In the early window of action, Georgian keeper Giorgi Mamardashvili kept a clean sheet in his team’s 0-0 draw against Ukraine, saving both on target shots faced. While neither shot required a stunning save, the clean sheet will add to his confidence.
Both Bradley Barcola and Jérémy Jacquet started for France in their Nation’s League A match against Belgium, a big deal for Jacquet who made his debut at the senior level. Barcola was largely quiet as he failed to connect effectively when it came to the final
ball, but looked a challenge for the Belgian defense. He stayed on until the 77th minute, with Zinédine Zidane showing trust in the bright winger — though he did make way for the pair who eventually won the game for France. Jacquet can be pleased with a clean sheet and win in his debut, which reflected well on the young defender.
Dominik Szoboszlai started as captain for Hungary, with Miloš Kerkez starting in defense in their Nation’s League B match against Northern Ireland. Szoboszlai was one of Hungary’s best players in what turned out to be quite a sterile 0-0 draw — though the Hungarian goalkeeper Balázs Tóth was the standout with his three saves, with Kerkez struggling at times against a Northern Irish side that looked largely average.
Elsewhere Ronald Araújo started in the center of defense as Uruguay trounced South Korea 4-1 in a friendly, with former Red Darwin Nuñez bagging a brace. Araújo put in a decent performace managing time on a yellow card.
We have entered the point where injuries are the concern more than performance levels, with Alexander Isak missing Sweden’s match today with an injury concern, and Cody Gakpo being forced to withdraw from international duty on Sunday. As both players are responsible for a high percentage of Liverpool’s goals thus far this season, their health is a major worry ahead of the match against Manchester City after the break.
No new injuries were reported from Monday’s action.
