Maghnes Akliouche scores, Folarin Balogun has an assist

The Academy-educated midfielder opened the scoring against Bosnia in the Euro Espoirs qualifiers, while the American striker was involved in the United States' first goal.

The international break has just ended. Several players involved for their countries have even been able to prove decisive, like Takumi Minamino who scored with Japan at the end of last week. The Samurai Blue midfielder was not the only one to be so, however, since Maghnes Akliouche and Folarin Balogun were also decisive on Tuesday.

One of the best Bluets on the pitch

Selected with the French Espoirs, the midfielder trained at the Academy was once again a starter against Bosnia, as part of the Euro U21 qualifiers. Positioned as a 10 behind two attackers, he was one of the best players in the game, earning a 7 in the newspaper L’Equipe. It was a deserved rating since the new number 11 of Monaco was the scorer  of the opening goal.

On the turn, a left-footed shot, and a goal

After a bit of skill to limit an opponent, he let fly with a slightly deflected left-footed shot to beat the opposing goalkeeper. It was his second goal in this age group, after the one scored against Cyprus last October, which thus launched Gérald Baticle’s men perfectly towards a 2-0 victory. Second in the group, they keep their destiny in their own hands in these Euro 2025 qualifiers before the last two matches scheduled for next month.

A fourth assist on international duty for Balo’

A few hours later, it was Balo’s turn to participate in a friendly with the United States. Starting against New Zealand, the Rouge et Blanc striker turned into a decisive passer on the only goal of the United States by perfectly playing in Christian Pulisic, after being found on the turn. It was his fourth assist on international duty which was not enough for Team USA since they would concede a 1-1 draw following a goal conceded at the end of the game.

After a defeat against Canada on Friday, they will have the opportunity to make up for it in a month with two new friendlies against Panama and Mexico under the orders of their new coach, Mauricio Pochettino. It’s an opportunity for Folarin to show himself decisive again, he who has been so nine times in 16 cpas (five goals, four assists).Bravo les gars! 👏