/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/19312575/180237430.0.jpg)
UEFA qualifying is done for another round, and since we don't have club football to entertain us let's see how Chelsea's European internationals managed. Fun shall be had by all:
England vs. Ukraine
The big story here is that Frank Lampard earned his 100th England cap. Congratulations to Super Frank. This game, however, wasn't particularly super -- aside from a free header in injury time which Lampard should have buried, basically nothing of note happened and the match finished 0-0, ensuring that the Three Lions have destiny in their own hands in UEFA Group H. Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill also played 90 minutes each, and the latter made some timely interceptions and looked occasionally dangerous on set pieces.
Borrrrring.
Italy vs. Czech Republic
An unhappy game for Petr Cech, but it looked as though there might be an upset here for a little while. Libor Kozak put the Czech Republic up 1-0 in the 19th minute, and Cech held the Azzurri off until the second half, when Giorgio Chiellini scored a header and then Mario Balotelli notched from the spot for a 2-1 Italy win. I don't think Mario Balotelli penalties should count against a goalkeeper anyway.
Wales vs. Serbia
Branislav Ivanovic led a Serbian raiding party into the heart of Wales and succeeded in utterly demolishing them. Granted, Gareth Bale only played for half an hour, but winning 3-0 away is pretty super no matter who's playing. Ivanovic managed the full 90 in the win.
Faroe Islands vs. Germany
The Faroe Islands played pretty well against Germany, only losing 3-0 at home despite going down to ten men in the 73rd minute. Andre Schurrle was on the bench, and came on for Julian Draxler with 15 minutes to go. Not much to report there apart from the amusing shot count of 31 to six.
Croatia vs. Belgium
This game was played in my imagination and was chocked full of excellent performances from the Chelsea boys.