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National teams 21 June 2023, 16:47

Qualification, a first cap, a goal… Here's all that happened in the June international break

Qualification, a first cap, a goal… Here's all that happened in the June international break
AS Monaco's players impressed in this international break in June. First appearances, goals and qualifications, it's time to take stock.

It’s time for vacation! This last international break of the 2022-2023 season has come to an end. All Monegasques – apart from Eliot Matazo who will play the U-21 Euros with Belgium – are now on break until July 3, when the teams will return to the Performance Center. This is therefore an opportunity to take stock of the highlights from what our Rouge et Blanc have done with their respective countries.

Mali qualify, France are in top form

It was mainly qualifiying for AFCON 2023 and EURO 2024 that have marked this break. And our Monegasques got closer to their respective goals Facing a tough Congo side, this did not prevent Mohamed Camara’s teammates from winning (0-2) as they finished in the first two of their group, synonymous with qualification for AFCON 2023.

On the Old Continent France, with Youssouf Fofana (11 min) and Axel Disasi (5 min) took a serious step toward qualification by winning their two Group B matches against Gibraltar (0-3) and Greece (1-0). The Monegasque central defender was even close to scoring a goal but his header came off the crossbar. Les Bleus thus consolidated first place in the group with twelve points, six ahead of second-placed Greece.

Eliesse Ben Seghir in top form

Among the  youth teams, the French U18s took fourth place in the Tournoi Maurice-Revello. They lost in the semifinal against Mexico on penalties (1-1, 3-4 penalties), this did not prevent Eliesse Ben Seghir from impressing.

In the space of four games, including only two as a starter, the striker from the Academy scored two goals against Costa Rica and Mexico. These remarkable performances quite simply earned him the title of best player of the tournament. His teammate Mayssam Benama was also part of this adventure, having played a large part in these matches (204 minutes).

A debut for Vanderson with Brazil

Called up for the first time in his career with Brazil by Ramon Menezes, Vanderson had the chance to win his first cap. A substitute at kick-off against Guinea (4-1), our right back, who is celebrating his 22nd birthday today, came on in additional time to play his first minutes for his country. Again on the bench during the second friendly match for the Seleção, he could not help them avoid defeat against Senegal (2-4).

A major result for Senegal

If Vandi suffered defeat, conversely, it was his teammates Ismail Jakobs (180 min) and Krépin Diatta (101 min) who enjoyed this result. After falling behind quickly, the Senegalese found the resources to turn the tide and finally won with authority against Brazil (4-2). While the Rouge et Blanc right winger only came on  at the end of the match, “Izo” started and played the whole match. It was a major feat since they became the first African team in history to score four goals against the Auriverde.

More game time

In South America, Guillermo Maripán saw his team beat Cuba (5-0) from the sidelines in the first match, before making his contribution in Bolivia. A starter, he played the entire match, allowing his team to obtain another clean sheet (0-0). It’s a good omen before Chile start qualifying for the World Cup in September.

Finally for the Red Devils side, Eliot Matazo (90 minutes) and his teammates, won against Israel (0-2), before the U-21 Euros. The start of this competition is this Wednesday (6 p.m.) for them, with a big match against the Netherlands.

Photos: Icon Sport

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