Thursday delivered a night of contrasting fortunes for Aston Villa’s international contingent. Victor Lindelöf producing a commanding display for Sweden while Matty Cash endured a difficult evening as Poland edged past Albania.
Lindelöf delivers. Sweden march towards the World Cup
Victor Lindelöf was one of the standout performers of Thursday’s World Cup playoff semi-finals, playing the full 90 minutes as Sweden dismantled Ukraine 3-1 in a commanding victory.
The Villa centre-back operated in a back three and was consistently composed throughout, winning 80% of his aerial duels and making six defensive contributions across the ninety minutes.
Furthermore, his ability to drive forward (covering 73.7 metres carrying the ball with nine carries) demonstrated an attacking dimension that will not have gone unnoticed by Emery.
| Stat | Lindelöf vs Ukraine |
|---|---|
| Pass Accuracy | 83% |
| Duels Won (Aerial) | 80% |
| Defensive Contributions | 6 |
| Carrying Distance | 73.7m |
| Sofascore Rating | 6.6 |
Viktor Gyökeres grabbed all the headlines with a hat-trick, but the Villa defender’s performance deserves equal recognition. Sweden face Poland in the final on Tuesday, setting up a fascinating club-versus-country subplot with Matty Cash on the opposing side.
Cash below par. Poland still advance despite sloppy night
Matty Cash endured a difficult evening as Poland secured a narrow 2-1 victory over Albania. The Villa right-back failing to replicate his outstanding domestic form on the international stage.
Operating as a right wing-back in a back five, the 28-year-old struggled both defensively and offensively, recording a 25% duel win rate, just two defensive actions, zero successful dribbles and a 0% shot accuracy.
Polish media were understandably harsh in their assessment. Goal gave him a three out of ten, while TBP Sport described his display as “sloppy“ and “one of his weakest performances for the red and white.”
Nevertheless, Cash retains the opportunity to respond emphatically in Tuesday’s final against Sweden: a match that will determine whether he reaches a second World Cup.
Bailey disappoints. Jamaica through despite winger’s struggles
Leon Bailey’s Jamaica progressed into the World Cup playoff final with a 1-0 victory over New Caledonia setting up a decisive clash against DR Congo.
However, the Aston Villa winger left plenty to be desired during his 22 minutes off the bench, failing to make any meaningful impact as the Reggae Boyz held on to their slender lead.
The 28-year-old struggled to influence proceedings in any area: his lack of work rate, directness, and inability to take on his man all drawing criticism from Jamaica supporters on social media.
Emery will have been hoping his players returned from international duty sharp and full of confidence. In Bailey’s case, that hope appears some way from being fulfilled: a concern worth monitoring as the Europa League quarter-final against Bologna on Thursday 9 April fast approaches.
France stun Brazil. Digne a spectator
In the headline friendly of Thursday evening, France defeated a ten-man Brazil side thanks to goals from Kylian Mbappé and Hugo Ekitike, with Marquinhos’ central defensive partner Bremer pulling one back for the Seleção before Upamecano’s red card shifted the dynamic.
Lucas Digne was not involved in the action.
Today’s Villa action: eyes on Wembley and Amsterdam
Friday brings further international action for the Villa faithful to follow closely.
At Wembley, Ezri Konsa and Morgan Rogers are both expected to feature as England face Japan in a pre-World Cup friendly, with the latter’s form and fitness particularly worth monitoring given his heavy workload this season.
Additionally, Lamare Bogarde is in action for the Netherlands against Norway. Three of Villa’s promising academy players: Sam Proctor, Jimoh Jamaldeen, and Kadan Young represent England Under-20s against Italy in Rome. A busy Friday awaits.
