As club football enters a fortnight-long vacation to allow the most latest sets of Euro 2024 and 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Europe and South America, respectively, the international break in September is swiftly approaching.
The qualifying process for the continent’s most prestigious event, Euro 2024, occupies the majority of the international break from September 4 to September 12.
Argentina, the current world champions and the first-ever winners, Brazil is eager to set a favorable tone for another easy qualifying round in the CONMEBOL confederation.
We examine the three most thrilling match-ups to keep an eye out for during the upcoming two weeks while the stakes are at an all-time high in Europe. Additionally, a number of high-profile international friendlies are scheduled for September.
September 9 to 12 Match Lineups
Ukraine vs. England rivalry Via Getty Images.
England vs. Ukraine Showdown: September 9 Clash
Gareth Southgate’s in-form team has won all four of its Group C qualifying games, making England’s bid to get to the fourth successive European Championship finals appear easy so far.
In the rematch from last March, Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka each scored a goal as the Three Lions easily beat Ukraine at Wembley Stadium, stretching their winning streak to five games.
When the two countries square off at Tarczynski Arena in Wroclaw, Poland, the runners-up from Euro 2020 will be eager to maintain their superior H2H record, which would all but guarantee qualifying for next summer’s event.
Southgate tried to address numerous pressing concerns in a thorough chat with The Athletic prior to the game.
Germany vs. France rivalry Via Getty Images.
European Football Showdown: Germany vs. France Friendly Match – September 12
On September 12, Germany and France will clash in a mouthwatering international friendly in Borussia Dortmund’s Signal Iduna Park.
The last two games between both of these European powerhouses were won by Les Bleus, who defeated Die Mannschaft both times by a goal.
Since Germany last defeated Didier Deschamps’ team in 2014, it is clear why Hansi Flick is so keen to end his team’s terrible four-game losing streak in this particular matchup.
England vs. Scotland rivalry Via Getty Images.
Battle of the British Isles: England vs. Scotland Friendly Clash – September 12
At Hampden Park, England will wrap up their September schedule against Scotland in an attempt to avenge two head-to-head draws.
Despite the Tartan Terriers’ perfect four-game start to their Euro 2024 qualifying, Scotland’s last victory over the Three Lions was not until 1999.
In five meetings in all competitions, including friendly matches, England has been unrelenting against Scotland in the twenty-first century, recording three victories and two draws.
Boring friendlies are in the news except for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. This is usually a dry spell for all the football fans as the teams are involved in pre-season training. With only a couple of weeks left for the leagues to start one by one, fans can look forward to something else. The women’s tournament has reached the quarterfinals stage and the matchups look exciting. When the tournament began, a total of 16 teams entered tournament. At the end of the group matches, the top two teams in the group made it to the quarterfinals. It looks like the most deserving teams have made it to the last eight of the competition. Unfortunately, the defending champions, the Netherlands, failed to even qualify for the cup this time.
Germany, the 8-time champion, cruised to the next stage of the competition. They won all their matches and did not concede a single goal in three matches. The hosts, England, have shown great commitment in the tournament so far. “Goal machine” is what people are calling them. They have scored 14 goals in only three games in the group stages and conceded none. This might be a record in the history of this tournament. It looks like other teams will have to work their legs off to have a chance against Germany and England. The remaining two groups saw Sweden and France top the groups.
We have mouth-watering quarterfinal clashes in front of us.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2022: Quarter-Final Matchups, England-Spain, Germany-Austria
After a hectic group stage performance, it is now time for the quarterfinals in the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022. The lineup is set and the stage is ready for the last eight to showcase themselves. The first match is England vs Spain. Top favorites England faces group B runner’s-up Spain who had some difficulties so far. The scoring area can be a concern for the Spanish girls as they have managed to score only 5 goals in three matches. Their defense has also leaked 3 goals which make their situation a little tricky. England is the fan favorite to win the tournament and they have the support of their home crowd. England is unbeatable and has scored 14 goals in the tournament without conceding. Either the defense or offense or both has to be on point for Spain against England. Otherwise, there is no way Spain can avoid the defeat.
UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 England
8-time champion Germany will face Austria in the quarterfinals. This has to be considered a victory for Austria as they made it through to the last eight. They had a very narrow escape in the group stage, scoring only 3 goals and conceding one. In the end, they did the job but will now face Germany, who look sublime. Whatever the scenario is, Austria should go with a ‘Nothing to lose’ kind of mindset and see what happens.
Sweden Vs Belgium And France Vs Netherlands
Sweden finished at the top of Group C, while Belgium was second in Group D. They are facing each other in the quarterfinals, and it could turn out to be a tough match. Sweden’s campaign so far has been great, better than what people expected. Belgium’s journey was tough, considering how the group results unfolded. For France and the Netherlands, it might be a one-sided affair for the French team. They are the other favorites, apart from Germany and England, to lift the trophy.
France Women’s Team
The first quarterfinal starts on July 20 BST. Make sure to check your local listings.
Dirk Nowitzki is arguably the biggest European player to ever play in the NBA. He is the only player in the history of the NBA to play for a single team in his entire career. Dirk played for Dallas Mavericks for a record 21 seasons, from 1998-2019. In such an illustrious career, Nowitzki played as a power forward, and for many, he is the greatest power forward alongside Tim Duncan. He had the ability to shoot great three-pointers and his famous fade-away jump shot. Coming from Germany, there were no German players at the time he joined the league. He is also the sixth-highest scorer in the NBA of all time.
In his twenty-one seasons for the Mavericks, the team has won only one championship. This is something Dirk would have wanted more to have. The title came in 2011 against the very strong Miami Heat. Nowitzki was instrumental in guiding the team to the championship and was awarded the Most Valuable Player in the final. He is a 14-time All-Star, 4-time All-NBA-First-Team, and a winner of the three-point contest. On the 75th NBA anniversary, Dirk Nowitzki was included in the team. Representing Germany, he managed a bronze medal in the 2002 world cup. Nowitzki also won a silver medal at the Eurobasket tournament in 2005. The seven-foot-tall forward scored an astonishing 31,560 points in the NBA.
Let us have a look at his life, career, earnings, and net worth.
Born on 19 June 1978 in Wurzburg, Germany, Dirk Nowitzki comes from a family of sports professionals. Starting with his mother, who was a professional basketball player. His father represented the German handball team at the highest international level. So the sporting aspect was always there in the blood, and with such a great height, basketball seemed fair. Furthermore, Dirk became a pro at the age of just 16. He played in the second division team for DJK Wurzburg. From the second season onwards, his game started to improve a lot, and people could notice the difference between him and the other players. At an international event, he got the chance to play against a few NBA players like Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen. Nowitzki completely destroyed Charles, and in response, Charles invited him to join the NBA.
Dirk Nowitzki
In 1998, Dirk has got a lot of college offers, but he decided to directly jump into the league. He was the ninth pick in the first round of the NBA draft. Milwaukee Bucks selected the German giant, but he was instantly traded. Dallas Mavericks picked him, and the rest is history. He spent twenty-one glorious years with the franchise and retired in 2019. Even though the Mavericks won the championships only once, his individual performance has never let anyone down. He has always maintained his level as one of the best, and he left the league that way. It is an easy answer to say that Dirk is probably the best European Basketball player of all time.
Earnings And Net Worth
Dirk Nowitzki’s salary as a player was about $23 million. His net worth is reported to be around $140 million.
This is it on Dirk; we will be back with more of such high-profile athletes.
What defines a rivalry? Is it the football? Is it the hatred amongst fans? Or is it the brawls? We think a mixture of it all makes a rivalry perfect. Often the most interesting and widely revered rivalries are the ones which involve the most hatred. People love to see the drama. And, of course, a great advert for football as well. Derbies often have red cards just flying around. Tackles all over the place, moments of magic followed by pure chaos, and all of it is magical. And that’s what makes this sport so special. Now, here’s a list of the Top 10 Rivalries in Football.
