International Football: Big guns set for friendly fire

[Karl]

<SPAN class=art-title2>Big guns set for friendly fire</SPAN> <TABLE cellSpacing=5 cellPadding=5 width=150 align=right border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>
</TD></TR><TR class=paddingall><TD vAlign=top> <SPAN class=textblack11px_normal>Rarely seen without a smile, Steve McClaren enjoys a drink during a break in training ahead of England's friendly meeting with Spain at Old Trafford.
</SPAN><SPAN class=textblack11px_bold>(AFP)</SPAN> <SPAN class=textblack11px_bold>Andrew YATES
</SPAN></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">(FIFA.com)</SPAN> <SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10px; FONT-FAMILY: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">05 Feb 2007</SPAN>

<SPAN class=art-text>Some of the world's top international sides will be in friendly action this week as players jet off round the globe to represent their respective countries. Read on as we take you through a selection of the biggest stories in the build-up to Tuesday and Wednesday's games.

The all-European eyes clashes involving England against Spain and Germany versus Switzerland stand out, as do the mouth-watering games between UEFA and CONMEBOL opposition: France hosting Argentina and Brazil taking on Portugal. However, the current FIFA World Cup™ holders will not be in action after the Italian federation decided to suspend all footballfollowing the incidents last weekend in Catania.

Luis Aragones has decided to raise the stakes ahead of Spain's match on Wednesday. As if playing England at Old Trafford were not pressure enough, the coach has declared that, "if [England] beat us, they can fire me", hitting back at criticism levelled against him after Spain's recent 1-0 friendly defeat to Romania and the team's lacklustre displays in qualifying for UEFA EURO 2008. Having gleaned a mere three points from as many games so far in Group F, La Selección's under-fire head coach is in desperate need of a morale-boosting performance at the home of Manchester United.

In a bid for more firepower, Aragones has recalled Atletico madrid striker Fernando Torresat the expense of legendary former captain Raul, who as a result will not have the chance to add tohis tally of 102 caps and 44 international strikes.

Choice of matchesin England
Aragones' English opposite number Steve McClaren has turned back the clock and recalled Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry after a four-year absence, while Middlesbrough defender Jonathan Woodgate, having returned to his home country after a spell in Spain, could also win his first cap in three years.

Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves and Chelsea and England captain John Terry are bothedging closer toafull comeback, but neither are likely to be risked, althoughMcClaren may take the opportunity to give the controversialManchester City midfielder Joey Barton a chance to shine.

Down in London at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, Brazilian legend Dunga faces another real testin the role he took over in July 2006. Having captained the Seleção to victory at the 1994 FIFA World Cup™, Dunga will be looking for similar success from the dug-out. Tuesday's friendly against Portugal pits the emerging strategist against another FIFA World Cup-winner in Luiz Felipe Scolari, the man behind Brazil's triumph at Korea/Japan 2002.

The two countries have met 16 times in the past, with the Auriverde winning an incredible record of won 11, lost three and drawn two. However, the last time the two sides met, in March 2003 in Porto, the match ended in a 2-1 win for the home team, with Brazilian-born playmaker Deco notching the winner.

Dunga will have to do without the injuried Ronaldinho, while Ronaldo's lack of match fitness means that he has not been included in the squad. The onus will therefore be on Inter Milan's Adriano, back firing on all cylinders after a long barren spell. "Adriano has been through some t

[Karl]

RE: International Football: Big guns set for friendly fire

Don't miss Brazil vs. Portugal LIVE on FSC
Tuesday, February 6 at 3 p.m. ET

With Brazil unbeaten under coach Dunga, Tuesday's friendly against Portugal could be the team's toughest test since losing to France in the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Portugal is coached by Luiz Felipe Scolari, who led Brazil to its fifth World Cup title in 2002. The teams will face each other for the second time Scolari took over the European team at Emirates Stadium, the home of Arsenal.

