Curtain to fall on international year
Wednesday 19 November 2008
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International football takes centre stage for the last time in 2008 on Wednesday, with one FIFA World Cup qualifier on the menu and a number of fascinating friendlies already creating a buzz.
Traditional rivals
The solitary competitive encounter takes the Czech Republic to San Marino desperate to boost their standing in Group 3. The visitors lie fifth in their section with four points from three games, but could climb as high as second with a big win. Any sort of victory would be welcomed by the two teams in Berlin, meanwhile, as England travel to Germany for the first time since their 5-1 triumph in September 2001. Both sides top their qualifying groups and revel in one of the fiercest rivalries in the international game. "Our opponents Germany are always a very strong team, and when they play at home even more so," said England manager Fabio Capello.
Maradona factor
There may be less heritage in fixtures between Scotland and Argentina, but with Diego Maradona set to oversee his first match in charge of the South American side, interest has been intense. The 48-year-old was greeted by hundreds of fans at Glasgow Airport at the weekend and will be hoping to make a memorable start to his reign at Hampden Park, scene of his first international goal in 1979. "It is now a huge game because of the Maradona factor and Argentina will want to make a positive impression on him," said Scotland manager George Burley. "All the eyes of the world will be on this game."
Intercontinental tests
There will be South American opposition in Paris too, where France host Uruguay with 30-year-old striker Steve Savidan in line for a first-ever cap. Likewise, Chile have crossed the Atlantic Ocean to take on UEFA EURO 2008™ winners Spain, while out-of-form Portugal are on the other side of the world to meet fellow Lusophones Brazil a day later. Back in Europe, world champions Italy visit Greece, with both teams off to excellent starts on the road to South Africa, and there ought to be plenty of attention when the Netherlands host Sweden. Elsewhere, two teams on the rise will come together when Denmark entertain Wales, the Republic of Ireland will need to be wary of visitors Poland and Turkey are targeting success in Austria as they return to Vienna for the first time since defeating Croatia in an epic quarter-final at UEFA EURO 2008™.
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