Brazil 2-2 Uruguay
Willian bagged an assist in Brazil’s 2-2 draw with Uruguay last night, but Oscar was left unused on the bench for the 90 minutes.
Willian’s assist came just after a minute, laying it on a plate for Douglas Costa to score from close range. Renato Augusto doubled Verde-Amarela’s lead, but Edison Cavani pulled one back close to the interval, before Luis Suarez netted to equalise after the break in his first appearance for Uruguay in almost two years. The scoreline would end 2-2.
Italy 1-1 Spain
Cesc Fabregas and Cesar Azpilicueta were both involved in Spain’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea-bound Antonio Conte’s Italy on Thursday night, with Azpilicueta utilised as a left-back and Fabregas deployed in a more advanced role than he operates at Chelsea, but there was no place for Pedro.
The Azzuri would take the lead through Lorenzo Insigne in the second half, but Spain would reply almost immediately courtesy of an Aritz Aduriz goal in his first game for Spain in six years.
Denmark 2-1 Iceland
Andreas Christensen made his first senior start for Denmark in their friendly with Iceland, the Danes winning the game 2-1.
The Chelsea defender, currently on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany, was deployed in a three-at-the-back formation, perhaps a sight of what is to come under Antonio Conte. Denmark scored two quick goals in succession to take a 2-0 lead, and despite a reply from Iceland, Christensen and his team stayed solid throughout and held on for the victory.
Nigeria 1-1 Egypt
John Obi Mikel’s first game as Nigeria’s permanent captain ended in a draw with Egypt in African Cup Of Nations qualifying.
A rather dull affair for an hour, the deadlock was finally broken after Nigeria striker Etebo Oghenekaro was quickest to react to a rebound off the woodwork. Just as it looked Nigeria were going to hold on for the victory, former Chelsea player Mohammed Salah netted in stoppage time, denying the Three Eagles an all-important three points.
Germany 2-3 England
Gary Cahill captained England to a 3-2 victory over World Cup champions Germany and completed the full 90 minutes. The Three Lions came back from two goals down in the second half to produce an extraordinary comeback.
Toni Kroos and Mario Gomez goals had put Germany in cruise control, but Harry Kane pulled one back for the visitors after turning his marker and producing a neat finish into the bottom corner. A wonderfully-improvised Jamie Vardy flick made it 2-2, before Spurs defender Eric Dier’s powerful header in stoppage time gave England a memorable win over the reigning World Champions.
Best of the rest
Matt Miazga played for America’s Under-23 side in a 2016 Olympic qualification play-off first leg against Colombia, his side earning a hard-fought 1-1 draw in blistering hot conditions.
Juan Cuadrado completed 85 minutes for Colombia in a five-goal rollercoaster ride against Bolivia. The 2014 World Cup quarter-finalists took a two-goal advantage after 41 minutes thanks to James Rodriguez and Carlos Bacca strikes, but the valiant hosts scored twice in twelve minutes to make it 2-2. But Colombia were to break Bolivia hearts in cruel circumstances, with Cardona earning three crucial points in stoppage time.
Asmir Begovic played 90 minutes of Bosnia’s 3-0 rout of Luxembourg at Stade Josy Barthel, on the shot-stopper’s 48th cap for his nation.
Baba Rahman and Christian Atsu both started for Ghana as they comfortably dispatched Mozambique 3-1 in African Cup Of Nations qualifying, consolidating their position as leaders in the group.
