1899 International Round Up

The arduous road to Euro 2012 in Ukraine and Poland

Group A:
Austria - Germany 1-2 (0-1)

David Alaba was one of the standout performers in the Euro 2012 qualifier between bitter rivals Austria and Germany. Despite being on the wrong end of the result in rather unfortunate circumstances, Alaba caused all sorts of problems for Germany's captain Philipp Lahm and was a driving force behind Austria's attacking movement for the full 90 minutes. However, the result eliminates any hope of Austria making it to Ukraine and Poland in 2012.

Azerbaijan - Germany 1-3 (0-2)

After a tricky encounter with Austria, Germany made their match against Azerbaijan look a lot more comfortable despite some hairy moments at the back. Sebastian Rudy, who had received his first ever call up to the full national side, unfortunately didn't have a part to play in the match, but will no doubt have enjoyed and learnt from the experience. Another three points sees Germany with one foot through the door when it comes to qualifying as they sit atop Group A with a comfortable 10 point margin.

Group D:
Romania - Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 (2-0)

Bosnia and Herzegovina suffered a big setback in their bid to qualify for UEFA Euro 2012 as they travelled to Bucharest only to be comfortably beaten by a convincing Romania side. Vedad Ibisevic was utilised in the second half having come on during the break, while Sejad Salihovic had to be content with a place on the bench for the full 90 minutes. Ahead of their match next Tuesday against Albania, the Eastern European side sit just two points off of Belarus in second place in Group D.

Bosnia and Herzegovina - Albania 2-0 (0-0)

They managed to bounce back from the disappointing result on Tuesday when they welcomed Albania to Zenica. Goals from Medunjanin and Maletic in the second half gave the hosts a comfortable two-goal lead and a crucial win. Vedad Ibisevic came off in the 61st minute, while Sejad Salihovic was once again an unused substitute. With Belarus winning against Luxembourg, Bosnia and Herzegovina are still two points off second place, but have a game in hand over their rivals, whilst only being three points away from France at the top of the group.

Group E:
San Marino - Finland 0-1 (0-1)

Jukka Raitala, who spent last season on loan in Paderborn, was involved for the full 90 minutes as Finland saw off minnows San Marino. Mikael Forssell's goal was the difference between the two sides, as Raitala put in a solid performance for his national side.

Sweden - Finland 5-0 (3-0)

After the narrow win over San Marino, Finland were well and truly humbled on their travels by a dominant Sweden side. Jukka Raitala wasn't involved on this occasion due to minor injury and while Sweden are starting to wrap up second spot, Finland's hopes of qualifying are well an truly over.

Group F:
Croatia - Georgia 2-1 (0-1)

Josip Simunic played the full 90 minutes for Croatia as they picked up an all-important win over Georgia in Group F. They were under pressure, but saw off their opponents thanks to late strikes from Mandzukic and Kalinic to ensure they stayed hot on the heels of group leaders Greece.

African Cup of Nations qualifiers

Ghana - DR Congo 3-1 (0-0)

Isaac Vorsah was on hand once again to help guide the Ghana national side to another important victory in the bid to qualify for the African Cup of Nations. The big centre back turned out to be the difference maker when he headed home for the all important breakthrough in the 62nd minute setting his team up to go on and win the match. The Black Stars sit top of their group level on points with Sudan.

International friendly matches

Brazil - Netherlands 0-0 (0-0)

Bert van Marwijk included Edson Braafheid in the Dutch national side for their two upcoming friendlies. However, Hoffenheim's left back was an unused substitute in the first encounter against Brazil, which ended in a stalemate.

Uruguay - Netherlands 1-1 (0-0)

Edson Braafheid was again kept on the sidelines by van Marwijk, but two late goals saw the match head into extra time where Uruguay won on penalties.

Austria - Latvia 3-1 (0-0)

Austria looked in good form against Latvia as they tried to banish the memories of the bitter defeat against Germany. David Alaba played the full 90 minutes and put in another impressive performance on the international stage.

South Korea - Ghana 2-1 (1-0)

Isaac Vorsah's fledgling international career continued with another good performance for Ghana as they took on South Korea. Despite another solid performance, Vorsah couldn't prevent his side losing, but played the full 90 minutes as he did against DR Congo.

Portugal U21 - Germany U21 4-2 (3-1)

Things didn't go to plan for Germany's U21 side as they succumbed to a difficult defeat by a strong group of Portuguese youngsters. Penial Mlapa and Sebastian Rudy were both involved and while the former came off at half time, the latter played through the whole match.