International updates: Schick’s World Cup hopes alive – Culbreath scores for Germany

+++ 26/03: Schick converts two penalties - next opponents Italy +++

Midway through the first half, Czechia and Werkself player Patrik Schick were already 2-0 down in the play-off semi-final against Ireland. However, the Leverkusen forward pulled a goal back from the penalty spot on 27 minutes and then captain Ladislav Krejci (Wolverhampton Wanderers) forced extra time shortly before the end of normal time. There were no more goals so the game went to a penalty shoot-out. Schick was the fourth Czechia penalty taker to keep his cool in the shoot-out - and in the end he and his compatriots progressed to the all-important duel for participation in the World Cup. They will face Denmark, who defeated North Macedonia 4-0, on Tuesday, 31 March (kick-off: 20:45 CEST).

+++ 25/03: Tape plays full game in France U19 draw +++

In Germany's parallel group, the France U19 team faced Norway in their opener. Axel Tape, who played for 90 minutes, and his compatriots were all square at 1-1 at the break. The Scandinavians even took the lead in the second half, before Les Bleus netted a penalty in the closing stages to make the final score 2-2. The tournament continues on Saturday 28 March with a game against Switzerland.

+++ 25/03: Culbreath scores, but Germany U19s miss out on opening win +++

The Germany U19 team could only draw 2-2 with Sweden at the start of the second stage of the European Championship qualifiers. With Montrell Culbreath, from Leverkusen playing the full 90 minutes, Germany took a 1-0 lead at the break. Sweden equalised after the restart before Culbreath put his side back in front on 80 minutes. However, Germany then conceded the final goal in stoppage time. Their next opponents on Saturday 28 March are Greece.

International fixtures at a glance: