World Cup update: Gruezo and Gumny with chances to head to last 16
Zehnter enjoys dominant win with Germany U19
The second matchday of the World Cup group stage is in full swing - and both Carlos Gruezo (Ecuador) and Robert Gumny (Poland) are in strong positions with their respective nations.
On Friday, the Ecuadorians held out against favourites Netherlands to a 1-1 draw, with Gruezo sitting an unused substitute as he was for their first game, a 2-0 win. However, the FCA midfielder may be called into action for the final group game (Tuesday, 29 November, 16.00 CET), as regular Jhegson Méndez misses out due to a suspension, having received two yellow cards.
Gumny is also still waiting for his first World Cup minutes. On Saturday, Poland won out 2-0 against Saudi Arabia. Piotr Zieliński and Robert Lewandowski got on the scoresheet with Wojciech Szczęsny saved a penalty. Gumny and Poland have the chance to qualify in their final clash of the group against Argentina (Wednesday, 30th November, 20:00 CET) – where even a draw may suffice.
Zehnter in Malta, Kömür in Israel
Aaron Zehnter enjoyed a dominant with Germany's U19s, who beat the hosts 7-0 in a four nations’ tournament in Malta. The Augsburg youngster, who played the full 90 in the 3-0 win against Poland, was substituted on this time after 20 minutes before the final whistle. Portugal U19 await on Tuesday, 29 November (18:00 CET) in the final game of the competition.
Mert Kömür, who is just 17 years old, is also on the road at a four-nation tournament, albeit not in Malta but in Israel, representing Germany U18. In the first of three games, head coach Christian Wörns’ drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic, with Kömür was substituted on at half-time.