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So finally there is a much needed break from club competitions' action this week and the next, and the footballing world is all set to witness some mouthwatering clashes on the International stage.
The International break comes as a blessing for the club managers and staff, especially in England, where until a couple of weeks ago, clubs were playing 4 competitions in total, and an average of 4 matches every 18 days - which is some really tiring stuff. Also, the English Premier League is still an open affair between Manchester City and Liverpool making every small game probably a title decider every weekend.
Though football players around the world are equally passionate about their club careers, there is something always special wearing your nation's jersey and perform for your country.
In fact, it has been noticed over the last decade that many a times, some footballers who are not the best names in the club competitions provide some unexpected performances when they are wearing their country's colours.
So, without further ado, let's look at our picks for the top 4 International matches this week and the next, which will make football fans worldwide not miss their domestic club competitions.
#4 Belgium v Russia (21st March, 2019)
Belgium has been the biggest name that has emerged in International football over the last decade, and rightly so, as the Belgian Red Devils almost went on to lift the World Cup trophy last year, just to finish third after losing to France in the semi-final.
One might argue that on that very day of the semi-final, Belgium were the better team on the field.
After their last appearance in the UEFA Nations' League, Belgium take on World Cup 2018 hosts Russia in a gruelling encounter as they face each other for the UEFA EURO 2020 Qualification.
Russia haven't been an average side either in the last 2 years, and have some good names in their squad like Denis Cheryshev and Aleksandr Golovin. But since hosting the World Cup last year, the Russian side hasn't look as impressive as their World Cup run.
Belgium should see the fixture through easily, thanks to huge names in the squad like Eden Hazard, Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, but one can never predict Russia's game as is a qualifier.
#3 Mexico v Chile (23rd March, 2019)
Mexico pulled a World Cup shocker last year when they beat Germany in the group stages which led to the eventual downfall of the German national team and their untimely exit from the World Cup, despite being the World Champions in 2014.
The Mexican side is a really young and lucrative team to watch having the likes of Hirving Lozano, Raul Jimenez and Javier Hernandez in their attack, which would probably threaten any defense in the world currently, going by the current form of the three players.
An injured Alexis Sanchez brings a huge blow to the Chileans, but Arturo Vidal is all fit and ready to lead the squad when the teams meet in their International friendly 3 days later.
Mexico host the depreciated Chile side and the home support won't be much needed, as the Mexicans have enough fire power in their squad to win this one. Chile might be aching to go for a draw though, as they are missing some of their key players.
#2 Argentina v Venezuela (22nd March, 2019)
Lionel Messi is back in the Argentina squad, and this probably should haunt the Venezuelan team every moment before the teams face off in the International friendly day after tomorrow.
The Argentinian attack might be ageing but the likes of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero and Gonzolo Higuain under the same roof, is probably the best International attacking trio in the world right now.
There are some other names in the Argentinian attack too which probably will be handed the mantle after the above mentioned trio retire - Paulo Dybala, Mauro Icardi and Lautaro Martinez.
Venezuela have only one famous name in the squad, namely Jose Salomon Rondon who has been a hero in the recent weeks for Newcastle United. He is a potential threat if Argentina face problems at the back.
There are two things which makes this tie a worth watch.
Firstly and interestingly, Argentina has failed to secure a win in their last two meetings against Venezuela, having drawn both the games. And secondly, Lionel Messi is very much back to the squad which should boost every football fan's heartbeat at the moment.
#1 Netherlands v Germany (24th March, 2019)
I think there is no one in the neutral footballing world who would even think of missing this EURO qualifier on the 24th of March.
Current footballing world prodigies Virgil van Dijk, Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt take on the mighty European footballing powerhouse - Germany.
What's interesting is the fact that both the teams have been looking for salvation at the International stage, since the end of last year's World Cup. Netherlands failed to qualify for the World Cup last year which was a big blow to one of Europe's consistent teams, whereas Germany, who were amongst favourites, unexpectedly got eliminated from the group stages.
On one hand, there is a young team which has nothing to lose and will definitely go all guns blazing, and on the other hand, there is a footballing nation which wants to make a comeback to the top ranks of world football, which they have a reputation for.
Germany will be looking to disappoint the Oranje as the Germans have failed to beat them in the last 3 meetings, having lost 1 and drawn 2.
Whatever the scoreline will be, at the end of the game, it is definitely going to be a great match up, with individual player battles all over the pitch for the 90 minutes. I personally cannot wait to see Leroy Sane and Marco Reus going up against Matthijs de Ligt and Virgil van Dijk, plus a midfield battle between Toni Kroos and Frenkie de Jong.
