Bittencourt helps the U21s reach the Play-Offs
Attacker Leonardo Bittencourt made the most of his time with the Germany U21s, who booked their place in the U21 European Championships 2015 Play-Offs thanks to victory over Ireland on Friday. In front of 4,000 spectators in the Erdgas-Sportpark, Halle, Horst Hrubesch’s men beat their Irish counterparts 2-0. This victory secures a Play-Off spot, with the competition being hosted in the Czech Republic next year. The winger played the full 90 minutes, but has to sit out the final qualifier against Romania in Magdeburg on Tuesday because of a ban, having received two yellow cards across the campaign.

Zieler is part of the opening victory against Scotland
Hannover Goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler watched on from the bench as Germany won their opening Euro 2016 qualifier. Thomas Müller hit a brace in Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park as the Scots were defeated 2-1. Zieler also remained on the bench during last week’s friendly defeat to Argentina.

Andreasen doesn’t play in Danish victory
Denmark won their opening qualifier against Armenia. Hannover’s Leon Andreasen was an unused substitute as Morten Olsen’s team turned the game around having fallen behind. Dortmund’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan put the visitors in front after 50 minutes, but goals from Bayern’s Pierre-Emile Höjberg and ex-Wolfsburg player Thomas Kahlenberg turned the match around. Andreasen played 45 minutes in last Wednesday’s friendly against Turkey, which Denmark lost 2-1.

Almer keeps out "Ibrakadabra"
Goalkeeper Robert Almer appeared in Austria’s first European Championships 2016 qualifier. On Monday Marcel Koller’s team drew 1-1 with Sweden, who had Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their starting eleven. Alma successfully managed to keep out "Ibrakadabra", who scored his 50th goal for Sweden in the recent friendly against Estonia. Despite being Hannover’s second choice keeper, Almer remains positive and is inspired by Argentina’s Sergio Romero. He was Argentina’s first choice in Brazil despite spending most of the season on the bench. “I don’t think he’s suffered as a number two. After all, he played in the World Cup Final.”

Sakai: Friendly defeat to Uruguay
Japan lost at home to Uruguay, with Hannover defender Hiroki Sakai starting alongside Dortmund’s new signing Shinji Kagawa. The Japanese team lost 2-0 to Uruguay in Javier Aguirre’s first match in charge. On Tuesday they face Venezuela in a second friendly.

Albornoz: Goalless draw against Mexico
Miiko Albornoz and his Chilean teammates drew 0-0 at home to Mexico, in their first match since penalty shootout heartbreak at the World Cup in Brazil. Albornoz, a recent addition to the Hannover squad, was brought on as a 56th minute substitute. Chile face Haiti in another friendly on Tuesday. 

Sané watches on as Senegal win
Senegal beat Egypt 2-0. Hannover’s Salif Sané remained on the bench for the full 90 minutes and consequently didn’t add to his four international caps.

Lala: Incredible start to qualifying
Albania pulled off a huge surprise this weekend. Former 96er Altin Lala, in his first match as Albanian assistant manager, helped mastermind a 1-0 victory in Portugal thanks to a goal from Balaj. European Footballer of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo missed the shock defeat.