Real Madrid

Gabriel Heinze, Fernando Gago, Pepe and the Dutch trio of Robben, Van der Vaart and Huntelaar won their respective World Cup qualifiers. All but Huntelaar, who was a second half substitution, were included in their squad's starting eleven. Argentina defeated Colombia 1-0, the Netherlands left Iceland with a 2-1 win and Portugal squeeked by Albania 2-1. Lass Diarra meanwhile helped guide France to a 1-0 win in a friendly against Turkey.

The Albicileste win
Heinze and Gago started for Argentina, who beat Colombia by the bare minimum with a second half goal by Demichelis.

Netherlands qualify for World Cup 2010
The Orange defeated Iceland 2-1 and have mathematically qualified for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Robben and Van der Vaart were given the nod from the get-go, while Huntelaar entered the match on 66'.

Nigel de Jong (m.8) and Mark Van Bommel (m.15) put the Netherlands up early, while Kristian Örn Sigurdsson scored a consolation goal with three minutes before the final whistle (m.87).

Netherlands join South Africa, Japan, Australia and South Korea as the only teams who are so far guaranteed a berth in next summer's competition.

Pepe suits up for Portugal
Portugal scored a late winner in Tirana, Albania to keep their World Cup chances alive. Hugo Almeida's header on 27' gave Pepe and company the upper hand, but the joy was short-lived as Skela equalised two minutes later. When the draw appeared all but in the books, Bruno Alves struck gold with a header.

Diarra starts for France
Karim Benzema's penalty sent France to victory against Turkey in a dull friendly with lackluster performances by both sides. Lassana Diarra started in the midfield.