International friendlies preview

Fabio Capello's Russia are away to Iceland in Wednesday's international friendly action, while Holland host Italy and France meet Germany.

Last Updated: 05/02/13 at 16:59 Post Comment   

Capello: Russia away to Iceland on Wednesday

Capello: Russia away to Iceland on Wednesday

Russia coach Capello is hoping the Iceland game will help give the newcomers in his squad the perfect introduction to international football.

Capello's men have been flawless so far in World Cup qualifying to sit comfortably at the top of Group F after four matches.

Their next qualifier is a trip to Northern Ireland on March 22, but Capello does not necessarily plan to use Wednesday's match - which will be played in Marbella, Spain - as preparation.

"The most important thing from this training camp is that the new players, especially those who are young, get the chance to feel at home within the squad," the Italian told rt.com.

"But also so they get to understand what I want from them, and also what the other players expect of them.

"Iceland is a team that like to keep possession and their playing system is completely different.

"They don't like to play long ball football up to a target man, like Northern Ireland do, so the friendly with Iceland won't really help us in preparation for this game."

Four of Europe's heavyweights will also meet on Wednesday, with Holland taking on Italy and France facing Germany.

Much of the attention will be on Azzurri striker Mario Balotelli after the former Manchester City man rediscovered his form with two goals on his AC Milan debut at the weekend.

Balotelli is likely to be paired up front with club-mate Stephan El Shaarawy, while Oranje boss Louis van Gaal has cut several key figures from his line-up, including Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart and Arjen Robben.

France, meanwhile will use their meeting with rivals Germany as a chance to test their players ahead of the upcoming qualifier against world and European champions Spain.

Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps said: "It's a prestigious game against a very good German side.

"It helps us to prepare with a view to the two qualifiers awaiting us at the end of March against Georgia and Spain.

"It may be a friendly, but it's a chance to build on the good things we've been doing recently."

Spain are another side in action against Uruguay. Defender Carles Puyol, who has not played for his country since last February due to injury, is back in the squad and would make his 100th international appearance if he takes to the field in Doha.

Brazil coach Luis Felipe Scolari has his sights set on dethroning Spain as world champions when they host the World Cup in 2014.

The Selecao are the visitors to Wembley on Wednesday against England, and Scolari wants to see a good performance from his players.

"In 2013, we will have 12 or 13 games", he said. "It's important we get settled now.

"We want fans to get fascinated about our big goal, which is to be champions in 2014."

South American rivals Argentina are also in Europe for a clash with Sweden, and home striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is relishing the prospect of facing global superstar Lionel Messi.

"It's really exciting for us and for the fans," said the Paris Saint-Germain player.

"For my own part, it will be great to welcome Messi to Sweden. He's a fantastic player who I respect in every way."

Among other friendlies on Wednesday, Greece play Switzerland, Portugal are at home to Ecuador and Czech Republic travel to Turkey.

Croatia play Far East opposition with an afternoon kick-off against South Korea at Fulham's Craven Cottage.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Related News

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

Most Commented

Readers' Comments

J

ose will have (and will always have) the total support of every Chelsea fan. Cant wait for that swagger to walk through the doors at Stamford Bridge and announce I'm back . It may not last for ever but hey it'll be exciting and worth the pain

cmh1966
The Pros And Cons Of Mourinho's Return...

G

ood one David, best sneak in there quickly and nab him before the everyone else realises that the £18M eighteen year old Chelsea bought in 2011 is one for the future. Maybe try and get Courtois on the cheap too before anyone else realises his potential.

nish
West Ham look to lure Lukaku

W

ow would never have considered Rafa at Newcastle, interesting.. Very interesting.

dhirt11
Rafa Casting Shadow Over Pardew?

Footer 365

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers expects a quick decision on Andy Carroll's future

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers admits he expects Andy Carroll's future to be decided quickly this summer.

Mata: Mourinho one of the best

Juan Mata would welcome the appointment of Jose Mourinho as Chelsea's new manager and says they must aspire to win the Premier League.

Zabaleta excited by Pellegrini

Pablo Zabaleta believes Manuel Pellegrini could be a great manager for Manchester City as his "way to play football is great".

Mail Box

Mails: Jol Out And Other Demands...

You might notice that we haven't included a single mail about teams in pubs, because most of them were terrible. Instead we have a disgruntled Fulham fan and Scouse maths...

A Night In The Pub With Aston Villa...

Villa are the latest team to get the pub treatment, while the morning mailbox also includes missives on Tony Pulis leaving Stoke and Chelsea's future under Jose Mourinho...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved