17-11-2010 22:00 Portugal - Spain

Steadying The Ship

It may only be a friendly match, but encounters between Portugal and Spain are generally heated affairs, and on this occasion the home side have revenge to seek after La Furia Roja eliminated them from the World Cup in the summer.

Back in June, hopes were high that Carlos Queiroz’s Seleccao would be able to spring something of a surprise by getting the better of the Spanish, but a David Villa goal helped set in motion events that would ultimately see the Portuguese FA lose their coach after a lengthy dispute that was allowed to negatively influence the nation’s early encounters in Euro 2012 qualifying.

Indeed, it’s far from certain that the Portuguese side will be in the Ukraine and Poland having started sluggishly in a group containing tricky opponents in the form of Norway and Denmark. Already the Norwegians have got the better of the Portuguese, while Cyprus scored a remarkable 4-4 draw in Guimaraes.

These encounters proved to be the last of Queiroz’s reign, though by that stage he had been suspended by the FA.

Paulo Bento has since taken charge of the squad and has steadied the ship significantly, scoring a terrific 3-1 success against the Danes and matching that result in Iceland back in October. Miracles cannot be expected of the new coach, which means victory over Spain is unlikely, but in the long-term it is anticipated the former Sporting coach will lead the Seleccao to the European Championships.

Post World Cup Worries

Since lifting the World Cup in July, Spain have not taken their eye off the ball competitively, recording a hat-trick of victories in Euro 2012 qualifying to make their presence at the Finals in around 18 months already inevitable. But there have been a few signs of a post-World Cup hangover for Vicente del Bosque’s men.

A 1-1 draw in Mexico a month to the day of their coronation as the world’s best was not regarded as a major set-back as it was a fringe team that was convened for that fixture, but the 4-1 beating that was handed to the Spanish by Argentina in Buenos Aires could not be ignored. Admittedly la Furia were still rusty after just starting their season and were not at full strength, but it was nevertheless a real dent to the pride of the champions.

In the two matches thereafter, it’s not entirely been a case of business as usual. Against Lithuania the Spanish were held for 45 minutes before succumbing ultimately running out 3-1 victors, but there was a greater scare at Hampden Park, where Del Bosque’s men were rocking temporarily having lost a 2-0 lead against Scotland. In the end, only an opportunist strike from Fernando Llorente saved their face.

The lessons learned following the World Cup should ensure that Spain know that winning the competition was one thing, holding onto their status as the best side on the planet quite another. For all their remarkable achievements over the last four years, la Roja now need to show that they have the mentality as well as the skill to keep winning. If a fixture again neighbours Portugal can’t rouse them, then there really will be problems.

TEAM NEWS

Portugal

Left-back Fabio Coentrao has pulled out of this fixture due to injury, while Silvestre Varela has also withdrawn from the squad due to a physical complaint. Atletico Madrid’s Tiago is the main player of experience who has been overlooked by coach Paulo Bento.

Spain

Jesus Navas has been replaced by Santi Cazorla, while Juan Mata has pulled out of the team due to a thigh problem. Fernando Torres has an ankle issue and may not be risked. Pedro has suffered from a bout of stomach flu and is very unlikely to feature.

Prediction

Spain have a remarkable winning ethic and there is unlikely to be anything to change that on Wednesday, even if post-World Cup friendlies have seen them fail to record a victory. Cristiano Ronaldo has the potential to pose all kinds of problems for the visiting rearguard, but he fires so infrequently for his nation that a strong performance from ‘CR7’ should not be expected. It will be tight, though the guests will edge it, much like in Cape Town in the summer.

Portugal 0-1 Spain

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17-11-2010 20:30 Italy - Romania

Back On The Pitch

The last time Italy took to the pitch, they were rushed out of it. Their Euro 2012 qualifying match against Serbia in Genoa last month was abandoned because of crowd violence and the Azzurri were handed a 3-0 victory by UEFA.

