SAINTS were due to have four players feature in international action last night, September 1, but an evening of drama did mean this wasn’t the case.

All players involved were plying their trade to help their country reach the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with qualifying well under way.

Here’s how the international Saints got on…

Che Adams played 71 minutes for Scotland as they travelled to Copenhagen in a 2022 World Cup qualifier. The Saints forward was powerless to stop the will of the European Championship semi-finalists, though.

Quick-fire early goals from Daniel Wass and Joakim Maehle saw the Tartan Army sink to a 2-0 defeat. After four games, Scotland have five points, two behind the second and third-placed teams in Group F.

Daily Echo: Scotland need a turnaround in fortunes if they are to reach QatarScotland need a turnaround in fortunes if they are to reach Qatar

Moi Elyounoussi played 90 minutes and was booked in the first-half for a bad foul as Norway drew 1-1 at home to The Netherlands, courtesy of goals from Erling Haaland and Davy Klassen.

Group G is the closest in 2022 World Cup qualifying. Turkey lead the group on eight points, with the Netherlands, Montenegro and Norway all on seven points.

Shane Long was not involved for Republic of Ireland following a positive Covid-19 test in the build-up to the match. This meant he missed history, as Cristiano Ronaldo became the greatest ever international goalscorer.

The returning Manchester United man headed two home with minutes to spare to complete a 2-1 win in Algarve, and reach an unmatched total of 111 international goals.

Daily Echo: Cristiano Ronaldo could not resist the headlines and broke Irish hearts with a sensational doubleCristiano Ronaldo could not resist the headlines and broke Irish hearts with a sensational double

Moussa Djenepo’s Mali picked up an important 1-0 win over Rwanda in their World Cup qualifying campaign, with the Saints man starring from the start.

He actually won his side a penalty after being fouled inside the box early in the first-half, but when he stepped up to bury it himself he saw his spot-kick saved, only for Adama Traore to ensure they took the lead seconds later.

Mali go top of Group E in the first-phase of qualifying.

Daily Echo: The Saints man was denied from the spot but Mali took all three points regardlessThe Saints man was denied from the spot but Mali took all three points regardless