Liverpool's international stars have enjoyed a successful
weekend representing their countries in World Cup qualifying
action.
With the road to South Africa 2010 gathering pace, most of the
Reds' international contingent look well placed to be on their way
to football's most glittering tournament next summer.
Javier Mascherano enjoyed the most emphatic result on the night as
he played all 90 minutes of Argentina's 4-0 trouncing of Venezuela
in Buenos Aires.
Dirk Kuyt was on target from the penalty spot as Holland
comfortably defeated George Burley's Scotland 3-0 in Amsterdam to
leave them eight points clear at the top of Group 9.
Daniel Agger proved he is back to full fitness by playing all 90
minutes of Denmark's 3-0 victory in Malta while fellow defender
Sami Hyypia helped Finland keep a clean sheet against Wales in
Cardiff as they enjoyed a 2-0 success.
Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres were involved in Spain's 1-0
victory over Turkey, while Pepe Reina, Albert Riera and Alvaro
Arbeloa were all unused substitutes.
Yossi Benayoun's Israel were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw
against Greece, with the Liverpool midfielder leaving the field
after 77 minutes.
Away from World Cup qualifiers and Steven Gerrard will doubtless
enjoy reminding Martin Skrtel of England's 4-0 victory over
Slovakia when the two players return to Melwood later in the week.
Gerrard created the first goal of the game for Emile Heskey before
being substituted at the break.
The next round of international action takes place in midweek
before the Reds' players arrive back on Merseyside to prepare for
Saturday's trip to Fulham.