Starting right at home and England travelled to Niko Kranjcar's Croatia and put in one of the most dismal, pathetic, one-dimensional and laughable performances in recent times. Croatia won 2-0 in a game where Krunchie had a couple of chances saved by Paul Robinson as well as a shot on target that was blocked near enough on the line. Robinson would then team up with Gary Neville in contributing to one of the most blunderous and hilarious own goals you'll ever see in a classic "passback to the 'keeper who swipes the air and the ball goes under his feet" scenario.
Kranjcar didn't have a bad game but then it would have been hard to struggle against a supposed "World Class" side that could have easily been mistaken as a squad of non-league players managed by Alain Perrin such was Steve McClaren's tactical ineptitude. The 3-5-2 system never had a chance of working, especially away from home against a half decent team. Also, how the hell is Kieran Richardson in the England squad yet Gary O'Neil and Matthew Taylor don't even get a sniff of a chance to break into the set-up!? Utterly baffling.
Moving on....
Richard Duffy had a better day than those of us wearing the St. George's cross as Wales managed a fairly comfortable 3-1 win over Cyprus. Duffy never actually conceded a goal as he was subbed late on before the Cypriots could score and he didn't really have much to do when on the pitch. What did worry me was Duffy's apparent lack of pace once again and it does make me wonder if he has what it takes to perform at Premiership level, for Pompey or any other side. Pace seems to be a key asset to a Harry Redknapp full-back and Duffy lacks any sort of speed. Still, he will return to Pompey reserves a happier man than on Saturday evening.
Ognjen Koroman featured in the 1-0 win over Belgium on Saturday for Serbia and again took part in the midweek game against world beaters Armenia as the Serbs coasted to a 3-0 victory although Koroman didn't score and was subbed towards the end of the game.
And finally, the Republic of Ireland drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic but unsurprisingly Andy O'Brien was left out of the side altogether after his nightmare against Cyprus.
I'm glad the internationals are over for the time being and now we can get back to the real stuff this weekend with none of our players thankfully getting injured whilst on duty.
Roll on Saturday!