"I don't know if Brazil is stronger or weaker than it was in Germany," Scolari said. "I know Dunga is trying to renew his team, mixing younger players with more experienced ones."

Two experienced players will definitely miss the match - Ronaldinho and Ronaldo.

Ronaldinho, who missed FC Barcelona's 0-0 draw against Osasuna on Sunday in the Spanish league, is injured, while Ronaldo has not yet been picked since Dunga took over for Carlos Alberto Parreira after the World Cup.

"It doesn't matter who's called up," Scolari said. "Brazil has enough good players to field three, four or five top-quality national teams."

Since Dunga took charge, the five-time World Cup champions have drawn with Norway and beaten Argentina, Wales, Kuwait Sports Club, Ecuador and Switzerland. Still, the Brazil coach thinks his team will be the underdog.

"Portugal has an advantage because they have been playing in several competitions," Dunga said. "But Brazil has quality players who can overcome difficulties."

Portugal and Brazil last played in 2003, with the Portuguese beating the South Americans 2-1. Brazilian-born Deco, now at FC Barcelona, scored the winning goal in his debut after taking Portuguese nationality.

"This will be a great game for us to gain experience, to grow ... and acquire confidence," Scolari said. "Our core group of players is already settled. One or two of my picks are youngsters, but most of the squad has been together for a few years now."

But after reaching the semifinals at the World Cup, Portugal has struggled in European Championship qualifying. The team is in fourth place in Group A with seven points and faces Belgium and Serbia next month.

"Getting ourselves in shape for March is the most important thing, but obviously we'll be looking to win," Portugal striker Nuno Gomes said.

Brazil will also be missing injured PSV Eindhoven defender Alex, and Real Madrid striker Robinho reported to the team with a right thigh injury.

"I wouldn't be able to play if the match was today (Monday)," Robinho said. "But I'll keep undergoing treatment and we'll talk to Dunga to see what we're going to do."

Inter Milan striker Adriano, back on the squad for the first time since the World Cup, is hoping to regain his space on the national team.

"I hope to get an opportunity to play and show what I can do for the national team," Adriano said. "It's another chance to show my value."

[Karl]

RE: International Football: Big guns set for friendly fire

Another game we should be following as it may be that a play-off for World Cup 2010 may take place.

Besides we have built up a friendly rivalry (rivalry?) over the years. Thatlast big wopping from the Aussies still sting!

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Denmark plays Australia on Feb. 6 at Loftus Road, home of west London club Queens Park Rangers.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - Denmark picked Morten Nordstrand on Tuesday, including the inexperienced striker in a 19-man squad for next week's friendly against Australia.

The 23-year-old Nordstrand has scored 10 times this season for FC Nordsjaelland.

Denmark plays Australia on Feb. 6 at Loftus Road, home of west London club Queens Park Rangers.

The countries have never played each other at senior level.

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Goalkeepers: Thomas Sorensen (Aston Villa), Jesper Christiansen (FC Copenhagen).

Defenders: Brian Priske (Club Bruges), Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Lars Jacobsen (FC Copenhagen), Michael Gravgaard (FC Copenhagen), Niclas Jensen (FC Copenhagen), Per Kroeldrup (Fiorentina).

Midfielders: Christian Poulsen (Sevilla), Claus Jensen (Fulham), Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen), Dennis Rommedahl (Charlton), Rasmus Wuertz (AaB), Thomas Kahlenberg (Auxerre).

Forwards: Jesper Groenkjaer (FC Copenhagen), Jon Dahl Tomasson (Villarreal), Martin Jorgensen (Fiorentina), Morten Nordstrand (FC Nordsjaelland), Nicklas Bendtner (Birmingham City).

[Karl]

RE: International Football: Big guns set for friendly fire

Dempsey looking to spark U.S.

Two days after appearing in an English Premier League game with three other Americans, midfielder Clint Dempsey worked out with the U.S. national team Monday afternoon.

