A friendly in New Jersey provided the ideal chance for Chelsea scouts to take a closer look at Atletico Madrid striker Falcao and, while he was far from his mercurial best against a Brazil side in the friendly in New Jersey, his powerful running warranted close attention at all times.

His international team-mate James Rodriguez, who is thought to interest Manchester United, was heavily involved in Juan Guillermo Cuadrado’s opener though, combining brilliantly down the right before sending the full-back away after a neat one-two to drive his side into a 1-0 lead.

Elsewhere, Uruguay forward Edinson Cavani struck his 13th international goal to help his side to a 3-1 victory over Poland in Gdansk, continuing his magnificent club form which has seen him strike 14 goals in 14 games for Napoli this term and has reportedly put him onto Chelsea’s radar.

Real Betis’ deep-lying midfielder Benat continued his fledgling international career with a lively performance in the middle of the park helping Spain to run out comfortable 5-1 winners away in Panama, showing the sort of tidy play on the ball which has prompted strong interest from Manchester City.

Midfielder and Newcastle transfer-target Moussa Sissoko capped his fifth international cap for his country with another impressive display. Offering plenty of protection to Mathieu Debuchy behind him on the right, his all-action style and powerful, surging runs caused Italy serious problems on more than one occasion.

Denmark drew 1-1 against Turkey, with the much-sought after Christian Eriksen playing the entire game for the away side. He was unable to exert any customary influence on the game behind lone striker Nicklas Bendtner in what will go down as something of a flat performance from the 20-year-old Ajax playmaker.

Tottenham retain a strong interest in Porto midfielder Joao Moutinho, according to reports, but he was incapable of stemming the tide or getting his side going during a lacklustre 2-2 draw against Gabon, with the side missing the presence of driving-force Cristiano Ronaldo massively.

Full-back Mathieu Debuchy put in an ineffective showing for France, losing Italy striker Stephan El Shaarawy down his flank for the opening goal. While he offered plenty of defensive cover, he was unable to have an impact up the other end of the pitch with his usual forward forays curbed by the opposition.

Liverpool have struggled for goals all season in the league, and their well-documented interest in Belgium international Dries Mertens may have had an adverse effect as he struggled out wide all evening during the nation’s 2-1 defeat against Romania.