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International round-up: Schär and Krafth in Nations League action
Written by Dan King
Magpies defenders Fabian Schär and Emil Krafth were in UEFA Nations League action for their national teams on Thursday.
But the pair had contrasting fortunes, with Krafth's Sweden winning 2-0 against Slovenia but Schär's Switzerland beaten 2-1 by Czech Republic.
Krafth came off the bench in the 66th minute in Ljubljana, with his side one goal up through Emil Forsberg's first-half penalty, and Dejan Kulusevski added a second two minutes from time. Krafth was booked in what was his 40th appearance for his country.
Switzerland, meanwhile, received a visit to their training camp from tennis legend Roger Federer ahead of their match, but he was unable to inspire them to victory in Prague.
Jan Kuchta gave the home side an 11th-minute lead and although Noah Okafor equalised on the stoke of half time, a Djibril Sow own goal proved decisive. Schär played the full game and was shown a yellow card.
Switzerland now face matches against Portugal - home and away - and Spain later this month. Sweden, meanwhile, are at home to Norway and Serbia before travelling to Oslo for their final game of the summer.
In the Maurice Revello Tournament, Mexico's under-21s were beaten 2-1 by Venezuela, with Santiago Muñoz playing for the opening 80 minutes - his second start of the competition.