He hopes the jet lag will wear off before the U.S. meets Mexico in a friendly Wednesday night.

"This morning, I woke up at 6 o'clock," Dempsey said after practice at Grand Canyon University. "Normally I don't do that. I'm not quite there yet, but it's getting better."

On Saturday, Dempsey was one of four Americans on the field when Fulham beat Newcastle 2-1 in the Premier League. Dempsey, who came on in the 78th minute, joined defender Carlos Bocanegra and forward Brian McBride while defender Oguchi Onyewu played for Newcastle.

"It's kind of cool just to think about," Dempsey said. "It's funny to know somebody on the other team and joke around with him during the game. It's good to see more Americans making the move over there, and hopefully there'll be more to come."

Dempsey joined Fulham on Jan. 10 for a transfer fee that could reach $4 million.

Dempsey said he's enjoyed his brief time in England and is looking forward to earning a start. This week, though, he is concentrating on beating Mexico, the United States' fiercest rival.

The United States has dominated the rivalry recently, going 7-2-1 against Mexico since 2000. The Americans are 6-0-1 on home soil in that stretch, outscoring Mexico 11-0 in those games.

Interim U.S. coach Bob Bradley said he selected Dempsey for this game because he likes his attacking style, which earned him a job in England.

"The reason he's there is he's got an aggressiveness going forward, fearlessness when he gets around the goal in terms of taking chances, and that's what we're looking for from him every time he steps on the field," Bradley said.

Bradley said he didn't know whether Dempsey would play in the middle or on the outside.

"It depends on how the team plays," Bradley said. "The most important thing is to still find a way for him to get the ball in situations going forward where his attacking skills come into play."


Dempsey scored the only goal by an American at last year's World Cup and was voted U.S. player of the year.

The 2004 MLS rookie of the year with New England, Dempsey scored 25 goals in 71 games in his three seasons with the Revolution. He has scored six goals in 23 games for the United States.

"He's a dangerous, attacking player," Bradley said. "He gets chances for himself. He's not afraid to go into the box and mix it up. So I think he's an important player for us."

Dempsey is one of four U.S. team members who have returned from England to join the squad this week. The others are Bocanegra; midfielder Bobby Convey of Reading FC; and goalkeeper Tim Howard of Everton FC.

Each was dealing with dramatic changes in time and temperature. London is seven hours ahead of Phoenix, and it was nearly 40 degrees warmer in the desert.

"I think it's like 4 in the morning for me right now," Convey said after the U.S. practice. "For us, that's the disadvantage to playing in England and being on the national team. I think my flight was like 15 hours to get all the way here. We'll see how it goes. I feel OK."

Dempsey grew up in Texas and followed the Mexican national team as a youngster. He's looking forward to facing them on Wednesday, even though it may feel like a road game for the Americans. More than 50,000 tickets have been sold for the match at 62,000-seat University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, and the crowd is expected to be heavily pro-Mexico.

"I like the style of play that they play," Dempsey said. "It's just one of those things that you look forward to. You like to play against teams that play good football, and hopefully we can win."

[Karl]

RE: International Football: Big guns set for friendly fire

From the U.S. Soccer Communications Center:

TICKET SALES PASS 50,000 FOR WEDNESDAY'S
USA vs. MEXICO CLASH IN GLENDALE, ARIZ.


Fewer than 10,000 Tickets Remain on Sale for University of Phoenix Stadium Showdown;
Fans Encouraged to Arrive Early, Pick Up Tickets in Advance

CHICAGO (Feb. 5, 2007) — Fewer than 10,000 tickets remain on sale for the U.S. Men's National Team match-up against Mexico this Wednesday (Feb. 7) at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Ticket sales for the game surpassed 50,000 on Monday afternoon for the stadium, which is expected hold a little more than 62,000 spectators for the USA-Mexico clash. Fans are encouraged to purchase and pick up tickets in advance to avoid long sales and will call lines on the day of the game as tickets continue to move.