Greetings futbol fanaticos! My name is Antonio and I, like you, am passionate about the beautiful game. This is the first post on what is my first blog - so I am quite excited and hope that many friends around the globe come to visit, read and share their knowledge of soccer right here. On this blog I plan to discuss all things related to the game I love; topics ranging from my beloved Futbol Club Barcelona to worldwide tournaments and leagues. Since tomorrow has a tasty menu of international friendly matches, I thought it would be worth while to discuss some of the more intriguing fixtures.
Spain v Colombia
This one has serious sentimental value for me since I am a Cafetero, but have also lived in Spain. Being played at the Santiago Bernabeu, Colombia will be playing their first FIFA recognized match on Spanish soil. Spain will be without the services of Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas, but should do just fine without him. Look for Del Bosque to field a strong lineup (is it possible for Spain to field a weak lineup?) against the South Americans to get the bad taste of a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Portugal out of their bocas. Colombia, on the other hand, have to be taking this match seriously. They are 2-1-3 since August with just 4 goals against, but only USA and Mexico can be considered "top" competition. I love the addition of steely Lionel Alvarez to the coaching staff. If he can amp up his team to put pressure on La Furia while they are on the ball, they will have a fighter's chance. If not, expect a long night of tiki-taki and a Barca-driven midfield to run the Real Madrid pitch.
Prediction: Spain 4 - Colombia 1
Argentina v Portugal
Leave it up to FIFA to stage an international friendly pitting the world's two biggest cracks against one another in Switzerland! Now where's the drama in that? Everyone who appreciates the game of soccer has an opinion concerning the Messi v CR7 debate. It is my humble opinion that holding the game in Geneva is egregiously diplomatic and no fun at all. What is the point of holding a match between two great footballing nations, each equipped with arguably the worlds greatest player, if the fans aren't going to jump all over Cristiano's back every time he passes up the option to distribute the ball and rip a shot from 30 yards out? Clearly this was the brainchild of Sepp in an attempt to drain all of the potential Ronaldo derision from the match. And clearly you all know where I stand regarding the aforementioned debate.
CR7 v LM10 (just coined that!) aside, this should be a good one to watch. For the Lusitanos, Nani and Raul Meireles are in great form and should be able to support in the attack. Besides Messi, Argentina look relatively weak up front. Head coach Sergio Batista did not select Carlitos Tevez despite the striker bagging a hat-trick this past weekend. He is also without Inter man Diego Milito but not without youth and creativity surrounding his best player. La Liga rival Angel Di Maria should start and provide plenty of service from the left wing while Javier Pastore will look to replicate his Serie A form on the international stage, as many clubs have the Palermo creator on their wish list.
Prediction: Portugal play stingy defense, and without the big guns, Messi will still be lethal but the other 10 will not get it done.
Portugal 2 - Argentina 1
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