Ibrahima Konate came out on top in his head-to-head battle with Virgil van Dijk this evening, the former guiding France to a 4-0 victory versus the Netherlands in their Euro 2024 qualifier.
Konate played the full 90 minutes, while also picking up a yellow card, as Les Blues got off to a winning start in Group B. Van Dijk was on the losing side on this occasion and also completed the full match at the Stade de France. It was an evening which saw Kylian Mbappe prove his class once again, scoring two of his team's goals with Antoine Griezmann and Dayot Upamecano completing the rout.
Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah was on the scoresheet as Egypt secured a 2-0 win over Malawi in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. In the same group, Naby Keita helped Guinea to three points after defeating Ethiopia.
READ MORE: Who is Thomas Zilliacus? Finnish entrepreneur 'interested' in Liverpool takeover
READ MORE: Liverpool loan target becomes clear after seven players recalled
It was also a successful evening for Kostas Tsimikas, who was named in Greece's starting XI that earned a 3-0 triumph over Gibraltar. The Liverpool left-back was withdrawn with five minutes remaining in this European Championship qualifier having earlier been booked.
There were also Academy stars taking to the pitch on Friday, presenting an opportunity for the youngsters to make their mark. Under 21s regulars Bobby Clark was deployed in the 60th minute of a friendly fixture between England and Belgium under-18s, meanwhile Mateusz Musialowski made a cameo appearance as Poland under-21s played out a stalemate with Austria. Shot-stopper Vitezslav Jaros, who is currently out on loan at League Two side Stockport County, was an unused substitute as Czech Republic under-21s drew 0-0 versus Belgium.
READ NEXT:
- Liverpool would miss out on two major trophies under 'unfair' new rule change
- Liverpool investment latest as FSG model could be copied by Manchester United
- Man United bidder Thomas Zilliacus with mysterious net worth open to buying Liverpool
- Liverpool handed new date for postponed Premier League fixture as another match moved
- Former Liverpool man hits out at 'scandalous lies' Wigan players have been told about wages
