International update: Wins for Germany and Switzerland

Following the 3-0 victory in the opening match in Norway Germany continued to shine on matchday two in Group C with a convincing 3-0 win in the World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic in Hamburg. Thomas Müller, who scored twice against the Scandinavians, was on target again with another brace and Toni Kroos netted the other goal for Joachim Löw’s team. Julian Brandt replaced Julian Draxler on 80 minutes to win his fourth full international cap for Germany. Bernd Leno and Kevin Volland did not feature in Hamburg.

Admir Mehmedi and Switzerland are on course in Group B. The 2-0 win against reigning European champions Portugal in the first match was followed by a 3-2 victory over Hungary to put the Swiss top of the table on maximum points ahead of the Faroe Islands (4) and Portugal (3). The Werkself pro, on from the start, was replaced late on by the Valentin Stocker with the Hertha Berlin midfielder scoring the winner on 88 minutes. Adam Szalai (Hoffenheim) twice levelled for Hungary to cancel out goals from Haris Seferovic (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Rodrigo Rodriguez (Wolfsburg).

The Germany U21 team secured a 4-3 win against Russia in Ingolstadt to qualify for next year’s European Championships. Germany, now coached by Stefan Kuntz in place of Horst Hrubesch, earned a ninth win in their ninth qualifier. Jonathan Tah played the full 90 minutes in central defence and he had a good game. Benjamin Henrichs did not play.

Henrichs back with the Werkself

Ahead of Tuesday’s final group match against Austria in St. Pölten Henrichs returns to Leverkusen as the youngster has seen a lot of action for the Werkself in recent weeks. Stefan Kuntz agreed the move in discussion with Bayer 04 head coach Roger Schmidt.