International roundup: Wolves' Ladislav Krejci leads Czechia to first World Cup in 20 years

Having scored in the semi-final just days earlier - the captain did the same thing again in extra time of their clash with Denmark.

He edged his side ahead after the game had finished 1-1 in normal time - before Denmark pegged Czechia back to send the game to spot kicks.

And despite Krejci missing from the spot - his side weren’t to be denied with a 3-1 shoot-out victory sending them to this summer’s tournament.

Speaking after to Czech TV, Krejci said: “Hats off to everyone — I’m incredibly happy. I haven’t seen such a team performance in a long time. We weren’t the better side, let’s be honest, but we showed more heart and fought harder. I have no words.

"Before the match, I said that the better team doesn’t always win — the team that wants it more does, and that was us. Penalties are a bit of a lottery, but they also reflected the way we approached the game. I’m proud of everyone."

Wolves

Elsewhere for Wolves players, Jackson Tchatchoua captained Cameroon in a 2-0 friendly win over China - with youngster Xu Bin turning out for the opposition.

It was a frustrating night for full back David Moller Wolfe.

He came on as a second half substitute for Norway in a goalless draw with Switzerland - but was then subbed himself in place of ex-Albion defender Torbjorn Heggem.

Jean Ricner Bellegarde came off as a late substitute in Haiti’s 1-1 draw with Iceland - while Santi Bueno was on the bench for Uruguay in their goalless draw with Algeria.

Goalkeeper Jose Sa made a rare outing for Portugal - as he played 85 minutes of their 2-0 friendly with over World Cup hosts USA.

On loan Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic came on as a second half substitute for Austria - following his return to the international stage.

They beat South Korea 1-0, with Hwang Hee-chan coming off the bench for the visitors.

Having made his under 21 debut last week - Mateus Mane came on in Portugal’s win over Scotland.

West Brom

It was a memorable night for West Brom midfielder Ousmane Diakite - as he made his senior Mali debut.

He was rewarded with a call-up after fine form for his club - and following on from recently being handed a new deal, he came on as a substitute in the second half of Mali’s 0-0 draw with Russia.

Isaac Price followed up the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup in the play-offs, as he featured for the first 45 minutes of Northern Ireland’s clash with Wales.

Jayson Molumby played an hour of the Republic of Ireland’s friendly with North Macedonia, which ended in a goalless draw.

Some of Albion’s youngsters were also in action in Euro 2021 qualifying - but it was a disappointing night for Welsh duo Alex Williams and Ollie Bostock.

Williams played 79 minutes and Bostock was a second half substitute in a 4-0 defeat against Denmark.

Another promising Albion youngster, attacker Souleyman Mandey, made his debut for Austria under-21s with a substitute cameo in a 2-1 European Championship qualifying success over Belarus.

Aston Villa

It was heartbreak for Matty Cash who won’t be heading to the World Cup - after his Poland side were beaten 3-2 against Sweden in their play-off.

But it was joy for Victor Lindelöf has he skippered his side to victory. Sweden failed to win a game in qualifying but advanced into the latter play-off stages through their Nations League success.

Elsewhere, it was disappointment for Morgan Rogers and Ezri Konsa as England suffered an embarrassing defeat at home to Japan.

They were beaten 1-0 with the Villa pair starting - as Japan became the first Asian side to ever beat England.

Emi Martinez had a routine evening as he started for Argentina in their 5-0 win over Zambia.

And Youri Tielemans was in action for Belgium in their 1-1 draw against Mexico.

He started and was replaced in the second half by club team mate Amadou Onana.