International Break Preview: Ronaldo and Messi feature, Italy vs. France, Viktor Gyökeres on the European stage
As the international break returns, football fans are in for a treat with high-stakes matches and superstar appearances. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are back on the international stage, with Ronaldo’s Portugal taking on Croatia and Poland and Messi’s Argentina facing Paraguay and Peru. Europe hosts several thrilling matchups, with Italy set to clash with both Belgium and France.
Meanwhile, Sweden’s in-form Viktor Gyökeres brings his prolific club scoring to games against Slovakia and Azerbaijan, and Greece looks to maintain their perfect record in the Nations League with crucial fixtures against England and Finland. Over in South America, Brazil and Uruguay meet in a World Cup qualifying showdown, with both teams needing a win to keep their campaign on track. The international stage is set, and it’s all to play for.
International Break – What to know
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will both be featuring in the international break matches
As the international break approaches, all eyes will be on football’s greatest active legends, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Ronaldo returns to Portugal’s squad fresh off a string of strong performances with Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he’s scored six goals and provided two assists in nine league games. His role in the Portuguese team remains central as they face Croatia and Poland in matches that could further bolster their qualification hopes.
Ronaldo’s record as the all-time leading scorer in men’s international football continues to grow, and fans are eager to see if he can add to his tally. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, having just concluded his MLS season with Inter Miami, shifts his focus entirely to Argentina, who have upcoming clashes against Paraguay and Peru. Messi scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s last international window, and with his full attention now on his national team, he’ll be hungry to deliver yet another memorable performance on home soil.
Italy take on Belgium and France in two thrillers
European heavyweights Italy and France are set for two thrilling encounters, with Italy first facing Belgium in a clash of two technically gifted squads and then taking on a French side brimming with young talent. Italy, under Luciano Spalletti, has demonstrated defensive resilience, but France’s offensive prowess led by Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise presents a stern test.
Belgium, too, has bolstered their ranks, with Romelu Lukaku and Jeremy Doku in good form. For both Italy and France, the international break offers a chance to assert their European dominance, and these games are poised to give fans a taste of intense, competitive football.
Viktor Gyökeres is the most in-form player on the planet, can he bring that to Sweden?
Viktor Gyökeres has become a name to watch as he lights up the pitch with Sporting Lisbon, amassing an incredible 23 goals and four assists in just 18 games this season. Sweden’s rising star now brings his impressive form to the international stage as they prepare to face Slovakia and Azerbaijan.
Gyökeres’ ability to find the back of the net has become his signature, and these fixtures could provide him with the perfect opportunity to increase his tally. Sweden’s hopes rest heavily on his shoulders, and if he can translate his club success to national team success, the Scandinavian nation will be poised for a solid run in the qualifying rounds.
Barca's hierarchy are keen on Viktor Gyokeres and the hattrick against Man City made them think about the option even further 👀 pic.twitter.com/NO15b5Oj31
— 365Scores (@365Scores) November 7, 2024
Could Greece keep up their perfect record?
Greece has been one of the biggest surprises in the Nations League, maintaining a perfect record of four wins from four games under the guidance of manager Ivan Jovanović. They’ve shown resilience and strategic discipline, including an impressive win over England with a last-minute goal in October. Now, Greece faces tough matches against England once more and Finland. With a flawless record so far, the Greek squad will be eager to prove their consistency, aiming to continue their winning streak and secure their status among the top teams in their group.
Brazil battles Uruguay in a must-win showdown
In South America, a high-stakes clash awaits as Brazil and Uruguay battle it out in World Cup qualifying. Both teams are tied on 16 points after 10 games, making this a pivotal match in the race for 2026 qualification. Brazil boasts a formidable attacking lineup with Rodrygo, Raphinha, and Vinícius Júnior all in impressive form.
Uruguay, however, won’t be an easy target, especially with Manuel Ugarte coming into his own at Manchester United, where he’s shown his prowess as a tenacious midfielder. This fixture is more than a test of skill—it’s a crucial game that could determine the trajectory of both teams’ World Cup journeys.
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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