Sunday, 8 September 2013

Chelsea International Duty


No domestic football this weekend due to World Cup qualifiers taking place. This inevitably meant a lot of Chelsea players were away on international duty.

In European qualifying group A, Branislav Ivanovic captained Serbia to a 1-1 draw against neighbours Croatia on Friday night. The result was not enough for the Serbians and put an end to their slim hopes of qualification from the group.
Former Chelsea player Nemanja Matic also played in the match but was sent off in the 75th minute.

It was better news for Chelsea's Belgian contingent in the same group as Belgium got an away victory against Scotland, winning 0-2. Belgium are now just one win away from qualifying for their first World Cup since 2002. Kevin de Bruyne played the fool match while Romelu Lukaku, now on loan at Everton, was an unused substitute.
Eden Hazard missed the match with an ankle injury.

In group B, Petr Cech was in goal for the Czech Republic as they succumbed to a shock 1-2 defeat against lowly Armenia. The Czech's are in a four way battle for the play-off position in the group with Bulgaria, Denmark and Armenia.

Over in group C, Chelsea's summer signing Andre Schurrle was an unused substitute for Germany who comprehensively defeated neighbour Austria, 3-0. The Germans are now all but ensured of their place at next years world cup in Brazil.

Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard all played a big part as England moved to the top of Group H with a 4-0 win over Moldova.
It was Lampard's 99th cap for England and he claimed an assist for England's first goal. Lampard will be hoping to claim his century of caps against Ukraine on Tuesday night.

In African qualification, Michael Essien and Christian Atsu came on as second half substitutes for Ghana who won 2-1 against Zambia. The victory meant Ghana would top their group to reach the next stage of African qualification.

They will be joined by Nigeria, who won 2-0 against Malawi. Jon Obi Mikel played the full match and Victor Moses scored the Super Eagles second goal.

David Luiz and Ramires were both in action for Brazil who romped to a 6-0 friendly win against Australia.
Ramires had a particularly enjoyable evening, creating Brazil's third before scoring the fourth himself.
It wasn't such an enjoyable night for Chelsea goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer who found himself constantly fetching the ball from the back of his goal.
What will be of most concern for Chelsea fans is the withdrawal of playmaker Oscar from the Brazil squad due to injury.

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