track to qualify for EURO 2025 in Slovakia with a 3-2 win over Bulgaria in their second qualifier. The win took Antonio Di Salvo’s side into top spot in Group D. Luca Netz played the full 90 minutes at left-back, whilst Rocco Reitz, who was called up to the squad after initially being left out, didn’t make it onto the pitch. Stanislaw Schopow (35’) gave Bulgaria the lead before a Youssoufa Moukoko hat-trick turned the game around for Germany. Netz was even involved in the third goal with a precise cross which found Ansgar Knauff. The hosts scored once again just before the final whistle through Nikola Ilijew (90’+3), but it ended 3-2. Germany U21s’ next qualifier sees them face Estonia on 17th November. 

JAPAN

Ko Itakura watched on from the sidelines as Japan won 4-1 in an international friendly against Canada. The hosts’ goals came courtesy of Ao Tanaka (2’, 49’), and Alphonso Davies own goal (39’), and Keito Nakamura (42’). David Hoilett scored a consolation goal for Canada in the 89th minute. Japan have another friendly scheduled against Tunisia on Tuesday in Kobe.