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International Round-up

Posted on: Mon 06 Sep 2010

There was mixed fortunes for Wanderers' international stars who were in action in the opening round of Euro 2012 qualifiers over the weekend.

Tamir Cohen played the entire 90 minutes for Israel in their 3-1 victory over Malta in Group F. Chelsea midfielder Yossi Benayoun grabbed the headlines with a hat-trick.

Johan Elmander was substituted four minutes into the second-half as Sweden got their Group E campaign off to flying start with a 2-0 victory over Hungary. Pontus Wernbloom was the difference as the AZ Alkmaar striker grabbed a second-half brace.

Sam Ricketts was booked in Wales' 1-0 defeat to Montenegro. The right-back played the full match, which was decided by Mirko Vucinic's goal on 30 minutes.

Gretar Steinsson got 76 minutes worth of action as Iceland slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat at home to Norway. Former Trotter Heidar Helguson was on target for Iceland.

And, of course, Gary Cahill made his England debut, coming on to replace the injured Michael Dawson with 35 minutes remaining in the 4-0 victory over Bulgaria.

The 24-year-old could be set to make his first start for his country on Tuesday evening in the qualifier against Switzerland.

Speaking about his senior international debut, Cahill said: "I was buzzing and excited to have got my chance and happy with the result. Only seeing Michael (Dawson) injured in the changing room afterwards has put a dampener on it.

"Rio's (Ferdinand) injuries have been well documented and it has left open a space at centre-back. There are a number of players who want that space and all I can do is keep my head down and continue to work hard."