'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The International Break has come and gone with many of the world stars arriving back at their various clubs after they have represented their nations in the International friendly games.
The break has been an amazing one with various fascinating moments as many of the biggest football nations in the world locked horns in scintillating fashion. It featured a lot of giant matches as Brazil faced Germany, Argentina faced Spain, Portugal faced the Netherlands as well as other thrilling encounters that one would not like to miss.
Many records have been broken, plenty of goals have been scored and many talents have been showcased.
However, the most important thing that we realized from the break was the performance of some of the best football teams ahead of the World Cup in Russia.
Therefore, let us rank the performances of the top 5 nations that participated in the friendlies ahead of the World Cup. Please note that this list is based on the results, statistics, composure, and performances of the top nations as well as the quality of their opponents. I repeat, FAVORITE TEAMS! Let's go:
#5 Germany
The German machines are the least on the list due to their under-performance in the International friendlies. Under the guidance of their World Cup-winning coach, Joachim Low, Die Mannschaft came into the break with great confidence after going 21 games unbeaten.
However, things became a bit tricky for them as they were handed two difficult matches against Spain and Brazil respectively. In the first match, they had an exciting game against their Spanish counterpart and secured a vital draw through a Thomas Muller long-range effort.
But, their second game didn't go down well. They faced the 2014 World Cup hosts, Brazil in an intense game. The Brazilians were the better side as they dispatched the Germans, securing an important win through a Jesus Gabriel goal.
#4 Argentina
After a frustrating qualification campaign, Jorge Sampaoli and Lionel Messi finally led the Albiceleste to another World Cup tournament. They also took part in the International friendlies and faced a couple of big tests.
However, it was unfortunate that the team could not count on their best player Lionel Messi as the Argentine was left out with a hamstring injury. Initially, they were able to cope with the absence of the Barca legend as they beat Italy 2-0, with both Ever Banega and Manuel Lanzini on target to claim a vital victory.
However, they would later feel the absence of their star man when they faced Spain in their last match. They suffered an embarrassing loss as they were hammered 6-1 by Julen Lopetegui's men at the Wanda Metropolitan stadium, with Real Madrid superstar, Isco scoring his first career hat-trick in the match.
#3 England
Harry Kane's injury was a big loss to the English team, but they were able to cope with his absence almost perfectly. Their International break couldn't have gotten better. Their performance was quite amazing as they faced stern opponents.
First, they played The Netherlands at the Johan Cruyff Arena where Jesse Lingard's goal was enough to settle the tie as Gareth Southgate's men emerged victorious in that clash.
They continued their impressive show when they faced their second opponents in the friendlies.
In the second game, The Three Lions faced Italy as they played to round up their break. They went ahead with Jamie Vardy's goal but Lorenzo Insigne scored a penalty as the Italians equalized late in the game. The game ended in a draw.
#2 Spain
Spain's performance in the International Break was just as great as their reputation. The 2010 World Cup winners showed why they have been regarded as one of the favorites to lift the World Cup trophy in July.
They had an interesting match against Germany where Rodrigo put the team ahead before Thomas Muller's screamer ensured the spoils were shared. They moved ahead with their impressive form and proved their class to the world when they played against Argentina at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.
Julen Lopetegui's men inflicted an embarrassing defeat on the Albiceleste, winning the match 6-1 to conclude an exciting break as Isco scored an impressive hat trick, while Iago Aspas, Thiago Alcantara, and Diego Costa also hit the target.
#1 Brazil
Brazil was arguably the best team after the International break. Many people have underrated the Brazilians following the injury of their superstar, Neymar. But Tite's men have proved to the world that they are not just a one-man team as they boast a lot of impressive talent in their ranks.
In their first match, the Selecao defeated the 2018 World Cup hosts, Russia by 3 goals to one in a thrilling encounter, with Miranda, Philippe Coutinho, and Paulinho all on target. They faced a tougher test in their next game as they played a well known German team.
Before the match, the Selecao were highly underrated as fresh memories of what happened in their 2014 clash resurfaced. And boy, Brazil proved doubters wrong! They defeated the Germans at the Olympiastadion, with Gabriel Jesus scoring the only goal of the match.
