1772034100778.png)
Academy graduate seals historic World Cup entry
Academy graduate Axel Tuanzebe made history for his nation on Tuesday night, in a mixed night elsewhere for current Manchester United players.
The ex-Reds youth captain, now turning out domestically for Premier League side Burnley, scored the decisive extra-time goal for DR Congo in their World Cup qualification play-off final against Jamaica.
The Leopards haven't qualified for the tournament in 52 years, and it's the first time they'll enter under their current guise, having been named Zaire in their only other appearance, back in 1974.
Tuanzebe has, therefore, etched his name into DR Congo's history books, as the man the end that half-century wait with his 100th-minute bundled finish on the end of Brian Cipenga's corner – before running off to celebrate with another former Red in Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
They enter the tournament in Group K alongside Colombia, Uzbekistan and Portugal, meaning they may face current Reds duo Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot in Texas in June.
International Reds: Bruno keeps racking up assists
ArticleOur round-up of the friendly action includes another star turn by our super skipper.
There was further qualification success for current United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir and former Academy midfielder Zidane Iqbal.
Bayindir was an unused substitute in Turkey's decider against Kosovo, with forward Kerem Akturkoglu providing a slender win for the Crescent-Stars and booking a spot in Group D at this summer's tournament.
Iqbal was also handed a watching brief by Iraq boss Graham Arnold, as they defeated Bolivia in their cross-federation qualification final, with goals from Ayman Hussein and Luton Town striker Ali Al Hamadi – it earns them a first World Cup appearance since 1986.
Sadly, there was no such fairytale for Denmark, meaning Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Rasmus Hojlund will not be appearing at this year's World Cup.
The Danes ended their final against Czech Republic level in normal time, thanks to a second-half equaliser from Joachim Andersen, before immediately cancelling out Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Ladislav Krejci's extra-time goal, courtesy of Kasper Hogh in the 111th minute.
That sent the game to penalties and former Red Christian Eriksen was the only Denmark representative to score from the spot, with Hojlund, Anders Dreyer and Mathias Jensen all unable to convert, allowing the Czechs to proceed to the World Cup with three successful strikes.
Dorgu was not with the Denmark squad for this international break, as he continues his recovery from an injury sustained in January.