Di María shone with two assists as captain

Di María, as captain of the World Champions, Otamendi, Aursnes and Kökcü, players of Benfica's first team, were starters in their respective national teams' matches, which took place on Tuesday, September 12. The number 11 was decisive in Argentina's triumph!

Without the usual captain, Lionel Messi, Di María wore the armband in the match against Bolivia (3-0) in La Paz, on matchday 2 of the South American qualifying phase for the 2026 World Cup. Argentina now have six points, thanks to two wins in two games.

In Europe, Aursnes played on the left side of Norway's midfield in the clash with Georgia, which the home side won 2-1 on Matchday 6 of Group A in qualifying for the 2024 European Championship. Norway remains in third place with seven points, two behind Spain (with one game in hand) and eight behind leaders Scotland.

Kökcü also started in the friendly match between Turkey and Japan, which the Japanese won 4-2. Benfica's number 10 was substituted at half-time in the match at the Luminus Arena in Genk, Belgium.

Also in the qualifying round for the 2024 European Championship, goalkeeper Trubin was an unused substitute in Ukraine's away match against Italy. Italy won 2-1 to move up to 2nd place in Group C, with the same seven points as the Ukrainians and six points behind the leaders, England, on 13 points.