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Coulibaly makes debut, Backhaus impressive
MARCH INTERNATIONAL UPDATE
28/03/26
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This international break could hardly have gone better for those Green-Whites in action for their countries. A total of seven Werder players celebrated wins on the international stage. Two started in Austria’s win over Ghana, while Mio Backhaus and debutant Karim Coulibaly both featured for Antonio Di Salvo’s Germany U21 side.
Germany’s U21s got a very important win on Friday night, as they look to qualify for the European Championships. With a 3-0 win over Northern Ireland, Germany remain within touching distance of group leaders Greece and keep their chances of direct qualification alive. Mio Backhaus was one of the stand-out performers in Braunschweig and was called into action several times. The 21-year-old has now played four times for the Germany U21s and is yet to concede a goal. “Northern Ireland aren’t a side you can beat by just passing around them. They caused us real problems for the whole 90 minutes. That’s why I’m happy I could help the team,” said Backhaus after the game.
Karim Coulibaly came on in the 62nd minute for Finn Jeltsch (VfB Stuttgart) and helped secure the win for his side. The 18-year-old couldn’t hide his delight after the game: “It was an unforgettable day. It’s a dream come true for me. I’ve worked toward this and I’m very grateful to have been given the opportunity.”
Werder captain Marco Friedl and Romano Schmid also had reason to celebrate. The duo started Austria’s 5-1 win over Ghana in Vienna. Maximilian Wöber was not included in the matchday squad due to injury. It was Schmid’s pass that led to the penalty for the first goal being awarded. The 26-year-old only played the first half, while Friedl was given just over an hour before being brought off.
Samuel Mbangula played the full 90 minutes for Belgium’s U21s as they beat Austria 1-0. It was the first time he had played an entire game since his thigh injury.
Goalkeeping talent Stefan Smarkalev watched his Bulgaria U21s side’s 1-0 win against Gibraltar from the bench.
An overview of this international break
Date/time | Home | Away | Werder player(s) | Result |
Wed., 25.03., 12:00 CET | Croatia U19 | Switzerland U19 | Čović | 4-1 |
Wed., 25.03., 18:00 CET | Germany U19 | Sweden U19 | Schmetgens | 2-2 |
Thu., 26.03., 16:45 CET | Germany U20 | Czechia U20 | Musah | 2-1 |
Fri., 27.03., 18:00 CET | Austria | Ghana | Friedl, Schmid & Wöber | 5-1 |
Germany U21 | Northern Ireland U21 | Backhaus & Coulibaly | 3-0 | |
Fri., 27.03., 19:00 CET | Gibraltar U21 | Bulgaria U21 | Smarkalev | 0-1 |
Fri., 27.03., 20:00 CET | Belgium U21 | Austria U21 | Mbangula | 1-0 |
Sat., 28.03., 12:00 CET | Croatia U19 | Norway U19 | Čović | |
Sat., 28.03., 18:00 CET | Germany U19 | Greece U19 | Schmetgens | |
Scotland | Japan | Sugawara | ||
Tue., 31.03., 16:45 CEST | Poland U20 | Germany U20 | Musah | |
Tue., 31.03., 18:00 CEST | Greece U21 | Germany U21 | Backhaus & Coulibaly | |
Austria U19 | Germany U19 | Schmetgens | ||
Bulgaria U21 | Azerbaijan U21 | Smarkalev | ||
Tue., 31.03., 20:45 CEST | Austria | South Korea | Friedl, Schmid & Wöber | |
England | Japan | Sugawara |
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