Darida scores twice in big Czech Republic win

Berlin- Hertha players were in action again on Sunday evening as the international break continued. The most successful performance from one of our own came as Vladimir Darida scored twice in the Czech Republic’s 6-0 win over San Marino. The Hertha attacker played the full 90 minutes, making the score 2-0 and completing the rout from the spot in the second half. “We played exactly as we wanted to,” said a satisfied Darida after the game. “We settled the match in the first half, and it was a shame we couldn’t add more goals than just the one in the second half.” 

In the same group Rune Jarstein suffered a 2-0 defeat with Norway at the hands of Northern Ireland in Belfast. The Norweigan’s now lie fifth in Group C with three points, five points behind Darida and the Czech Reupblic who are third. Germany lead the way with 15 points, while Northern Ireland are second with 10.

Pekarik wins with Slovakia

Peter Pekarik was part of the Slovakia team who beat Malta 3-1 on Sunday. The right back was on the pitch from the first to the final whistle to help his side move up to second in their group with nine points. England lead Group F with 15 points, while Slovenia are third with eight.

Monday sees the younger Hertha players back in action, with Maximilian Mittelstädt and Jordan Torunarigha both in line to be in action for Germany under-20s in Switzerland. The first meeting between the sides last week finished 1-0 to Germany. 

Weiser and Brooks return to Berlin 

Unfortunately, Mitchell Weiser and John Anthony Brooks have had to return to Berlin and cut short their international break following injury. Weiser tore his hamstring in Germany’s under-21 victory while Brooks comes back from the USA after picking up an infection. 

Friendly defeat for Stark and the U21s

Niklas Stark was on the losing side on Tuesday (28/03) as his Germany U21 side were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Portugal. Coach Stefan Kuntz made a few changes for the game and said, "We've seen a few of the lads and have a picture in our minds of them." He made five changes at half-time, one of which was the substitution of Stark. This was Germany U21s' first home defeat since 2009 and they head to this summers' European Championship having won all ten of their qualification games. 

Success for Haraguchi

Genki Haraguchi celebrated a 4-0 World Cup qualification victory with Japan against Thailand. The Hertha man played 66 minutes for the Japanese. Japan went top of their qualifying group with the win and remain on course to reach next year's World Cup. Vedad Ibisevic missed Bosnia-Herzegovina's friendly in Albania on Tuesday evening and is already back in Berlin. The attacker scored twice in the 5-0 World Cup qualification match against Gibraltar last Saturday. 

All of the internationals matches have now been played. Stark and Haraguchi will be back in Berlin on Wednesday and will start preparing for the home game against Hoffenheim on Friday (31/03).