Images from international friendlies: Kisses, goals, upsets

Feb 7, 2013   (6 images)

International teams prepared for important upcoming World Cup Qualifiers by pitting themselves against some good teams. While England recorded a first win against Brazil in 23 years, Germany also broke their jinx of losing in France with a 2-1 win. Spain trumped South American champions Uruguay 3-1 while Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal slumped to a 2-3 defeat against Ecuador. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi received a kiss from a fan during Argentina's 3-2 win over Sweden.

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A Barcelona fan firmly plants a kiss on Messi' forehead. And the little man, who didn't score on the night, graciously accepted. Argentina won the match 3-2. Getty Images

A Barcelona fan firmly plants a kiss on Messi’ forehead. And the little man graciously accepts. Getty Images

 

Frank Lampard scores to give England a 2-1 win — their first against Brazil in 23 years. Perfect way to celebrate the English FA's 150 years. Reuters

Frank Lampard scores to give England their first win against Brazil in 23 years. The perfect way to celebrate the English FA’s 150 years. Reuters

 

Germany broke their jinx against France in Paris. Thomas Mueller and Sami Khedira did the damage and Karim Benzema could only look on—helpless. Reuters

Germany broke their jinx against France in Paris with a 2-1 win. Thomas Mueller and Sami Khedira did the damage while Karim Benzema could only look on—helpless. Reuters

 

Cristiano Ronaldo managed to get on the scoresheet, but failed to lead Portugal to a win against Ecuador. They lost 2-3. Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo managed to get on the scoresheet, but failed to lead Portugal to a win against Ecuador. They lost 2-3. Getty Images

 

Pedro scores against Uruguay in Spain's 3-1 win over the South American champions. The Barcelona man scored twice for a team made up of nine Barcelona players. Reuters

Pedro scores against Uruguay in Spain’s 3-1 win over the South American champions. The Barcelona man scored twice for a team that contained nine Barcelona players. Reuters

 

Marco Verratti's injury-time equaliser gave Italy a 1-1 draw against Netherlands — who fielded a side averaging 22.3 years. Reuters

Marco Verratti’s injury-time equaliser gave Italy a 1-1 draw against Netherlands — who fielded a side with an average age of 22.3. Reuters