Borussia Dortmund internationals: Manuel Akanji and Switzerland held to goalless draw

Manuel Akanji and Switzerland suffered a blow in their hopes of qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, as they were held to a goalless draw by Northern Ireland. 

Manuel Akanji started for Switzerland as they went up against Northern Ireland in Belfast on Wednesday evening. The Euro 2020 quarterfinalists dominated possession and created the majority of the chances in the first half. Switzerland had a golden chance to take the lead in the 33rd minute when Augsburg’s Ruben Vargas was fouled inside the box. But Haris Seferovic’s spot-kick was saved by Northern Ireland goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell.

Switzerland continued to threaten, but were unable to find a breakthrough past the resolute Northern Ireland. And the game ended all square. Manuel Akanji played 90 minutes for Switzerland, while Gregor Kobel was an unused substitute as Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Yann Sommer played in goal.

The result means that Switzerland are now six points behind Italy in Group C. Switzerland have two games in hand over Italy, but the European Champions have a much better goal difference. Only the group winners will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the runners up will head to the play-offs.

Jude Bellingham was an unused substitute for England, as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Poland. Harry Kane opened the scoring for the Three Lions in the 72nd minute, before Damian Szymanski’s 92nd minute equaliser ensured a share of the spoils.

Mahmoud Dahoud was also left on the bench as Germany continued their perfect start to life under Hansi Flick with a 4-0 win over Iceland. Serge Gnabry, Antonio Rüdiger, Leroy Sané and Timo Werner were all on target for Germany.