Over the weekend two Werder players, Zlatko Junuzovic and Levin Öztunali, took to the pitch for their nations. While Öztunali was eliminated in the quarter finals of the U20 World Cup, Junuzovic put in a convincing performance for the Austria senior side. Theodor Gebre Selassie and Izet Hajrovic didn't play in this round of Euro qualifying fixtures.
The dream of winning the World Cup in New Zealand is over for Levin Öztunali and the German U20s. The midfielder and his team battled for over 120 minutes in Christchurch, but failed to overcome Mali and eventually lost 4-3 on penalties. Even during normal time the Germans had the chance to take the lead from the spot. The penalty shootout, however, brought an end to proceedings, although Öztunali's converted penalty counted for nothing in the end. Now he can go on a deserved holiday.
Things were quite different for Zlatko Junuzovic. The Austrians have all but secured their ticket to the Euros after their win over Russia. Junuzovic put in a convincing performance in attacking midfield and was replaced by Sebastian Prödl in the 87th minute. With 16 points, including five wins in the last five games, Austria currently sit top of Group G, ahead of Sweden.
Theodor Gebre Selassie didn't make it onto the pitch for the Czech Republic's qualifier against Iceland. His side lost 2-1 and now find themselves in second place in the group. Izet Hajrovic also failed to make an appearance for his country, instead being a spectator of Bosnia and Herzegovina's 3-1 win over Israel.