International round-up (Part 6)

Valencia were dealt a massive blow during the latest round of International games, as in form youngster Lee Kang-In suffered a torn hamstring in a 2-1 win against China. Starting again after his impressive 2 goal haul in the previous game, he helped his side into a 2-0 lead before picking up the injury, after 32 minutes, which could potentially now keep him out of action for 2 months. China pulled one back, but Korea held on for the win, which sees them finish top of the group on goal difference in the Asian World Cup qualifications. Experienced defender Antonio Valencia was once again in action for the full game, as Ecuador were beaten 3-2 away to Paraguay in their South American world cup qualifier. Ecuador are unable to qualify, while the win for Paraguay sees them edge into 5th spot, and a potential play-off berth, for Qatar 2022.

Other qualifiers include Argentina, who won the group, and Brazil, who drew 0-0 in their final qualification game against Uruguay, who also qualify in 4th. Maxi Gómez again came off the bench but was unable to repeat his heroics from the previous game in this stalemate. Daniel Wass came on as a late substitute for Denmark in a 2-0 win against Switzerland. The Danes did superbly well to top Group 4 in the Nations League, a result which sees Spain miss out on the finals. Spain needed a win and Denmark to drop points, but in the end they were only able to manage a 1-1 draw with Belgium in their final game, irrespective of the result in Bern. José Gayà played 88 minutes in the tie, which saw Real Madrid team mates Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio both score for their respective countries in the clash in Brussels.

Jasper Cillessen was on the losing side as the Netherlands fell to defeat against England in their final group game, a late Harry Kane goal at the Johan Cruyff arena enough for the visitors to win the game and the group. Portugal will also be heading to the finals after a 2-1 victory over Iceland in their final match saw them top the group, Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the winner as the visitors came back from 1-0 down in Reykjavik to grab the win. Valencia winger Gonçalo Guedes came on for the final 18 minutes of that one.