September Internationals: Sanchez rise and Duffy renaissance continue

The rise of Robert Sanchez and the renaissance of Shane Duffy continued in the international arena during the second round of September internationals.

For Sanchez, there was a debut for Spain in the 74th minute of their comfortable 4-0 win over Georgia. Duffy meanwhile powered home a late header to save the Republic the considerable embarrassment of losing at home to the might of *checks notes* Azerbaijan.

Sanchez replacing Unai Simon was the latest stop in a remarkable journey for Bridgerton’s Duke of Hastings. Three years ago, he was on loan at Forest Green Rovers in League Two. Two years ago, he spent a season with Rochdale in League One.

12 months ago, he was Brighton’s fifth choice goalkeeper behind Maty Ryan, David Button, Christian Walton and Jason Steele. Now he is considered the third-best goalkeeper behind Simon and Dave De Gea for one of the biggest footballing nations on Earth.

Sanchez was keen to praise Albion goalkeeper coach Ben Roberts for his role in this remarkable journey. After speaking of his pride at making his debut on social media in Spanish, he added in English: “This one is for you, Ben Roberts. This is only the beginning.”

It is the latest feather in the cap of Roberts, who turned David Stockdale from a man who looked like he was a little too fond of a Gregg’s steak bake into the best goalkeeper in the Championship between 2015 and 2017.

Once Stockdale left for the bright lights of Birmingham and ‘Arry Redknapp waving a lot of cash around, his career tailed off. He is now in League One with Wycombe Wanderers.

Stockdale’s replacement was Maty Ryan who looked like a rabbit in the headlights during his first few Premier League appearances.

Roberts soon worked his magic though, helping Ryan become one of the major reasons why Brighton stayed in the top flight for three consecutive seasons before the Australian number one was usurped by Sanchez. Sanchez is not wrong when he says this is only the start.

Duffy meanwhile continues to put his own career back on track after that nightmare year at Celtic. His 87th minute equaliser earned the Republic the first point of their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Without it, they would have suffered back-to-back home defeats to Luxembourg and Azerbaijan. Funny for everyone except those with a little bit of Irish green in them.

Emin Mahmudov gave Azerbaijan the lead in first half stoppage time when seizing on Duffy’s clearing header and bending an effort past Gavin Bazunu after neither Seamus Coleman and Josh Cullen could get close enough.

Duffy’s header came from a Cullen cross. Aaron Connolly also started the game but failed to make much of an impression as Azerbaijan challenged the Republic to break them down.

This did not suit Connolly, who did at least look a little threatening as Ireland played on the counter against Portugal on Wednesday night. There was also a start for Jayson Molumby who came in for Jamie McGrath.

Elsewhere, Leandro Trossard was a second half substitute for Belgium in their 3-0 win over Czech Republic. All the goals had been scored before Trossard entered the action in place of Eden Hazard on 73 minutes.

Hazard notched the second for the Red Devils, sandwiched between Romelu Lukaku marking his 100th cap with a goal and an Alexis Saelemaekers strike.

Jakub Moder started for Poland in their 7-1 win away against San Marino. Moder played a part in the third goal of the game, releasing Damian Szymanski whose cross into the six yard box was finished off by Robert Lewandowski.

With a pivotal game against England looming in Warsaw on Wednesday night, Lewandowski was withdrawn at half time with Poland 4-0 up. His replacement Adam Buksa scored a second half hat-trick on what was only his second full cap for Poland.

Moder was also substituted at the break, suggesting that he will have a key role to play against the Three Lions. Moder of course scored against England in the corresponding fixture at Wembley back in March.

Finally, Andi Zeqiri made his competitive debut for Switzerland, coming on for the final four minutes of their 0-0 draw with European Champions Italy.

Jorginho missed a penalty for the Azzurri, leaving England fans to wonder might might have happened if they had have been rubbish at spot kicks back in July…