Three points for Jarstein, Duda and Stark on the losing side

Berlin – Niklas Stark didn’t appear for Germany as they lost 4-2 at home to the Netherlands in Hamburg (6/9). Despite a strong first half and a deserved 1-0 lead, they conceded two late goals to slip to their first defeat in the qualifying campaign. Germany currently have nine points from their four group C games, sitting in second behind Northern Ireland who have twelve points to their name. The Netherlands are now only three points behind Germany with a game in hand too. Under Joachim Löw, Germany had won each of their last 14 consecutive qualifying (World Cup and Euros) games, last losing in October 2015. “I’m disappointed. We didn’t make what we could have from the game. Holland deserved to win,” summed up Löw.

Darida travelling to Kosovo                                              

Ondrej Duda and Slovakia and lost in their Euro qualifier. Hertha’s number ten played 90 minutes in a 4-0 defeat in Croatia. Peter Pekarik didn’t make the final matchday squad. Slovakia are currently third in Group E (6 points from 4 games), sitting behind Croatia and Hungary (both 9 points).

Rune Jarstein was, however, on the winning side in the first round of international games. The Norwegian keeper was victorious against Malta on Thursday evening (2-0). Norway have moved up to third place in Group F after five games (8 points). Spain (15 points) and Sweden (10 points) sit in first and second, with the ‘Vikings’ meeting Sweden on Sunday (8/8, 20:45 CEST).

Vladimir Darida and the Czech Republic will face Kosovo on Saturday (7/9, 15:00 CEST).