There were a number of standout performers during the most recent international break, with hat-tricks, shock wins, and impressive defensive displays.
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Here is Caught Offside’s best XI from the international break:
GK) Vozinha – Cape Verde
The African minnows caused a bit of an upset as they ran out 2-0 winners over a Cristiano Ronaldo-less Portugal.
The Cape Verde keeper had to face a number shots from the Portuguese, but stood up to everything that was thrown his way.
CB) Giorgio Chiellini – Italy
Despite not keeping a clean sheet, he was solid throughout the international break. He supplied the assist for Italy’s goal against England, after skinning Phil Jones and leaving him for dead – not bad for a centre-back.
CB) Stefan de Vrij – Netherlands
Grabbed himself a goal and a clean sheet against Spain, and put in a fantastic defensive shift against the former World Cup winners.
CB) Bruno Martins Indi – Netherlands
De Vrij’s centre-back partner against Spain, he was equally solid at the back, although wasn’t able to match his teammates goalscoring achievement.
CM) Luka Modric – Croatia
Instrumental in Croatia’s 5-1 win over Norway, running things from midfield and dominating the Scandinavian opposition.
CM) Aaron Ramsey – Wales
A goal and an assist against Israel, the Arsenal star helped his side temporarily to top the group as they continue their hunt for European qualification.
CM) Marcelo Brozovic – Croatia
The other star of Croatia’s impressive win over Norway, Brozovic opened the scoring and received the Man of the Match award.
RAM) Hakan Calhanoglu – Turkey
The Bayer Leverkusen star has been superb for his club this season, but has yet to break into the Turkish side on a regular basis.
He staked his claim for a starting spot this week however, saving the win for his side against minnows Luxembourg with a long ranged strike.
LAM) Gareth Bale – Wales
He is struggling for club, but not for country. Two goals against Israel saw his side rise to the top of Group B, even if it was only temporary – Belgium soon usurping them.
ST) Nicklas Bendtner – Denmark
His hat-trick during Denmark’s 3-2 win over USA further displayed his international dominance, which leads you to wonder why he couldn’t do it for Arsenal.
ST) Radamel Falcao – Colombia
The Manchester United misfit scored two superb goals during his side’s 6-0 win over Bahrain. Will he be able to carry his international form back to Old Trafford?