Compiled by Ranjika Perera
* Depay continues scintillating form with hat-trick
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Memphis Depay who equalled Johan Cruyff’s goal record for Netherlands on Tuesday (7)[/caption]
Memphis Depay equalled Johan Cruyff’s goal record for Netherlands after scoring his first hat-trick for his country on Tuesday (7). Depay struck three times and set up another in the Dutch’ 6-1 home win against Turkey.
The Barcelona player now has 33 goals to his name for his country from 71 appearances.
Depay’s impressive display in the World Cup qualifying match saw him break into the top 10 in his country’s list of all-time top scorers.
He pulled level with Wesley Sneijder with his first goal before surpassing the former Captain with his second in the first half. Depay then knocked the ball over the line in the second period to move him up to joint-eighth in the list.
But, while Depay has 71 caps to his name, Cruyff managed to net 33 goals for the Oranje in just 47 matches, helping them reach the 1974 World Cup final along the way.
* Griezmann becomes joint-third top scorer
Antoine Griezmann became France’s joint-third top scorer of all time also on Tuesday when he struck twice in the World Cup qualifying match against Finland. Griezmann made the difference for Les Bleus as they secured a 2-0 win to extend their lead at the top of Group D.
The 30-year-old now has 41 goals to his name for France, putting him level with football legend Michel Platini.
Speaking to the media, Griezmann said, “It’s a great source of pride. Since I’ve been here, since 2014, I always try to bring the best, whether it’s goals, with my defensive or offensive work.”
* Busquets warns against more competitions
Spanish National Sergio Busquets has warned against adding more competitions to an already-crowded calendar, saying there will be a point when players will “explode”.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has suggested he is in favour of a proposal to hold the World Cup every two years, an idea that is also been backed by ex-Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger, who is currently FIFA’s chief of global football development.