International Friendly Wrap UP
Wednesday saw a full slate of action as 35 international friendlies took place around the world. For the teams who will be participating in this summer’s World Cup, yesterdays games provided Managers their last look at players in game action before final rosters have to be selected. In case you missed all the action, below is a short recap of the best games of the day.
Netherlands v. USA – The losing streak for the USA against the Dutch was extended in Amersterdam as the Oranje ran out 2-1 winners. The Netherlands went ahead late in the first half on a Dirk Kuyt penalty and then extended the lead mid-way through the second half on a Klaas-Jan Huntelaar deflected shot. The Americans got one back late in the game on a Carlos Bocanegra header and made a hard push for an equalizer, but ultimately fell short.
Germany v. Argentina – In a fairly drab match in Germany, Argentina snuck out of the Allianz Arena with a 1-0 victory after Gonzalo Higuaín broke the deadlock in first half injury time. Speeding out of goal to stop a long ball over the top of his last defender, German goalkeeper René Adler made a mess of the situation as he allowed Higuaín to poke the ball past him and slot it into the open net.
France v. Spain – Spain earned their first victory in Paris since 1968 with a convincing 2-0 win over France. Spain took control of the game in the 21st minute as David Villa was put through to open the scoring. France was in deeper trouble on the stroke of half time, as Sergio Ramos doubled the Spaniards’ lead. The French side posed little threat thoughout and after the final whistle, it was easy to see why the world’s number one team looks poised to capture the 2010 World Cup following their Euro 2008 win.
England v. Egypt - England faced a firm test as they hosted African champions Egypt at the new Wembly Stadium. Things got off to a bad a start as the Three Lions were down one in the 23rd minute through a Mohamed Zidan strike. England found their form in the second half though, taking it to Egypt with Peter Crouch netting two goals and Shuan Wright-Phillips adding another to complete the scoreline at 3-1.
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