Overview internationals: Olsson and Thelin beat Spain

GAMES Several Anderlecht players have played for their national team. Three of them played the entire game. An overview.


Sweden provided a big surprise by beating Spain 2-1. Kristoffer Olsson played the entire game. Isaac Kiese Thelin came in five minutes before the final whistle. Sweden now has nine out of nine and, with one game less played, jumps over Spain to the lead.

Josh Cullen also seemed long on his way to a stunt with Ireland. Against Portugal, Ireland led until the 89th minute, but then Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice. Result 2-1. Cullen played the entire game. It was Ireland's third loss in as many qualifying matches.

The Belgian team won with 2-5 in Estonia and has 10 points out of 12. Yari Verschaeren was not yet in the selection, because he will play with the U21 first.

In North and Central America, Panama drew 0-0 against Costa Rica. Amir Murillo played the entire match. It was the first game in the final qualifying round. Eight teams compete for three direct tickets and one ticket for play-off competitions.

In Africa, Niger lost 0-2 to Burkuna Faso. Goalkeeper Naim Van Attenhoven stayed on the bench for ninety minutes. It was also Niger's first qualifying match. They compete with three other countries for a place at the World Cup.