Messi and Pique Star in Victories; International results

The first edition of international break has been partially over. Many of the Barcelona players emerged victorious with two of them scoring crucial goals in their team's victory. Gerard Pique and Lionel Messi scorted in their team's crucial victories. Samuel Eto was the only one whose national side was somehow surprisingly defeated. I will preferrably start with my favourite national side - Argentina. The match against Venezuela at Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti was the official debut of Diego Maradona as Argentinian coach. Maradona handed the honour of wearing the No.10 shirt to Lionel Messi. Argentina went ahead in the 26th minute from a goal from Lionel Messi. Lionel Messi received the ball on the left and placed the ball to Tevez in the middle. Tevez gave the ball back to Messi spotting Messi's run and messi curled a low shot past goal keeper. Tevez scored the second one for Argentina in the 47th minute after great work by Messi on the left. Maxi made it 3-0 in the 51st minute when his volley from a Aguerro cross was deflected into goal. Aguerro completed the score sheet in the 73rd minute with a great goal.

Spain won against Turkey at the Bernebeu courtesy of a Gerard Pique strike in the 60th minute. It was not a classical Spanish performance and it once again shows how crucial is Iniesta in the entire scheme of play. Pique is slowly establishing himself crucial to Spain's fortun3es. France also emerged victorious from a great strike from Frank Ribery. Thierry Henry starteed for the "The Blues" but was nowhere near his Barcelona form. Ribery showed his talent with a great long range strike. eturning back to South American Qualifiers - Martin Caceres team Uruguay emerged vitorious by two goals against Paraguay at home. Goals from Diego FORLAN and Diego LUGANO saw off the Paraguayan challenge. In Africa, Cameroon was defeated by Togo by courtesy of a goal from Emmanuel ADEBAYOR in the 11th minute. Samuel Eto started in the Cameroonian side butcould not prevent his side from going down. Seydou Keita featured in Mali's 1-1 draw against Sudan away from home. Frederic KANOUTE scored for Mali in the 20th minute but sudan equalised in the 24th minute through Tahir.

FC Barcelona vs Malaga Pictures

Keeping Fingers Crossed with Inietsa's Injury

Andres Iniesta travelled to the Spanish capital for joining his national side mates eventhough he would not take part in the current international fixture. Iniesta is said to have informed the Spanish coach about the extend of his inury and did reveal about his apparent dissappointment with his recent spate of injuries. This is the third time he is getting injured recently and Barca fans are a bit worried with the frequency. He is definite to miss the clash against Real Valladolid but most probably will feature in the home leg of Champions League clash against Bayern Munich. The absence of Iniesta against Real Valladolid may not be troubling many of the fans but if he is set to miss the Bayern clash , then alarms bell would be ringing. But this rest could be a boon to him as he will have enough time to rest and re-coup once again.

The last time when he was injured we went down a downward spiral. At that time also he got injured before the crucial Lyon tie. But this time he should have enough time to get ready for Bayern tie. Actually we were in a downward fall at that point and Iniesta's injury seemed to accelerate it a bit. But this time we look more confident and are back to playing some great football once again. What we don't need a repeat of his injuries anymore down the line. Barca as a team is not heavily depended on Iniesta , but to dominate the proceeding we need Iniesta in the middle especially against well organised sides. Without Iniesta we have seen many times Xavi getting marginalised in the attacking front. It becomes easy for teams to double-mark Xavi and cut the supply. So as every Barca fan I am eagerly waiting with my fingers crossed. It also shed light to the need to buy a attacking midfielder player who can be a decent cover for these two. Maybe we can find some in our youth setup. What's your opinion?