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Two wins and one defeat on international duty for Schalke trio
As the international break drew to a close, Nikola Katic, Moussa Sylla and Vitalie Becker all picked up minutes for their national sides, with one of them still in with a shot at World Cup qualification.
Nikola Katic returned to Gelsenkirchen on a winning note after Bosnia and Herzegovina’s 4-1 friendly victory away to Malta on Sunday (12/10). The centre-back came off the bench in the 71st minute, with Amar Memic (16’), Haris Tabakovic (53’), Benjamin Tahirovic (84’) and Nail Omerovic (86’) on target for Bosnia. Malta’s Paul Mbong (60’) briefly reduced the deficit from the penalty spot.
Elsewhere in Group H, Bosnia and Herzegovina had a rest day while their qualification rivals were in action. Group leaders Austria were beaten 1-0 by Romania, who struck in the fifth minute of added time through Virgil Ghita. With two games remaining, Bosnia and Herzegovina sit second on 13 points – just two behind Austria – and have their fate in their own hands when they face Romania (15/11) and Austria (18/11) in the next international break.
Germany U20s beaten again
In Africa, Moussa Sylla’s Mali signed off from their qualifying campaign with a 4-1 home win over Madagascar on Sunday (12/10). The forward came on in the 81st minute as Lassine Sinayoko (10’, 64’), Dorgeles Nene (39’) and Gaoussou Diarra (90’+5) got on the scoresheet for the hosts. Johan N’Zi netted a late consolation for the visitors. Mali’s chances of qualifying had already ended the previous week, with Madagascar securing second place in the group.
Vitalie Becker and Germany U20s, meanwhile, fell to a second defeat against Portugal to round off their international break. After losing 2-1 on Friday (10/10), Hannes Wolf’s side were narrowly beaten 1-0 in Monday’s rematch (13/10) by a Rodrigo Ribeiro strike early in the second half (49’). Becker came on in the 67th minute to replace Almugera Kabar of Borussia Dortmund. Germany U20s are next in action against Romania (14/11) and Italy (17/11).
