This mid week has been a quite one for FC Barcelona, but not for our players. Many are performing their international duties mostly in Europe. Majority of the game in which FC Barcelona players are involved are friendlies, barring the Mexico vs USA match. The first FC Barcelona player to take part in action in the mid week friendlies was Dani Alves. Alves came as a substitute in Brazil's 2-0 victory over Italy at the Emirates Stadium in England. Spain, who is the #1 team according to FIFA did total justification to their ranking witha 2-0 victory over England. This one was the most talked friendly of this week and didn't dissappoint anyone. As expected Spain controlled the game after a small hickup in the begining. The midfield consisting of Xavi and Iniesta never let England take control of the game. David Villa scored the first one after getting past the English central defenders. The second goal came in the second half from Fernando Llorente, who came in for Fernando Torres. Fernando Llorente jumped high to direct a Xavi free kick into goal. Xavi was unarguably the best player on the pitch; but the one on whom all the attention will be pinned after the game would be David Villa. Valencia's financial crisis may force them to sell the Spanish international. Last season noone was ready to meet their asking price. But if he keep on churning out goals like these, there will be more than one suitors for him.Another high profile match was the clash between Argentina and France at the Marseille. Diego Maradona continued his winning streak as a coach with a 2-0 victory courtesy of goals from Jonas Gutierrez and Lionel Messi. The sixty thousand fans gave a warm welcome to the Argentinian coach. May be it's kind of a surprise as the players usually overshadow the coaches, but then this is El Diego. One thing is for sure Lionel Messi and all the budding stars will stay firmly rooted to the ground in the presence of Maradona. In more of an even sided match, France would be unlucky not to have scored. Henry, Anelka all had early chances; but the best French player on the field was once again Frank Ribery. This is one player I would love to see moving to Barca in the summer - FC Barcelona's Summer Traget. He was overshadowed only by Messi who lighted the stadium with his brilliance.
USA hosted Mexico in the FIFA qualifying match which ended half an hour befor. The script went hobbibly wrong for Mexico who lost coutesy of two goals from Bradley. To make matter worse, Barca defender Marquez was sent off in the match for charging onto opposition goal keeper. Another major story in the footballing world has been the appointment of Guus Hiddink as Chelsea interim coach. The Magician Guus Hiddink, will have a tough task especially with handling both Russia and Chelsea, add to it the reported rumours of infighting in the Chelsea team. It is also to be seen what tactics Guus introduces in Chelsea. One thing is for sure that Guus will play the game in the right way.