North West Derby
(Liverpool vs. Manchester United)
Record:
Liverpool- 69 Wins
Manchester United- 81 Wins
Draws: 58
The rivalry between the two biggest and the most successful clubs in England. And two of the biggest clubs in the World. Rivalry fueled by the hatred amongst fans of the belonging regions. Their historic and economic rivalry. And fueled by the desire to win. Both of the teams have seen a period of dominance over the land of England. And the matches are as heated as they can get. And they put out a great showcase of football. With star players all over the pitch. Liverpool vs. Manchester United is box office entertainment, and the world of football is glued to their screens whenever these two teams play each other. And they rank 10th on this list of Top 10 Biggest Rivalries in Football.
They are going to face each other on the 20th you can watch it on Hotstar.
Liverpool vs. Manchester United
Cairo Derby
(Al Ahly Sc vs Zamalek)
Record:
Al Ahly- 105 Wins.
Zamalek- 58 Wins
Draws: 79
A derby between arguably the two biggest clubs in Africa and the biggest in Egypt. It tends to get very heated and violent. The fans of both clubs are very passionate about their teams and act in anger and hatred towards the other. Such as, a match in the 1971-72 season with a case of violence caused the match and ultimately the whole season to be called off. Numerous fights, injuries, and deaths have been reported before matters became more controlled due to Egypt’s authoritarian regime.
Al Ahly Sc vs Zamalek
Yet many fights and riots still occur after derby matches between both sets of fans, leading the government to post even higher numbers of Central Security Forces troops in the stadium during the derby. The number of fights has increased with the increasing popularity of the “ultras” movement. The team that wins during their meeting more often than not wins the Egypt Cup, and the one with the higher aggregate score wins the Egyptian Premier League. The teams facing off is a mouth-watering prospect, and they rank 9th on this list of Top 10 Biggest Rivalries in Football.
Fla Flu
(Flamengo vs Fluminense)
Flamengo- 159 Wins
Fluminense- 138 Wins
Draws: 141
The most iconic rivalry in Brazil. It is played between the city rivals Flamengo and Fluminense. This match is played at the iconic Macarena stadium. It is one of the oldest rivalries in football. This rivalry consists of everything: red cards, brawls, and a whole lot of history. A fixture that recorded the highest attendance in a football match ever with a mind-blowing 194,603, a record which will never ever be broken. This ranks 8th on this list of Top 10 Biggest Rivalries in Football.
The fiercest one in German football. Schalke and Dortmund are neighbor clubs and are fierce rivals. The fanbases loathe each other. It is the most looked forward to derby in German Football. Schalke used to be the top dog in this derby. But they have fallen off and did get relegated last season. Dortmund has had the upper hand over the last few seasons. Schalke fans will be hoping it changes soon.
Dortmund vs. Schalke
Derby della Madonnina
(AC Milan vs. Inter Milan)
Inter Wins- 84
Milan Wins- 78
Draws- 69
A legendary fixture of two teams that share a stadium. Two of the biggest teams in Italy. Clubs that have great history and pedigree. And have been so legendary. A fixture that is a hallmark in Italian Football. Furthermore, it is a worldwide anticipated fixture. A fixture where both teams give it they’re all for bragging rights. Fights, riots, and whatnot, this legendary match has seen it all. Legends wherever you look. A truly great advert of the beautiful game.
AC Milan vs Inter Milan
Derby of The Eternal Enemies
(Panathinaikos vs Olampiacos)
Panathinaikos wins: 52
Olympiacos Wins: 86
Draws: 72
The biggest, fiercest rivalry in Greece. It is one of the most revered games in football worldwide. And this rivalry goes way beyond football. This rivalry stems from the cultural and political differences of the people in the areas. Red cards and tackles were flying all around. It makes up for a great spectacle.
Panathinaikos vs Olampiacos
De Klassieker
Ajax vs Feyenoord
Ajax wins: 92
Feyenoord wins: 59
Draws: 48
This rivalry goes way beyond just football. It is as fierce as it can get. It transcends into the rivalry between the cities Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Since the 70s, there have been many clashes between the supporters of both clubs, of which Beverwijk in 1997 was infamous. One Ajax fan, Carlo Picornie, was beaten to death by rival supporters, triggering more strict policies from the Dutch football association KNVB to tackle hooliganism. As a result of the incident, the two Klassiekers in 1997/98 were played without away fans. And there have been many more incidents since. It tends to get very ugly.
