Euro 2016 qualifiers: Bellarabi rises to the top

German winger set to make debut against neighbours Poland

BERLIN: Leverkuson winger Karim Bellarabi is set to continue his meteoric rise by making his international debut for the world champions when they face Poland in their Group D Euro 2016 qualifier.

A series of eye-catching performances, which include scoring the fastest goal in Bundesliga history, and Germany's lengthy injury list have catapulted the Berlin-born Bellarabi into the national squad.

Bellarabi turned down the chance to play for Morocco, the country of his father, and having played for Germany's junior sides, is now set for his senior cap at Warsaw's National Stadium.

“It was a decision of the heart,” he admits. “I spoke to my family a lot about it and decided to play for Germany. I hope it's the right decision for me.”

With the retirement of all-time high scoring striker Miroslav Klose, and injuries to Marco Reus, Mesut Ozil and Mario Gomez, Bellarabi and Borussia Monchengladbach’s Max Kruse have their chance to shine.

World Cup-winning coach Joachim Low believes Bellarabi’s call-up is merited. “His development is remarkable, he is incredibly fast,” he said. “I like how he works with the ball, I am sure he can be a good option for us.”

Poland, meanwhile, are chasing a historic first win over Germany to cement their place at top of Group D, which they currently lead on goal difference.

However, the task will not be easy and Poland are yet to defeat their neighbours in 18 previous attempts, while Germany have not lost a qualifier in seven years, a run that spans over 33 matches.

Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski is hoping to get one over club teammate and Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who will be captaining the side in the absence of Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The Polish hot-shot wants the hosts to catch the Germans off-guard and add to the four goals he scored in last month’s 7-0 win over Gibraltar.

“Maybe they will be too confident after winning the World Cup,” said the striker, who has been playing in Germany since 2010. “Maybe they will oversleep a little and we will be able to take advantage. We know their qualities, but we will not park a bus in our penalty area."

Slovakia shock Spain

Defending champions Spain suffered their first qualifying defeat in eight years on Thursday when they slumped to a 2-1 loss against Slovakia.

Spain, who opened their Euro 2016 campaign with a 5-1 mauling of Macedonia, exhibited all the faults that led to their World Cup humiliation as Slovakia went top of Group C with two wins in two.

Former Chelsea midfielder Miroslav Stoch, now plying his trade at Al Ain in the UAE, struck three minutes from time in Zilina to end a 36-match unbeaten run in the qualifiers for Vicente Del Bosque's men.

Paco Alcacer’s 82^nd minute strike seemed to have spared skipper Iker Casillas’ blushes as he allowed a straight-forward Juraj Kucka attempt through his hands in the 17^th minute to give Slovakia the lead. However, it was not to be as captain Marek Hamsik played substitute Michal Duris down the inside right to cross for Stoch to head home at the back post.

 

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