The Most Impressive International Teams From Yesterday’s Action

Friday’s international action featured a vast array of games, including: European Championship qualifiers, CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers, AFC World Cup qualifiers, and international friendlies. As always, some countries impressed and some disappointed. But why focus on the teams who performed poorly when you can look at the teams that looked very strong? So let’s take a look at the most impressive international teams from the action on 2 September 2011.

Holland

On 24 August 2011, Holland overtook World Cup nemesis Spain to reach the top spot in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings. Yesterday, the Oranje proved that they belonged on top of the perch, after thrashing San Marino 11-0 in a Group E qualifier for the 2012 European Championships. Robin van Persie got the Dutch off the mark with a goal in the seventh minute in PSV Stadium. The Gunners striker would go on to score four in the game. Wesley Sneijder and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar both bagged braces, while Dirk Kuyt, John Heitinga, and Georgino Wijnaldum netted one apiece.

Germany

European powerhouse Germany had no problem getting past bitter rivals Austria in their Group A qualifier for Euro 2012. The Germans got off to a flying start and lead 3-0 inside thirty minutes following two goals from Mesut Ozil and one from Lukas Podolski. Ozil completed his hat-trick on 47 minutes. Late goals from Andre Schurrle (83′) and Mario Gotze (88′) ran the score up to 6-2. By the way, Austria managed to score two goals at the Veltins Arena, Marko Arnautovic and Martin Harnick bagged the two insignificant goals for the visitors. Germany’s easy win sealed their place in next summers European Champions, where they will surely be one of the favourites.

England

The Three Lions looked as good as I have seen them in a long time on Friday. Wayne Rooney and fellow Manchester United teammate Ashley Young were absolutely brilliant for England. Like United, England looked very dangerous on the counter, blowing away Bulgaria with their superb pace. When it was all said and done, England sealed a 3-0 victory away from home at the Vassil Levski Stadion. With Montenegro having lost to Wales the day could not have been better for the English. England’s goals came from Gary Cahill (13′) and Wayne Rooney (21′, 45′).

South Korea

Now that we have covered the European Championships, let’s move to Asia to cover the 2014 AFC World Cup qualifiers. Asian giants South Korea demolished Lebanon 6-0 in Seoul World Cup Stadium on Friday afternoon. Arsenal’s new signing Chu-Young Park bagged a hat-trick for the Taegeuk Warriors. Dong-Won Ji added a brace and Kim-Jung Woo added one more as the Koreans cruised to an easy victory in Group B of AFC World Cup qualifying.

Honorable Mention: Iran

Portuguese boss Carlos Queiroz led Iran to a 3-0 win over Indonesia in their first match of Group E (AFC World Cup qualifying). Iran’s captain Javad Nekounam, of CA Osasuna, bagged a brace for Team Melli, while former Fulham midfielder Andranik Teymourian netted Iran’s third goal.