El Clasico
Real Madrid vs Barcelona
Real Madrid wins: 100.
Barcelona wins: 97
Draws: 52
As big a game as it can get. Legends everywhere. The biggest advert of football. Although it isn’t as legendary as it was, but it’s still one of the biggest fixtures in football. Not many fixtures are bigger than this. A rivalry like no other. It has everything: red cards, tackles, fights, charisma, and some spectacular goals.
Ajax vs. Feyenoord
Old Firm derby
Celtic vs. Rangers
Another one from the UK. The fiercest rivalry in the area. Scotland’s two most successful clubs. It gets very intense whenever they meet. And as good as it can get. An important date in the football calendar. Both sets of supporters are very, very passionate about their clubs. It makes the fixture special. A great watch.
Celtic vs. Rangers
Superclasico
River Plate vs. Boca Juniors.
The greatest rivalry in all of football. The both teams hate each other. It is the biggest one in Argentina. It gets ugly whenever they meet. Boca vs. River Plate is the biggest rivalry in the world due to the history and football involved.
The World Cup is a tournament that comes around once every 4 years. The biggest prize in Football. As big a sporting event as you can get. The one coveted prize that every player wants to have. This time the special tournament is being held in Qatar in winters. Beginning in the middle of November and ending in December. This is going to be the final World Cup of many old stars and will be the first one of many young ones. The FIFA World Cup is the most-watched sporting event all over the world. And this year won’t be any exception to that rule as well. Most of the teams that will play have already qualified. Here is the list of teams from each continent that have qualified for the World Cup up to now
Europe:
1. England
The one time World Cup winners have a great squad this year. And have proven that they can do well in the international tournaments now. By proving their worth in 2018 World Cup, where they reached the semis and reaching the finals in Euro 2021. They are very strong on paper.
England World Cup
2. Germany
The Germans are always there in the World Cup. The record winners of the competition in Europe. They are a force to be reckoned with due to having a good talent pool and a world class manager in Hansi Flick, which makes all the difference. The Germans will be fighting for the title desperately.
3. France
Perhaps, the favorites of this year’s edition. The former winners have a very squad strong on paper. And, they would like to negate the terrible Euro’s they had. France are the strong favourite for World Cup, but that’s not how football works. It will be a great experience following them in this year’s edition.
4. Netherlands
The Dutch have qualified for the World Cup by winning their group. They didn’t qualify for the last World Cup, which was held in Russia. The team led by Virgil Van Dijk will be gunning for this year’s edition and will hope to bring their country their first-ever World Cup.
5. Serbia
The serbians surprisingly topped their qualification group, which consisted of Portugal. Even so, they have a good squad which gives them a fighting chance. Their supporters would be in an absolutely joyous mood and will enjoy the ride.
6. Croatia
The last time’s finalists. The country led by Luka Modric is perhaps not as strong as they were in the last edition. But they’ve still got good talent and a very strong midfield of Kovacic and Modric. They will fight with everything they have.
7. Belgium
This is maybe the last World Cup of Belgium’s golden generation. And, their final chance at glory. Belgium have a very strong squad. With Kevin De Bruyne, Lukaku, Eden Hazard and Thorgan Hazard. The last time’s semi finalists will be looking to go all the way this year.
Belgium World Cup
8. Spain
The one time World Cup winners had a pretty bad World Cup last time around. The Spanish were facing a lot of struggles and failures in the recent past. But, the arrival of Luis Enrique has changed their fate. They now look like a very good squad with great system. And they will be looking for redemption this year.
9. Denmark
Euro’s semi finalists. The Dane’s are perhaps the dark horses of this year’s World Cup. They have a very able squad on paper. They will be looking to get something out of this year’s edition.
10. Switzerland
The Swiss have a very able team as well. Their midfield can dominate anyone on a given day. They have a fighting chance at this World Cup, and will be fun following them around for their supporters.
