Once again, the calendar has rolled around to an international friendly date. As clubs pray to
whatever gods will hear them for an injury-free break, most international fans get their last
chance in 2010 to see their national sides in action, and with several regional rivals going
head-to-head, there are sure to be some interesting stories.
Ok, if every 5 years Argentina wins a match Brazil, one which is very unimportant, I am still a
happy person. Today, the Hermanos finally were able to kick some ghosts and beat Seleção 1-0 at
Khalifa International Stadium in Doha, Qatar. And Messi, was able to finally score against his
biggest rival.
Being lazy and full of things to do, I wasn't able to post about this weekend's action. So many
things happened at once, Ray Wilkins being forced out of Chelsea, Chelsea losing to Sunderland 3-0,
Manchester United scoring two late goals to equalize against Aston Villa, Real Madrid grinding out
a 1-0 win over Sporting Gijon, Barcelona and Villarreal both playing a fantastic game of football,
and of course, the Milan derby.
The long run of Argentine defeats to Brazil at full international level was finally brought to an
end on Wednesday in Qatar, and although it was an inconsequential friendly, the result sealed by a
92nd minute moment of brilliance ... Continue reading →
1. Croatia - Malta
Croatia beat Malta, no surprises there. The only reason I start with this match is its status
as a qualifier. And to talk about Niko Kranjcar. Harry Redknapp is unappreciative of the
obviously gifted Croatian and the rumors are flying that he's looking to leave.
Amid the sort-of joy and sort-of pain that comes with the wins and losses of international
friendlies (barring of course, the big rivalries that were played out on Wednesday --
Argentina/Brazil, Spain/Portugal, England/France, etc.), FIFA managed to slip in an innocuous
report on their website, complete with a link to a 23-page PDF evaluating the candidates for the
2018 and 2022 World Cup.
