International Roundup: Portugal reach Nations League quarters, France U21 held by Italy

There was no shortage of Ligue 1 McDonald's players involved as the international break continued on Friday evening in UEFA's Nations League, qualifying for AFCON 2025, as well as some U21 action.

UEFA

Portugal managed to qualify for the quarter finals of the Nations League with a dominant 5-0 win over Poland. Paris Saint-Germain pair Nuno Mendes and Joao Neves both started for the side captained by Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored an impressive bicycle kick to seal his brace. European Champions Spain ran out as 2-1 winners over Denmark, with Fabian Ruiz getting minutes for La Roja. For Denmark, Rennes attacker Albert Grønbaek started the clash with Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Brest's Edmilson Fernandes and Monaco's Breel Embolo featured for Switzerland against Serbia, with OM's Ulisses Garcia featuring off the bench.

AFCON

Eliesse Ben Seghir and Achraf Hakimi featured for Morocco who dominated Gabon 5-1, with Zakaria Aboukhlal featuring off the bench for the Atlas Lions. Angers pair Jim Allevinah and Jacques Ekomié featured for the away side in the drubbing. Ligue 1's Ivory Coast contingent lost to Zambia (1-0) with starts for Evann Guessand, Wilfried Singo, Christopher Operi, and Yahia Fofana.

Elsewhere

France's U21s faced Italy's U21 side in an  international Friendly, with Lyon's Rayan Cherki proving pivotal with a well-taken assist for Valentin Atangana and a goal of his own just before the hour-mark. Les Bleuets completed the comeback after the Italians initially took a two-goal lead.