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Univision Deportes and Galavision to broadcast USA and Mexico international friendly matches live
The USA Men’s National Team will be in action against Venezuela on Saturday, January 21. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9:00pm EST (6:00pm PT and 8:00pm CT). Watch it live on Galavision. Galavision will also broadcast Panama vs USA live on Wednesday, January 25. The United States’ encounter with Panama will start at 8:30pm EST (5:30pm PT and 7:30pm CT). Viewers can catch Mexico vs Venezuela on Wednesday as well.
This Latino affair will be live online on UnivisionDeportes.com. Kick-off time for the Mexico vs Venezuela international friendly is at 8:50pm EST (5:50pm CT and 7:50pm PT).
Brazil set to meet the United States, Mexico in upcoming friendly matches
The Brazilian Football Association (CBF) announced that the South Americans have confirmed five friendly matches against Bosnia, Denmark, the United States, Mexico and Argentina.The first match for the Selecao in 2012 will be against Bosnia in Saint Gallen, Switzerland, on February 28. Denmark will be Brazil's next opponents, with the fixture scheduled for May 26 in the German city of Hamburg.
Brazil will then travel to the United States, where they will take part in three relatively high-profile friendly matches. They will face the United States on either May 30 or 31 in Boston or Washington. The last time the teams met in 2010 Brazil cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win courtesy of goals from Neymar and Alexandre Pato.
Arch-rivals Argentina and Brazil set to meet in high-profile friendly match in June
The Argentine Football Association confirmed on Tuesday that South American heavyweights Argentina and Brazil will lock horns in a high-profile friendly match in the United States on June 9.Widely regarded as the biggest international derby in the world, the one-off match will be staged at a fitting venue: the impressive $1.6 billion 83,000-capacity MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The match will serve both sides as preparation for the 2014 World Cup, which will be held in Brazil. While Brazil have already qualified for the tournament as being the hosts, Argentina will have to fight it out during the South American World Cup qualifiers for a berth in the finals.
FOX Soccer to air Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea friendly matches live
“Summer of Soccer” kicks off this week and Liverpool’s pre-season tour in Asia will be covered. The Merseyside Reds will be up against Guangdong Sunray Cave at the Tianhe Stadium in China on Wednesday before facing Malaysian All Stars XI three days later in Kuala Lumpur.
Like Liverpool, 2010/2011 English Premier League runners-up Chelsea are also going on tour in Asia. As part of their agenda, the Blues have a club friendly match against Thailand All-Stars coming up on...
USA Vs Spain: It's More Than Just A Friendly Match - Del Bosque
Friendly matches might not carry much importance. But Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque certainly has believes otherwise. The World Champions will face USA in a friendly match tomorrow and he has already delivered a warning to his players that pride will be at stake when both sides take on each other in Boston.Spain have won all five of their qualifying matches so far but have relatively suffered in friendly matches after their triumph in South Africa last year.
"We have had bad experiences (in friendlies) but it should teach us that the demands on us are great.
Costa Rica vs Argentina: More Than A Friendly Match
Costa Rica coach Ricardo La Volpe reportedly felt insulted by Argentina’s Sergio Batista back in 2006, during his times at Boca Juniors. The former goalkeeper—who managed the Mexico national football team during the 2006 World Cup also received a contract with Velez Sarsfield later on, but unsuccessful runs with Los Xeneizes and El Fortin left Batista to question Ricardo’s ability to deal with Argentinean football.The current boss of Los Albicelestes’ statement years ago certainly did not please La Volpe, who recently told TyC Sports—and Argentinean TV station: "In the past, he (Batista) said that I had to get used to Argentinean football.
Jose Mourinho To Lead Africa United In Friendly Match For Charity Project
Real Madrid’s Jose Mourinho will be on the bench tonight as the coach of Africa United. According to reports, the controversial “Special One” didn’t think twice before accepting the Africans’ request to lead their team since Wednesday night’s friendly match is said to be all about a charity project.
The goal is to raise money to help 100,000 children from Mali as Kanoute’s foundation is working to reach it. The Sevilla forward is set to captain the Africans in this friendly match against an all-La Liga side composed of Primera and Segunda Division players which will be skipped by Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos. The game will be played at the Vicente Calderon – in Madrid still, after last year’s edition was hosted at the Santiago Bernabeu.
