International Head to Heads - 25/03/11
This weekend the world will be treated to a host of International friendly and Euro 2012 Qualification matches! The most tantalizing of which is arguably the USA's match against a star-studded Argentinian side! Lionel Messi and co. will head to the Meadowlands Stadium in what promises to be much more than just another friendly!
Ignoring a couple of injuries for either team, both sides will be at full strength. A capacity 60,000 crowd will be treated to some of the best players in world football including Messi, Mascherano, Pastore, and Angel Di Maria.
The US have their share of International stars that could cause Sergio Batista's side problems. Both Donovan and Dempsey will be the main focal points for the Americans in a game that will offer high quality soccer. Lionel Messi can run rings around the best defences in the world and even some US fans will be hoping Messi arrives in top form on Saturday night!
With limited playing time at the Camp Nou, Mascherano will relish the chance to get another 90 minutes under his belt. Set with the task of breaking up any creative play offered from the US, he'll need to keep tabs on the USA's main creative outlet and fellow CTR wearer, Landon Donovan
The two young Arsenal colleagues go up against each other for the first time on the international stage. It s likely that Wilshere and Ramsey will find themselves going toe-to-toe with each other on either side of the pitch. Spectators could be in for a real treat with two of the Premier Leagues rising stars going to battle in the middle of the park.
Another entertaining friendly fixture sees Chile travel to Portugal to face a side that have found their feet under Bento. In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, Nani will be the main goal threat for the Portuguese side. On the opposing team will be Udinese star Alexis Sanchez who will look to terrorise the Portugal defence.
Mexico's hope of Gold Cup Glory rests on the shoulders of Chicharito, Giovani dos Santos and Carlos Vela. Their first test will be against Paraguay this Saturday. The Manchester United striker has experienced a sensational opening season with his side that Mexican fans will hope he can carry over to the international stage.
David Luiz has managed to outshine Fernando Torres since his arrival at Chelsea, and could prove to be a star player for Brasil both defensively and offensively. Shaun Maloney is something of a phenomenon in Scottish football, as he has travelled abroad to Russia to test himself and prove his abilities. Up to now Maloney has received some rave reviews, but playing against Brasil has to be the ultimate test.
Norway will go into the Euro 2012 qualifying match against Scandinavian rival Denmark on Saturday, without three first-choice players. Without John Carew up front, Norway s style of attacking play will be very different, with Mohammed Abdellaoue the likely replacement. Excitement continues to build around Denmark's Christian Eriksen with a lot of top European clubs keeping tabs on the Ajax man.
When it comes to games like this, everyone has an opinion and we'd love to hear yours. What do you think the outcome of tonight's match will be?
