How Tottenham Hotspur players fared in their latest performances for their countries this week
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A handful of Tottenham Hotspur players were in action for their respective countries on Friday as the World Cup qualifiers continue.
Arsenal also had Jurrien Timber on the pitch for the Netherlands, while Piero Hincapie was in action for Ecuador in a friendly against Canada.
The rival clubs still have another week to wait before the Premier League returns, and the North London Derby awaits them when it does. Arsenal will host Spurs for the first NLD of the season, hoping to keep their unbeaten streak at the top of the table ticking.
Luka Vuskovic and Croatia qualify for World Cup
Croatia have secured their place in the 2026 World Cup after their 3-1 win over the Farao Islands on Friday. It was a sensational evening for Tottenham’s Luka Vuskovic, who is currently on loan with Bundesliga club Hamburg.
In what was just his second cap for Croatia, Vuskovic was given his first start for his country, featuring alongside former Spurs stars Luka Modric and Ivan Perisic. The 2018 runners-up will return to the world’s biggest stage next year, ending the Farao Islands’ hopes of a play-off spot in the process.
Vuskovic joined Hamburg on loan over the summer and has since admitted he ‘doesn’t know’ when he will return to Tottenham, having expressed interest in playing in Germany for another season to play with his brother Mario. Vuskovic is yet to make his first senior appearance for Spurs.
“I would like to play with him one day, I hope that works out. I would like to stay at HSV for another season and play with my brother,” the 18-year-old told Croatian outlet MAXSport last month.
Xavi Simons benched in Netherlands draw
The Netherlands couldn’t bag more than a 1-1 draw on Friday as Memphis Depay’s goal cancelled out Jakub Kaminski’s opener for Poland.
Xavi Simons was named among the substitutes for the Dutch side but did not make it off the bench as Ronald Koeman opted to rely on others. However, Spurs teammate Micky van de Ven played the full 90 minutes, as did Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber, who made up the Dutch backline alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and Sunderland’s Lutsharel Geertruida.
Despite the draw, the Netherlands remain top of Group G on 17 points, with a three-point cushion over closest rivals Poland. The result has as good as booked the Oranje’s place in next year’s World Cup.
Jamie Donley and Northern Ireland secure play-off spot
Northern Ireland’s hopes of automatic World Cup qualification were dented by Slovakia on Friday but they have done enough to ensure a place in the play-offs.
A stoppage time goal from Tomas Bobcek puts them level on points at the top of Group A with Germany, behind only on goal difference.
Tottenham’s Jamie Donley was brought on late in the game to replace Stevenage’s James Reid. Donley is currently out on loan with Stoke City until the end of the season.