Yes, we were lamenting the lack of goals for a good part of the Juventus-Milan fixture yesterday until signore Claudio Marchisio (and those pair of eyes) stepped in to score twice for Juventus! With a name like that, the whole of Turin will not be sweating over his complimentary one week risotto.

I literally was sitting on the couch screaming my heart out.

So for those who missed it, our ladies ended the game 1-1 with Brazil...technically.

So what got it to that point? Well our first goal wasn't technically our first goal. The USWNT, though in awesome position and at first glance, appeared that they scored, the ball actually was scored by Brazilian defender, Daiane, who was attempting to block the ball.

Nobuyuki Uenoyama, head of the J.League's technical committee, says the league has to face up to the fact that it has a serious problem with its youth development. "Most of the people who trained the Samurai Blue into who they are today are high school teachers," he told Shinichi Chubachi of the Asahi Shimbun.

Thiago Motta and Cassano celebrating Italy's goal
As this international friendly week has rolled around, I'm doing my best to follow nations as they struggle to qualify for the European Chuampionships of 2012. But struggle isnt really the proper term for some nations, as Italy and Spain, are one step closer to the Euruopean tournament.

Thiago Motta and Cassano celebrating Italy's goal
As this international friendly week has rolled around, I'm doing my best to follow nations as they struggle to qualify for the European Chuampionships of 2012. But struggle isnt really the proper term for some nations, as Italy and Spain, are one step closer to the Euruopean tournament.

The action continues apace in the Asian Cup, so not much time for reflection on the opening draw with Jordan before the Samurai Blue face Syria on Thursday. Japan of course struggled somewhat against Jordan, and despite huge amounts of possession were distinctly unthreatening for large amounts of time.