Oxford United saw four of their first team stars jet off for their nations in the final round of World Cup qualifiers.
Some players got minutes, others got goals and some miss out on next summer’s tournament all together.
Read More: International Break Comes at Good Time for Oxford United
Oxford United International Round-Up: Playoffs, Goals and Minutes
The Penultimate Game
Greg Leigh was the first player involved in international duty as he played the full 90 minutes in Jamaica’s 1-1 draw in Trinidad and Tobago.
The left-back’s nation sat one point behind Curacao, who the Reggae Boyz would welcome in the final game of the group.
Ciaron Brown played the final two minutes as Northern Ireland lost their World Cup qualifier in Slovakia.
The Boys in Green conceded in the 91st minute in Kosice and stay third in the group.
Mark Harris played 66 minutes as Wales edged past Liechtenstein in their World Cup qualifier.
The U’s striker had two attempts on goal but failed to get the ball past former Oxford goalkeeper, Benji Buchel.
Elsewhere, Filip Krastev played the full 90 minutes as Bulgaria lost 2-0 in Turkey.
The result means Bulgaria have lost all five games of their World Cup qualifying campaign ahead of the final fixture at home against Georgia next time out.
The Final Game
Ciaron Brown played the full 90 minutes as Northern Ireland beat Luxembourg at Windsor Park.
In doing so, the defender became Oxford’s most capped player at international level, with 19 appearances during his time with the U’s. Northern Ireland now face a playoff.
The following night, Filip Krastev played another 90 minutes and got on the score sheet as Bulgaria picked up their first points with a 2-1 win over Georgia.
The U’s winger netted the second goal of the game in Sofia although the visitors did net a late consolation.
Wales were also in action on Tuesday night but Mark Harris was an unused substitute in the 7-1 victory over North Macedonia.
The Red Dragons moved above their opponents and will face a playoff to qualify for the upcoming World Cup.
The final game saw Greg Leigh play another 90 minutes as Jamaica played out a goalless draw against Curacao.
As a result, Curacao top the group and become the smallest nation to reach the World Cup, while the Reggae Boyz will need a playoff to make it on the plain to North America.
Despite another shot at qualification, former U’s player and coach Steve McClaren resigned after the game as manager of Jamaica.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Sportimage
