Blendi Idrizi opens Nations League campaign with a win

Away wins for Kosovo and Norway

Blendi Idrizi and Kosovo started their Nations League campaign with a 2-0 win against Cyprus on Thursday (2/6). Valon Berisha (65’) and Edon Zhegrova (78’) scored for Kosovo, with Idrizi being taken off after 70 minutes. 

Norway also had reason to celebrate, after a 1-0 win against Serbia on Thursday (2/6). Schalke’s Marius Lode was not included in the team’s matchday squad, as Erling Haaland scored the winning goal for visitors (26’).  

Churlinov plays 45 minutes - Poland celebrate victory

Darko Churlinov played the first half in North Macedonia’s 1-1 draw against Bulgaria on Thursday. Kiril Despodov put the hosts ahead in the 13th minute, before Milan Ristovski equalised (50’). 

On Wednesday (1/6), Poland were able to celebrate a 2-1 win in their Nations League fixture against Wales. Jakub Kaminski (72’) and Karol Swiderski (85’) found the back of the net for the hosts, cancelling out Jonathan Williams’ opener (52’). Marcin Kaminski was not included in Poland’s matchday squad. Rabbi Matondo, who was on loan at Cercle Brügge last season, was brought on in the second half.

Japan triumph over Paraguay

Japan’s Ko Itakura, who will leave Schalke after the end of his loan, celebrated a 4-1 win against Paraguay on Thursday. Takuma Asano (36’), Daichi Kamada (42’), Kaoru Mitoma (60’) and Ao Tanaka (85’) scored for the Samurai Blues, with Derlis Gonzalez finding the back of the net for Paraguay (59’). Itakura was subbed on during half-time. Next up, Japan will face Brazil on Monday (6/6) as part of the Kirin Challenge Cup 2022.