The maiden set of fixtures last month didn’t generate enough buzz, but with more high-profile games lined-up, fans can look forward to an entertaining 10 days of international football. And there are a few good friendlies too that you may not want to miss. Here are the six big games you must keep an eye on during this international break:
#5 Wales vs Spain
A first meeting between the sides in 33 years, Wales and Spain are set to resume their long-lost rivalry this Friday at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. These sides have met only five times in the history, four of which were during the 1962 and 1986 World Cup qualifiers, while the only previous international friendly - in 1982 - ended all square at 1-1. So this particular fixture serves as a gush of fresh air.
With little at stake, La Roja might play a weakened line-up given the more important Nations League clash with England following in four days. The Dragons too are likely to be without talisman Gareth Bale, who sustained an injury in his last game with Real Madrid. So some gloss might be taken off the glitz here. But Wales and Spain are like the ships that pass in the night. Rarely do they meet. So don’t miss it.
#4 Croatia vs England
This fixture takes us back by almost three months when Croatia and England battled it out in Russia for a place in the World Cup final. Kevin Trippier gave the Three Lions the lead with an impeccable free-kick, but the Blazers hit back late in the game to send them packing. And as interesting as it was back then, the latest encounter too carries as many expectations.
Both these teams went down to Spain in the Nations League opener last month, especially Croatia, who were battered 6-0 in Elche - their worst defeat in history. So these sides have a point to prove to get themselves back on track.
The World Cup runners-up play hosts this time as Stadion Rujevica will be staging the top billing affair and both Croatia and England would be gunning for maximum points.
#3 France vs Germany
The European top shouts inaugurated the UEFA Nations League with a whimper when these sides played a dour goalless stalemate in Munich last month. Now they meet again for the second leg, this time in Paris, where you can normally expect fireworks.
Les Blues saw off Netherlands 2-1 in another group fixture last month to make a positive homecoming as the world champions, but can expect a tougher contest against the fallen giants. The Die Mannschaft are still reeling from a catastrophic year, having won only thrice in 9 games with two important fixtures now coming their way.
Manager Joachim Loew has vowed to rebuild the team. Here’s a chance to put that resolve to the test.
#2 Spain vs England
Now you know why this break is so important for Gareth Southgate and his side. Following a grueling trip to Croatia, the Three Lions then go Seville to take on La Roja for the second leg. The former world champions won the Wembley leg 2-1 last month, and would complete an incredible international double on England should they triumph once more.
And also, it would keep themselves in Group A, something that England are desperately hoping for, but need to claim maximum points from the remaining games. Their maiden Nations League campaign ends next month with a home game to Croatia, but most of the business would be finished by the next week itself.
And England must produce something of note to stay afloat and not relegate down to lower groups. However, an interesting thing to note is England haven’t beaten Spain in the last three meetings, and haven’t won on Spanish soil since 1987!
#1 Brazil vs Argentina
Just a friendly, but that’s reason enough to tune into this year’s Superclasico de las Americas, that’ll take place in the neutral surroundings of Saudi Arabia. Both teams would be spending their international break in the Gulf region with another fixture lined-up before this, but would be all charged up for this starry affair.
No Lionel Messi to lighten you up, though the traditional rivalry between the sides as well as the array of superstars in both camps would regardless add glitz to it. This would also be the 98th meeting in history between the South American giants, but the first since June last year when the Albiceleste won 1-0 in Melbourne, Australia.
Neither of these teams had a memorable World Cup, but have embarked on the road to redemption ahead of the 2019 Copa America with some big victories last month. This game, however, would give a real assessment of which directions the teams are headed in.
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