All of our boys' international matches have been played and the majority of our Red Bulls are back in Salzburg! While some of them have enjoyed glorious moments representing their country, others have suffered blows. That's football for you...
You can see here how our boys got on over the past week:
- Alexander Schlager did not appear in the 1-1 friendly draw against Moldova as he was saved for the big European qualifier against Sweden. Our goalie had a busy first half, in particular, and turned in a brilliant performance, conceding only one unstoppable late strike. The 3-1 win allowed Austria to move a good seven points ahead of Sweden with three matches remaining, putting them well on course to qualify for EURO 2024!
- The Bosnian national team with Amar Dedic have likewise been dreaming of making the finals. Our full-back played both games as his country took a nervy 2-1 home win over Liechtenstein, before suffering a 0-1 defeat to Iceland. They are now seven points off a qualifying spot with four matches still to play - meaning they still retain an outside but unlikely chance of making it.
- Israel are much closer, just one point behind Romania in a EURO 2024 qualifying spot. The 1-1 draw against their rivals was crucial, with the Israelis coming back to level. The goalscorer in the 53rd minute was a certain Oscar Gloukh! Our midfield maestro inspired his side from the start again in a 1-0 home win against Belarus.
- Maurits Kjaergaard led the U21 national team into friendly matches against France and Slovakia as captain. The Danish side were unable to take any results, with 1-4 and 0-2 defeats.
- Our young Austrians were perhaps a little too motivated for a U21 European qualifying clash with Cyprus (1-1 draw). Samson Baidoo was sent off at the start of the second half. Dijon Kameri had already been shown a yellow card in the first half. Things went better in the next match against Bosnia U21, with Austria winning 2-0 and Dijon Kameri providing assists for both goals.
- Dorgeles Nene put in a strong showing in African Cup of Nations qualifying against South Sudan. Our speedy attacker started on the bench and was introduced in the 28th minute. Just one minute after coming on, the 20-year-old contributed an assist, and in the 82nd minute he netted the final goal in a 4-0 win. Sekou Koita did not play, with Mali already assured of their spot at the finals.
- Hosts Ivory Coast are already certain of a place in the African Cup of Nations, but took part in qualifying regardless - and have enjoyed a solid campaign with 13 points from six matches! They took a 1-0 home win against Lesotho with Karim Konate coming on as a substitute late on.
- In a European qualifier against group leaders Hungary, Serbia and Strahinja Pavlovic suffered a 1-2 defeat. They remain on course for qualification, having won their last match 3-1 against Lithuania - with our defender rested and kept on the bench.
- Croatia U21 began their international week with a 1-1 draw against a club team, NK Slaven Belupo. They then had their first U21 Euro qualifier against the Faroe Islands, and won 4-2 with Roko Simic, who played in both matches, netting.
