Tottenham Hotspur experienced contrasting fortunes across Europe as international friendly matches provided major drama ahead of the summer tournament.
Pre-World Cup international football delivered highly mixed results for the Lilywhites this week. Midfielder Lucas Bergvall endured a bruising night as Sweden locked horns with an in-form Norway team at the Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo. The young playmaker started the match but witnessed a complete defensive collapse.
The Norwegian attack ran riot during a frantic opening period. The hosts raced into a dominant three-goal lead after just thirty-seven minutes. Crystal Palace forward Jorgen Strand Larsen bagged a quick brace, while Antonio Nusa, also a Tottenham target, found the back of the net.
Sweden’s boss, Graham Potter, reacted aggressively by making seven tactical changes at halftime. The Tottenham starlet was replaced by Sebastian Nanasi before the game, which eventually ended in a 3-1 loss. Newcastle striker Alexander Isak scored a late consolation goal for the visitors, in the 76th minute.
Kevin Danso enters fray following Konrad Laimer red card drama in Vienna clash
Meanwhile, Kevin Danso enjoyed a much better outcome during an eventful clash in Vienna. The central defender initially started on the bench as Austria took on Tunisia. A tight encounter quickly turned chaotic when Rani Khedira attempted to play Anis Ben Slimane through on goal in thirty-seven minutes.
Midfielder Konrad Laimer intercepted the dangerous ball with an intentional handball. The referee initially brandished a yellow card before a lengthy VAR review upgraded the punishment to a straight red card. This left the Austrian squad down to ten men for the remainder of the friendly match.
The robust Tottenham defender entered the pitch at halftime to stabilize the backline. His efforts paid off when Borussia Dortmund star Marcel Sabitzer fired home for the first time from a Stefan Posch cross on sixty-three minutes. The ten men held on stubbornly for a narrow 1-0 victory.
More thrilling international action awaits the passionate N17 faithful on Tuesday evening as senior friendly fixtures continue. Modern prodigy Luka Vuskovic represents Croatia at home against Belgium at five. Defensive powerhouse Radu Dragusin features prominently for Romania away against Georgia at six. Finally, experienced left back Ben Davies proudly captains Wales against Ghana at exactly 7:45 pm.