Internationals – assists all round, big wins in World Cup qualifying
Tue 30 March 2021, 22:11|
Tottenham Hotspur
Gareth Bale set up Wales’ late winner against Czech Republic while Toby Alderweireld also claimed an assist as Belgium put EIGHT past Belarus on a dramatic night of World Cup qualifying action on Tuesday.
In a tight game that saw both sides finish with 10 men, captain Gareth provided the cross for Daniel James to head Wales to a 1-0 victory over Czech Republic in Cardiff, the goal coming nine minutes from time. Gareth and defender Joe Rodon – who made a crucial match-winning block in the box in stoppage time – both completed the full match for the hosts, who put their first points on the board in Group E.
In the same group, Toby was ever-present at the back as Belgium registered an astonishing 8-0 home win over Belarus. The defender set up Christian Benteke for the hosts’ sixth goal with 20 minutes remaining, as Belgium opened up a three-point lead at the top of the table.
Elsewhere in World Cup qualifying, Steven Bergwijn was an unused substitute for the Netherlands as they enjoyed a similarly sizeable win, 7-0 away to Gibraltar in Group G.
Earlier in the day, captain Serge Aurier’s corner was headed home by Willy Boly as Ivory Coast scored early on the way to opening up a 3-1 lead at home to Ethiopia in their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, only for the game to end in uncertainty when the referee was taken ill during the second half. With the fourth official unable to take charge, it was reported that one of the assistant referees saw the game to its conclusion. Ivory Coast had already qualified for next January’s tournament finals before the game began.
In friendly action, Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with Qatar in Hungary, Troy Parrott coming on for Robbie Brady mid-way through the first half.
Wednesday’s fixtures involving our players
Maksim Paskotsi – Estonia away friendly against Sweden – kick-off 4.45pm
Japhet Tanganga, Ryan Sessegnon and Oliver Skipp – England Under-21s European Under-21 Championship group stage match against Croatia in Slovenia – kick-off 5pm
Eric Dier and Harry Kane – England home 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Poland – kick-off 7.45pm
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – Denmark away 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Austria – kick-off 7.45pm
Hugo Lloris, Tanguy Ndombele and Moussa Sissoko – France away 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Bosnia-Herzegovina – kick-off 7.45pm
