There are now only days remaining on the countdown to the World Cup in Russia, which meant the final dress rehearsals for many World Cup participants over the weekend. Werder players were amongst those playing their final friendlies ahead of the tournament. Green-White left-back Ludwig Augustinsson played for Sweden in their goalless draw against Peru. Werder’s number five played the full 90 minutes and helped his side to secure a clean sheet.
Yuya Osako and the Japanese national team were less successful, losing 2-0 to Switzerland on Friday evening. Werder’s new signing was in the starting line-up, but the 28-year-old left the pitch as a precautionary measure in the 40th minute after a collision to avoid taking any risks. Japan are set to face Colombia, Senegal and Poland in the group stage of the World Cup and will play one final friendly before then – against Paraguay on Tuesday 12th June (KO 15:05 CEST).
Miloš Veljković didn’t make an appearance for Serbia. Former Werder player and Serbia coach Mladen Krstajić led the Serbian team to a huge win over Bolivia in a 5-1 goalfest. Werder number 13 Veljković was on the bench. While the Serbian centre-back would have been hoping to make an appearance, Thomas Delaney was in the starting line-up for Denmark. Delaney, who is still a Werder player but will move to Borussia Dortmund next season, came on in the 62nd minute in Denmark’s 2-0 win over Mexico.
Josh Sargent and the US national team faced France, one of the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy, and fought out a 1-1 draw. The Green-White forward was initially on the bench, but was brought on in the 74th minute by US coach Dave Sarachan. Sargent has made an appearance in all three of the US’ international fixtures.
Florian Kainz did not make an appearance in Austria’s 3-0 loss to record World Cup winners Brazil. The game ended Austria’s run of seven consecutive wins prior to the game after the 2-1 win against Germany.
