Borussia Dortmund Player Ratings from the International Break
Here’s how Borussia Dortmund’s players fared for their national teams in their World Cup Qualifiers-
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang- 5.5
Rued a ‘suspicious’ orange juice as his side failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup after a crashing 3-0 defeat to Morocco, who topped Group C courtesy of a hat-trick from Khalid Boutaib. Gabon have never qualified for a World Cup and they failed to stun Morocco as well, who’ll need to avoid defeat to Ivory Coast on November 11 next month if they are to guarantee their place in Russia.
Christian Pulisic- 7.5
Was superb in the 4-0 victory over Panama. He scored the opening goal, flying past opposition defenders and tiptoeing around the keeper. He then assisted Jozy Altidore with an inch-perfect cross.
However, his side were stunned in the second game as the U.S.A failed to qualify for a World Cup for the first time in 32 years as they fell to a shock 2-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago. The teenage winger did have another bright game individually, as he fired home from just outside the penalty area.
It’ll be a pity to not see him light the World Cup stage in Russia next year.
Marc Bartra- NA
Didn’t even make the bench for the game against Albania, but was an unused substitute against Israel, as Spain cruised to the World Cup 2018.
Shinji Kagawa- 6
Was subbed off for Yuki Kobayashi in the 61st minute as Japan looked for the winner against New Zealand. They managed to defeat the Kiwis 2-1, courtesy of a late goal from Yuya Osako. The win meant that Japan qualified for Russia 2018.
The attacker scored a last-gasp goal against Haiti in an international friendly. His goal in the 92nd minute meant that the final score was 3-3, which shows a good enough effort from a lowly Haiti side.
Lukasz Piszczek- 7
Assisted two goals in the 6-1 demolition of Armenia, providing for Kamil Grosicki’s opening goal and Jakub Blaszczykowski’s goal just after the break.
He did provide a headache for Bosz as he suffered a ligament injury in the 4-2 win over Montenegro, as he clashed with teammate Szczesny just prior to half-time. He tried to play through in the second half but was unfortunately forced off. While it is being said that he’ll be out long-term, BVB haven’t officially confirmed the extent of his injury.
Nuri Sahin- 5
Was poor and was resultantly subbed off at the break against Iceland, as they fell to a two-goal deficit after some poor play.
Was rested for the 2-2 draw against Finland yesterday.
Omar Toprak- 6
Wasn’t included in the game against Iceland, but played the full 90 minutes against Finland, and could’ve helped his side to a win but for an 89th-minute equaliser by Bayer Leverkusen’s Joel Pohjanpalo.
Sokratis- 6.5
Played the full game against Cyprus, which ended in a 2-1 win for Greece.
Was subbed off in the 68th minute in the 4-0 victory over Gibraltar, and was replaced by Giannis Maniatis. Greece, who finished second in Group H behind Belgium, will have to contest a play-off next month if they are to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
