International Round Up: Wijnaldum Shines as Liverpool Players Complete First Round of Games

Photo by Boris Streubel/Getty Images

Most Reds’ players will be happy with the performances of their national teams for far in the September international break.

The first round of international games have finished for Liverpool players representing their national teams around the globe. The only team that suffered a loss was Andy Robertson’s Scotland, who fell 2-1 to Russia in Glasgow on Friday evening. They went into halftime even on one goal each, thanks to an early strike by James McGinn and Russia’s Artem Dzyuba’s right-footed effort at 40’. The second half saw the Scots fall to an early Stephen O’Donnell own goal. Andy Robertson played all 90 minutes of the match.

In Miami, Brazil came away with a draw against Colombia after losing a first half lead. Firmino started the match and was replaced at 83’. Fabinho was an unused substitute. It was Colombian Luis Muriel who bagged a brace and kept the Copa America winners at bay. Casemiro and Neymar both scored, but it was only enough to manage a draw in the friendly.

Every one else walked away winners, however. Gini Wijnaldum put the Netherlands’ fourth past Germany in a dramatic come-from-behind victory that saw the Dutch score four goals in the second half to win 4-2. Wijnaldum and Virgil van Dijk both played the whole match.

Belgium played UEFA whipping boys San Marino and won handily 4-0. Liverpool legend Divock Origi played the first half and then was subbed out at 55 minutes.

Dejan Lovren helped lead Croatia to victory against Slovakia on Friday when he scored their fourth and final goal as the game was winding down. He also helped them to a clean sheet, and Croatia won 4-0.

Finally, on Saturday, England maintained their spot atop group A by beating Bulgaria 4-0. Harry Kane scored a hat trick and was then replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 77th minute. Jordan Henderson, meanwhile, played 67 minutes before being subbed out for Mason Mount.

Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com