10 Best Matches to Watch During International Break

FIFA's international breaks are always a welcome change of pace from the hectic club schedule. And of course, they provide us with the opportunity to witness some of the world's top players in action, representing their country with pride.

Many of the matches to be played over the next couple of days will be billed as "friendlies," though sometimes there's nothing too friendly about them. There are, however, plenty of matches with a lot riding on them.

With that in mind, here's a look at some of the most interesting matchups we have in store.

Spain vs. Uruguay

Where: Khalifa International Stadium (Doha, Qatar)

When: 6 February, 1 pm EST

This is perhaps the biggest game on this week's slate, based solely on name recognition. We have the defending Euro and World Cup winners against a high-class South American powerhouse. The list of stars here is endless.

Even without Xabi Alonso, Xavi, Iker Casillas, and Fernando Torres, Spain still boasts the strongest outfit in the world. Guided by the likes of Andrés Iniesta, David Silva, Cesc Fàbregas, and all-time top scorer David Villa, La Furia Roja is nearly impossible to stop on their day.

As such, Uruguay might just have to fight fire with fire. Their attacking triumvirate of Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlán, and Luis Suárez is perhaps the best such trio in the world. If they manage to break Spain's possession stranglehold, look out.

France vs. Germany

Where: Stade de France (Paris)

When: 6 February, 3 pm EST

The France-Germany matchup pits two traditional European powerhouses against each other, and both will enter looking to get the right result out of this matchup.

France have had their problems in the last year, with their meek exit at Euro 2012 epitomizing that. However, new manager Didier Deschamps has instilled a new mindset in Les Bleus, and a stacked squad will look to impress him in front of the local support.

Germany enters this match with a host of injury withdrawals, including Miroslav Klose, Marco Reus and Bastian Schweinsteiger. And yet, they still boast the likes of Mario Gomez, Lukas Podolski, and Toni Kroos to fill the gaps. This star-studded outfit will surely fancy their chances of getting a road victory.

Netherlands vs. Italy

Where: Amsterdam ArenA (Amsterdam)

When: 6 February, 2:30 pm EST

Another matchup featuring European giants sees 2010 World Cup runners-up Netherlands take on 2006 winners Italy in Amsterdam. These two squads had very different fates at Euro 2012, with the Italians making a run to the final as their opponents crashed out of the group stage humiliatingly.

The Oranje squad picked for this match is one that lacks typical mainstays Arjen Robben, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Maarten Stekelenburg and Wesley Sneijder. Robin van Persie and Dirk Kuyt are around, but it will mostly be a hugely inexperienced bunch taking the field.

Italy, on the other hand, have a young attacking core led by Milan duo Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy. But they boast tons of experience elsewhere, with the likes of Juventus' veteran trio of Andrea Pirlo, Andrea Barzagli and Gianluigi Buffon on hand to guide the Azzurri to a desired victory.

Sweden vs. Argentina

Where: Friends Arena (Solna, Sweden)

When: 6 February, 2:30 pm EST

Sweden vs. Argentina might as well be called Ibrahimović vs. Messi since the two will garner most of the attention. However, the other 20 players are certainly deserving of recognition too.

The Swedes will have a big (or little) problem to deal with most of the game so the likes of Andreas Isaksson, Mikael Lustig and Andreas Granqvist will have to be on top form. And don't forget about Ibra's attacking partners, which include Sebastian Larsson, Johan Elmander and Alex Kačaniklić.

That's a nice group of guys, but when you can put Lionel Messi alongside Sergio Agüero, Gonzalo Higuaín, Ángel di María and others, that's tough to beat. Whether the defense can slow Ibra down will come down to experienced midfielder Javier Mascherano setting the tone.

England vs. Brazil

Where: Wembley Stadium (London)

When: 6 February, 2:30 PM

In a match celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Football Association in England, the Three Lions will play host to Brazil in a glamorous matchup of historic footballing nations.

England's squad will be led by Steven Gerrard, fresh off a stunning goal against Premier League title holders Manchester City. With an in-form Wayne Rooney up front and a solid defense at the back, this squad looks a strong one.

