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Southampton: Two Saints players involved in 1-1 int’l draws

By Marc Walker

OITA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 16: Maya Yoshida #22 of Japan in action during the international friendly match between Japan and Venezuela at Oita Bank Dome on November 16, 2018 in Oita, Japan. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
OITA, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 16: Maya Yoshida #22 of Japan in action during the international friendly match between Japan and Venezuela at Oita Bank Dome on November 16, 2018 in Oita, Japan. (Photo by Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) /
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Southampton players Maya Yoshida and Mohamed Elyounoussi were both involved in international draws for their countries yesterday.

Yoshida played the whole game as Japan drew 1-1 with Venezuela in a friendly. Home forward Hiroki Sakai put his side in front, but a late penalty from Venezuela’s Thomas Rincon levelled the scores.

Another fixture arrives for Japan on Tuesday as they face Kyrgyzstan, and Yoshida will hope to be involved again as one of his countries most high-profile players.

A competitive Nations League game was played by Elyounoussi and Norway in which they also drew 1-1 away to Slovenia.

Benjamin Verbic had put the home side ahead in the first-half, but Norway equalised with five minutes remaining through Bjorn Johnsen.

Next. McCarthy and Davis play part in international friendlies. dark

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Mohamed Elyounoussi of Southampton points during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Burnley FC at St Mary’s Stadium on August 12, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 12: Mohamed Elyounoussi of Southampton points during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Burnley FC at St Mary’s Stadium on August 12, 2018 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

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Elyounoussi and co have already secured a top-two finish in group C3 and currently sit level on 10 points with Bulgaria.

A further group game arrives for them on Monday as they face Cyprus away from home and they will be focusing on getting another win to ensure their best chances of securing promotion.

Jannik Vestergaard and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg were with Denmark in Wales yesterday but remained unused substitutes for their 2-1 Nations League win in Cardiff.

Nicolai Jorgensen gave the Danes a lead going into half-time, and Martin Braithwaite’s second doubled their advantage with just two minutes left.

Welsh star Gareth Bale grabbed a goal back for the home side to set up a nervy finish but Ryan Giggs’ side would be unable to snatch a point.

That result sees Denmark promoted to division A for the next Nations League competition and also secures them at least a play-off match to qualify for Euro 2020, whilst Wales remain safe in second spot.

Unfortunately, Michael Obafemi and Shane Long will be relegated to division C with Republic of Ireland after finishing bottom of that group.

Vestergaard, Hojbjerg and Obafemi could be involved in their final group match on Tuesday with the match being played after the group has been decided and squad players likely to get some game time.

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