Rexhbecaj debut and another win for Knudsen during international break
Debuts, head-to-heads and victories
While FC Augsburg get a break from the Bundesliga, a number of the squad have been in action for their national sides. From a debut to some exciting Nations League clashes, here is the full round-up of those FCA players on international duty.
Elvis Rexhbecaj experienced a proud moment during his nation’s 3-0 defeat to Romania. The 25-year-old made his debut for the Kosovo national team and even played the full 90 minutes.
Things turned out to be a bit more successful for Samuel Essende, who played 63 minutes of DR Congo’s 1-0 win over Guinea after the FCA striker was included in the starting line-up. A strong showing from his nation’s team earned a close albeit fully deserved victory.
Chrislain Matsima was called up to the France U21 squad for their game against Slovenia. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, but the Augsburg defender remained on the bench throughout.
A clash of club teammates
Greece played Finland in what was a particularly entertaining contest that saw two FCA players, Dimitris Giannoulis and Fredrik Jensen, go head-to-head. In this Nations League fixture, Greece emerged 3-0 victors. While Giannoulis was restricted to watching from the bench, Jensen came on in the 62nd minute, although he could not affect the score line for his country.
Another two Augsburg players faced-off in the clash between Nigeria and Benin. Frank Onyeka went up against Steve Mounié, with Nigeria ultimately recording a comfortable 3-0 win. Steve Mounié played the full 90 minutes, but Frank Onyeka did not feature, instead getting to watch his nation’s victory as a substitute.
Ruben Vargas was also in action for his country, starting on the wing in Switzerland’s 4-1 defeat in the Nations League at the hands of Spain. Vargas delivered a committed performance until he was substituted in the 85th minute. Despite his efforts, however, the evening ended in a fairly clear-cut result for Switzerland against the power of the European Champions.
Goallkeeper Nediljko Labrović and midfielder Kristijan Jakić were both in the squad for Croatia’s 1-0 win over Poland in the Nations League, although neither featured.
Knudsen wins again
Denmark continued their winning streak under FCA assistant coach Lars Knudsen, who is currently deputising in the role for Morten Wieghorst, during his absence for health reasons. After their 2-0 win against Switzerland, Denmark recorded another 2-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday.
