Internationals on Friday
Borussia Dortmund attacker Erling Haaland celebrated his comeback for Norway with a goal about six months after his last international appearance. The 21-year-old scored the 2-0 (0-0) goal for the Scandinavians against Slovakia in the 77th minute – it was his twelfth goal in Norway’s 15th international match.
Haaland last played for his country at the beginning of September, scoring three times in the 5-1 win against Gibraltar. Due to injury, he was then unable to play the last four games of the World Cup qualifier, and Norway missed out on participating in the tournament in Qatar in the last few meters. In the friendly against the Slovaks, the Dortmund man was substituted in the 81st minute, shortly after Arsenal FC’s Martin Ødegaard made it 2-0.
RB Leipzig’s Nkunku leaves chances in France debut
World champions France also started the World Cup year with a late win on Friday evening. In the friendly against Ivory Coast, the hosts won 2-1 (1-1) in Marseille after Aurélien Tchouaméni scored with a last-minute header. Nicolas Pepé put the Africans ahead in the 19th minute when he passed Bayern defender Lucas Hernández and beat Hugo Lloris in the French goal. Just three minutes later, veteran striker Olivier Giroud headed the equalizer for the hosts.
RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku had a number of chances to decide the game prematurely for his team on his debut for France’s selection. After 75 minutes, the 24-year-old had to make room for Wissam Ben Yedder. Overall, France struggled in attack after the break until AS Monaco midfielder Tchouameni struck in injury time.
With Nkunku, Diaby & Coman: Biggest market value winners in the Bundesliga (March 2022)
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