Victories and defeats

Rune Jarstein helps Norway secure three important points against Slovenia while Duda and Pekarik were involved in a Slovakia defeat.

Three Hertha players featured for their national teams in UEFA Nations League matches on Saturday. Ondrej Duda and Peter Pekarik both started for Slovakia in their home clash with Czech Republic while Rune Jarstein started in goal for Norway at home to Slovenia.

Pekarik was making his return to the Slovakia squad in this international break and he featured alongside Duda in the starting lineup. Fellow Hertha teammate Vladimir Darida, who is currently returning to fitness after a period out with injury, missed out on a place in the Czech Republic squad. Pekarik was substituted at half time with the score at 0-0 and his Slovakia side were the better team despite not taking numerous chances to take the lead. “We expected it to be a tough match with both teams operating in the centre of the pitch. It was difficult to combine our style of play. There are only a few opportunities to score in matches like this and you have to take these chances if you want to win,” said Slovakia coach Jan Kozak after the match. The visitors came out stronger in the second half and took the lead through Michael Mrmencik in the 52nd minute. Marek Hamsik equalised just ten minutes later but Patrick Schick’s strike in the 76th minute was enough to restore the Czech lead and give the visitors the victory. Ukraine lead the Nations League with six points from their opening two matches, followed by Czech Republic on three points. Slovakia are yet to register their first point in the competition. “We have two matches still to play and we will fight to the end,” says Kozak.

Rune Jarstein and his Norway had a more successful Saturday as the Hertha goalkeeper kept a clean sheet to help his side to a 1-0 win over Slovenia. Ole Kristian Selnaes’ strike in first half stoppage time was enough to secure Norway’s second win in their last three matches. Norway face Bulgaria, who currently lead their Nations League group, on Tuesday and Jarstein’s side will need a win to realistically keep their aspirations of winning the group open.

Mathew Leckie is the next Hertha player in action on international duty as his Australia side travel to Kuwait-City to face Kuwait on Monday.