Kevin Danso was part of Austrian football history on Thursday evening as he played in their incredible 10-0 victory over San Marino - their biggest-ever win in international football.
Our centre-half had a comfortable evening in the centre of defence as Austria romped to a double-figure victory in their World Cup qualifier, even providing an assist for their fifth goal, flicking on David Alaba’s corner for Stefan Posch to turn home at the far post shortly before half-time. Incredibly, every Austrian outfield player had a goal contribution in the game!
Ralf Rangnick’s side were 6-0 up by the break and didn’t let up in the second period by adding another four, with former West Ham United and Stoke City forward Marko Arnautovic netting four times. He became Austria’s all-time leading goalscorer in the process, while Danso played the full 90 minutes on what was his 28th appearance for his nation.
The win moves Austria above Bosnia in Group H and they were given a further boost this evening after Bosnia conceded a 97th-minute penalty to draw 2-2 away to Cyprus, leaving Austria’s qualification for next summer’s World Cup in their own hands.
Meanwhile, Micky van de Ven and Xavi Simons featured in a vital World Cup qualifying win for the Netherlands as they also enjoyed a big win away in Malta in Group G.
The speedy defender played the full 90 minutes in the left-back position for Ronald Koeman’s side, while Simons came off the bench late on for the Dutch, who picked up an important 4-0 victory to remain unbeaten in their group and open up a three-point gap over Poland and Finland.
A penalty in each half from Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo together with second-half goals from Tijjani Reijnders of Manchester City and Memphis Depay ensured the Dutch are well on track to qualify for next summer’s tournament.
Van de Ven won his 15th cap this evening, while Simons made his 30th appearance for the Netherlands.
Elsewhere, Luka Vuskovic remained an unused substitute as Croatia played out a goalless draw away to the Czech Republic in Prague. It was an important result for Croatia, who remain top of Group L on goal difference from the Czechs, but vitally have a game in hand.