Even if the next one won’t be for another month, the second international break of the year is finally over. How did the Liverpool team fare in the second round of games?
This international break has actually been pretty interesting from a Reds perspective despite the break from competitive club football, with many of Jurgen Klopp’s players excelling for their nationalities over the numerous qualifying and friendlies.
The Reds have been significantly involved in these international games all around the world, and there have been many goals, dramatic victories, and missed penalties.
The Scots Andy Robertson and Ben Doak of Liverpool, who both sustained injuries, were forced to miss the second round of games and return to Merseyside, so it hasn’t all been good news.
However, how did the other Reds fare this week?
MONDAY, 16 OCTOBER
Greece 0-1 Netherlands
Bosnia 0-5 Portugal
Egypt 1-1 Algeria
Ukraine U21 3-2 England U21
What an incredible night for Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool, as the defender not only led the Netherlands to victory against Greece in a Euro 2024 qualifying match, but he also scored the game-winning goal in stoppage time.
When the Dutch were given a penalty in the waning seconds of the match, it took them until the 93rd minute to defeat Greece. Despite having laser pens shone in his eyes, Van Dijk (who else?) stepped up and sank a frigid spot kick to win the match and put his team in prime position to qualify for Euro 2024.
The only drawback is that the goal was scored at another Red Kostas Tsimikas’ expense, and Greece is now trailing the Netherlands in Group B on goal differential despite having played one more game than Van Dijk’s team.
In another match during the Euro 2024 qualifying rounds, Diogo Jota was introduced in the second half against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Despite the fact that he did not score a goal, Portugal dominated and defeated them 5-0 despite having already qualified.
Mohamed Salah played for Egypt as well, albeit in a friendly match. The winger failed to score as his team’s match against Algeria ended in a 1-1 tie.
Harvey Elliott led England’s youth team against Ukraine in under-21 news. The youngster’s amazing night came to a finish with an assist, but it wasn’t enough as the home team defeated England 3-2 in stoppage time. During the game, Jarell Quansah was an unutilized substitute.
TUESDAY, 17 OCTOBER
Lithuania 2-2 Hungary
France 4-1 Scotland
Japan 2-0 Tunisia
England 3-1 Italy
For both club and nation, Dominik Szoboszlai is having a good season.
In their most recent Euro 2024 qualifying match, Hungary found themselves down 2-0 to Lithuania away from home, and the 22-year-old skipper had to stand up.
Stepping up, he converted a penalty to give his country a chance, then whipped in a pinpoint corner to bring up the equaliser and save a draw from certain defeat. The win keeps Hungary in first place in Group G. What an actor.
Wataru Endo and Ibrahima Konate both achieved triumph for their nations in less tough matches as France and Japan competed against Scotland and Tunisia, respectively.
Endo led his country to a 2-0 triumph while Konate started and played 88 minutes as the French romped to a 4-1 victory.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was (somehow) not used as a substitute for England as they easily defeated Italy 3-1 to clinch their qualification for Euro 2024.
WEDNESDAY, 18 OCTOBER
Uruguay 2-0 Brazil
Peru 0-2 Argentina
Ecuador 0-0 Colombia
The last round of international competition included Liverpool’s South American players, and Darwin Nuez in particular stood out for Uruguay’s most recent World Cup qualifier.
The Reds’ number nine opened the scoring against Brazil with a spectacular header and even contributed an assist to secure the 2-0 victory over their powerful neighbours for the first time since 2001.
Even the best custodian in the world would struggle against chaos ball, thus Alisson Becker wasn’t used as a substitute in the game. I’m sure he won’t mind, though.
Argentina also had a successful outcome to keep up their spotless World Cup qualification record, as two goals from Lionel Messi destroyed Peru.
Finally, Luis Diaz received some disappointing news. In a pretty drab 0-0 tie with Ecuador, the Colombian had a second-half penalty saved.
Whether the South American contingent will be well, rested and ready to participate in the Merseyside Derby on Saturday is the major question right now.