27th May 2016: Czech Republic 6-0 Malta
Theodor Gebre Selassie and his national team successfully got their preparation for the European Championship underway, as Czech Republic destroyed Malta 6-0 in the Austrian town of Kufstein and appeared to be in a real goalscoring mood. Coach Pavel Vrba experimented a lot and brought six new players into the game at half time, one of which was Gebre Selassie, who played the second half on his unfavoured position on the left-hand side. The Czechs are most certainly expecting a different calibre of opposition in Russia on Wednesday – something similar to what the “Reprezentace” will face in the group stage of the EUROs (Spain, Croatia, Turkey).
26th May 2016: US Schluein Ilanz 0-14 Austria
Austria also seemed to have an offensive mindset. “Das Nationalteam” were already 6-0 up at half time against Swiss fourth-division outfit Schluein Ilanz, before coach Marcel Koller made several changes. After being brought on, Zlatko Junuzovic scored a brace, including an impressive volley from the edge of the box. Austria face Malta in their next friendly on 31st May at 20:30 CEST.
29th May 2016: Spain 3-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
Defending European Champions Spain defeated Bosnia &Herzegovina 3-1 on Sunday. Because of the Champions League final, coach Vicente del Bosque utilised his B-team. Nevertheless, they didn’t find many difficulties and after 18 minutes were already 2-0 up. Half-time substitute Izet Hajrovic could do nothing to prevent the defeat, even when Emir Spahic pulled one back in the 29th minute.
31st May 2016, 12:00 CEST: Zimbabwe vs. Uganda
Werder attacker Melvyn Lorenzen was greeted with flowers at the airport in Uganda. The 21-year-old has travelled for the first time to meet up with the national team of his father’s homeland and has trained intensively with the “Cranes”. They are up against Zimbabwe in a friendly, where Lorenzen is fully expected to make his international debut. Uganda are preparing for their decisive Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game against Botswana on 4th June.