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| BACK TO HIS BEST |
The FIFA virus may have been very damaging to Real Madrid on past occasions, but the current international break has provided more of a healing oil for 'Los Blancos', both in terms of injuries and morale, particularly for some of the squad's high-profile players.
A special mention goes to Gareth Bale, whose transformation when representing Wales is a sight to behold. His powerful display against Israel included a brace and an assist which leave his country in a strong position on the hunt for a first major tournament appearance in 58 years.
Bale's goals were celebrated with the fervour typical of a crucial Real Madrid goal in the Bernabéu headquarters, given the directors' awareness of how the club's success in what remains of the current season may well hinge on whether or not the Welshman can rediscover his best form.
Casillas was greeted with a standing ovation at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán in Seville against Ukraine rather than the recent boos at the Bernabéu.
The club's German contingent has also enjoyed a positive international break with Khedira sporting his country's captain's armband and Kroos putting in a dominant display in the comfortable 2-0 victory in Georgia.
Karim Benzema also captained his country, while Varane started and got on the scoresheet for 'Les Bleus'. Modric played his first full 90 minutes for five months and dictated the pace of the game with his usual ease for Croatia.
Portugal dispatched of Serbia, with Cristiano Ronaldo's confidence flowing again, although it was Fabio Coentrão who scored the winning goal, rather than the striker.
Keylor Navas kept a clean sheet for Costa Rica, while Javier Hernández scored Mexico's winner against Ecuador.
