Top 10 matches to watch out for in September international break

This is the last national window before the 2022 Qatar World Cup

The 2022-2023 football season has commenced with exciting fixtures. As the season began, football fans once again got used to regular matches. However the September international break is underway. Many might think of this as the most boring period of the season.

This is not the case as Khelnow brings you the top 10 matches to watch out for in the international break.

10. Croatia vs Denmark

This bout in the Group A of the UEFA Nations league can potentially decide who will be the group winner. Denmark stands first in the group with nine points whereas Croatia are second with seven points.

Many might see this match as one-sided because of Croatia's line-up. However, in reality, Denmark is underrated. The Danish players made it to the semifinals of the Euros 2020. Mikkel Damsgaard was brillaint throughout the tournament and also scored a free-kick against England in the semifinals.

Croatia, on the other hand, have beaten defending champions France in their last match. Unlike Denmark, Croatia failed to make progress in the Euro 2020. The Croatians will definitely look to leave a mark in the 2022 UEFA Nations League.

9. Belgium vs Wales

Group D's fixture of Belgium vs Wales has a great history. Belgium currently leads Wales 6-5 in 15 matches. Wales will definitely look to settle the score. However, they have a lot of work to do. They are currently last in Group D with only one point. Wales lost their first UEFA Nations League fixture to Poland. They also lost both of their previous Nation's League matches against Netherlands.

Belgium has had a decent run as of now in the 2022 UEFA Nations League. They sit second on the table. Belgium got humiliated in their first fixture against Netherlands, losing 4-1. They made a quick comeback in the next match beating Poland 6-1. Belgium faced Wales on matchday 3 which ended in a stalemate.

8. Germany vs Hungary

Group C of the UEFA Nations League is definitely the Group of Death. The Group consists of giants such as Germany, Italy, England and the underdog - Hungary.

Surprisingly, Hungary are currently first in the group with seven points. Hungary beat England on the 4th matchday to establish their dominance. The previous match against Germany on matchday 3 had ended in a draw. Hungary's potential win or loss against Germany can decide their further progress in the Nation's League.

7. Italy vs England

This one's timeless. No one can forget the iconic final of the 2020 Euros. Italy beat England on penalties in which Gianluigi Donnarumma performed exceptionally. This was a heartbreak for England as they have been looking to win a major international trophy for decades now.

However, much has happened since the Euros in 2020. Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup and have stooped in terms of form. England also are struggling in the Nation's League as they sit last on the table. If Italy manage to win against England, it will be very helpful in their efforts to qualify ahead.

6. Spain vs Switzerland

The Spaniards had a glorious run in the 2020 UEFA Nations League. Spain beat Italy 2-1 on their road to the final. Unfortunately, France beat Spain 2-1 in the final. Nevertheless, Spain performed splendidly under Luis Enrique. The 2022 UEFA Nations League looks even more exciting for Spain as Enrique has many options.

Switzerland on the other hand shocked everyone by beating France on penalties in the 2020 Euros. This fixture definitely means a lot for the Swiss side as they will look to finally outwit Spain.

Switzerland lost to Spain on penalties in the Euro 2020 quarterfinal. They also lost their fixture on matchday 3 as Spain beat them 1-0. As of now, Spain are first on the table - undefeated - whereas Switzerland have lost three out of their four matches.

5. Mexico vs Colombia

Tata Martino already announced his squad for Mexico's friendlies fixtures before the World Cup. The 2022 World Cup is just months away as Mexico will face Peru and Colombia. Martino's selections are smart and strong, however, there are some notable exclusions. One of those is the exclusion of Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez, who has not played for Mexico since 2019.

Mexico will first face Peru on September 24 and then Colombia as they prepare for the Qatar World Cup.

4. Wales vs Poland

A fixture between the struggling teams in group D of the Nations League will definitely be exciting. As of now, Poland are third on the table with four points. The Polish side have a very minute chance of qualifying, but they will surely give it their all.

The previous match between Wales and Poland ended with Poland winning 2-1. Poland will look to replicate the same form as their star player Robert Lewandowski is having a great run.

3. Netherlands vs Belgium

This is another exciting fixture from Group D of the UEFA Nations League. Netherlands are top of the table with 10 points while Belgium are second with seven. Even though both the teams have already qualified, the next two matches will decide the winner of the group.

Netherlands defeated Belgium 4-1 on matchday 1. Memphis Depay scored a brace whereas Michy Batshuayi scored a consolation goal in the 93rd minute for Belgium.

Netherlands manager Louis Van Gaal has made a few changes before they face Poland and Belgium. Van Gaal excluded Ryan Gravenberch from his side. Unsurprisingly, he has included Manchester United's Tyrell Malacia, who has performed well for Erik ten Hag in the past few weeks.

2. England vs Germany

This is a battle between two powerhouses of football. Two giants of football with exquisite talents are set to face each other. Germany look to take their revenge after England knocked them out from Euro 2020. Their last fixture ended in a draw with Harry Kane scoring a penalty in the 89th minute.

England manager Gareth Southgate has made one change. The exclusion of injured Marcus Rashford has led to the inclusion of Brentford star Ivan Toney. Toney has scored 13 goals for Brentford since January. This is a must win for England since they have a very minute chance to qualify.

Many familiar names have returned for Germany with one surprise callup. Hansi Flick has called up Armel Bella-Kotchap of Southampton. The 20-year-old centre-back has earned his spot after performing well this season.

1. Portugal vs Spain

This fixture is definitely one to remember. The unsung hero of Portugal, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick against Spain in the 2018 World Cup group stage to secure a point for his side. Since then, all matches between these sides have ended in a draw. The previous fixture on matchday 1 also ended in a draw.

Spain manager Luis Enrique has called up six Barcelona players - Pedri, Gavi, Ferran Torres, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Eric Garcia. Unfortunately, there is no room for Ansu Fati. The Spaniards are currently top of the table with eight points. With Enrique picking in-form players, it seems that Spain has an upper hand.

However, Portugal's key player Cristiano Ronaldo is known for making comebacks and his big match reputation is well-known. After struggling this season at the club level, Cristiano definitely has the capability to make his presence felt in this one.