For the hardcore football fans, international breaks are a menace for various reasons. It’s that friend of yours from school you know you’ll have to meet at some point but don’t really want to, but eventually, meet every time you go to supermarket and are obligated to talk to because your girlfriend told you so.
Also Read: 5 reasons why we hate the international break
However, sometimes he comes with gifts, and only then you somehow stop yourself from visibly rolling your eyes. That day has come, and this current international break has come with gifts aplenty. So, here is a list of international fixtures you should put on your calendar.
#5 Netherlands vs Italy – International Friendly
Netherlands vs Italy Date – 28th March
Netherlands vs Italy Timing – 19:45 GMT
Netherlands and Italy are two teams in transition, Italy manager Gian Piero Ventura is a very different manager from Antonio Conte and the players have taken their time to get used to the new manager. However, the Italians still have a very capable side with the ever-present leader Gianluigi Buffon, and the experience of the likes of Leonardo Bonucci, Daniele De Rossi and Marco Parolo with the promise of Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Verratti, and Andrea Belotti.
Netherlands, on the other hand, are going through a rough face under the management of Danny Blind, winning only two of their last six international games, that is, having missed the Euros this year. The squad though will be boosted by the return of form of a Memphis Depay who has been excellent for Lyon since his switch from Manchester United. Matthijs de Ligt, the 17-year-old Ajax defender is a surprise inclusion and might get his first international cap for his country.
#4 France vs Spain – International Friendly
France vs Spain Date – 28th March
France vs Spain Timing – 20:00 GMT
This the case of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object. Spain still have the best squads in Europe having won 4 and drawn 2 of their last 6 international games, and they come into this one with striker Diego Costa in great form for Chelsea, and perhaps for the first time, ready to make an impact for his adopted nation.
France, on the other hand, will be without their star man Paul Pogba in midfield after he picked up an injury with Manchester United, but they still have enough quality in their ranks. However, it might be the first time we get to see Kylian Mbappe in the Les Blues shirt.
Add to that Ousmane Dembele, Antoine Griezmann, and Dimitri Payet and France might have one of the most fearsome frontlines in international football at the moment.
#3 Republic of Ireland vs Wales – FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Republic of Ireland vs Wales Date – 24th March
Republic of Ireland vs Wales Timing – 19:45 GMT
This is one of those mythical battles of the ages. Since the groups for the World Cup qualifiers were announced this one was a marked fixture, as two of the home countries go against one another. Wales are definitely the favourites for this one with Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey both available for the game.
However, the Irish will make a tough game of it. Former Manchester United captain and current Asst. Manager Roy Keane said that Ireland will be aiming to win the game rather than approaching it with a defensive mindset, “I know from working with the manager and the staff and the group of players we have, if you think our mindset going into the game on Friday night at the Aviva is a draw, then you are sadly mistaken. We're here to win”.
Bring it on then.
#2 Uruguay vs Brazil FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Uruguay vs Brazil Date – 23rd March
Uruguay vs Brazil Timing – 23:00 GMT
Brazil (on 27 points from 12 games) haven’t won 6 World Cup qualifiers in a row since 1970, and Uruguay (23 points from 12 games) are second just behind them on the of World Cup qualification. So there is no understating the importance of the game for either of the sides.
Tite has been silently rebuilding the team which suffered ‘that’ defeat against Germany, and they have transitioned into a 4-1-4-1 formation.However, the absence of Gabriel Jesus is a big miss, although Firminho can do a job at that position.
Although they’re less reliant of Neymar at the moment, the form of Coutinho has been important and given his underperformance for Liverpool, it’ll be interesting to see how he does.
Uruguay have one of the most in-form striking partnerships in the world, with Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani both firing on all guns. This promises to be a cracker jacker of a game.
#1 Argentina vs Chile FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Argentina vs Chile Date – 23rd March
Argentina vs Chile – 23:30 GMT
It is quite astounding given the things that have happened each time Argentina and Chile meet when there is something big up for grabs. Chile are fourth with 20 points and Argentina are fifth with 19, so three points is essential for both sides. Only four sides qualify for the World Cup directly, and the fifth side has to go through play offs.
Columbia are hot on heels of Argentina with 18 points, and hence this becomes a do-or-die fixture for the World Cup finalists. As Eduardo Bauza put it, “Defeating Chile will be fundamental, and I don’t care how it is achieved, as long as it is achieved.”
Also Read: Crunch time For Lionel Messi and Argentina
Edgardo Bauza has chopped and changed since taking over as the coach of Argentina, and the results haven’t been as desired. Given that the upcoming World Cup might represent the last chance for Lionel Messi to win something at international level, it will be really sad if they don’t qualify for the finals.
Juventus striker Paulo Dybala is unavailable for the tie, with Sergio Aguero expected to take his place in the starting lineup. One thing is for sure, this will be a tasty clash.
