Got a hankering for international football? You’re in luck. This weekend marks the first international break since early October and features a multitude of unique matchups that will pit European powerhouse nations against one another. All of these games could be previews for the upcoming Euro 2016 tournament that will be played next June in France, with nine of the 10 featured teams having already qualified.
Spain vs. England
Friday, November 13
Remember when the Spaniards won Euro 2008 and 2012? That seemed like such a long time ago. Nontheless, it’s always a spectacle when these two titans get together.
La Furia Roja have won 10 of it’s last 11 home games and have already qualified to defend the European crown, winning nine of it’s 10 qualifying games.
The Three Lions come into the game having won all 10 of their qualifying matches. Roy Hodgson could be using a young team spearheaded by Raheem Sterling.
Belgium vs. Italy
Friday, November 13
Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard are part of a Belgian squad that are now the top-ranked team in the world. Photo: @MCFCEspanol | Twitter
Man, is there any team in the world that’s more rich in young talent than the Belgians, who have recently occupied the top spot in FIFA’s official rankings?
Everyone knows about Eden Hazard and his talent, but what about Kevin De Bruyne? The Manchester City wonderkid has scored eight goals in his last 14 appearances in all competitions. He’ll certainly be the focal point of the Belgian attack that has won six of it’s last seven European qualifiers and have punched it’s ticket to Euro 2016 by winning it’s respective group.
For Italy, it’ll be a chance to see if Belgium are really worthy of that top spot.
Andrea Pirlo featured in the 3-1 Italian victory in 2008 the last time these two clashed.
Wales vs. Netherlands
Friday, November 13
The Welsh have qualified for their first ever Euro 2016 tournament and have a good chance to prove what they’re made of when they take on the Netherlands, who are in a bit of a funk having lost three of it’s last five European qualifiers. One of those losses was a 3-2 defeat to the Czech Republic that cost them a slot in the tournament.
Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale, arguably Wales’ most important players, will not be featured in this game due to nagging injuries, which could give others the opportunity to shine.
France vs. Germany
Friday, November 13
The 2014 World Cup champions face the hosts of Euro 2016 in a game that comes at a controversial time for Les Bleus regarding the whole Karim Benzema and Mathieu Valbuena debacle.
Regardless, Germany will be without some of its star-power in this match, as Joachim Low will not play Toni Kroos nor the in-form Mesut Ozil, who leads the Premier League in assists at the moment with 10.
Mario Gomez does make his return, though, having not seen action since the 4-2 loss in a friendly against Argentina last year.
Russia vs. Portugal
Saturday, November 14
Both of these teams come into this contest in fine form, having won five of their last six matches.
The host of the 2018 World Cup will have to give their best defensive effort in order to avoid having this happen to them again.
All five of these games are sure to be fantastic spectacles, so gather up your friends and enjoy the ride that will surely give us a sneak peek of Euro 2016.
