Kalou fighting for World Cup place

It’s now or never for Kalou and Ivory Coast. The Elephants face Morocco in their final group stage fixture on Saturday, November 11th.With one point separating the two teams – Morocco top the group with Ivory Coast in second – Ivory Coast must win to qualify for the World Cup. It would be Kalou’s third participation at the tournament. “It would be a dream to play in my third World Cup. The tournament is special in Ivory Coast. We’re playing in front of a home crowd and we’re always strong at home,” said Kalou of the home advantage. The game kicks off at 18:30 CET in Abidjan.

Norway face Macedonia in friendly

Hertha’s keeper Rune Jarstein is another Blue-White pencilled in to represent his nation on Saturday. Jarstein will earn his 50th cap when Norway play Macedonia. The game is taking place in Skopje and is kicking off at 18:30 CET.

Draws in Wembley and Honduras

Marvin Plattenhardt watched on as Germany’s drew 0-0 against England at Wembley. Joachim Löw started Halstenberg on the left side, as he makes preparations before finalising his World Cup squad.

Germany created a lot in the first half but couldn’t capitalise and didn’t apply the same pressure after the break. The result means Germany extend their unbeaten run to 20 games. Löw didn’t think the result was that important: “It was a top-quality friendly, played at a high level. That’s the most important,” said the national head coach.

Mathew Leckie sat on the bench as Australia fought out a 0-0 draw in Honduras. Leckie was suspended for the first leg, but will return for the home leg on Wednesday, November 15th.

Losses for Slovakia and Japan

The Slovakian national team with Blue-Whites Peter Pekarik and Ondrej Duda in their ranks lost against Ukraine. Pekarik was on the bench, but Duda played the entire game. Goals from Andrey Yarmolenko of Borussia Dortmund and Yevhen Konoplyanka of Schalke 04 sealed the 2-1 victory for Ukraine. Lukas Stetina scored for Slovakia.

Genki Haraguchi was the first Blue-White to represent his country in the international break. He picked up his 28th cap in Japan’s 3-1 friendly defeat to Brazil in Lille. Haraguchi was subbed off in the 70th minute.