Cody Gakpo was on the scoresheet for the first time this season when he beat his Liverpool teammate, while Alexis Mac Allister helped Argentina extend their incredible unbeaten run.
It was a busy day for Liverpool’s internationals on Thursday, with six members of Jurgen Klopp’s first team featuring for their country.
Fortunately, there are no health concerns to worry about, but Gakpo was out to celebrate as he helped the Netherlands to a 3-0 win over Kostas Tsimikas’ Greece.
Liverpool’s number 18 scored the second goal of the game after calmly controlling the ball on his chest before finishing with aplomb just outside the six-yard box.
Gakpo started on the left side of the forward triangle and played 65 minutes in the Euro 2024 qualifying tournament, while Virgil van Dijk and Tsimikas played the full 90 minutes.
The feeling of victory continued with three more, but Mac Allister helped extend Argentina’s incredible qualification record, which has now seen Argentina unbeaten since 2017 – the third longest run in South American qualification.
Lionel Messi’s stunning free-kick secured a 1-0 win over Ecuador and extended their World Cup qualification run to 22 games unbeaten – 13 wins, 9 draws.
Mac Allister played 77 minutes on the left side of the midfield trio. The 24-year-old’s role has changed after he proved to be Klopp’s reliable No.6 option to start the season.
Elsewhere in South America, Luis Diaz played 88 minutes as Colombia made a positive start to their bid to qualify for the World Cup after missing out last year.
Rafael Santos Borre’s goal early in the second half was enough to secure a 1-0 win for Venezuela,
with Diaz heavily involved in his side’s fifth touches (73). In the end, Dominik Szoboszlai chose Hungary, defeating Serbia 2-1. The midfielder played with full success for 90 minutes in a more developed role and was effective for his team in both phases of the game.
Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate watched from the stands as France beat Ireland 2-0, Caoimhin Kelleher was an unused substitute and Gavin Bazunu was first choice.
Fortunately, everyone left the field unscathed and we hope that the situation remains the same during the international window.
