Belgium win in Nations League. Andersen and Kownacki still in contention for U21 Euro qualification

There were two wins and a draw for Samp players away on international duty, for matches in the UEFA Nations League and qualification for the Under-21 European Championship.

Praet. Belgium beat Switzerland 2-1 to take top spot in Group 2 (League A) in the Nations League. Dennis Praet watched on from the bench as Roberto Martinez’ Red Devils emerged victorious in Brussels. Romelu Lukaku scored a double, bagging goals either side of a Mario Gavranovic equaliser.

Andersen & Kownacki. The two Samp youngsters have another game to earn qualification for the European U21 Championship, which is to take place in Italy and San Marino from 16 to 30 June. In the penultimate match of the qualifying campaign, Denmark and Poland played out a 1-1 draw in Aalborg, meaning both teams remained unmoved in the group standings, with Joachim Andersen’s Denmark in first place on 20 points and Dawid Kownacki’s Poland just behind on 19. The home side opened the scoring on 40 minutes through Philip Billing but were pegged back just a few minutes later, as Doria’s Kownacki scored from the penalty spot before the interval.

Stijepovic. Meanwhile Ognjen Stijepovic’s Montenegro U21 side, which cannot qualify for the summer tournament, beat a woeful Luxembourg side 3-0. The Sampdoria forward remained on the field for the duration, as goals from Milutin Osmajic, Ilija Vukotić and Andrija Vukčević secured the win.