Ekkelenkamp scores, setback for Lotka

Jurgen Ekkelenamp and Netherlands U21 got off to a perfect start to their qualification campaign for the European U21 Championship in 2023 in Georgia and Romania. In their opening game in Group E, our number 10 was on the scoresheet alongside Joshua Zirkzee and Brian Brobbey as Netherlands overcame Moldova 3-0. Ekkelenkamp can take this condfidence into the coming weeks and was pleased with his performance. “It wasn’t really a difficult game, but they defended with a lot of players which made it more difficult for us. Despite that, we found the back of the net three times and deserved our win. It’s a good feeling to be able to play for your country. Now I’m looking forward to my first game for Hertha,” said our new signing after completing the full 90 minutes.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Marcel Lotka and Poland U21s suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Israel. After seeing his side take the lead, Lotka had no chance with the two Israeli strikes. Poland now sit in fourth place in their qualification group level with Hungary, three points behind Israel and Germany.

Peka an unused substitute, Boyata to take on Belarus

On Matchday 6 of the qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Slovakia overcame Cyprus 2-0 with Peter Pekarík an unused substitute. After a goalless first half, Ivan Schranz and Martin Koscelník scored the goals to give Štefan Tarkovič’s side three points. Slovakia now sit on nine points in third place after three wins, one point behind group leaders Russia and Croatia.

Dedryck Boyata is the only Hertha player who still has an upcoming fixture in the current international break. On Wednesday evening (08/09, 20:45 CEST), Belgium take on Belarus and can potentially increase their lead at the top of their group to nine points with a victory in Kazan.