Cats stars take their place on world stage

SUNDERLAND'S players are flung far and wide on the international scene, and Lutsharel Geertruida is on the verge of World Cup qualification with the Netherlands.

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Geertruida and his country are now one victory away from sealing a place at the 2026 World Cup thanks to a 1-1 draw against Poland.

The defender was named in the starting lineup for Friday night's World Cup qualifier against Poland, earning his 18th cap for Ronald Koeman's side and playing 74 minutes of the game in Warsaw.

Victory for Poland would have put them level on points with their rivals for top spot in Group G and they took the lead minutes before the breakthrough Jakub Kaminski.

However, the Netherlands' all-time top scorer Memphis Depay netted from close range in the early stages of the second half to secure a valuable point.

Another point against Lithuania tonight will mean they will head to the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.