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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).
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.
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.
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?
Portugal vs Mozambique – International Friendly Match Preview
There will be some playing time for Pepe, according to reports. The Real Madrid defender suffered an injury last December while playing against Valencia. He had been recovering in hospital and following fitness programs to be ready in time for the 2010 World Cup. As Carlos Queiroz explained in a statement, Pepe will make his return to the field against Mozambique:
“As it should be according to the plan drawn up, Pepe should play a little against Mozambique.”
Portugal’s relatively good performance against Cameroon last Monday revealed the team’s determination to work and to win as a team. Manager Carlos Queiroz said that “all 23 players can be starters as they all share the ambitions of the Selecção”. One thing that the Portuguese have improved on is the goal scoring issue. After surprisingly stumbling to a 0-0 draw against 117th ranked side Cape Verde, they finally banged in more than two goals against Cameroon since their 4-0 defeat of Malta in the European World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria vs Korea DPR – International Friendly Match Preview
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will have to face South Korea in the group stages of tournament, so warming up against the Korea Republic’s Asian rivals Korea DPR should offer a lot of experience. In the same way, the North Koreans may take lessons from Sunday’s game against African giants Nigeria ahead of their ‘Group of Death’ battle against the Elephants of La Cote d’Ivoire.
Nigeria failed to clinch victory in their previous friendly matches lately. A 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia followed with some improvement in terms of performance against Colombia. Still, the result was only a 1-1 draw. The Super Eagles have set the bar of expectations very high.
They are anxiously awaiting their 2010 World Cup opener against Argentina. For now, their task is to prepare and they know that the match against North Korea will present their last opportunity to do so.
Switzerland vs Italy – International Friendly Match Preview
But who knows what this friendly match will bring until it kicks off at 18:45 GMT on June 5? After all, the Italians just lost their unbeaten record against Mexico with a 2-1 defeat in Bruxelles on Thursday.
Marcelo Lippi’s men played poorly in defense only to give a headache to the coach ahead of the 2010 World Cup. Italy’s objective against Switzerland will be to rectify all the mistakes that caused them to fall against Mexico on June 3. Captain Fabio Cannavaro said his side will do just that. In a post match statement, the former world player of the year declared:
"We need to improve, and we will. In this way we will be ready for the match against Paraguay on June 14."
Romania vs Honduras – International Friendly Match Preview
Honduras stumbled to a disappointing 0-0 draw against 109th placed Azerbaijan on June 2. Los Catrachos, who had so much power during their qualification campaign with, have score in only one match out of the last four they played. Besides, they are winless since beating the USA 3-1 back in January.
Things must change, and change quickly for Honduras who haven’t made much of their recent two friendly matches. Saturday’s encounter against Roumania will mark Los Catrachos last opportunity to warm-up ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Another unconvincing result might affect the players mentally, so Coach Reynaldo Rueda will need to guide his team to victory against Romania.
Romania vs Honduras – International Friendly Match Preview
Honduras stumbled to a disappointing 0-0 draw against 109th placed Azerbaijan on June 2. Los Catrachos, who had so much power during their qualification campaign with, have score in only one match out of the last four they played. Besides, they are winless since beating the USA 3-1 back in January.
Things must change, and change quickly for Honduras who haven’t made much of their recent two friendly matches. Saturday’s encounter against Roumania will mark Los Catrachos last opportunity to warm-up ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Another unconvincing result might affect the players mentally, so Coach Reynaldo Rueda will need to guide his team to victory against Romania.
Algeria vs United Arab Emirates – International Friendly Match Preview
Are the Desert Foxes of Algeria ready to take on the mission that awaits them during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa? Any Algerian fan would like to think that they are, but perhaps the answer is different in truth.
The Fennecs were slapped with three goals to nil by the Republic of Ireland a few days back. They failed to the pressure of the home side from start to finish and were also poor in defending set pieces. There’s certainly room for improvement in Algeria’s squad ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament. However, Karim Ziani explained that Algeria’s form in South Africa will have nothing to do with their form in friendly matches.
In a bold statement to Al Heddaf, the play maker declared:
Slovakia vs Costa Rica – International Friendly Match Preview
Just as they are looking to build momentum ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Slovakia have opted to test their fire against Costa Rica one more time. It will be their last opportunity to warm-up before they kick off their World Cup campaign on June 15 against New Zealand. Slovakia played out an unconvincing 1-1 draw against Cameroon in late May.
This result just allowed fears to distract their hopes of progressing from their group which contains the likes of favorites Italy, South America’s Paraguay, and underdogs New Zealand. Slovakia impressed throughout their European World Cup qualification campaign, topping countries like Poland and the Czech Republic in their table to clinch automatic tickets to the 2010 World Cup finals. But since the start of this year, Slovakia’s national football team hasn’t enjoyed anything positive. Let’s see what they’ll gain against Costa Rica on Saturday.
Serbia vs Cameroon – International Friendly Match Preview
Clearly, the Indomitable of Cameroon have put themselves under immense pressure with their bad form since January 2010. Paul Le Guen’s men haven’t responded to their people’s need following their quarter-final exit at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. A relatively boring display against Georgia and Slovakia during the past few days resulted in nothing more than draws.
Against Portugal on June 1, the Cameroonians certainly improved in terms of performance. However, the dismissal of their captain Samuel Eto’o contributed in letting them lose 3-1 to Carlos Queiroz’ men in the end. Time is running out for the Indomitable Lions to reach the standards they had set for themselves well before the start of the 2010 World Cup.