The maximum points gained from that fixture propelled the 2006 World Cup winner to pole position in Group C with 10 points from four games, three points ahead of Slovenia, who are second in the group.
The match against Romania in Klagenfurt, though, is not a pointless friendly or just a build-up to the next batch of European qualifiers but for coach Cesare Prandelli to test his squad and chisel it for the future.

Star striker and Prandelli’s original fulcrum of the team, Antonio Cassano, has not been included in the squad because of his troublesome situation with Sampdoria, which means that Mario Balotelli will be handed the chance to make himself a hero on Wednesday evening.

Italy have not been very convincing in their qualifying games even though they have got the results and the friendly against Romania will give Prandelli the chance to try his side once again. The eesult is not so important as the performance as the former Fiorentina tactician continues to take one of the worlds biggest footballing nations into new horizons.

Seeking A Morale-Booster

Romania’s Euro 2012 qualifying campaign has gone off to a less than impressive start as they are currently fifth in Group D with just two points from three games. Razvan Lucescu’s side are struggling to keep their European dreams alive and the match against Italy will be a welcome game for them to try to resurrect their fortunes.

However, several of the Romanian internationals play for clubs in Italy and will, therefore, know how to combat the Italian challenge. Romania are not a traditional powerhouse and in recent years have struggled to thread their way into major international competitions, but they do have players who can make life difficult for the better known Italian players.

Italy coach Prandelli knows that Romania will pose a tough challenge and says: "Romania are a team to be feared. They have big and experienced players that play for prestigious clubs.''

TEAM NEWS

Italy

Antonio Cassano was not included in the Italy squad as his problems with Sampdoria continue. Federico Balzaretti, Andrea Ranocchia, Alessandro Diamanti and Christian Ledesma are set to play for Italy for the first time.

Romania

Striker Adrian Mutu was omitted from the squad despite having recently returned to action for Fiorentina after a long suspension; he is injured at the moment anyway and so would have had to miss the encounter with Italy. Defender Stefan Radu is unavailable after suffering an injury for Lazio at the weekend.

Prediction

Prandelli’s Italy have to yet to fully convince and they will not find it easy against Romania. However, the Azzurri do have a superior squad and they should just about eke out a victory.

Italy 2-1 Romania

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17-11-2010 20:30 Sweden - Germany

Sweden Hoping To Put Netherlands Match Behind   
 
Having failed to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, a motivated Sweden side began their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign in fine form, beating Hungary and San Marino in succession. However, the Blagult were outplayed in their most recent match against the Netherlands, which resulted in a 4-1 loss. Now, in their last match of the 2010 calendar year, Sweden hope for a positive result against a strong Germany side.

Head coach Erik Hamren has studied his team’s tumultuous loss to the Netherlands, and believes that his team will learn from the mistakes made in Amsterdam.

“Above all, it’s our defensive work in a couple of situations where Holland were good but we might have helped them too much,” he said.

Sweden’s task will be made all the more difficult without the presence of talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic who Hamren has decided to exclude from his squad.

The Milan forward “got a few knocks in the match against Inter,” on Sunday, said Hamren. “If Wednesday’s game had been a qualifying match, he would have played. On the whole, he’ll be better off resting.”

Ibrahimovic’s loss will be Denni Avdic’s gain. The 22-year old forward, who has recently played for Sweden’s U-21 team, is expected to earn his second senior level appearance ahead of Ibrahimovic.

The Germany match should serve as a good form check for Sweden. Should they earn a draw or better against their high-flying opponents, Hamren’s men will enter the 2011 year with confidence restored.

Loew To Blood Germany’s Young Stars

Germany comfortably waltzed through their first four Euro 2012 qualifiers, conceding just once and scoring 13 goals on their way to a perfect 12 points. The Nationalelf have not missed a beat since finishing third at the 2010 World Cup.

