There’s a plethora of international friendly matches going on right now.
From Austria to Argentina, they are happening the world over as nations prepare for major summer spectacles in the shape of Euro 2024 and the Copa America.
Even for those not so fortunate to be involved, there are others using the opportunity to plan for better things; focusing on the longer-term; looking to create international friendly highlights which can act as a springboard for something greater.
Amidst the stand-out games – and the SBOTOP international friendly betting odds have them all covered – were two on Friday night.
England-Iceland evoked memories of 2016 and THE shock of shocks.
And while the defeat Iceland inflicted on the Three Lions at Wembley is hardly of the same magnitude, it was still a surprise.
In fact, it made you wonder if this will end up being Gareth Southgate’s last home match in charge, just as Iceland triggered the end of Roy Hodgson’s time at the helm eight years ago.
Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s low shot after 12 minutes was enough to separate the sides and, while the result was of no importance, the lacklustre performance which lacked intensity – there was rarely a time when the Iceland goal was under sustained pressure – will cause a few alarm bells among fans.
Southgate will likely be more concerned that defender John Stones was substituted at half-time after taking a heavy knock early on.
With an already imbalanced defence, England cannot afford to lose the Manchester City man given his regular defensive partner Harry Maguire has already been ruled out of the tournament in Germany because of injury.
On nights like this, it’s never far from thoughts that it could prove their Achillies heel – a rearguard vulnerable against elite opposition and with their main left-back, Luke Shaw, very touch and go after missing most of the campaign for Manchester United and not playing since February.
Then there was Germany-Greece, a final warm-up game for the hosts of Euro 2024, a week before it gets underway.
Just like England, Germany’s meeting with opponents well down the FIFA world rankings was far from straightforward.
Unlike England, Julian Nagelsmann’s side found a way to win, despite trailing at the break.
Greece edged in front just after the half-hour mark when Manuel Neuer could only parry a Christos Tzolis shot into the path of Georgios Masouras who tapped in the rebound.
Nagelsmann introduced Leroy Sane and David Raum at the interval and the former was involved in Germany’s equaliser early in the second half.
The Bayern Munich winger skipped forward down the right on a counter-attack and fed the ball into Kai Havertz who executed a superb turn before levelling matters.
The soon-to-retire Toni Kroos’ set pieces were a source of danger throughout, and look set to be a valuable weapon for Germany over the next month or so with the towering Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rüdiger imposing targets to aim for.
Germany pushed for a winner and the pressure paid off when substitute, Brighton midfielder Pascal Gross, fired in a last-minute winner to give the home team a confidence-boosting result ahead of next week’s tournament opener against Scotland.
Talking of which, the Scots spurned a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Finland at Hampden Park.
An own goal lifted sprits after a subdued start before Lawrence Shankland nodded home to ramp up the celebrations.
The mood of the Tartan Army was quietened somewhat, however, as Benjamin Kallman pulled one back and then, five minutes from time, Oliver Antman equalised from the penalty spot, the spot-kick awarded by VAR.
It was despatched past veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon who won his 75th and likely final cap from the substitutes bench.
In the process, the 41 year-old, who has not made their squad for Euro 2024, became only the sixth player to reach this milestone, after Kenny Dalglish, Jim Leighton, Darren Fletcher, Alex McLeish and Paul McStay.
How Scotland must wish they had players of that calibre to call upon this summer.
The weekend is yet young of course.
Other contests to watch out for over the next few days include Portugal v Croatia, ahead of what may be a final international swansong this summer for world stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric.
There’s also another all-Scandinavian affair for Denmark, fresh from their success over Sweden, at home to Norway and holders Italy at home to Bosnia.
Keep up to date with all the latest news and views on Euro 2024 on this page!
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