1899 Hoffenheim: International round up

Vedad Ibisevic and Sejad Salihovic were both in action for Bosnia Herzegovina as they took on Mexico in Atlanta, USA, but were unfortunately on the wrong end of a 2-0 result. Ibisevic played the full 90 minutes and put in a solid performance, while Salihovic was replaced in the 77th minute.

Josip Simunic was involved in a thrilling match between Croatia and Czech Republic, which ended with a comfortable 4-2 victory for the hosts. Despite letting in two goals the good news for 1899 fans is that Simunic came through the whole match unscathed and proved to be a rock solid performer in defence for the Croatia.

Isaac Vorsah was also in action as Ghana took on Togo on Tuesday evening in what was Goran Stevanovic debut match as the Ghana manager. The Balck Stars comfortably won the match 4-1 and Vorsah played well whilst on the pitch before being replaced by Jonathan Mensah.

Elsewhere 19-year old David Alaba, on loan from FC Bayern München, was in the starting line-up for Austria as they took World Cup runners up the Netherlands in Eindhoven. Playing until the 87th minute, Alaba was one of the better and more creative performers in the unsurprising 3-1 defeat.

In the U-21 category, both Peniel Mlapa and Sebastian Rudy represented Germany, while Boris Vukcevic, who would have played, pulled out due to illness. The youngsters both started the match against the Greek counterparts in what was a dreary 0-0 draw. Rudy played for the whole match, while Mlapa was replaced just after the hour mark.

At the U-20 level, Hoffenheim reserve player Robin Neupert was called up for the match against Italy and unlike the German national side was in the winning team as the up and coming youngsters beat their Italian counterparts 3-1. Neupert did not start the match, but instead came on as a second half substitute, replacing Mario Erb in central defence.

The star youngster for 1899 Hoffenheim, though, was Denis Thomalla who was part of the German U-19 side that travelled to Chesterfield to take on England. Thomalla, operating in the attacking midfield role in behind the striker, scored the only goal of the match, as Germany emerged victorious with a 1-0 win. The 18-year old had a great match and was on hand to capitalise on a mistake by England goalkeeper Lee Nicholls who dropped the ball ready for Thomalla to poke home for the win. He came off after his impressive performance in the 85th minute, but is already proving to be one to watch for the future.