That does not mean that Joachim Loew is fully satisfied. The coach has taken Wednesday’s friendly as an opportunity to rest established stars such as Thomas Mueller, Mesut Oezil, and Philipp Lahm, and offer chances for his young stars to prove their worth. Whether DFB newcomers Mario Goetze, Lewis Holtby, Andre Schuerrle, and Marcel Schmelzer will be able to challenge the old guard remains in question, according to Loew.

“We’ll know in a few weeks or maybe at some point next year,” he told reporters in a pre-match press conference.

Loew has taken inspiration from Sebastian Vettel, who recently became the youngest Formula 1 champion in history.

“He pulled it off because of his tremendous determination, his professionalism, and his meticulous work habits.”

The Germany gaffer believes that in Germany, there are many young footballers who share Vettel’s ambition.

“Five or six years ago, our under 21 players did not play a major role at their clubs, but that has changed. Between 18 and 22 years is such an important phase in their development.”

Accordingly, Loew has rewarded his young stars. Each is expected to make an appearance on Wednesday in what is sure to be an exciting match.

TEAM NEWS

Sweden

In addition to Ibrahimovic, Hamren will be without injured centre half Olof Mellberg. Otherwise, the new coach should have a full squad at his disposal.

Probable Starting XI: Isaksson – Lustig, Granqvist, Majstorovic, Safari – Larsson, Svensson, Wernbloom – Toivonen – Avdic, Elmander

Germany

Thomas Mueller, Philipp Lahm and Mesut Oezil have been omitted from Loew’s squad, and Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose, Dennis Aogo, Marcell Jansen, and Michael Ballack have all been ruled out with injuries. Loew is expected to shuffle his line-up, but his starting XI remains shrouded in mystery. The only confirmed starter is Rene Adler, who will replace Manuel Neuer in goal.

Probable Starting XI: Adler – Boateng, Mertesacker, Hummels, Schmelzer – Khedira, Schweinsteiger – Grosskreutz, Kroos, Marin – Gomez

Prediction

This one is difficult to call, because Germany will play as a side that has never before been seen. They could be brilliant or woeful. I’ll venture a guess that the Mannschaft will prevail, if only by a narrow margin.

Sweden 1-2 Germany

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17-11-2010 20:30 Netherlands - Turkey

Sustaining The Momentum

The Netherlands are going great guns in international football at the moment and are carrying on the momentum they built during the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

The Oranje marched on to the final but went down to an extra-time goal from Spain. But since then Bert van Marwijk’s side have done extremely well and are well on their way to the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign.

The Oranje are currently in pole position in Group E with 12 points from four games, having scored a whooping 12 goals and conceded two. Striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has been the Netherlands’ best player in the qualifying campaign and has scored for fun.

Winning against Turkey at home will be on the Netherlands’ mind but they will also like to continue to thrill the spectators with their romantic football.

Going Back Home

For Turkey coach Guus Hiddink, the match against the Netherlands in Amsterdam will be a home coming. The Duchman was the coach of the Dutch national side between 1994 and 1998 and led them to the semi-finals of the 1998 World Cup finals.

Hiddink’s Turkish team though, are not doing well in the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign as they are third in Group A with just six points from four matches, a further six adrift of leaders Germany and a point behind Austria, who are second.

However, winning against the Dutch at the Amsterdam Arena is not on Hiddink’s mind. He underlines the importance of his players’ performances against one of the most talented national football team and says, "The result is not important. We are especially after our players putting in a strong performance.

"I know the Netherlands are a very good opponent, but I would rather lose a victory over a team that is of quality.”

TEAM NEWS

Netherlands

Striker Robin van Persie, who has struggled with injuries this season, has been included in the squad but he will play only 45 minutes. Royston Drenthe, on loan at Hercules from Real Madrid, too is in the squad after his impressive performances in the Spanish Primera Division this campaign and so is Liverpool’s Ryan Babel, despite his off-coloured form of late.

Turkey

Australia-born defender Ersan Gulum has been called up by Hiddink and this has been hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons.

