Internationals | Point for Pedro, two assists for Bissouma

There were mixed fortunes for our players on international duty on Thursday night.

Yves Bissouma enjoyed a solid outing for Mali as they defeated Comoros in a World Cup qualifier in Morocco.

The midfielder provided assists for Mali’s first and third goals – scored by Dorgeles Nene and Kamory Doumbia – in a 3-0 win before departing the action 11 minutes from time.

Yves skippered his nation once again while the assists were his fifth and sixth goal involvements in his last seven games on the international stage (two goals, four assists).

Pedro Porro, meanwhile, put in a full 90-minute shift for Spain as they salvaged a 2-2 draw in their UEFA Nations League quarter-final first leg against the Netherlands.

Spain had taken an early lead through Nico Williams but after Cody Gakpo and Tijjani Reijnders turned the game in the hosts’ favour, Jorrel Hato was sent off for the Netherlands and the visitors took advantage to level in stoppage time through Mikel Merino. Spain are now unbeaten in 17 matches.

In another quarter-final first leg, Destiny Udogie was part of the Italy side that let an early lead slip away to lose 2-1 at home to Germany.

Sandro Tonali had put the hosts in front but Tim Kleindienst and Leon Goretzka netted to turn the tie around.

Destiny played the full game with Guglielmo Vicario an unused substitute.