Brazil, meanwhile, begin life under returning manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is set to hand veteran midfielder Ronaldinho his first cap in nearly a year. With the former Barcelona ace partnering super starlet Neymar, one can be sure to see some terrific, beautiful play from Brazil.

Burkina Faso vs. Ghana

Where: Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit, South Africa)

When: 6 February, 1:30 pm EST

The Africa Cup of Nations has reached the semifinal stage with underdogs Burkina Faso taking on the powerful Ghana. The winner earns the right to play in the final against either Mali or Nigeria.

Burkina Faso have shocked the continent with their run to this stage in the tournament. But, as I detailed earlier this week, star striker Alain Traoré and his three goals will make them a tough opponent for any side, even the mighty Black Stars.

Ghana was a missed penalty away from reaching the World Cup semifinals, and their strength will see them slated as heavy favorites to win. With the likes of Asamoah Gyan, Kwadwo Asamoah and Wakaso Mubarak in tow, expect them to end Burkina Faso's thrilling story.

Honduras vs. United States

Where: Estadio Olímpico Metropolitano (San Pedro Sula, Honduras)

When: 6 February, 4 pm EST

Also getting started this week is the final round of World Cup qualifiers for CONCACAF (North & Central America). The first matchup on tap features favorites United States visiting a tricky Honduras side.

The hosts showed during the Olympics that they are not afraid of anyone, dominating Spain before falling agonizingly short against Brazil. The senior side is no different, as talents like Jerry Bengtson, Roger Espinoza and Victor Bernárdez are formidable foes.

But the United States won't back down from anyone. They will be without all-time top scorer Landon Donovan but still have Tottenham Hotspur's Clint Dempsey. Combined with veteran 'keeper Tim Howard and dependable players like Michael Bradley and Carlos Bocanegra, this squad looks a strong one at just the right time.

Mexico vs. Jamaica

Where: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City)

When: 6 February, 9:30 pm EST

Also in the first round of "The Hex" is a powerful Mexico side playing host to upstarts Jamaica.

Mexico will have Javier "Chicharito" Hernández back in tow, forming part of a dangerous attacking group along with Gio dos Santos and Andrés Guardado. Also in this squad are Olympic heroes like Marco Fabián, Oribe Peralta and José Corona.

Jamaica has not qualified for a World Cup since 1998 and may find it difficult to continually get past opposition like Mexico. Veteran presence comes from the likes of Jobi McAnuff and Donovan Ricketts, with Dane Richards a young talent to watch up front.

Portugal vs. Ecuador

Where: Estádio Dom Afonso Henriques (Guimarães, Portugal)

When: 6 February, 3:45 pm EST

This is one of those matchups that might only jump out of the page since it involves Portugal, and thus, Cristiano Ronaldo. However, they've been pitted against a strong Ecuador side that is ranked in FIFA's top 15 and are in second place in CONMEBOL (South America)'s World Cup qualifying.

Portugal will be without defensive stalwart Pepe, but that should not hinder them too much. Their bevy of stars built around Cristiano Ronaldo includes Nani, João Moutinho, Raul Meireles and Hélder Postiga.

Ecuador have been getting stronger since their uneventful spell at Copa América in 2011. Antonio Valencia might be the only recognizable name for some, but they feature top players including Felipe Caicedo and Segundo Castillo. La Tri will provide a tough test for any top international side.

Belgium vs. Slovakia

Where: Jan Breydelstadion (Brugge, Belgium)

When: 6 February, 2:45 pm EST

Belgium vs. Slovakia may not grab the headlines, but this is a matchup featuring a couple of particularly strong sides.

Belgium is laced with seemingly endless talent. From Eden Hazard to Marouane Fellaini, Moussa Dembélé to Christian Benteke, and defensive pairing Jan Vertonghen and Thomas Vermaelen, the Red Devils could make a huge splash at the World Cup.

Their opponents today, Slovakia, are led by Napoli star Marek HamŠik and their captain, Liverpool's Martin Škrtel. Joining them are all-time top scorer Robert Vittek and talented youngsters Miroslav Stoch and Vladimír Weiss.