Rewinding the opening weekend of EURO 2020 and the Copa America

The much-awaited EURO 2020 and Copa America tournaments commenced this weekend, with some teams off to a flying start while others are still waiting to prove a point!

Many Rojiblancos players featured for their respective national teams in the opening week of these competitions, and now we take a look at how they fared.

Yannick Carrasco starts for Belgium as they cruise past Russia

Photo by Joosep Martinson - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Starting in an advanced role on the left, the Atletico Madrid winger looked in his element — especially in the first half, taking on defenders and beating them effortlessly. One brilliant, mazy run almost led to a goal late in the first half, with the shot going just over.

It was a quiet day for the winger otherwise, but he performed well overall before getting substituted in the 77th minute. Carrasco completed the most dribbles (four) in the match, he created a chance and ended his part in the game with a pass success rate of 86 percent as Belgium won 3-0.

Kieran Trippier and Šime Vrsaljko faced off as both started in the England-Croatia match

Atlético teammates Trippier and Vrsaljko took on one other as England edged past Croatia on Sunday afternoon.

Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Trippier’s name in the England lineup shocked many Three Lions supporters, as Gareth Southgate opted to start the rojiblanco at left back over Luka Shaw.

Trippier did not always look completely comfortable and rarely got forward on his weaker side. He started a couple attacks with quick-thinking throw-ins and played the full 90 minutes, creating one chance, maintaining a 50 percent duel success rate and making five recoveries throughout the match.

Vrsaljko played the full 90 minutes for Croatia as a right back. He battled to keep control of Raheem Sterling and tried to support the attack. His crosses caused concern among the English contingent, and Trippier’s backup at club level won the most duels (eight) in the match.

Renan Lodi features for Brazil as they thrash Venezuela in the Copa America opener

Photo by Pedro Vilela/Getty Images

Atlético’s left back did not provide enough width in attack, and his first half yellow card saw him hauled off for Alex Sandro at halftime. He lost five duels and conceded three fouls, and it was not a night to remember for Lodi.

Felipe Monteiro was on the bench for this match, a 3-0 win for the tournament hosts.