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International break: 11 must watch matches from World Cup qualifiers

By Thuya Kyaw

MANAUS, BRAZIL - SEPTEMBER 06: Neymar player of Brazil celebrates his goal during 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualification match between Brazil and Colombia at Arena da Amazonia at Arena da Amazonia on September 6, 2016 in Manaus, Brazil. (Photo by Bruno Zanardo/Getty Images)
MANAUS, BRAZIL - SEPTEMBER 06: Neymar player of Brazil celebrates his goal during 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualification match between Brazil and Colombia at Arena da Amazonia at Arena da Amazonia on September 6, 2016 in Manaus, Brazil. (Photo by Bruno Zanardo/Getty Images) /
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Uruguayan referee Dario Ubriaco shows the yellow card to Venezuela's Oswaldo Vizcarrondo (4) for fouling Brazil's Ricardo Oliveira (L) during the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup South American Qualifiers football match, at the Estadio Castelao stadium in Fortaleza, Brazil, on October 13, 2015. AFP PHOTO / EVARISTO SA (Photo credit should read EVARISTO SA/AFP/Getty Images)
Uruguayan referee Dario Ubriaco shows the yellow card to Venezuela’s Oswaldo Vizcarrondo (4) for fouling Brazil’s Ricardo Oliveira (L) during the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup South American Qualifiers football match, at the Estadio Castelao stadium in Fortaleza, Brazil, on October 13, 2015. AFP PHOTO / EVARISTO SA (Photo credit should read EVARISTO SA/AFP/Getty Images) /

4. Venezuela vs Brazil 

Venezuela have started this qualification terribly, losing five out of first six games. However, under the guidance of coach Rafael Dudamel, they have looked like a brand new team and already made a significant impact at Copa America Centenario by knocking out powerhouse Uruguay. Recently, they took a point from Argentina in a thrilling 2-2 draw.

The future of Venezuelan football is looking great. With emerging youngsters such as 22-year-old Juanpi Añor from Malaga, 19-year-old Adalberto Peñaranda from Udinese, 23-year-old Josef Martinez from Torino, and 23-year-old Romulo Otero from Atletico Mineiro combined with veterans like Solomon Rondon, Tomas Rincon, and Alejandro Guerra, it’s no wonder why they have been playing amazing lately. They won’t be scared of anybody, especially at home.

Brazil are rebuilding under new coach Tite, and likes of Thiago Silva and Oscar are finally back with the team. They looked pretty strong in their last two games against Ecuador and Colombia, where they won 3-0 and 2-1. Although it may be too early to say they are back, it’s safe to say they’re going in the right direction. With both teams playing good football recently, this will be worth watching.

Next: Can the Dutch still hang with elites?

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