The last international break of the 2024/2025 season is over and done with.
Players experienced the highs and lows of representing their respective countries.
In Africa for instance, Nigeria is no closer to making her return to the World Cup, after a shabby 1-1 draw at home with Zimbabwe.
Cape Verde, who are not necessarily a nation to be reckoned with in football, could actually be among the nine flag bearers from the continent.
“Gabon and Cape Verde are the biggest winners, for me,” Clinton McDubus, a top football analyst and podcaster, tells DAILY POST.
“On the other side of the spectrum, Nigeria. It was a disastrous result against Zimbabwe.
“As it stands, we aren’t even in contention for the playoffs,” he added.
In other parts of the world, Argentina thrashed Brazil 4-1 to secure their ticket to next year’s competition.
“In Europe, they include the teams that advanced to the Nations League semis, as well as Norway, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Czechia.
“The biggest losers were The Netherlands, blowing a huge chance to finally win something.
“In South America, Brazil were the biggest losers. The reality of their current level is now clear to all. Losing in humiliating fashion to their eternal rivals added salt to injury.
“Biggest winners, Argentina. They were excellent without Messi, a sign that they’ll be fine when he finally retires,” McDubus adds.
International football will take a break until September 2025.
From now until May, it will be a procession towards the titles in some major leagues in Europe.
From England where Liverpool has all but won the Premier League, to Ligue 1 where Paris Saint-Germain have established an almost unassailable lead.
So, what will keep us glued to our TVs?
McDubus replies: “I think we could have a treble winner from Spain. One team might sweep it all.
“Barcelona are looking unstoppable right now, while Real Madrid are the kings of peaking at the end of the season.
“Their only issue is that they’ve still not figured out how to handle Barcelona.
“I think Inter will win Serie A. Ligue 1, Premier League and Bundesliga are pretty much wrapped up.
“I think the biggest battles across leagues will be for Champions qualification.”