After about three months of electrifying club football action, the leagues come to a temporary halt this week as international fixtures take centre stage.
The following are five of the most thrilling encounters across continents to be played during this international break.
- Brazil vs. Argentina
Date: Thursday, November 10
Venue: Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte
Two of the world’s biggest footballing nations renew their fierce rivalry in a bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. It’s the 99th Superclasico meeting between these two with both nations level on 36 victories while 24 have ended in draws producing an unbelievable 300 goals. Brazil sits at the top of the CONMEBOL standings with four wins under new coach, Tite. However, it is a different story for Argentina boss Edgardo Bauza who has endured a torrid campaign thus far.
- England vs. Scotland
Date: Friday, November 11
Venue: Wembley Stadium
It’s not just a British rivalry; it’s the oldest international fixture in world football first played in 1872 at Hamilton Crescent, Glasgow. During the early years, the Scots dominated this encounter which has since lost its glamour after the annual fixture stopped in 1989. However, the Three Lions with 47 wins have since toppled their neighbours who have won seven games less with 25 ending in a draw. The Three Lions are buzzing in confidence having managed seven points from three games to top the group while Scotland are fourth with fourth points.
- USA vs. Mexico
Date: Friday, November 11
Venue: MAPFRE Stadium, Columbus, Ohio
The United States and bitter rivals, Mexico, will this Friday kick-start the final round of 2018 CONCACAF World Cup qualifying. Both nations have clashed a total of 66 times with El Tri winning 34 against USMNT’s 14. However, Columbus is a venue where the US have reigned supreme – beating Mexico 2-0 in the last four World Cup qualifying cycles. But the visitors will be hoping to continue their impressive run in the previous round in which they won five and drew just one game in the series.
- Nigeria vs. Algeria
Date: Saturday, November 12
Venue: Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo
Two of Africa’s brightest teams square off in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday. The Super Eagles who boast Premier League stars such as Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi, Victor Moses and Mikel Obi welcome an Algerian side with reigning PFA Player of the Year, Riyad Mahrez, and Leicester City teammate, Islam Slimani. Both sides have faced off 18 times with the Nigerians superior with eight wins against Algerians six. Also, the three-time African champions are undefeated in six games against the Desert Foxes whose last victory came over 26 years ago.
- Colombia vs. Chile
Date: Thursday, November 10
Venue: Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez, Barranquilla
Two South American giants, Colombia and Chile clash in a repeat of Copa America Centenario won 2-0 by the latter. Aside from their famous semi-final victory en route to winning the title, Chile have only managed to defeat Los Cafeteros twice in their last six meetings. In fact, Colombia have emerged victorious 15 times against Chile’s 10 while 12 other games ended in stalemates.
