A day of high-profile international friendlies featured powerful match-ups of the team (Spain and Germany) and individual (Messi vs. Ronaldo).
And while the United States put forth an absolute horror show in Ireland and Mexico disappointed as well, there was plenty of good to talk about from European nations.
Here’s a spin around the score lines:
Argentina 0-1 Portugal
Who would score more at Old Trafford: Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo? Turns out Lorient left back Raphael Guerriero would be the only one to net at all, scoring in stoppage time to lift the Portuguese to a win. Argentina out shot Portugal 10-4 in the loss.
Scotland 1-3 England
Wayne Rooney scored a brace during cap No. 101, after Arsenal’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain opened the scoring in a much-anticipated match between the national neighbors. England won the shots battle, 10-8, too.
Ireland 4-1 United States [ Match recap | Defense struggles | Player ratings ]
Spain 0-1 Germany
Toni Kroos scored in the 89th minute as a very even match only provided one goal, but Thomas Muller left the game with a “knock” as Bayern Munich players continue to suffer injuries.
Belarus 3-2 Mexico [ Match recap ]
Elsewhere
Poland 2-2 Switzerland — Hosts held a 2-1 lead before conceding late with 10 men.
Italy 1-0 Albania — Dominant side only scores on own goal.
Hungary 1-2 Russia — Aleksandar Kerzhakov nets the game-winner late.
Greece 0-2 Serbia — The post-Ranieri era is off to a losing start.
Slovenia 0-1 Colombia — Borussia Dortmund’s Adrian Ramos scores lone goal.
Austria 1-2 Brazil — Roberto Firmino keeps Dunga perfect in 2nd stint with Brazil.
Romania 2-0 Denmark — 2 goals in 6 minutes for Steaua striker Claudiu Keseru.
Slovakia 2-1 Finland — Filip Holosko scores in first minute for Slovaks.
Japan 2-1 Australia — Shinji Okazaki scores winner, Tim Cahill nets for Socceroos.
