Liverpool defender shines as nine players feature on international duty | OneFootball

Konate Shines for France as Liverpool Players Star in International Fixtures

Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate produced a commanding display for France as Les Bleus secured a 2-1 victory over Iceland in Group D of the European World Cup qualifiers. The centre-back’s composure at Parc des Princes was crucial as France saw out the win despite playing the final stages with 10 men.

Photo IMAGO

“Hugo Ekitike also stepped off the bench in the sixth minute of added time at the end of the contest as France clinched the points having earlier been reduced to 10 men during the second half.”

Photo IMAGO

Konate’s presence was vital in stabilising France’s defence, with his positional awareness and aerial strength preventing Iceland from capitalising on their numerical advantage. For Liverpool, this was a welcome reminder of the defender’s value heading into a challenging domestic schedule.

Hungary and Portugal Serve Up Thriller

Elsewhere, Milos Kerkez and Dominik Szoboszlai started in Hungary’s narrow 3-2 defeat by Portugal at Puskas Arena. The high-tempo contest highlighted Hungary’s growing competitiveness in Group F, though defensive lapses cost them the result.

Photo IMAGO

Liverpool Influence in Youth Ranks

Liverpool’s academy talent was also well represented. “Trent Kone-Doherty was handed a debut at that level for the Republic of Ireland, coming on as a half-time substitute in a 1-0 win against Andorra.” Goalkeeper Armin Pecsi earned a start for Hungary U21s in a 1-1 draw with Lithuania, while Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni came off the bench to help England U19s secure a 4-1 victory over the Netherlands.

South American Reds in Action

In South America, Alexis Mac Allister featured for Argentina in a 1-0 loss to Ecuador, while Alisson Becker started in goal as Brazil were beaten 1-0 by Bolivia. Both nations have already qualified for next summer’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.