International Roundup: Ronaldo steals the show, Messi sits out, Muller thunderbolt and more

The international break has stopped the normal league weekends again. But this time it is to prepare for the mega event of all, FIFA World Cup 2018. Friday threw some mouth-watering friendlies and the score-lines did not disappoint many.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored two injury time goals to give Portugal a 2-1 win against Egypt. Earlier, Mohammed Salah had given Egypt the lead with his second-half strike.

The Liverpool winger took his terrific domestic form to the International platform. Egypt looked to grab the victory but was intervened by the lethal Ronaldo.

With the stoppage time brace, Ronaldo now has moved into the third place in all-time international goal scorers with 81 goals, only behind Iran’s Ali Daei (109) and Hungary’s Ferenc Puskas (84).

Whereas Ronaldo’s arch-rival, Lionel Messi watched from the stands as his team Argentina started their World Cup build-up with a 2-0 victory over Italy at the Etihad Stadium in England.

Ever Banega and Manuel Lanzini struck in the second half to give Argentina some much-needed confidence ahead of the World Cup.

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Messi, who has been the center of attraction amongst the media personnel after reaching England ahead of their pre-world cup games, sat alongside injured striker Sergio Aguero in the stands.

Italy, after failing to qualify for FIFA World Cup failed to impress again as they lacked chemistry and urgency required to threaten Argentina.

In another game, Thomas Muller stole all the limelight as he scored a bullet equaliser between Germany and Spain which finished 1-1 in Dusseldorf.

After leading early through a Rodrigo goal, Spain looked comfortable against the defending World champions, but Muller spoiled Spain’s party as his 25-yard effort flew past David De Gea into the top corner.

Both the teams looked comfortable while attacking and both the goalkeepers De Gea and Marc-Andre ter-Stegen were possibly the busiest on the pitch as they showcased top quality shot-stopping.

Whereas, England played an experimental side against the Netherlands and won 1-0, thanks to Jesse Lingard’s debut international goal.

England boss Gareth Southgate gave some players a chance to prove their worth with the WC just three months away.

England looked comfortable against the Dutch and secured an easy 1-0 victory.