What did we learn from the international break?
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Love it or hate it – the international break never fails to dish up drama. With some of Europe’s strongest teams coming up against the continent’s minnows, there are always plenty of talking points following an international break.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the major talking points from the recent international break.
• Germany aren’t the force they once were
When Germany lost 6-0 to Spain back in November, it was clear that Joachim Low’s side were not the powerhouse of previous years. But following a shock 2-1 defeat to North Macedonia on Wednesday, alarm bells are ringing in Germany.
Despite enjoying 70% possession, Germany were unable to get the better of the Group J minnows. And to make matters worse, Chelsea forward Timo Werner missed a massive chance to rescue a point for his side.
• John Stones still makes mistakes
John Stones is having a remarkable comeback season for Manchester City, there is no denying that. His performances have even earned him an England re-call. However, he let his country down again on Wednesday.
We haven’t seen a high-profile mistake from Stones in a Man City shirt this term, yet he gave the ball away for Poland’s equalizer at Wembley. Many believed that his errors were in the past, but he returned to his old ways.
• Serbia can challenge Portugal in Group A
With Portugal and Serbia both picking up seven points from their opening three qualifying games, Group A is in the balance. Portugal scraped past Azerbaijan and Luxembourg, while Serbia also beat Azerbaijan, as well as seeing off Ireland.
On Matchday 2, Liverpool forward Diogo Jota gave Portugal a 2-0 lead against Serbia. But second-half goals from Aleksandar Mitrovic and Filip Kostic saw the Serbs snatch a point. Having recorded 16 shots against Portugal, Serbia look set to challenge for top spot in Group A.
• Zlatan Ibrahimovic has still got it
Following a five-year absence, Zlatan Ibrahimovic marked his return to international football by providing an assist against Georgia. Three days later, in true Zlatan style, he produced a back-hell volley assist in a 3-0 win over Kosovo.
At 39, Ibrahimovic is now the oldest player to represent Sweden – scoring 62 goals in 118 appearances for his country. Even as he approaches his 40th birthday, the enigmatic striker still has a lot to offer.
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