Hitz on track for the World Cup while Richter debuts

In total, eight FCA players are in action for their countries in this international break. While Marwin Hitz and Switzerland came out victorious against Northern Ireland 1-0 in the first leg of their World Cup playoff, Konstantinos Stafylidis and Greece were not so fortunate, as they lost 4-1 to Croatia. Northern Ireland 0-1 Switzerland FCA goalkeeper Marwin Hitz and Switzerland are on course for the World Cup. They won 1-0 in the first leg of their playoff against Northern Ireland on Thursday night, meaning that they have the advantage going into the next leg in Basel on Sunday. Ricardo Rodriguez scored the winner from the penalty spot in the 58th minute, while Hitz watched the game from the bench. Croatia 4-1 Greece World Cup qualification is looking like a long shot for Greece and Konstantinos Stafylidis thanks to a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Croatia in Zagreb. Modric (13’), Kalinic (19’), Perisic (33’) and Kramaric (49’) scored the decisive goals for the home side, while Sokratis scored for the Greeks. Stafylidis started the game, but was subbed off in the 71st minute. He is likely to be a part of the side that will try to pull things back in the next leg on Sunday in Piraeus. It won’t be easy. Germany U20s 2-2 Italy U20s Elsewhere on Thursday, Marco Richter celebrated his debut for the Germany U20s. The 19-year-old has already represented Germany in other age groups, but his appearance for the national side in their 2-2 draw with Italy was his first at this level. Hertha’s Sidney Friede and Hoffenheim’s Robin Hack got the goals for Germany. Iceland 1-2 Czech Republic On Wednesday, Alfred Finnbogason was also in international action with Iceland. Unfortunately however, his side lost in a friendly against Czech Republic 1-0. While Finnbo didn’t see the pitch, his namesake Kjartan Finnbogason scored a consolation goal for Iceland in the 77th minute.