The first set of games of the International break are in the books. Things are looking clearer for certain countries, while others still cannot relax. With Manchester City players off representing their countries, who will come back knowing Russia awaits next June. Thursday October 5th saw the start of proceedings.
England had three Manchester City players starting in the first eleven. Technically Joe Hart could be classed as a fourth, but we have to face reality. He will most likely never keep goal for City again.
So, with the highest respect for what he accomplished with, and for, us, I’m just going to focus on the current City trio. Kyle Walker, John Stones and Raheem Sterling all pulled on the Three Lions for what was an absolute snooze-fest.
It’s hard to criticise the players when management play them in weird positions. Raheem started in a central position which took away from his game. John Stones had more to do defensively than you would expect at home to Slovenia while Kyle Walker did actually get the assist for the single goal of the game.
With a lack of movement ahead of them, it must have been frustrating for the City boys. Not just for them either, passing sideways and backwards seemed to be the touch-line instructions. Now qualified, it will be interesting to see what Gareth Southgate does for the away trip to Lithuania on Sunday.
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Meanwhile, Germany were putting a plucky Northern Ireland side to the sword. A 3-1 win secured qualification despite not having Ilkay Gundogan in the side. Leroy Sane started on the substitutes bench, although he did get on with just a little under 20 minutes to go.
Spain was my only European point of interest Friday. David SIlva played the first 74 minutes, before being substituted. With the damage already done, and picking up a yellow card, it was probably good to get Merlin off at that point. Spain have now qualified as Group winners so it I am hoping he’ll get to sit out the next fixture.
Saturday saw the conclusion of the European section first set of games. Portugal and Belgium all taking our interest. Bernardo Silva could still be going to Russia, with Portugal, thanks to a 2-0 victory over Andorra. The City man played the full 90, although it was CR7 and another Silva getting on the score sheet.
Belgium, without Kompany of course, also qualified for next summers tournament. Kevin DeBruyne was involved in a real thriller though, playing all 90 minutes. Eventually winning 4-3 after being pegged back twice. My hope, like Silva, would be that Tuesdays game at home to Cyprus will not involve KDB.
In South America Argentina, without Sergio Aguero, are struggling. Nico Otamendi was at the back for a 0-0 draw against Peru. This now leaves Russia in real danger of not being able to welcome Lionel Messi. Next up is Ecuador away, not an easy task at the best of times.
Brazil, with Fernandinho, Jesus, Danilo and Ederson also got a 0-0 draw. Away to Bolivia it really didn’t matter as they had already booked their place. Neither Ederson or Danilo were used and Fernandinho did get on with 8 minutes to go. Gabby Jesus played the whole game and didn’t look bad at all.
Next: City loan watch: Netherlands
Next up for Brazil is Chile. It could be the battle of the City stoppers with Ederson likely to start. Maybe Danilo will get a nod also and rest Jesus please.
Speaking of Chile, they did eventually get a 2-1 win, no thanks to Bravo. Future blue Alexis Sanchez scoring the winner. This keeps hopes their alive with them, and five others still actively chasing those three remaining automatic spots. Finishing fifth would see a play-off adventure which any of this group should fancy themselves in.