Despite all of these issues, it’s something that we, fans, simply adore! The players running out on that pitch with the national team’s crest on their chest fills us with a different kind of joy and pride. And the sheer thrill of living through the game and joining in with the celebrations of the whole country when your nation beats another is something we live for.
With less than three months to go for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, this is the last chance for managers to get their tactics right and identify the right players to take on that plane to Russia. As a result, we have some exhilarating matches coming up over the next one week.
On that note, we look at 7 matches you just cannot afford to miss this international break. And believe me, this is not your normal international break, simply because of the gigantic clashes on offer:
#7 Portugal vs Egypt
When: 7:45 pm GMT, 23rd March (Friday)
Where: Letzigrund Stadion, Switzerland
This fixture wouldn’t have made the list if not for one man - Mohamed Salah. The winger has been magnificent throughout the year and is currently the leading league goal scorer in Europe’s top 5 leagues.
His brilliance has helped the country reach a World Cup for the first time in 28 years. This fixture stands out for another reason as well: It is a face-off between Salah and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal won the UEFA Euro 2016 as underdogs, to the surprise of many and are currently third in the FIFA rankings. Ronaldo scored 15 goals in the qualifiers and has been in terrific form since the turn of the year. Both stars will be in high spirits ahead of the World Cup, and this, a very exciting clash awaits us!
Form Guide:
Portugal: WWWWWD Egypt: WWLWWD
Last meeting: Portugal 2-0 Egypt (18/08/05)
#6 France vs Colombia
When: 8:00 pm GMT, 23rd March (Friday)
Where: Stade De France, France
France came so close to winning the UEFA Euro 2016 but they were denied a victory on home soil by Portugal. They will want to make amends this summer and seems determined to do so. They topped their group with 23 points in 10 games in the qualifying round and they have a perfect mix of youth and experience coming into the World Cup.
On the other hand, Colombia qualified into the World Cup for the sixth time in their history when they finished fourth in the CONMEBOL qualifying group.
They are currently the thirteenth-ranked team in the world and will be banking on the talents of James Rodriguez (who won the Golden Boot in 2014) and Radamel Falcao, who is back to his best, to progress into the latter stages of the World Cup.
Form Guide:
France: WDWWWD Colombia: DDLDLW
Last meeting: France 1-0 Colombia (04/06/08)
#5 Argentina vs Italy
When: 7:45 pm GMT, 23rd March (Friday)
Where: Etihad Stadium, England
Argentina came close to winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup until they were beaten by Germany in the final. The Latin-American side left it till the final match-day of the qualifiers to secure qualification and it needed some Leo Messi brilliance. They will be hoping that he can weave his magic again in Russia this summer.
Italy, the four-time champions of the world, failed to qualify for this year’s tournament much to the shock of many. They finished second in their group and failed to beat Sweden - who qualified at their expense - in the playoffs.
They are currently without a manager after sacking Gian Piero Ventura in November. Nevertheless, this seems to be a match that has the scope to turn out to be a thriller.
Form Guide:
Argentina: DDDWWL Italy: LWDWLD
Last meeting: Argentina 2-1 Italy (15/08/13)
#4 Spain vs Argentina
When: 8:30 pm GMT, 27th March (Tuesday)
Where: Estadio Wanda Metropolitano, Spain
Coming into the 2014 FIFA World Cup as the holders of the trophy, many expected them to repeat the feat. Any hopes of that were crushed in the first two matches itself, as they lost to The Netherlands and Chile.
The defending champions bowed out and their squad has since undergone a period of transition over the last four years. They were beaten in the round-of-16 at Euro 2016 by Italy but they have come out all guns blazing since then and were unbeaten in the qualifiers, winning nine games and drawing one.
Argentina’s last minute entry to the finals in Russia may prove to be a much-needed confidence boost for the team and they will be looking to go all the way this time after turning out to be second best in 2014.
The last 5 meetings between the teams have all ended with a result, with Spain winning three.
Form Guide:
Spain: WWWWWD Argentina: DDDWWL
Last meeting: Spain 1-4 Argentina (08/09/10)
#3 England vs Italy
When: 8:00 pm GMT, 27th March (Tuesday)
Where: Wembley Stadium
Two nations with a bit of history, the most recent of which was Italy beating England in the 2014 FIFA World Cup that resulted in England finishing at the bottom of the group. They didn’t enjoy a decent outing in Euro 2016 as well when they were beaten by Iceland in round-of-16.
England have never lived up to the expectations and Gareth Southgate is likely to field a young side full of energy and enthusiasm in Russia in the belief they can go all the way.
Italy have the better head-to-head record, having lost only once in their last five meetings. And despite failing to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, caretaker manager Luigi Di Biagio will be looking forward to impressing his hierarchy when they visit Wembley next week. You can always imagine fireworks when these two clubs meet!
Form Guide:
England: WWWWDD Italy: LWDWLD
Last meeting: Italy 1-1 England (01/04/15)
#2 Germany vs Brazil
When: 8:00 pm GMT, 27th March (Tuesday)
Where: Olympiastadion, Germany
This will be the first meeting between the teams after Brazil were thrashed 7-1 by Germany in front of their own fans in the 2014 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. Brazil are a different team altogether now and have one of the best forward-line of all teams, in Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.
A young and vibrant attack will be on display this summer in Russia, determined to make amends and we can expect a preview next week.
Meanwhile, Germany are the current world champions and there seems to be no stopping them. They qualified with a perfect record of ten wins in ten and are a real force to be reckoned with when they are in the mood.
They are one of the favourites to win the competition in the summer and will be looking forward to becoming the third team to retain the World Cup, after Brazil and Italy.
Form Guide:
Germany: WWWWDD Brazil: WDDWWD
Last meeting: Brazil 1-7 Germany (09/07/14)
#1 Germany vs Spain
When: 7:45 pm GMT, 23rd March (Friday)
Where: ESPRIT arena, Germany
Doesn’t get bigger than this. Two of the biggest super-powers in world football, winners of the last two FIFA World Cups and two of the favourites to win the grand prize again this summer.
Germany will be coming into the match on the back of a perfect record in qualifying and Spain, a near-perfect one, having drawn once. Both teams failed to deliver at the Euro 2016. Spain were beaten by Italy in the round-of-16 and Germany lost out to France in the semi-finals. But now, both teams are well-equipped to give the other a run for their money.
All 5 previous meetings between the nations have had a winner, with Spain having an edge with three wins. This match could be a sneak-peek into what may well be the final this year in Russia, and is undeniably a match you just cannot afford to miss.
Form Guide:
Germany: WWWWDD Spain: WWWWWD
Last meeting: Spain 0-1 Germany (19/11/14)
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