Internationals – Toby tops team-mates, Estonia debut for youngster Paskotsi
Wed 24 March 2021, 22:40|
Tottenham Hotspur
Qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup got underway for some of our players representing European nations on Wednesday evening, with Toby Alderweireld’s Belgium getting off to a winning start against a Wales side including Gareth Bale and Joe Rodon.
It was the visiting Welsh who hit the target first in Group E with skipper Gareth providing the assist for Harry Wilson to finish off a beautifully-crafted team goal.
But Belgium roared back to win 3-1, with Toby completing the full game in the hosts’ back line. Gareth and defender Joe both started for Wales, with the former withdrawn six minutes from time.
In the same group, 18-year-old Academy defender Maksim Paskotsi was handed his senior international debut from the start for depleted Estonia, as they hosted Czech Republic.
Missing a number of senior players, Estonia had to call in reinforcements over the last few days, with Maksim promoted from their Under-21 squad and thrust straight in at the heart of their defensive line. They took an early lead, only to see Czech Republic reel off six goals in succession before a late consolation saw the game end 6-2 to the visitors.
A regular starter for our Under-18s since joining us from home-town club Flora Tallinn at the start of the season, it was nevertheless an invaluable experience for the teenage defender who completed the full 90 minutes, thus becoming our first-ever men’s Estonian international – women’s international Hannaliis Jaadla played for us in 2012.
Elsewhere on Wednesday night, Hugo Lloris captained France as they were held 1-1 at home by Ukraine in Group D, Moussa Sissoko an unused substitute, while Matt Doherty played 90 minutes for Republic of Ireland in their 3-2 defeat away to Serbia in Group A.
Steven Bergwijn was an unused substitute for the Netherlands in their 4-2 Group G loss to Turkey in Istanbul.
Thursday’s fixtures
Japhet Tanganga, Ryan Sessegnon and Oliver Skipp – England Under-21s European Under-21 Championship group stage match against Switzerland in Slovenia – kick-off 2pm
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg – Denmark away 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Israel – kick-off 5pm
Eric Dier and Harry Kane – England home 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against San Marino – kick-off 7.45pm
