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No less than six VfL Bochum 1848 pros still have to go into “extra time” after the end of the season. While Armel Bella Kotchap and Patrick Osterhage have to qualify for the U21 European Championships, Takuma Asano and Christopher Antwi-Adjei could meet each other wearing international colours. In addition to Osterhage, Erhan Mašović and Gerrit Holtmann are also set to make their international debuts.
Armel Bella Kotchap and Patrick Osterhage are likely to be involved throughout their time away as the German U21 national team looks to take the final step towards qualifying for the Euros. Both were already nominated in March, but had to leave first due to Covid19 infections. While Bella Kotchap was allowed to travel to the second game and played in the 1-0 win in Israel, Osterhage is now actually set to make his debut. On June 3, the DFB team will face Hungary in Osnabrück (kickoff 6:15 p.m.), and on June 7, Poland will host them in Łódź (kickoff 6:00 p.m.). Germany will need one point to qualify.
Erhan Mašović and Gerrit Holtmann could also make their debuts in the national colours, in both cases for the senior team. Mašović has received an invitation to join the Serbian squad, with the White Eagles playing four times in UEFA Nations League B Group 4. Starting with the match against Norway (June 2, Belgrade, kick-off 8:45 p.m.), then against Slovenia (June 5, Belgrade, 8:45 p.m.), the trip then goes to Sweden (June 9, Solna, 8:45 p.m.) and the return match to Slovenia (June 12, Ljubljana, 8:45 p.m.). Mašović has played 21 games for the Serbian U21s so far.
Gerrit Holtmann also has qualifying games coming up, for the upcoming Asian Championship. In the final round in Group B, the Philippines will face Yemen at home (June 8) and then have to travel to Mongolia. Holtmann has been nominated for that match on June 11 in Ulaanbaatar. Finally, the Philippine selection will face Palestine on June 14.
Takuma Asano and Christopher Antwi-Adjei could meet in the Kirin Cup, at least the match between Japan and Ghana is scheduled for June 10 in Kobe. The Japanese national team will prepare for the traditional tournament with international matches against Paraguay (June 2, in Sapporo) and Brazil (June 6, Tokyo). Ghana, on the other hand, must first play two Africa Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and in the Central African Republic. Christopher Antwi-Adjei, however, is only nominated for the Kirin Cup matches.
The winner from Japan/Ghana will then play the winner of the Tunisia vs. Chile match in the final, while the losers will play the match for third place. Both matches will be played in Osaka on June 14.