Prediction

The Netherlands will be favourites for this fixture but Turkey are never an easy side to beat. However, the firepower and sheer class of the Dutch should see them through with a comfortable victory.

Netherlands 2-0 Turkey

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17-11-2010 21:00 England - France

Settling of old scores in battle of the young ones

England’s last game against France at headquarters was in 1999, when half the England squad were probably still munching on cocoa pops before school. Under the disappointed eye of the Twin Towers, Les Bleues ran out 2-0 winners, and England have not beaten the French since 1997.

With a fresh look to Capello’s squad, perhaps an answer to people calling for an overhaul in the team, the Italian has combined youth with uncapped players. Jay Bothroyd is perhaps the most surprising of these choices, but he is keen to show this is not a flash in the pan.

"Once you get a taste you want to do well and stay in," Bothroyd said. "If I am involved on Wednesday it will be another great day for me."

Another new face, Sunderland’s Jordan Henderson was quick to acknowledge the stab at the big time he has been offered.

He said: "It's a great opportunity for me and a few of the younger lads to show what we can do. I'll do everything to try and take that chance.

Mutiny on le Bounty, just a storm in a tea-cup says Blanc

France have had an overhaul too. Unfortunately, this was enforced after the mutineers from the World Cup were given indefinite relegations from Blanc’s squad. Eric Abidal, who escaped any sanctions for his role, is an intriguing inclusion.

Blanc disagrees, saying: "He has played very often recently and to become a regular at a club like Barcelona is no mean feat.

"He is still a player who can play a major part in the French starting XI."

In what is a fairly young and inexperienced squad – especially after Philippe Mexes' injury – France may be there for the taking. That aside, France have won three of the last five meetings, and always seem to find an extra gear against Blighty.

TEAM NEWS

England

This is a test of future prospects for Fabio Capello, as senior squad withdrawals have allowed young talents to stake a claim.

Chelsea duo John Terry and Ashley Cole and Aston Villa’s Gabriel Agbonlahor pulled out of the squad on Sunday evening after picking up injuries in recent Premier League games. Stephen Warnock, Gary Cahill and Carlton Cole have been called up as cover. Frank Lampard is a long-term absentee.

With regular strikers Jermain Defoe and Wayne Rooney (both ankle) injured, and Emile Heskey retired, Capello has revealed he will hand Andy Carroll his debut after he came through an injury worry. The Newcastle forward will start the game along with fellow fresh face Jordan Henderson and the only slightly more experienced Kieran Gibbs.

Other intriguing admissions to the squad include Manchester City’s Micah Richards and Manchester United's Chris Smalling, but unfortunately Arsenal's Jack Wilshere will miss the game after suffering a knock in training.

Possible starting XI: Hart; Richards, Ferdinand, Jagielka, Gibbs; Milner, Gerrard, Barry, Henderson; Walcott; Carroll.

France

Tottenham’s Younes Kaboul has been drafted in at the last minute to cover for Roma’s Philippe Mexes who picked up a calf injury over the weekend.

The major inclusion for Laurent Blanc is left-back Eric Abidal, who gets his first inclusion since France’s horror World Cup showing.

The French squad has a distinct Premier League essence to it as, along with Kaboul, Chelsea’s Florent Malouda and Arsenal trio Bacary Sagna, Samir Nasri and Gael Clichy are all in contention for a starting spot.

With Nicolas Anelka banned and Karim Benzema misfiring for Madrid, Loic Remy may start up front.

Possible starting XI: Lloris; Sagna, Rami, Sakho, Abidal; Diarra, M’Vila; Gourcuff, Nasri, Malouda; Remy.

Prediction

Both squads are young, both managers have a point to prove to their FAs, both are old adversaries. It should be a recipe for a close encounter, but despite a partisan crowd, England's lack of strikers may have them scratching around. France have a plethora of young goalscorers.

England 1-2 France

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