Asllani makes Kosovo cheer
©IMAGO
France and Switzerland missed early qualification for the World Cup. Without the ailing Kylian Mbappé, Les Bleus couldn’t get past a 2-2 (0-1) draw in Iceland. The Swiss also couldn’t win and played 0-0 in Slovenia. Even with two wins, it wouldn’t have been enough for the French and Swiss to get a World Cup ticket, as they were denied the support of their pursuers.
Former Bundesliga professionals Christopher Nkunku (63rd minute) and Jean-Philippe Mateta (68th) scored for France. For Mateta, it was his debut goal for the Équipe Tricolore in his second international match – he was nominated for the first time at the age of 28. However, former Darmstadt player Victor Pálsson (39th) and Kristian Hlynsson (70th) secured the draw for Iceland with their goals. Like Switzerland, France also has qualification for next year’s tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada still in its own hands. Second behind Switzerland in Group B is Kosovo, who celebrated in Sweden thanks to Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani (32nd).
The same applies to the French and Swiss for Belgium, who secured an important 4:2 (2:1) win in Wales. Kevin De Bruyne (18th/76th/hand penalty each), Thomas Meunier (24th) and Leandro Trossard (90th) scored for the Red Devils, who moved up to first place in Group J. Joe Rodon (8th) and Nathan Broadhead (89th) scored the goals for Wales.