This weekend’s international friendlies have some exciting must-watch encounters between some of Europe’s elite – a good chance for coaches to experiment with different tactics and have a chance to see new talent on display.
Friday 24 March
Japan vs Uruguay (10:30)
Japan had punched way above their weight in the 2022 World Cup, coming away with huge wins against Germany and Spain, although they lost in the Round of 16 to Croatia in a penalty shoot-out.
The Samurai Blue will be no pushovers when they play Uruguay in Tokyo on Friday, but La Celeste will be confident of victory given the quality in their squad. The likes of Darwin Nunez and Federico Valverde are exciting new talent Uruguay have to offer on the international stage. The South Americans have the attacking prowess to get the win away from home.
Korea Republic vs Colombia (11:00)
Son Heung-min will welcome Colombia to the Munsu Football Stadium after a stella performance they displayed at the 2022 World Cup, defeating Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to advance through the group stages before being eliminated by Brazil in the Round of 16.
Colombia has a rich history of football with some of the most gifted footballer’s the world has seen, James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao are players who will continue to carry Colombian football as they face Korea. I’m going with Both Teams to Score.
Saturday 25 March
Morocco vs Brazil (22:00)
Morocco, one of Africa’s giants, host football royalty Brazil at the Grand Stade de Tanger stadium in the city of Tangier. The Atlas Lions have a good blend of young and experienced players in the squad that have made them a force to be reckoned with. Achraf Hakimi, one of the best right-backs in world football, will lead the Atlas Lions to play for the win.
However, that will be easier said than done against Brazil, who are widely regarded as the best football nation. The Selecao boast a star-studded squad that could prove too strong for the Moroccans to compete against. This will be a tight affair, but I fancy Brazil to come away with the win.
Tuesday 28 March
Argentina vs Curacao
Argentina is one of the most successful teams in men’s football. When talking of Argentina in context of football, it’s impossible to leapfrog Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi, two of the greatest football players of all time. Messi had enormous expectations to live up to in the 2022 World Cup after a poor start, going down 2-1 to Saudi Arabia in their opening match.
The little magician would lead La Albiceleste to the final with outstanding performances to finally get his hands on the long-awaited World Cup after defeating France in a dramatic final. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has a host of incredible young talent coming through the ranks to assess in these friendly matches. Curacao play away in Argentina and come into this friendly on the back of four defeats in their last five matches.
Curacao will know this will be a huge mountain to climb given the quality Argentina have but will use this match as an experience for players to learn from and test their ability against the world champions. Argentina will be too strong for the inexperienced Curacao.
Chile vs Paraguay (00:30)
Chile host Paraguay in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental stadium in Macul, Santiago. La Roja have won the last two meetings with the Albirroja and will hope to continue their winning ways as they look to move on from the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
Though Paraguay may not be on the list of World Cup contenders, it’s a team that have often been known for playing disciplined football and recording hard-fought victories. They also remain a regular participant at the Copa America (or South American Championship), a competition they won in 1953 and 1979. The Paraguayans won’t be easy opponents, but Chile should prove too strong and get the win.
Germany vs Belgium (18:45)
Germany are a football powerhouse when it comes to international football, which focuses on technique, tactical awareness and positioning that allows talented players like Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sane and Kai Havertz to express themselves. Hans Flick will certainly look to these friendly games to correct their World Cup slump and get his German team playing to their high standards.
As for Belgium, the Red Devils have been ranked number 1 in the world before and will need no introduction on how strong of a team they are. Domenico Tedesco, who has taken over from Roberto Martinez, will have inherited a group of quality players he can work as he looks to qualify for the upcoming European Championship. This could go either way, but I will back Germany to get the win as Belgium go through their transition phase.
Saudi Arabia vs Bolivia (19:00)
Saudi Arabia are a well-coached team that believe in hard work and determination and will have that win against the world champions fresh in their minds. Saudi Arabia is also considered one of the most successful Asian teams having won the AFC Asian Cup three teams. Herve Renard and his men are certainly heading in the right direction as they look to keep improving as a team.
The Bolivian national team has had plenty of national heroes, though the nation has never produced any outstanding world class players who have put Bolivia on the wider footballing map. Gustavo Costas will use these friendly matches as a steppingstone for him and his team to materialize any good fortunes that come their way. Both teams will play on the front foot, so, rather than picking a winner, I’ve gone for Both Teams to Score.
