Two Reds Secure Euro 2024 Qualification, While Another Stakes His Claim
Friday night saw two Liverpool players secure qualification for Euro 2024, while another staked his claim for increased responsibility at Anfield. Centre-back pairing Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate faced off against each other as Kylian Mbappe’s brace helped France to a 2-1 victory against the Netherlands, enough to secure their qualification for the tournament.
Meanwhile, Diogo Jota came on as a substitute as Portugal wrapped up qualification with a 3-2 win over Slovakia. The 26-year-old was restricted to a late cameo appearance as two goals from Cristiano Ronaldo helped ensure his country’s progression from Group J of qualifying with three games to spare.
With Andy Robertson sustaining a dislocated shoulder during Scotland’s 2-0 defeat to Spain on Thursday night, Liverpool fans will have a keen eye on the form of Kostas Tsimikas. The left-back is set for a step up in responsibility in the absence of Robertson and staked his claim for the vacated minutes with an excellent first-half assist against Republic of Ireland.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate Face Off in Euro 2024 Qualifier
Liverpool’s centre-back pairing Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate lined up against one another as France secured their Euro 2024 qualification with a 2-1 victory against the Netherlands. Van Dijk and Konate looked to have clashed heads from a set piece at one stage, but it appeared no real damage was done from a rare instance in which they were required to compete against each other in the air.
Konate and his teammates maintained their perfect record in Group B, ensuring their place in next summer’s tournament. He will be joined by Diogo Jota in Germany next summer, who came on as a substitute in Portugal’s 3-2 win over Slovakia.
Kostas Tsimikas Stakes His Claim for Increased Responsibility at Anfield
With Robertson out of action, Kostas Tsimikas is set for a step up in responsibility at Anfield. The Greek international staked his claim for the vacated minutes with an excellent first-half assist against Republic of Ireland.
Japan captain Wataru Endo was also involved for an hour as his country picked up an impressive 4-1 friendly win over Canada. The 30-year-old kicked off an exquisite move that culminated in his side’s fourth goal of the evening, with the only blemish coming in the form of a Junior Hoilett strike in the dying minutes.
Conclusion
Friday night saw two Liverpool players secure qualification for Euro 2024, while another staked his claim for increased responsibility at Anfield. With Andy Robertson out of action, Kostas Tsimikas is set to take on increased responsibility at Anfield and will be hoping to continue his impressive form for Greece in the upcoming international break. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate faced off against each other as France secured their Euro 2024 qualification with a 2-1 victory against the Netherlands, while Diogo Jota came on as a substitute as Portugal wrapped up qualification with a 3-2 win over Slovakia.