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Newcastle United international helps make a bit of history on Thursday night

3 years ago
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Thursday night saw Newcastle United’s Emil Krafth help make a little bit of history.

Having turned down the chance of a move to Fulham at the end of the transfer window, despite limited opportunities at Newcastle United, Emil Krafth had a real red letter day (night) on Thursday.

Making only his second start in a competitive match since playing for Sweden in their 2-0 defeat to England in the 2018 World Cup finals, the NUFC defender was selected at right-back last night.

Spain hadn’t lost a World Cup qualifier since 1993 and took the lead after only four minutes, it looking a long night for Emil Krafth and his international teammates.

However, within 12 seconds of the restart they were level and on 57 minutes Claesson scored what would turn out to be the winner for Sweden. Spain had 75% possession but Krafth and the rest of the Swedish defence limited them to only four shots on target, the same as what Sweden managed on the night.

So after 66 World Cup qualifiers undefeated, Spain lose number 67, whilst Sweden and Emil Krafth stand top of their qualifying group for Qatar with three wins in three games, two points above Spain and with a game in hand.

As well as Emil Krafth getting a welcome full 90 minutes, Jamal Lewis did the same last night.

Northern Ireland desperately needed a result and they did so, hammering Lithuania 4-1 away from home. Jamal Lewis playing well and contributing to the emphatic victory, getting forward a lot from his left wing-back position.

A massive match awaits next Wednesday when Northern Ireland host Fabian Schar and Switzerland. Currently third in the group, Jamal Lewis and his team could go second in the table with a win, depending on how the Swiss do against Italy on Sunday.

Full schedule of international matches in September involving Newcastle United players. The majority of the games are World Cup qualifiers, plus a few friendlies.

Wednesday 1 September

Denmark 2 Scotland 0

Comfortable win for Denmark in this World Cup qualifier but having a decent game, Newcastle’s Ryan Fraser struck a very good low left foot shot with 10 minutes to go, which produced a World class save from Kasper Schmeichel.

Portugal 2 Republic of Ireland 1

A dramatic night with Jeff Hendrick at the heart of it in this World Cup qualifier.

The Newcastle player bringing down Man Utd’s Fernandes to give Cristiano Ronaldo the chance to make history, with what would be his 110th international goal, a new World record in international football. However, the penalty brilliantly saved by the Irish keeper Bazunu.

Ireland took a shock lead on the stroke of half-time through Egan but left gutted as Cristiano Ronaldo produced superb headers in the 89th and 96th minutes to win the game for Portugal and now put him on 111 international goals, two more than anybody else has ever achieved.

Switzerland 2 Greece 1

A full 90 minutes for Newcastle’s Fabian Schar as Switzerland won the friendly, their first match since exiting the Euros against England.

Thursday 2 September

Sweden 2 Spain 1

A massive win in this World Cup qualifier sees Sweden now top the group, two points clear of Spain and with a game in hand. Emil Krafth making only his second competitive start for Sweden in over three years and they restricted Spain to only four shots on target. It was also a bit of history made as Sweden hadn’t lost in 66 World Cup qualifiers since 1993.

Lithuania 1 Northern Ireland 4

A very welcome 90 minutes for Newcastle’s Jamal Lewis who impressed going forward from his left wing-back position. An emphatic 4-1 away win in this World Cup qualifier reviving some hope of qualification, a massive game awaits next Wednesday against Fabian Schar and Switzerland.

Saturday 4 September

Scotland v Moldova (Ryan Fraser) World Cup qualifier

Azerbaijan v Republic of Ireland (Jeff Hendrick) World Cup qualifier

Sunday 5 September

Sweden v Uzbekistan (Emil Krafth) Friendly

Estonia v Northern Ireland (Jamal Lewis) Friendly

Switzerland v Italy (Fabian Schar) World Cup qualifier

Tuesday 7 September

Austria v Scotland (Ryan Fraser) World Cup qualifier

Republic of Ireland v Serbia (Jeff Hendrick) World Cup qualifier

Wednesday 8 September

Greece v Sweden (Emil Krafth) World Cup qualifier

Northern Ireland v Switzerland (Jamal Lewis and Fabian Schar) World Cup qualifier

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