Real Madrid

Besides Spain, other national teams with Real Madrid players on their ranks were successful this weekend. Rafael van der Vaart was decisive in the Netherlands' victory against Iceland and Heinze played for the victorious Argentinean side against Uruguay. Fabio Cannavaro drew with Italy and Diarra played for Mali until he was forced to leave the pitch by a blow to one of his thighs.

Rafael van der Vaart was the man of the match in the Netherlnads-Iceland clash. His team scored thanks to his assists to Joris Mathijsen and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. He was replaced by Wesley Sneijder on the 82-minute mark, who played his first international game since his injury. The Netherlands lead the Group 9 table with six points and a two-point lead over Scotland. 

Italy drew 0-0 against Bulgaria and therefore maintain a comfotable lead in Group 8. Marcello Lippi is trying to rejuvenate a team that gave signs of exhaustion in the Euro. The Azzura didn't do much, but wasn't hurt in what supposedly was meant to be its toughest away game in the qualifiers.

Argentina defeated Uruguay with goals by Lionel Messí and Sergio Agüero. Gabi Heinze played solidly in defence throughout the clash.

Mali won 2-1 against Chad, but Diarra had to leave in the 27th minute due to a harsh blow to one of his muscles.

Finally, Javi García and Miguel Torres helped the Spanish Under-21 side defeat Switzerland 2-1. Both men played for the entire 90 minutes.