Special moments for RBL players on international duty | OneFootball

12 players were away on international duty over the past few days, taking part in 20 matches around the globe. Their collective tally: five goals, four assists, one confirmed World Cup qualification – and plenty of stories to tell.

Raum leads by example – and had a feeling it was coming

The ball is placed about 25 metres from goal. Number 22 takes a deep breath, studies the wall, and steps back three paces. His left-footed strike fizzes through a gap in the five-man wall and nestles in the bottom-right corner – the breakthrough in Germany’s 4-0 win and the first senior international goal for our captain!

After the match, David Raum explained: “I drove to the stadium today with the feeling that something might happen for me, and I told our physio beforehand: today’s the day for my first Germany goal.” Said and done. Liverpool star Florian Wirtz also played a part – he had been lined up to take the free-kick but gladly handed it over to David.

Perhaps Wirtz still had Raum’s stunning free-kick against Köln in mind? A few weeks ago, our captain scored from a similar position in that home win, celebrating with his trademark golf-swing gesture. This time, wearing the Germany colours, he kept the club in the bag, instead pointing to his head.

David Raum

When dreams come true

Back in August, the answer came without hesitation. During his presentation as a new RB Leipzig player, Yan Diomande was asked about his biggest dream. “I dream of one day wearing the orange shirt of the Ivory Coast,” said the then-18-year-old.

Just a few months later, after a string of impressive performances for Leipzig, not only has his market value soared – his name is now known in every corner of his home country.

Against the Seychelles, Yan made his debut, starting straight away and scoring his first goal after 55 minutes. It doesn’t get much better than that. His display clearly impressed coach Emerse Faé, as on Tuesday evening he was again named in the starting line-up for the decisive qualifier against Kenya.

In the Ivorian capital Abidjan, he showcased exactly what had once caught the eye of RBL’s scouts: a lightning-fast dribble and a thunderous strike from the edge of the box that flew into the net to make it 2-0 and to send the fans wild. The game finished 3-0, sealing the Ivory Coast’s qualification for their fourth World Cup after 2006, 2010 and 2014.

Toni the livewire

What would a world-class striker be without his playmaker? It’s a question Erling Haaland has probably asked himself more than once – but with his national team, he knows he can rely on a Red Bull.

Antonio Nusa once again showcased his full range of talent during the recent internationals. In Norway’s 5-0 thrashing of Israel, “Toni” tore open the opposition defence with his pace and set up two goals for Haaland. In the friendly against New Zealand, he got a taste of the international World Cup stage and got himself on the scoresheet in a 1-1 draw.

Next year, “Toni” could be heading across the Atlantic – with six wins from six qualifiers, Norway are well on course for their first World Cup appearance in 28 years.

Riding the wave

With a goal, an assist and three consecutive starts for the Red Bulls, Assan Ouedraogo has recently played himself into the spotlight. His impressive performances earned him a move up from Germany’s U20s to the U21 national team – and the 19-year-old has already made his mark there too.

After coming off the bench in the first game, he gave Germany’s attack fresh energy against Greece. In Belfast against Northern Ireland, U21 coach Antonio Di Salvo handed him his first start – and Assan repaid the faith. With Germany trailing 1-0 for much of the game, his well-placed header sparked the turnaround. Within minutes, the young Germans had turned it into a 2-1 win.

Assan Ouédraogo

Germany’s new number 7

Now that’s a statement! A return to the national team after four years – and straight in with the iconic number 7 shirt. Anyone who knows Ridle Baku knows he won’t be getting carried away. On the contrary, after two substitute appearances against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland, our right-back will be heading back to Cottaweg with plenty of extra motivation.

The plan is simple: keep impressing with and for RBL and wait for the next call from Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. The next international break in November even brings a “home game” of sorts, as Germany host Slovakia at the Red Bull Arena (17th November, 20:45 CET) to round off World Cup qualifying.

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