For those of you who don't know, this week sees us break from League games and go back to International Games. Some teams taking part in friendlies and others crucial World Cup 2010 Qualifiers.
Some club fans probably think it couldn't come sooner, like the Pool ones who have an injury list that could use the break for some much needed rest and recovery time. Others, like Chelsea, would probably prefer to see their club continue rolling on, and not risk any players on International duty.
Alex Ferguson seems to be rather disgruntled at the England friendly game against Brazil, which is to be held 15 hrs away in Qatar. For a manager of a club like Manchester United, he has to deal with having a number of England first team players having to oblige when called up to the national team. But i can agree with him that sometimes international friendlies can be a waste of time and energy, as he has to see Wayne Rooney, Michael Carrick, Wes Brown and Ben Foster make the immense trip there and back. These friendlies can be useful in improving team chemistry and for the manager to try out other players/strategies/tactics, but for a friendly to be played soooooo far from England, and Brazil for that matter (even though most of them play in Europe) seems rather silly.
In a week largely focused on goalkeepers (Enke and Cudicini) we turn to Republic of Ireland's key man, goalkeeper Shay Given, to help overcome France for the first time in World Cup qualifying history.
European World Cup 2010 Playoff matches include:
1st legs - Saturday 14th November
FIFA World Cup European Qualifying
20:00 Rep of Ireland vs France
16:00 Russia vs Slovenia
18:00 Greece vs Ukraine
20:30 Portugal vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
2nd legs - Wednesday 18th November
FIFA World Cup European Qualifying
20:00 France vs Rep of Ireland
18:00 Ukraine vs Greece
19:45 Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Portugal
19:45 Slovenia vs Russia
It would be magical to see Ireland beat France and reach the World Cup, but it will be a touch task. France are motivated after being so critized, and on paper should win very comfortably. Lets see how the Irish deal with the french attacking threat.
ReplyDeleteHalftime in Doha with Brazil and England, and i must say im impressed with this makeshift England team. The only England regular playing is Rooney, but they have stood strong and not been overrun, although supple to the front has been very low. Rooney dropping far too deep to collect the ball, but good performances from Milner, Lescott, Brown and a few decent saves from Foster so far.
Lets see what the second half has to offer!
Barry is a regular
ReplyDelete2 regulars... same difference, its still a makeshift team against Brazils first choice line up.
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