Bayern Munich international break roundup — September 2017
Bayern Munich were well represented over this past international break. Here’s how each of Die Roten’s thirteen international stars fared over the last week.
Die Mannschaft
Five Bayern Munich men represented Germany in their pair of international games: Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels, Joshua Kimmich, Sebastian Rudy and Niklas Süle. Each of them featured in at least one match for Die Mannschaft except for young Süle.
Muller, Hummels and Kimmich each started for the Germans as they narrowly defeated the Czech Republic in their first match-up. The trio — along with Sebastian Rudy — once again featured in the starting eleven as Jogi Löw’s men dominated Norway in a 6-0 win.
It was Mats Hummels’ header that made the difference in Die Mannschaft’s first. His goal coming late in the game on an excellent set-piece. Although no Bayern men scored in Germany’s second, Thomas Muller registered a pair of assists and Joshua Kimmich picked up one of his own with a peach of an assist.
His assist wasn’t the only highlight of the Kid’s night. Germany’s fastest-rising star played a full 90 minutes with Die Mannschaft for a 21st successive game. This record equals that of Franz Beckenbauer, and only Berti Vogts boasts a higher tally.
Each of Bayern’s German stars gave a great showing for themselves and will look to feature heavily in next summer’s World Cup. Once Manuel Neuer and Jerome Boateng are completely fit, the Bavarians will surely dominate Jogi Löw’s starting line-up.
Das Team
Unlike his German teammates, David Alaba will not at all be satisfied with his nation’s two World Cup qualifier results. Played out of his preferred left-back position in both matches, David Alaba could not lead Austria to victory against either Wales or Georgia.
To make matters worse, the talented full-back left Austria’s match against Georgia early with an ankle injury. The full extent of his knock is unknown, but with Juan Bernat sidelined for some time as well, let’s hope it’s nothing serious.
La Furia Roja
As just mentioned, Juan Bernat is out injured and will be for some time. Meanwhile, Javi Martinez has only just returned to training following several spells sidelined. This means Bayern’s only Spanish representative throughout the past week was Thiago Alcantara.
Bayern’s midfield maestro did not make an appearance in Spain’s convincing victory over Italy, but played a full 90 minutes as his nation easily swept aside Liechtenstein 8-0.
Thiago is one of the best midfielders in the world. If he continues to grow in talent as he has over the past season, he’ll undoubtedly play a massive role for La Furia Roja in the 2018 World Cup.
La Roja
Of all Bayern Munich’s members representing their nations on international break, Arturo Vidal perhaps had the most frustrating time. His home nation Chile lost once to Paraguay 3-0 and then to Bolivia 1-0 when they were expected to win both.
Vidal featured as a starter in both, but things were not all smooth sailing for Bayern’s Warrior. The combative Chilean is reportedly furious with his nation’s media and has even threatened to retire from international play if they continue to publish false reports about him.
Las Cafeteros
After spending a lengthy spell sidelined with injury, James Rodriguez finally made a competitive appearance. The Colombian playmaker starred in his countries 1-1 draw with Brazil. James captained Las Cafeteros for the match and put in a solid performance.
. @jamesdrodriguez and 🇨🇴 grab a point. pic.twitter.com/lc127B2uOz
— 🇺🇸 FC Bayern US 🇨🇦 (@FCBayernUS) September 5, 2017
He failed to get on the scoresheet with a tame shot saved early in the first-half and a cheeky free-kick denied by the post in the second. Nevertheless, it was wonderful to see Bayern’s new superstar finally get some playing time.
Les Bleus
Kingsley Coman and Corentin Tolisso received France call-ups for their qualifiers this past week, although the latter did not make an appearance.
Coman, however, started for France in their 4-0 demolition of the Netherlands. The Frenchman was nothing short of stellar playing as a right-mid in a 4-4-2. In a France side full of superstar names like Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann, Coman managed to make his name known.
He did not start in his country’s embarrassing 0-0 draw with Liechtenstein, but featured as an early second-half sub. Against the Dutch, however, both Coman’s wonderful dribbling and lightning pace were on display. His crosses and vision were excellent as well. This was an emphatic statement from the young Frenchman who is tired of sitting on the sidelines under Carlo Ancelotti.
The Oranje
Arjen Robben featured in both of the Netherlands’ matches over the break, but will be all too ready to forget the first. After their embarrassing defeat to France, the Dutch bounced back to get a 3-1 win over Bulgaria. Arjen Robben bagged a goal in their victory, but later remarked that he’s still not in top form.
The White and Reds
Last, but certainly not least, Robert Lewandowski captained Poland in their match-ups against Denmark and Kazakhstan. Just as important (arguably more) for country as he is for club, Lewandowski did not score for Poland against Denmark.
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He did, however, get on the scoresheet against Kazakhstan, making it 12 total for him in World Cup qualifying (second only to Cristiano Ronaldo). He also had a fantastic free-kick wrongly disallowed. Nothing some good ole VAR can’t fix come World Cup time though.