From the excitement of discovering which three nations will advance through the playoffs to Euro 2024, to witnessing the performance of two African powerhouses in their first matches after AFCON, and even enjoying the showdowns between heavyweight teams in 'friendly' matches, there's a lot to look forward to for football enthusiasts.
Here are six particularly intriguing games to keep an eye on during this international break.
Ghana vs Nigeria
Two powerhouses of West African football, Ghana and Nigeria, are set to clash this month in a high-profile friendly match in Marrakech on Friday.This encounter holds significance as it marks the first international fixture for both teams since the conclusion of the African Cup of Nations in February. Moreover, with new managers at the helm, both sides are using this match as preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Ghana holds the upper hand historically, having advanced to the global finals at the expense of Nigeria in the qualifying playoffs for the 2022 World Cup. However, Nigeria, still reeling from their loss in the AFCON final, is undergoing a transitional period with former Ajax winger Finidi George temporarily stepping in as head coach.
On the other hand, Ghana's national team is now under the guidance of Borussia Dortmund development coach Otto Addo, following their group-stage exit in the AFCON under Chris Hughton.
Although Nigeria may miss the services of AFCON 'Most Valuable Player' William Troost-Ekong due to injury, they have Bayer Leverkusen's Nathan Tella among their ranks. Meanwhile, Ghana boasts the talents of West Ham star Mohammed Kudus, who has been instrumental for his club this season.
Spain vs Brazil / England vs Brazil
Brazil, facing managerial changes, aims to regain momentum under new boss Dorival Junior in two exciting matches against Spain and England.Having suffered defeats against Uruguay, Colombia, and rivals Argentina, Brazil is eager for redemption under the leadership of Junior. Despite injuries sidelining key players like Casemiro, Ederson, Marquinhos, and Gabriel Martinelli, Brazil aims to prepare for the Copa America and World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Spain, showcasing young talents like 17-year-old Pau Cubarsi, are gearing up for Euro 2024 preparations and will provide stiff competition for Brazil. The match promises to be special, especially at Estadio Bernabeu.
Meanwhile, England, led by Gareth Southgate, poses a formidable challenge for Brazil at Wembley Stadium. With players like Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, England aims to maintain their unbeaten streak since the World Cup.
Israel vs Iceland
The upcoming European Championship lineup will be completed as Israel and Iceland face off in a crucial playoff semi-final match.Hosted in Hungary due to ongoing security issues, the match is significant for both teams striving for a spot in the Euros. Israel, led by Alon Hazan, aims to secure a place in the tournament after narrowly missing out on automatic qualification.
Facing tough opposition in Iceland, Israel looks to overcome their rivals and advance to the playoff final. Iceland, quarter-finalists in Euro 2016, aims to replicate their success and pose a challenge to Israel.
The winner of this clash will progress to the playoff final, setting up a showdown against either Bosnia-Herzegovina or Ukraine.
France vs Germany / Germany vs Netherlands
Ahead of an upcoming home finals, Germany's national team is far from its peak, and fears of another dismal exit are outweighing hopes of a glorious conclusion for the Euro 2024 hosts on July 14.If Die Nationalmannschaft are to be present at Berlin's Olympiastadion for the Euros final, they have plenty of remedial work to do under young coach Julian Nagelsmann, who has made some typically radical changes since taking over from Hansi Flick last year.
After setbacks against Colombia, Japan, Turkey and Austria, now Germany will put themselves to perhaps the ultimate test in Paris, where neighbours France reign supreme - and the Netherlands should provide a thorough examination in Frankfurt three days later.
Nagelsmann has the chance to consider who might make the cut for his finals squad, with the returning Toni Kroos back on international duty following a two-year retirement; after injury, veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is also available this week.
Only world champions Argentina sit above France in the latest FIFA rankings, and despite the absence of Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, Les Bleus boss Didier Deschamps has a plethora of attacking talent to choose from.
France lost the nations' most recent friendly meeting 2-1 last September, when an Antoine Griezmann strike followed goals from Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane, but they will be characteristically confident of reversing that result on Saturday.
Then, next week, the Germans reconvene with their Dutch foes, as the pair resume a longstanding rivalry that truly kicked off in 1974, when the Netherlands agonisingly lost the World Cup final to West Germany.
They will meet again in next season's Nations League, so this game also serves as a precursor to upcoming contests in September and October.
