5 must-watch matches during the international break

Following a month-long, heart-pounding club football action, the international break is back with another set of international fixtures in store for football fans around the world. From the World Cup qualifiers in South America to international friendlies in Europe, the next 10 days have some really titillating encounters lined-up to keep the fans busy in the absence of club football.We take a look at some of the most exciting fixtures which will be played over the next two weeks.

#1 Argentina vs Brazil

Two of the most fierce rivals of South America are set to resume their historic and hostile rivalry as Argentina host their mighty neighbours Brazil in the third bout of 2018 World Cup qualifiers, albeit, sans Lionel Messi. The Barcelona ace has been out of action for 50 days since the knee ligament tear against Las Palmas towards the end of September, and will still require at least another 10 days to completely recuperate.

Following a stunning 2-0 loss to Ecuador at the home on the opening day, La Albiceleste were held to a goalless draw away at Paraguay on matchday two, and are yet to open their account for the campaign. The start has indeed been far from straightforward for the Copa America runners-up. And they are now dealt with another major hurdle in the Selecao, who are finding their footing back after a slump in Chile in the opener.

Can Brazil inflict more damage on Argentina or will the Albiceleste arrest their downward slide to everyone’s surprise? Tune into Sony Six this Friday to find out.

Venue: El Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Date and Time: Friday, 13 November – 5:30 AM IST

#2 Spain vs England

Having wrapped up their Euro 2016 qualification with a 100% win record, England gear up for their first real test before they head to France for the European showpiece when they travel to Alicante to take on the defending Euro champions Spain for the first time since 2011.

The previous encounter ended 1-0 in favour of the Three Lions at Wembley, but it is going to be a different proposition altogether this time around. La Roja breezed through the Euro qualifiers with the 2-1 loss at Slovakia last year being the only blot in an otherwise pristine qualifying campaign. And they will begin their preparation for the defence of their title with this game against England.

While Sergio Ramos and David Silva are set to miss out on account of injuries, Diego Costa returns to the fold to lead the line. As for the visitors, there no major injury concerns haggling ahead of the clash and travel to the Iberian Peninsula at full strength save for Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Venue: Estadio Jose Rico Perez, Alicante.

Date and Time: Saturday, 14 November – 1:15 AM IST

#3 Germany vs Netherlands

The world champions toiled their way out of Group D, succumbing to defeats to Poland and Ireland, while also being held at home by the Irish, en route to qualification for Euro 2016. Die Mannschaft have lost the steam that catapulted them to World Cup glory in Brazil just a little over a year ago, but will have hit the throttle to enter the competition in France at full pelt.

And what better way to gird the loins than a game against a beleagured Netherlands, who are still reeling from their calamituous qualifying campaign. Having finished fourth in group A behind Czech Replubic, Iceland and Turkey, the Dutch failed to ensure a berth in the Euros for the first time in three decades. And for the first time in this millenium, there will be no Oranje spice in a major international competition.

Naturally, the game bears little to no substance for Danny Blind and co, but they can take these friendlies as an opportunity to rebuild and avoid another catastrophe when the 2018 World Cup qualifiers begin next year.

Venue: HDI-Arena, Hannover, Germany

Date and Time: Wednesday, 18 November – 1:15 AM IST

#4 England vs France

The Three Lions will return from Spain to begin their preparations to take another European bigwig and the hosts of Euro 2016, France, who will play their 10th successive friendly this year. Having automatically qualified for the Euro showpiece as the hosts, Les Bleus have been perambulating across Europe since the last one year and have some more friendlies in the list before they commence Euro 2016.

After a few setbacks in the initial games of the calendar year, Didier Deschamps’ charges are back on track after four consecutive wins. But they will face stern tests at home to Germany first, followed by a trip to Wembley.

England haven’t lost at home since the 1-0 defeat against Germany back in November 2013, but will have their unbeaten run under threat against a side that has been firing on all cylinders of late.

Venue: Wembley, London, England

Date and Time: Wednesday, 18 November – 1:30 AM IST

#5 Wales vs Netherlands

After wrapping up a historic campaign that saw them qualify for a major international tournament for the first time since 1958, Wales get back in action to test their credentials yet again, when they entertain a shell-shocked Dutch, who missed the bus to France.

With just one defeat in 10 qualifying games, Wales were terrific throughout the qualifiers and caught everyone on a hop when they qualified from a group that comprised of Belgium and Bosnia & Herzegovina. The Dragons, who spent years and years in the shadows of their mightier neighbors, have finally come out of their closets and in a really resounding fashion.

Their Euro aspirations will be brought under the scanner once again when they take on Netherlands in their first friendly since clinching the memorable feat. The two sides last met in June 2014 when the Oranje ran out 2-0 victors in Amsterdam just days before heading for Brazil. However, since then, winds of change have blown over the two nations.

Venue: Cardiff City stadium, Cardiff, Wales

Date and Time: Saturday, 14 November – 1:15 AM IST