The good, the bad and the ugly: Best moments from the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
So the international break is over and you know what, it wasn’t as dull as it could have been.
We had the obvious good performances of Spain and Germany, the brilliant surprise stories of Syria and Liechtenstein, and the continuation of incredible form from Northern Ireland and Wales.
All that and more, here’s an international edition of the good, the bad and the ugly.
THE GOOD:
Best player: Isco
Actually, we’d still like to say a few things about it. Those goals were brilliant, THAT nutmeg on Marco Verratti could become iconic.
Isco wasn’t just brilliant against Italy but took his early season form into the game against Liechtenstein too.
David Silva and Andrés Iniesta showed they still have a place on the side but Isco’s performances proved Spain don’t have to worry too much when the elder statesmen call it a day.
Best team performance: Syria
Two goals against an Iran side that hadn’t conceded in qualifying, the second coming deep into injury time to keep their Russia 2018 hopes alive.
You don’t need me to tell you what the nation has been through. It was simply heartwarming to see hundreds gathered to watch the game on a big screen in Damascus.
Omar Al Somah’s goal secured a play-off game against Australia that we’ll be keeping a keen eye on.
Best goal: Ben Woodburn v Austria
How many times does a national anthem provide assistance? It really is like something out of Hollywood.
The entire stadium spontaneously started to sing Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau moments after Woodburn, just 17, entered the field for his national team debut.
Seconds later, the ball fell to him and he struck. If it happened on the big screen you would roll your eyes at how clichéd it was.