Raphinha - Brazil
Unable to make his Brazil debut last month, Raphinha was once again called up to his national side, for their three matches. The World Cup South American Qualifying group comprises of 10 teams and Brazil currently sit top by some distance. Matches over this period saw Brazil face Venezuela and Columbia away, before taking on Uruguay at home.
The first match for Raphinha and his Brazil side was away at Venezuela. Eric Ramirez put the hosts ahead after just 11 minutes and kept the lead until half-time. The Leeds United winger was then introduced for his debut, and made a stunning impact, with two assists - and playing a key role in a penalty award - which saw manager Tite’s side run out 3-1 winners!
Columbia were next and Raphinha was introduced as a second half substitute in the 61st minute. Again the winger had a positive performance, but Brazil couldn’t get the breakthrough and had to settle for a 0-0 draw.
Finally, in the early hours of Friday morning, Raphinha made his first start for his country against Uruguay and produced another sterling performance, leading the line with Neymar and Gabriel Jesus. He netted his first goal for Brazil in the 18th minute and followed it up with another strike in the 58thminute, capping off a dream start to his international career.
Dan James & Tyler Roberts - Wales
Wales went into the international break looking to secure points over this break to move up in their European Qualifying Group E, with the added bonus of games-in-hand around the other sides. A crucial fixture against Czech Republic on Friday night was first up, before then travelling to face bottom side Estonia.
The Czech Republic clash was a hard-fought and close encounter, ending in a 2-2 draw. Dan James was impressive throughout and backed up his first half assist, with a second half goal! Roberts also played in the game, coming on from the bench.
Away in Estonia, Wales were again victorious thanks to a goal from Kieffer Moore, with James once again playing 90 minutes. The result means Wales finish the latest round of fixtures in third place, tied on 11 points with the Czech Republic, but with that important game-in-hand.
Mateusz Klich - Poland
Playing alongside England in Group I for World Cup qualification, Mateusz Klich’s Poland side were looking to get above Albania into second place during this international period. They would face bottom side San Marino first up, at home, before then travelling take on the Albanian’s in an important clash.
The San Marino match gained an expected but impressive three points, with a comfortable 5-0 victory. Klich played the first 45 minutes for his side before being substituted with his side two goals up.
That win sent Paulo Souza’s side to Albania with confidence and Klich provided the vital assist for the only goal of the game, with substitute Karol Swiderski converting his cross in a 1-0 away victory.
Liam Cooper - Scotland
The Leeds United skipper has been looking to help Scotland continue to make a push towards the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, during this international break. His side went into the break sat in second place in Group F, behind Scotland, but only marginally ahead of first-match opponents Israel.
The first match and their seventh of the group stage was at Hampden Park against their nearest opponents Israel, which saw a thrilling five-goal encounter won in the final seconds through Scott McTominay netting. Cooper was brought on off the bench to play a part in the win.
The second qualifier was on Tuesday evening, away at the Faroe Islands, where Steve Clarke’s side again scored a late winner through Lyndon Dykes to secure a 1-0 win, with Cooper again featuring from the bench.
Stuart Dallas – Northern Ireland
Dallas’ Northern Ireland side went into World Cup Qualifying double header looking to get results away from home against Switzerland and Bulgaria, as they battle for position against both sides in Group C. Placed in third prior to the two matches, level on points with fourth placed Bulgaria and three behind second placed Switzerland, every point would be crucial.
First up were Switzerland, which brought about a disappointing 2-0 defeat for the Green and White Army, who finished with 10 players following a first half red card for Jamal Lewis. Dallas played 86 minutes of the match before being substituted.
The second game before returning to Elland Road was away at Bulgaria and Dallas was a 67thminute substitute, trailing 2-1, but he was unable to get his side back into the match. The defeat sadly means Dallas and Northern Ireland can no longer qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
