International Friendlies

With World Cup qualifiers completed and only play-offs remaining, a number of big teams had already qualified. This international break thus provided an opportunity for some juicy clashes. I will be looking at Spain vs Argentina and England vs Brazil games.

SPAIN VS ARGENTINA

Santiago Bernabeu, Spain

The European champions faced Diego Maradona’s team at Real Madrid’s famous Bernabeu Stadium. Both teams went into this game with thier best available sides. Fernando Torres was unavailable for Spain, they started with a strong five man midfield with Busquets, Alonso, Xavi, Iniesta and Silva, with Fabregas on the bench. For Argentina Sergio Aguero was on the bench, Real Madrid’s Higuain led the attack supported by Lionel Messi.

Spain took the lead early when Xabi Alonso smashed the ball into net in the 12th minute. Keeper saved David Silva’s low shot but it fell straight into Alonso’s path who made no mistake. Both teams created opportunities for themselves but could not find the finishing touch. Maxi Rodriguez went down in the box in 60th minute giving Argentina a controversial penalty. Messi scored to make the score level.  But Spain got a themselves a penalty kick in 85th minute  after Martin Demichelis handled the ball. Alonso converted the penalty for his and Spain’s second.

ENGLAND VS BRAZIL

Doha, Qatar

This game in Doha saw many of big names missing out. There was no Ronaldinho, Pato or Robinho in the brazil line-up. England were missing a host of regulars with Gerrard, Lampard, Lennon, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand all side-lined. England started with Darren Bent supporting Rooney. The game was settled by a solitary goal when Nilmar headed home in second half from a pin-point ball played by Elano. Brazil had a chance to double their lead but Luis Fabiano blasted his shot high from the penalty spot.