Upcoming International Friendlies

Thought this info was worth passing on to everyone. Don't make your picks before you have all the facts!

Monday, 24th May

20:45 (GMT) – Argentina V Canada

09:00 (GMT) – Australia V New Zealand

20:00 (GMT) – England V Mexico

11:20 (GMT) – Japan V South Korea

19:30 (GMT) – Portugal V Cape Verde

19:35 (GMT) – South Africa V Bulgaria

Tuesday, 25th May

11:00 (GMT) – Georgia V Cameroon

11:00 (GMT) – Nigeria V Saudi Arabia

19:00 (GMT) – Greece V North Korea

19:45 (GMT) – Republic of Ireland V Paraguay

Wednesday, 26th May

01:00 (GMT) – USA V Czech Republic

19:00 (GMT) – Netherlands V Mexico

20:00 (GMT) – France V Costa Rica

23:00 (GMT) – Uruguay V Israel

Thursday, 27th May

19:15 (GMT) – Denmark V Senegal

19:35 (GMT) – South Africa V Colombia

Monday will be an eventful day, as no less than nine countries featuring in next month’s FIFA World Cup are in action. Undoubtedly, the most attractive fixture on paper is the Mexican’s travelling to England to take on Capello’s Three Lions. The Aussies clash with the Kiwi’s is another interesting match-up between two nations only a decade ago were considered minnows of international football, while some would even argue that New Zealand are still branded as a small nation in terms of the sport. Those looking to do their homework ahead of the finals should perhaps take time out to watch the Japan – South Korea game, two Asian contingents aiming to surprise a fair few in South Africa.

On Tuesday North Korea take on the 2004 UEFA European Championship winners Greece in a game which, if everyone was completely honest, sees two nations with very little chance of lifting the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. However. The Greeks will feel they have every chance of progressing past the group stage, while North Korea’s main objective will be to not walk away from South Africa pointless. A little later and one of the South American dark horses, Paraguay, speed up their preparations with an away encounter with a Republic of Ireland team which will consider themselves rather unluckily not to have made the finals. Two African contingents hoping to be the first African team to win a World Cup will also be in action on Tuesday, as Nigeria take on Saudi Arabia from Asia, and Cameroon take on Georgia from Europe.

Wednesday’s games start with the USA V Czech Republic, as Bob Bradley’s USA host a Czech Republic side who honestly feel they should of made the finals but have their lacklustre qualifying campaign to thank for their misfortune. The US will take on England in their first World Cup encounter, so will want to boost their chances of progression from Group C by building some winning momentum with these friendlies. Late in the evening, Holland take on Mexico, as two teams heading to South Africa weigh each other up, getting a first-hand view of how one-another will fare in South Africa. France will take on CONCAFAF team Costa Rica, who narrowly missed the finals because of a late USA goal in qualifying, and South American’s Uruguay clash with Israel in the day’s final game.

And on Thursday, the Danes test their wits against the dangerous Senegal from Africa. Premier League followers can expect to see both Nicklas Bentner and Daniel Agger in action, while El Hadj Diouf may make an appearance for Senegal. Just a little later and the hosts, South Africa, take on South American’s Colombia. The pressure is well and truly on the hosts to perform on home soil, so a big performance against the Colombians would do the confidence within camp a world of good.