New Zealand vs Honduras Preview
Neither New Zealand nor Honduras passed beyond the group stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. But, the All Whites certainly gained more positives than Los Catrachos – having not tasted defeat in South Africa. New Zealand even drew Italy 1-1 in a match where less controversy might have seen the underdogs prevailing over four-time world cup winners, the Azzurri. Generally speaking, the Oceanic nation earned more respect and encouragement from the public considering how much they had improved on their disastrous 2009 Confederations Cup campaign.
On the contrary, Honduras experienced failure throughout their short adventure in South Africa. Their display against Spain was totally unconvincing – if not terrible.
Japan’s Zaccheroni Criticizes Poor Mindset Ahead Of Argentina Friendly
The manager will at last experience his first match in charge of the Samurai Blue. Zac had to miss Japan’s games against Paraguay and Guatemala, which both ended in victory for the Asian side; that was due to visa problems. Finally, Coach Alberto Zaccheroni will have to lead Japan against 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists Argentina on Friday. Although 25 places separate Argentina from thirtieth-placed Japan in the Coca Cola Fifa Rankings, Zac believes that his men have no right to fear the Albiceleste. After announcing his squad, the Italian told the media:
“We shouldn’t be afraid of Argentina. It’s wrong to go out there with an all-defensive frame of mind. My goal is to build a team skilled both on the offensive and defensively.”
Argentina vs Spain - International Friendly Match Preview
Argentina and Spain will play one of the hottest matches of the week. Almost 80% of the players on the field belong to Spain's La Liga, and so this game will have a particular flavor for many Argentinean players. Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Gonzalo Higuain, Javier Mascherano and many others will be looking forward to taking the crown off Roja's head.. will they make it?
Brave new Argentina
Argentina vs Spain International Friendly Match: Lionel Messi’s Predictions
In November 2009, Spain and Argentina faced each other in a friendly meeting as well. La Furia Roja benefited from Xabi Alonso’s brace as they ran away with a 2-1 victory at the Vicente Calderon in Madrid. Lionel Messi scored from the spot two minutes after the hour mark to equalize Alonso’s 16th minute opener. However, the former Liverpool midfielder had the last say as he grabbed the match winner with a penalty goal four minutes from time.
On September 7, the match will take place at El Monumental in Buenos Aires and this factor should be a plus for Argentina to carry the day. Expressing his thoughts to the media, Lionel Messi predicted:
“It is going to be an open game between two sides that try to play well. We will try to control the ball and I think he have what it takes to do so.
England vs Hungary – International Friendly Match Preview
They will entertain Hungary at the Wembley Stadium in an atmosphere which promises to be frustrating… thanks to likely boos from English supporters.
England had a really nice run in terms of results during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. But the momentum they built during that period counted for nothing in South Africa. The Three Lions’ adventure was a perfect nightmare.
Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard… the list of top rated English Premier League stars is long; the England team is actually a star-studded side aside from the fact that they are yet to find a top first choice keeper.
USA vs Brazil – International Friendly Match Preview
Brazilian Football: Going Back To The Roots
Brazil have a big name, actually, it is the biggest in international football. Having won five World Cup trophies, three Confederations Cup titles, eight Copa America cups and many more accolades, Brazil’s senior national team stands out as the best in the history of the sport. Recently though, results and performances haven’t lived up to the fans’ expectations.
After the reign of 2002 World Cup winning Coach Luis Felipe Scolari, A Seleçao stumbled twice on the trot in the next World Cup editions. In Germany, Brazil got dumped out in the quarter-finals by France. Despite emerging as the favorites to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup trophy, the five-time winners’ dominance was nullified by a Dutch side which beat them 2-1 at that same stage. Arguably rightfully, it was time for the Brazilian FA to let a new man take the wheel from the hands of the hated Carlos Dunga.
'Grasp The England Shirt, Bobby Zamora', Fulham Boss Marc Hughes
The English player of Trinidadian decent is one of the three new names called up by Coach Fabio Capello for this upcoming friendly match. Bobby Zamora was instrumental for Fulham last season, helping the London club to stun elites such as Juventus on their way to the final of the Europa League.
With Darren Bent pulling out of the Hungary friendly match through injury, Zamora could be given a bigger role and thus a bigger opportunity to make an impact upfront alongside fresh 2010 Community Shield winner Wayne Rooney.
