International duty calls!

While the Bundesliga pauses for a week, seven Hertha players will be joining up with their national teams. Four will be playing in the final two qualification games for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Krzysztof Piątek and Poland still have a lot to play for. They currently sit second in Group I with 17 points and will want to win in Andorra and against Hungary to secure at least a second place finish – ahead of Albania (currently on 15 points) and behind England (20). “We want to get six points. Maybe we can also push England for top spot and qualify directly. First we have to do our homework though,” our number nine outlined the team’s goals for the upcoming fixtures. The World Cup dream is sadly over for Stevan Jovetić. Montenegro play third-placed Turkey (15) and Group G leaders the Netherlands (19).

Boyata and Belgium have the World Cup in their sights

Belgium have nearly achieved their goal of qualifying for the World Cup. Our captain and the Red Devils need just one more win in Group E to secure their spot at the competition, and play Estonia and Wales in their final two matches. If the Welsh drop points then one point will also be enough to progress. Peter Pekarík and Slovakia can no longer get through, with matches against Slovenia and Malta to come. Croatia are second in Group H with 17 points, seven ahead of the Slovakians.

Dárdai with a chance to make his U21 debut

Jurgen Ekkelenkamp and Márton Dárdai will be in action in a different competition – qualification for the European U21 Championships 2023 in Georgia and Romania. The latter has been called up for the Germany U21 side for the first time for fixtures against Poland and San Marino and our defender could make his debut for Antonio Di Salvo’s team. “It’s an honour to be called up by the U21s for the first time. I work hard every day for these experiences. I’m really looking forward to the games,” the 19-year-old said with pride. Ekkelenkamp has already played in his first U21 matches. The Oranje want to carry on their good start in upcoming fixtures against Bulgaria and Gibraltar. Marcel Lotka and the Poland U20s are not looking for points but rather a win in their friendly match against Romania.