How have Real Madrid players fared with their national teams this week?
An international break can sometimes do a footballer a lot of good, and in terms
of Real Madrid's players appearing for their respective national teams, each
can consider the time away from the Spanish capital a success.
James Rodriguez is the first who comes to mind, a
confidence so apparant everytime he puts on the Colombian yellow that somehow
dwindles whenever he's wearing the white of Real Madrid.
In a 2-0 victory against Venezuela in a 2018 Wolrd Cup
qualifier, the Golden Boot winner led the team with a goal and an assist, as he
looks to use his performances with the national team to change coach Zinedine
Zidane's mind in hopes of getting more playing time.
Meanwhile, Marcelo and Casemiro both started and played the 90
minutes for Brazil in a dominant 3-0 win over Ecuador, whereas Alvaro Morata,
Dani Carvajal and Sergio Ramos all recorded a 2-0 friendly win in new boss
Julen Lopetegui's debut.
A knock to Morata
seemed more serious than it actually is, and Lucas Vazquez was given a few
minutes at the end of the match, though Marco Asensio remained on the bench.
As for Real's players not representing La Roja that remained in
Europe, Toni Kroos didn't start in a 2-0 victory over Finland, Pepe scored a
goal with Portugal against Gibraltar in a 5-0 rout, and Varane started in a 3-1
victory against Italy.
Gareth Bale, Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic are all yet to play
with their national teams this international break, though Monday's games are
of some significance for Wales and Croatia's qualifying campaigns.
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