International wrap: Lampard, De Bruyne grab assists

Chelsea had a slew of international players in action on Friday, and by and large they did pretty well. Let's take a look game by game.

Ghana vs. Zambia (CAF World Cup qualifiers)

Chelsea had two representatives in this match -- Michael Essien and new boy Christian Atsu. Both came in as 55th minute substitutes, and they were on the pitch when Kwadwo Asamoah scored a belter of a goal to put Ghana 2-0 ahead and secure progression to the final qualification round. The Black Stars would eventually emerge 2-1 winners.

Serbia vs. Croatia (UEFA World Cup qualifiers)

Serbia and Croatia contested an unsurprisingly tempestuous 1-1 draw in Group A in which both sides went down to ten men. One of those dismissed was former Blue Nemanja Matic, who was sent off in the 75th minute. Branislav Ivanovic, meanwhile, played the full ninety, and somehow avoided (or overcame) the urge for bloodshed.

Scotland vs. Belgium (UEFA World Cup qualifiers)

With Croatia only managing a draw in Serbia, Belgium had the opportunity to cement their position as group favourites. Despite the absence of Eden Hazard through injury, they duly took it, winning 2-0 thanks to goals from Steven Defour and Kevin Mirallas. Thibaut Courtois and Kevin de Bruyne played the full 90 minutes (the latter getting an assist with a cutback for Defour's goal) and Romelu Lukaku was an unused substitute.

Czech Republic vs. Armenia (UEFA World Cup qualifiers)

Petr Cech played 90 minutes against Armenia, although they'll be minutes that the veteran goalkeeper will hope to forget -- the Czechs were beaten 2-1. They still have a chance to finish second in Group B, but they've really shot themselves in the foot with this loss.

Germany vs. Austria (UEFA World Cup qualifiers)

Andre Schurrle sat this one out, presumably because his edgy handsomeness was perceived by Joachim Loew as a threat. Germany won 3-0.

England vs. Moldova (UEFA World Cup qualifiers)

Three Chelsea players started for England as the Three Lions thrashed Moldova at Wembley Stadium. Ashley Cole was pulled at the half, but Gary Cahill and Frank Lampard both played the full match. Neither was overly troubled, and Lampard got an assist on the game's first goal.