International friendly round-up

March 28th, 2008 by SM Dev (ste)

The midweek friendlies are now all out of the way, and it is back to domestic football again this weekend.

What can you really learn from a international friendly? Some players take it seriously and see it as an opportunity to cement a place in the squad, whilst others take a different view, and do not try as hard due to fear of injury or similar. The same can be said of managers, as you will get some who want to take it serious, and use it to try out their best XI prior to a tournament, whilst others use it as an opportunity to experiment with players and formations.

So what can we actually take from this weeks latest round of international friendly matches? Well I have picked out some of the best parts of the action for your viewing to show what a friendly match can actually offer:

Spain  1-0  Italy:

Both Spain and Italy have qualified for Euro 2008, and this match was the perfect opportunity for both managers to test their team against another top side. The highlight of the match was David Villa’s 78th minute strike which was a fantstic volley struck on his weaker foot, and it gave Gigi Buffon no chance. Has David Villa finally returned to form for club and country at a key time?

Sweden  0-1  Brazil:

It seems that Brazil have played more matches outside their own country in the past 18 months, and are turning into the Harlem Globetrotters of the football world. Nevertheless it didn’t matter if the played in Rio or North London on Wednesday night, as Alexander Pato announced himself on the international stage with a cheeky debut goal when he lobbed the stranded goalie from the right touchline. Is Pato actually starting to live up to the hype which surrounds him?

Austria   3-4   Netherlands:

Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria lost another match (no surprise there) in Vienna at the hands of the Dutch, and this means that they only have one win from their last 13 friendly matches. The Austrians did go 3-0 up within the first 35 mintues, courtesy of goals from Ivanschitz and two from Prodl,  but the Dutch hit back with goals two goals Huntelaar, and one-a-piece from Heitinga and Hesselink. Yet again we have learnt that the Austrians should not be at Euro 2008!

Switzerland   0-4   Germany:

The Swiss throughout their history have been renowned for defending, however they succumbed to their neighbours, and were hit for four! Yet again as another tournament approaches the Germans have to be considered as one of the favourites, and history has taught us to never write them off. Germany for Euro 2008?

Portugal  1-2  Greece:

The European Champions Greece stunned Portugal yet again thanks to two free-kicks from Karagounis either side of half-time. The Greeks have proved yet again that lightning can strike not once, not twice but three times in Portugal! What are the odds of the Greeks retaining their European crown?

If I have missed out any other friendly matches which you think should have been mentioned then I will apologise in advance.

Posted in: World Soccer News

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