Herthaner qualify for the Euros

Peter Pekarík and Slovakia qualified for next year’s Euros on Thursday night, while Mattéo Guendouzi helped France U21s reach their equivalent.

Berlin – Hertha’s number two, Peter Pekarík, had reason to celebrate on Thursday evening (12/11/20) as his Slovakia side booked their place at next summer’s European Championship. They defeated Northern Ireland 2-1 in extra time and will face Spain, Sweden and Poland in Group E in 2021. ‘Peka’, who played all 120 minutes, won’t have much time to celebrate as Slovakia are in back UEFA Nations League against Scotland on Sunday (15/11/20, 15:00 CET). France U21s and Mattéo Guendouzi also secured a place at the Euros. The ‘Equipe Tricolore’ defeated Liechtenstein 5-0, with Hertha’s midfielder playing 64 minutes. The French have therefore ensured that they would qualify as one of the best second-placed times for the tournament in Hungary and Slovenia in 2021, although a win on Monday against Switzerland could see them win the group.

Omar Alderete and Paraguay drew 1-1 against Argentina as part of their World Cup qualification campaign. Hertha’s summer signing made a cameo appearance in Buenos Aires. Several of Bruno Labbadia’s squad will be in action for their national sides this weekend. Matheus Cunha, who is on standby for Brazil’s senior side, will face South Korea with Brazil’s Olympic team on Saturday (14/11/20, 15:00 CET). Javairô Dilrosun and Deyovaisio Zeefuik will take on Belarus U21s on Sunday afternoon in a qualifier for the Euros (15/11/20, 14:30 CET).

Piątek scores, Lukébakio makes his debut

On Wednesday afternoon, a decision was made to cancel Norway’s friendly against Israel, which was planned for 18:00 CET the same day, due to an increased risk of Covid-19 infection. Therefore, Rune Jarstein and the ‘Vikings’ will next be in action on Sunday (15/11/20, 20:45) in the UEFA Nations League against Romania. Meanwhile, Vladimír Darida was in action, playing around 20 minutes as the Czech national team lost 1-0 to Germany. Niklas Starkw as an unused substitute for Joachim Löw’s side. Next up for Darida and the Czech Republic is Israel in the UEFA Nations League (15/11/20, 20:45), while Germany and Stark will face Ukraine (14/11/20, 20:45) in the same competition. Germany’s next opponents fell victim to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Krzysztof Piątek and Poland on Wednesday, with the Hertha man playing 90 minutes and giving his side the lead in the 40th minute. Fellow attacker Dodi Lukébakio also added to a successful week after his goal at the weekend, as he made his debut for Belgium. Lukébakio played 83 minutes and was involved in Michy Batshuayi’s second goal (83’) as the ‘Red Devils’ overcame Switzerland 2-1. Defender Dedryck Boyata was among those not selected in the matchday squad. Belgium will face England in the Nations League on Sunday (15/11/20, 20:45).