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The 2021-22 season just completed its first international break as European teams continued their qualification process for the 2022 World Cup.
Some of the world's best players took to the field to help their respective countries qualify for the World Cup. There were some standout performances over the past two weeks.
This list will rank the five best performing countries over the international break. Each nation has played three qualifiers and the results, as well as the scorelines, will be taken into consideration when ranking the teams.
Top 5 best performing European countries over the international break
#5 The Netherlands (2W, 1D)
The Netherlands bounced back from their poor showing at Euro 2020 with some strong performances over the international break. The Dutch national team were in fine form as they scored 11 goals over their three qualifiers, winning two of them while drawing the other.
Louis van Gaal's side were held to a 1-1 draw against Norway in their first qualifier, with Davy Klaasen getting on the scoresheet. This was followed by 4-0 and 6-1 wins against Montenegro and Turkey respectively, taking the Netherlands to the top of Group G with a commanding goal difference of +16.
The star of the show for the Netherlands over the international break was undoubtedly Memphis Depay. The Barcelona new boy scored five goals across three games, including a hat-trick in the 6-1 win against Turkey.
The Netherlands are now in a strong position to top the group with their massive goal-difference despite being tied on 13 points with Norway.
#4 Portugal (3W)
Incredibly enough, Portugal had to cope without Cristiano Ronaldo for most of the international break. The Manchester United man was suspended after receiving a yellow card for his celebration in the 2-1 win against Ireland.
Cristiano Ronaldo broke the record for most international goals scored by a male player with his brace in the win against Ireland in Portugal's opening fixture of the international break. However, following his suspension, the forward returned to Manchester United in order to prepare for his second Premier League debut.
This did not slow down Portugal, however, as Fernando Santos' side went on to comfortably win their next two games against Qatar and Azerbaijan. Premier League stars Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Diogo Jota were key in both victories, while RB Leipzig hitman Andre Silva grabbed a goal in each game.
Portugal managed to score three goals in both games, conceding only one goal in the friendly against Qatar. Fernando Santos' side now have a two-point lead over Serbia at the top of Group A and will be favorites to qualify from the group.
#3 Belgium (3W)
Belgium continued their impressive form, winning all three of their games quite comfortably during the international break.
Roberto Martinez's side demolished Estonia 5-2 in their opening fixture, with Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard putting in impressive performances for the Red Devils. The same trend would continue in the 3-0 win against the Czech Republic, as the duo both got on the scoresheet.
AC Milan winger Alexis Saelemaekers scored in his second game for the national team, as Belgium went on to win 1-0 against Belarus in their third game. Their performances over the international break have seen Roberto Martinez's side take a commanding lead at the top of Group E. Belgium are now 9 points ahead of the Czech Republic in second.
This should ensure that the Red Devils will easily qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
#2 Denmark (3W)
Denmark had a flawless international break, winning all three of their games without conceding a single goal. Kasper Hjulmand's side have now won all of their qualifying games in Group F and have a 7-point lead over Scotland in second place.
Denmark made light work of Scotland in their opening fixture, winning the game 2-0 thanks to goals from Daniel Wass and Joakim Maehle. They followed that up with a 1-0 win against the Faroe Islands, with Jonas Wind scoring the winner.
Hjulmand's side saved their best until last, as they demolished Israel 5-0 with five different players getting on the scoresheet. Their performances over the international break also ensured that they kept up their spotless record in Group F. Denmark have scored 22 goals without conceding any from their six games so far.
#1 Germany (3W)
Germany were by far the most dominant team over the international break, as they scored 12 goals without conceding over their three games.
Hansi Flick got off to the perfect start as Germany manager as his side comfortably beat Liechtenstein 2-0. Die Mannschaft followed that up with a 6-0 thrashing of Armenia, which allowed them to take a commanding lead in Group J.
Germany capped off their incredible international break with a 4-0 win against Iceland. Bayern Munich duo Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane, as well as Chelsea striker Timo Werner, were key players for Hansi Flick's side over the break.
This has set them up perfectly for a rather comfortable qualifying campaign from here on out.