Fulham manager Marc Hughes expressed his joy concerning Bobby Zamora's England call-up. He stated:
Mexico vs Spain – International Friendly Match Preview
It will be the first time that the Spaniards will take on the field since playing 120 minutes of football against the Netherlands in the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup where they eventually triumphed thanks to Andres Iniesta’s heroic strike four minutes from time. For the Mexicans, defeating Spain will mean a lot historically for the entire population in their 200th year of Spanish independence.
Javier Aguirre will not have the honor to guide El Tri to such a meaningful international friendly as he is no more in charge of Mexico’s national football team. Just like Italy, France or even South Africa, the Mexican FA have parted company with the man that led the country during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Enrique Meza is set to fill the role as coach for Mexico’s game against Spain only.
Spain’s Barcelona-loaded Mexico Friendly Match Roster: Good or Bad?
Spain are the 2010 FIFA World Cup champions. Regarded as the best team on the planet currently, La Furia Roja’s soldiers are the envy of many coaches and players. The Spanish are adored for their attacking style and their flawless passing game. Best of all, fans of this Iberian country are always treated with La Roja’s distinctive spirit which pushes the team to perform at a high mental and physical level every time regardless of the importance of the game.
As they walk along the rules of their football philosophy, the Spaniards have maintained momentum thanks to remarkable results – be it in competitive or friendly matches. Complacency seems to be out of Spain’s successful zone and current manager, Vicente del Bosque, proves Spain’s desire to infinitely be at its best by lining up the national team’s best players ahead of every encounter.
South Africa vs Ghana – International Friendly Match Preview
The South Africa vs Ghana encounter will mark exactly a month since Spain and the Netherlands battled it out for the trophy in the World Cup final at the same venue. The Soccer City Stadium is a temple where African contingents failed to record a single victory during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. For Ghana’s national football team and supporters as well as for a multitude of football followers around the world, the Soccer City Stadium will forever be remembered best for what happened on July 2 earlier this summer.
That was when it hosted the dramatic quarter-final fixture between Ghana and Uruguay where Luis Suarez’s handball, Asamoah Gyan’s last-second penalty miss, and La Celeste Olimpica’s triumph in the eventual penalty shoot-out cruelly killed Ghana’s dream of breaking Africa’s World Cup quarter-final curse in the history of the sport. On Wednesday, the Black Stars of Ghana (who earned even more respect following their remarkable 2010 World Cup campaign) will want to get back on track as they look forward to a bright future.
Italy vs Cote d’Ivoire – International Friendly Match Preview
The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire and Life after Sven Goran Eriksson
Money had the last word when Cote d’Ivoire’s FA discussed contractual terms with former Manchester City and Mexico manager Sven Goran Eriksson. A statement from FA vice-president Sory Diabate clearly explained the matter on the official website of Ivory Coast’s federation. According to Reuters, the statement read:
“In fact, Eriksson won’t be the future manager of the Elephants. He was our top choice, but discussions broke down. The problem came through financial considerations, although good will was on both sides.”
Real Madrid’s Kaka Set To Miss USA vs Brazil International Friendly Match
The 28-year-old player has long been suffering with health problems. Kaka, whose debut season with Los Blancos was interrupted through a hernia injury, will finally undergo an arthroscopic knee surgery. His club football side, Real Madrid, issued a statement on Thursday morning, which read:
“It is suspected that there may be an injury to the meniscus. This could require arthroscopic surgery. Kaka has travelled to Belgium accompanied by club doctor Carlos Diez. He will be examined by a specialist in Antwerp.”
While Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho asserted that Kaka’s expected three to four-month stay on the sidelines “won’t be a drama”, new Brazil manager Mano Menezes also seems to indicate that he will have no problem in dealing with Kaka’s absence in his first ever match in charge of A Seleçao.
Spain vs Poland – International Friendly Match Preview
Spain seem to have lost the scintillating brilliance that amazed audiences during Euro 2008. In South Africa last year, there were concerns over La Furia Roja’s performances throughout the 2009 Confederations Cup where they failed to clinch glory. Vicente del Bosque might explain Spain’s unimpressive form against Saudi Arabia and South Korea lately as the result of trying different tactics with less capped players like Jesus Navas and Pedro.
Either way, there is also the excuse that Spain’s players are visibly suffering to adapt to the 2010 FIFA World Cup official match ball, Jabulani. But is this the only reason why the Spanish allowed so many holes in defense for the Koreans to create goal scoring opportunities which they couldn’t take at the relief of the 2009 Confederations Cup bronze medalists?