Football: Spain and Belgium run riot, Germany lose
What's the story
Brazil avenged their humiliating 7-1 loss to Germany by defeating them 1-0 in an international friendly match. Brazil ended Germany's 22-game unbeaten run. Argentina, which were without the services of star man Lionel Messi, equalled their worst ever defeat. Paul Pogba made a statement in France's victory and Lukaku was lethal for Belgium. Here are the results of the international friendlies.
Payback
Brazil avenge 7-1 embarrassment
Brazil locked horns for the first time with Germany since their 7-1 defeat in the semi-final of 2014 World Cup. Gabriel Jesus scored the lone goal of the game as the Seleção beat the World Champions 1-0 to end their 22-game unbeaten run. Germany were one win short of matching their all-time record of 23 consecutive wins set during 1978-81.
Humbled
Spain maul Argentina 6-1
Brazil's rivals Argentina were humbled by rampant Spain which put 6 goals past them. Striker Diego Costa opened the scoring before Real Madrid's Isco added another. Otamendi's header, in the 39th minute, gave the Albiceleste some false hope. However, in the end, substitute Iago Aspas and Isco ran riot with the latter completing his hat-trick as Spain finished the game 6-1.
World class
France beat Russia 3-1
Jose Mourinho might have sidelined Paul Pogba from the Manchester United squad but the Frenchman showed United fans what they have been missing. With a fine free-kick, Pogba set up France's 3-1 victory over Russia. Apart from Pogba, Kylian Mbappe scored for France in 40th and 83rd minutes. For Russia, Fyodor Smolov was the lone scorer.
Lucky
Italy hold England to a 1-1 draw
Italy were fortunate as VAR awarded them a late penalty at the Wembley stadium to hold England to a 1-1 draw. Jamie Vardy opened the scoring in the 27th minute and it looked like it was going to be the winner before debutant James Tarkowski's foul on Federico Chiesa changed the game. Lorenzo Insigne converted the penalty to level the game 1-1.
Thashing
Belgium beat Saudi Arabia 4-0
Romelu Lukaku scored a brace to take his goal tally to 30 for Belgium. He is now level with Bernard Voorhoof and Paul Van Himst in the all-time top goal-scorers for Belgium. Michy Batshuayi and Kevin De Bruyne added two more goals to round up the 4-0 victory as Belgium extended their unbeaten run to 16 matches.