11. Portugal
Most probably the last World Cup of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career. The only prize that eludes him over his very, very illustrious career. The Portugal team is as good as it has ever been on paper. They will be gunning for this World Cup. And Ronaldo will want to lead them to glory this year. They are good contenders in this edition.
Portugal world cup
12. Poland
Team led by Robert Lewandowski. Poland aren’t a very strong squad. But they will be giving their all in this year’s edition. And put on a show that their fans will remember for ages.
One of Wales, Scotland, or Ukraine will complete the set of European qualifications by June.
South America:
1. Brazil
The number 1 ranked team in the world at the moment. Brazil has a very strong squad. And are probably the favorites alongside France for this year’s World Cup. The record winners have qualified for every single World Cup ever. And, it wouldn’t be a World Cup with Brazil. They will absolutely favor their chances and will hope to achieve the Coveted Prize.
2. Argentina
This is probably Lionel Messi’s last World Cup as well. He will be absolutely desperate for it. The only prize that has eluded the great man so far. He will look to rewrite the history in 2014 when he lost the final. This is probably the best Argentinian team there has been in his career, and he will look to lead them to glory.
Argentina world cup
3. Ecuador
Ecuador are not very strong on paper. But they will be fighting for their lives in this World Cup and look to salvage anything they can.
4. Uruguay
Uruguay has a very good squad. And this is probably the last World Cup of their lethal strike partnership in Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez. They will be hoping to have a strong return in this World Cup.
Peru have a chance of becoming the fifth team from South America to qualify in June.
Uruguay world cup
North America/ Caribbean:
1. USA
This is the best team USA has ever produced. They have a plethora of talent coming through their ranks. And, will be one of watch out this season. Potential dark horses of the tournament. The big countries shouldn’t underestimate USA this year.
2. Canada
A big moment for the Canadians. They are a good squad on paper, with Alphonso Davies being their star. They will bring the fight to the other teams.
Canada World Cup
3. Mexico
Mexico has a fairly competitive team this time around. They will look to test the other teams and hopefully make it far in this tournament.
Costa Rica has a chance of becoming the 4th team from the continent later in the qualifiers.
Africa:
1. Senegal
The strongest team in Africa. The current AFCON champions. Senegal are not to be underestimated in this year’s edition. They have a very strong squad spearheaded by Sadio Mane. They will be a dangerous opponent for everyone.
2. Ghana
Ghana qualified for this World Cup by beating the favorites in Nigeria. They have a good squad. With a strong midfield. They will bring the fight to everyone they face in this World Cup.
3. Tunisia
Tunisia will strive to make this a World Cup their fans will remember for the rest of their lives. They are a good team who will hope to achieve great things this year.
4. Morocco
Morocco will be gunning for this year’s edition. They will be striving to achieve great things this year. They will bring the fight to everyone that faces them. Their fans will hope they have a good tournament.
5. Cameroon
Cameroon beat Algeria in the most dramatic fashion to qualify for the World Cup. It was an absolute roller coaster ride for everyone watching that game. Cameroon have shown that they can battle it out with the stronger teams. And they will strive to achieve great things in this World Cup.
Asia:
1. Qatar
The hosts which have automatically qualified for the World Cup. This will be their first-ever World Cup, and will be looking to salvage something out of it.
2. Iran
The Iran team looks good on paper. This is their 6th World Cup, and they will be bringing the fight to everyone.
3. Japan
The Japanese have a good squad. And are very well-rounded. They will be hoping to achieve great things in this year’s World Cup.
4. South Korea
This will be their 11th World Cup. Which is the highest amongst Asian teams. The South Korean team lead by Heung Min Son, is a strong outfit and can surprise anyone.
5. Saudi Arabia
The Saudi Arabians will look to give their supporters a World Cup to be cherished. They will be striving for a strong finish.
The two teams from Oceania, which are Australia and New Zealand, also have a chance at qualifying for the World Cup. Which will be decided in June.
Ukraine vs. England rivalry Via Getty Images.
Germany vs. France rivalry Via Getty Images.
England vs. Scotland rivalry Via Getty Images.
