Our internationals are entering the second week of the international break. Most have already played two international matches, although they did not all feature every time. In Norway they are now plenty of fans of Kristian Thorstvedt. Our powerful midfielder had to watch from the sidelines owing to suspension against the Netherlands (1-1), but against Latvia (0-2) he played for 60 minutes, and in that match he widely impressed. Playing in a creative role behind the rising star Erling Haaland, he offered yet another display of his unbridled commitment, class and character. Norwegian national coach Ståle Solbakken praised Kristian for his mentality, his playing style and his fighting spirit. He has only been playing for the Norwegian senior team since March, but thanks to “his energy in training" he has battled his way into the first-choice eleven. Tonight the Norwegians play against Gibraltar.
In European World Cup qualifiers, Slovakia drew 1-1 against Slovenia and lost 0-1 to Croatia. Patrik Hrosovský remained on the bench in both games, but he may play against Cyprus today.
In North America, Mark McKenzie didn't feature for the United States, who drew against El Salvador (0-0) and Canada (1-1). Elsewhere, Daniel Muñoz played the full 90 minutes for Colombia at high altitude in Bolivia (1-1). His side also drew, 1-1, in Paraguay, but Muñoz was rested there as a precaution, because he had been booked in Bolivia and he was on a suspension, while Carlos Cuesta remained on the bench. On Thursday evening, Colombia were set to host Chile. For the moment, the Colombians sit fifth, while Chile are only eighth — only the top four of the South American qualifiers go directly to the World Cup in Qatar.
The Asian World Cup qualifiers are currently in their third round. Japan started with a surprising loss (0-1) against Oman, with Junya Ito playing 62 minutes in that match. Today, a win against China is a must in a match set to be played in one of the World Cup venues in Doha.
Paul Onuachu came on late for for Nigeria, who defeated Liberia at home, 2-0; today the Super Eagles will be in action away to Cape Verde.
Maarten Vandevoordt impressed as he kept a clean sheet in a victory for the Belgian U21s in Turkey (0-3). With the U19s, a total of six Genk players were action, and Sekou Diawara scored three times across their two matches. Against Portugal he made it 0-2, before hitting a brace against the Czech Republic (3-3).
Among Genk’s international players, Joakim Mæhle once again impressed with a goal for Denmark against Scotland. Thibaut Courtois, Timothy Castagne and substitute Leandro Trossard helped the Red Devils to a comfortable win against the Czech Republic. Courtois and Trossard were in the starting lineup against Estonia on Thursday. Mats Møller Dæhli came off the bench for Norway against Latvia, while on-loan Eboué Kouassi remained on the bench against Mozambique for the Ivory Coast.