Liverpool had eleven players in action for their couple as the international break continued with a host of matches on Sunday.
Virgil van Dijk captained the Netherlands whilst Gini Wijnaldum started in midfield as the Dutch lost 2-1 away to France in the UEFA Nations League A.
Kylian Mbappe put the French ahead before former Liverpool player Ryan Babel equalised for the Netherlands. Olivier Giroud scored a volley to settle the tie and swing the game in the hosts favour.
A moment between Van Dijk and Mbappe in the second half was particularly intriguing. In the 77th minute, Mbappe received the ball and for a moment, it looked as if he would steam through clear on the Dutch goal.
However, the Reds defender controlled the situation with ease, neutralising Mbappe as he patiently looked to close him down and eventually poke the ball away.
Best defender in the league pic.twitter.com/QYRgo5iFmB
— Keita's son (@VirgilDijk) September 9, 2018
With the two set to face off in the Champions League group stages, it was a good sight to see for Liverpool supporters. The Reds may have an impressive attacking trio, however in PSG they face a similarly deadly partnership with Mbappe, Edinson Cavani and Neymar up front.
Mané’s Senegal clash overshadowed
Sadio Mane started for Senegal as they drew 2-2 away to Madagascar in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. However, the match was marred by a crush prior to kick-off.
The fixture at the Mahamasina Municipal Stadium in Antananarivo was packed, with supporters keen to get a glimpse of their stars in action.
However, supporters arrived early and in greater turnout, which resulted in a stampede to enter the ground. According to RMC Sport, there is at least one fatality and a further 37 reported injuries.
• Madagascar vs Senegal.
Nothing like African football honestly there isn’t. The stadiums are literally jammed packed, fans can’t move. They are hanging of concrete slabs. I can see some fans that close to the fence they are almost kissing it. pic.twitter.com/sP5EQ0J5gL
— ⚽️Sam⚽️ (@MaroucheSam) September 9, 2018
The game itself ended in a stalemate, with Senegal being denied the win despite taking the lead twice in their Group A match.
Moussa Konate and Keita Balde scored for the visitors, whilst Paulin Voavy and Carolus Andriamahitsinoro both scored equalisers for the home side.
Mané remained quiet throughout the game, despite his goalscoring start to the campaign as he emerged unscathed after playing the full 90 minutes.
Reds’ Sunday round-up
Naby Keita captained Guinea as they beat Central African Republic 1-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Ben Woodburn came on as a 79th-minute substitute for Wales as they lost 2-0 away to Denmark in their Nations League tie, whilst Harry Wilson remained on the bench.
Curtis Jones was heavily involved for England U18s during their final game of the Lafarge Foot tournament as they beat France 2-1. Jones has also been involved during their run in the competition, helping the youngsters beat Netherlands and Russia.
U23s striker Liam Millar played an hour for Canada as they beat the US Virgin Islands 8-0 in a Concacaf Nations League qualifying tie.
Academy duo Neco Williams and Morgan Boyes both featured for Wales U19s whilst youth striker Glen McAuley started for Ireland. The two sides played out a tight affair with Ireland U19s recording a 1-0 win.
