It was a successful night for Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji overnight. Gvardiol helped Croatia to a vital European Championship qualifier win over Latvia. Akanji helped Switzerland book their ticket to next year’s tournament with a 1-all draw with Kosovo.
For Croatia, Josko Gvardiol played the full game as Croatia edged closer to booking their place at next year’s tournament. Wales dropped points in a draw with Armenia so Croatia knew a win would put them in the box seat to qualify with a win.
Gvardiol put in a polished display at left-back for his country as they beat Latvia 2-nil. Playing in the same role he is deployed in by Pep Guardiola the City defender was composed in possession and helped his side win back possession high up the pitch. The City defender helped his side hold the Latvians to no shots on target over the full game.
Up next for Croatia is Armenia where a win for the Croatians will see them book their place in next year’s tournament.
Manual Akanji’s Swiss side booked their place in next year’s tournament with a 1-all draw with Kosovo. The point was enough for Switzerland to book their place with a guaranteed second-place finish in their group.
Akanji provided his usual calmness and poise under pressure to help his country secure the point required. Kosovo made the Swiss earn the point they needed with a determined display but the Swiss had enough quality to gain the point they required to book their ticket to Euro 24.
It was a successful night for Josko Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji as their countries picked up crucial results.
