Internationals: Vargas gets another assist
Beljo’s Croatia lose in Nations League final
First Team
20.06.2023, 09:28
Ruben Vargas continued his good run of form, picking up an assist in Switzerland’s 2-2 draw against Romania.
Vargas, who assisted a goal in a 2-1 win over Andorra last time out, was provider again this time, delivering a low cross to Zeki Amdouni in the 28th minute. The FC Basel forward also scored his side’s second to double the lead in the 41st minute, but Switzerland couldn’t see out their lead. A late brace from Romania’s substitute Valentin Mihăilă (89‘, 90‘+2) meant the two sides were unable to be separated at 2-2.
Despite the draw, Switzerland hold on to first place in Group I of their European Championship qualification with 10 points, ahead of Romania (8 points) and Israel (7 points). The top two teams from the group qualify automatically for the 2024 European Championship in Germany.
Beljo unused in Nations League final
Dion Beljo and the Croatia national team faced Spain in the final of the Nations League on Sunday. With regular time ending 0-0, the deadlock still wasn’t broken after extra time and the two sides headed into penalties after 120 goalless minutes. Dani Carvajal scored the winning spot kick as Spain won 5-4 in the shoot-out.
Augsburg’s Beljo was an unused substitute and as such sees the wait for his first international cap continue. Alongside FCA teammate David Čolina, the 21-year-old will head to the U21 European Championship in Georgia and Romania, where Croatia face Ukraine in their opening game on Wednesday 21st June (18:00 CEST)..
Koubek and Czech Republic maintain top spot
Tomáš Koubek was an unused sub for Czech Republic as they defeated Faroe Islands 3-0 on Saturday evening, which saw them defend their first-place position in the EURO qualification Group E. Koubek will be hoping to play in his first international since November on Tuesday when Czech Republic face Montenegro (18:00 CEST).
