Normally eliminated before the start of big competitions, international minnows normally get their chance to face the big teams in qualifiers or friendlies.
Usually an opportunity to give some of the fringe players a cap, such games can sometimes backfire and cause a lot of problems for managers if their national press start creating pressure.
Not only will the manager want his team to perform, but the players themselves know no game is a given, even if they still acknowledge a difference in level compared to their previous opponents in Bosnia.
Toby Alderweireld spoke to DH about facing off against the British Overseas Territory.
He said: “We have to do our job and therefore give everything, even against such an opponent. We need to show we’re proud to wear our country’s colours. Just because we beat Bosnia 4-0 doesn’t mean we can think we’re world champions.
“Playing these games? We don’t have a choice, and these people have the right to represent their country. Up to us to win, play well and score as many goals as possible. Is 0-10 doable? We’ll do our best. We can’t look down on them. In fact, we’ve got nothing to win and everything to lose here.”
A professional mentality from a model professional.
The Tottenham defender made headlines during the game against Bosnia by scoring a backheel flick from a corner to make it 3-0.
