Ramos, Pavlovic and Estupinan involved as international action begins – how the fared

Three of AC Milan’s international call-ups were in action on Thursday as the first lot of games got underway around the world.

Milan had 15 players that were summoned by their respective national teams for the first break of the season, which will be an extended three-week one. It is the most of any Serie A club along with Como, and the games got underway yesterday as three players were involved.

Ramos replaces Ronaldo

Portugal’s game against Wales saw Cristiano Ronaldo start up front, a role he seems destined to keep until he calls time on his career. However, the Al-Nassr striker failed to score his 980th career goal, even though he briefly celebrated until an offside call.

In the 67th minute, CR7 then made way for Gonçalo Ramos. The Milan centre-forward played the remaining 23 minutes grand by coach Jorge Jesus (plus stoppage time) but didn’t have time to make his mark on the match.

The former PSG man managed one shot on target, four successful passes, two defensive contributions and one successful tackle. Primarily, he was brought on to protect a tight 1-0 lead. Given there are three games to come, he should get more chances.

Heartbreak for Pavlovic

Strahinja Pavlovic’s performance was much more noteworthy, as he was always one of the best players on the pitch for a Serbia side that lost 2-1 at home to Greece. Zivkovic’s opener was cancelled out by Arsenal’s Tzolis, then Como striker Douvikas won it in added time.

The Milan centre-back played the entire match, recording some rather positive numbers: 11 defensive contributions, three successful tackles, 10 successful duels, four interceptions, and six blocks.

Pavlovic thus confirmed his position as the cornerstone of the Serbian defence, one that played with a back four instead of the three-man rearguard that they have so often used.

Estupinan’s Ecuador thrashed

It wasn’t a memorable night for Pervis Estupinan either, as his Ecuador fell to a 3-0 defeat away against South Korea. The left-back played the entire game in his natural role, but it was a difficult night.

Estupinan was booked at the end of the first half but he did complete 88% of his passes, had three chances created, 60 touches, 1 blocked shot and 2 defensive contributions. He was 1/8 on accurate crosses, and 3/7 on duels won.