Liverpool players came out of tonight’s international games unhurt and now return to Merseyside ready for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Sunderland.
With Steven Gerrard ruled out with a groin injury, Glen Johnson played the full 90 minutes in England’s 3-0 demolition of Belarus at Wembley Stadium in their final World Cup 2010 Qualifier.
Spain completed their qualifying campaign in style by keeping up their 100% winning record in a 5-2 victory over Bosnia Herzegovina. Albert Riera was the only Reds to feature, playing the full game, whilst Fernando Torres and Pepe Reina were rested.
Daniel Agger also came through a full 90 minutes despite not having kicked a ball for the Reds this season. He could now well start in Saturday’s trip to the Stadium of Light. Denmark lost 1-0 to Hungary, but sealed their qualification for the World Cup on Saturday.
Sotirios Kyrgiakos played the first half of Greece’s 2-1 victory over Luxembourg. He will now help his country in the qualification play-offs next month. Yes, that’s right, there’s another international break coming soon, folks. Update: Reports suggest Kyrgiakos ruptured his anterior cruiciate ligament and faces fourth months out. Ouch!
Other Reds that did not play tonight but could feature for their countries in next summer’s World Cup in South Africa are Andrea Dossena and Alberto Aquilani (Italy), Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel (Holland), Andriy Voronin (Ukraine) and Philipp Degen (Switzerland).
Yossi Benayoun’s Israel failed to qualify, drawing 0-0 with Switzerland this evening.
Later tonight Javier Mascherano and Emiliano Insua are in action for Argentina in their crunch World Cup Qualifier against Uruguay. After struggling with qualification, a win or draw would see Marradonna’s side through. Update: Argentina won 1-0 to secure their place in South Africa next summer.
Lucas Leiva could also feature for Brazil, who face Venezuela tonight.
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