Borussia Dortmund internationals: Donyell Malen and the Netherlands claim vital win
By Tushar Bahl
Donyell Malen and the Netherlands boosted their hopes of qualifying for next summer’s European Championship by claiming a 2-1 win over the Republic of Ireland on Sunday.
Goals from Cody Gakpo and Wout Weghorst helped the Netherlands earn a come from behind 2-1 win against the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers. Donyell Malen was named in the starting XI by head coach Ronald Koeman, and put in an encouraging performance up front.
The Borussia Dortmund forward looked lively and also forced two good saves from Gavin Bazunu in the first half. He was subbed off in the 68th minute, with the Netherlands already 2-1 ahead.
The win helped the Netherlands move up to second place in Group B of the European Championship qualifiers. They are six points behind leaders France, but have a game in hand on the 2022 World Cup runners-up. The top two teams will qualify for Euro 2024, which will take place in Germany next summer.
Donyell Malen can now enjoy a mini-break ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga clash against SC Freiburg on Saturday. The 24 year old has scored in three of BVB’s four games so far this season, and will look to continue his fine run of form after the international break.
Sebastien Haller was in action for the Ivory Coast on Saturday, as they concluded their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 1-0 win over Lesotho. The BVB striker set up the winning goal, which was scored by Ibrahim Sangaré.
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Gregor Kobel, meanwhile, was an unused substitute as Switzerland were held to a 2-2 draw by Kosovo in Group I of the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers. Switzerland hold a two point lead at the top of the Group I standings at the half-way mark of the qualifying campaign.