The international break will see teams from across the globe ramping up their preparations for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, which is only two months away.
There are several fixtures for punters to keep an eye on across Thursday and Friday, particularly in the UEFA Nations League, though the clash between Brazil and Ghana is equally enticing.
Brazil v Ghana
Brazil have won their last five games, conceding only once in total. Their rock-solid defence is an integral part of the team, although they have been known more for flair in eras gone by.
Goalkeepers Alisson and Ederson are in the squad, as well as centre-backs Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, and Éder Militão.
Ghana scored eight goals in eight games throughout the course of 2022 World Cup qualifying and rode their luck in order to progress to the tournament, to say the least. They should be no match for the Seleção.
A 2-0 win for Brazil is the likely outcome here as they continue to send a message to their rivals that as always, they should be one of the World Cup favourites.
Poland v Netherlands
The Netherlands have seen goals at both ends in all of their six matches in 2022, including in a 2-2 draw with Poland on 11 June.
In a rematch with the same opponents, who themselves have seen goals at both ends in six of their last eight games, it is likely that we will see another goal fest.
Keep an eye on Poland’s Robert Lewandowski, who has scored eight goals in his first six La Liga appearances for Barcelona and shows no sign of letting up.
Croatia v Denmark
Croatia and Denmark are two relatively evenly-matched sides, with only two points separating them at present in League A Group 1.
Only five places separate the two sides in the FIFA World Rankings and this match is highly likely to end in a draw.
Italy v England
The Azzurri and the Three Lions square off again in a repeat of the Euro 2020 final, which was played last year due to the tournament being delayed by COVID-19.
Although Italy won that game on penalties, it finished as a draw in regulation time. So, too, did their subsequent UEFA Nations League clash in June.
In fact, all of the last four clashes between these two sides have been drawn. Both have struggled to recapture the magic of last year’s Euros and they are relatively evenly matched on paper. Another draw seems to be the likely outcome.