It's that time again.
Players get a week off from their respective clubs and put on their country's colours in hopes of making their fans proud.
Here are some of the World Cup 2010 qualifying matches you should keep an eye on this weekend.
Sweden vs Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo is back for Portugal, which looks to bounce back from a home defeat to Denmark last month. Zlatan Ibrahimovic and company will look to match the success of their Scandinavian neighbours in Stockholm. Deco and Maniche will sit out due to injuries, as will Henrik Larsson for the Swedes.
Luxembourg vs Israel
It may seem dull on paper, but this is a match that could turn up some surprises. Israel has yet to lose, while Luxembourg are coming off a shocking victory in Switzerland. If it's available on your television, give it a shot.
Switzerland vs Latvia
If you're a Swiss fan, then you realize this is a make or break game for your squad. After tying Israel in the first match of qualifying, Switzerland was defeated at home by Luxembourg. A win, and only a win, will bring hope back to this country.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Poland vs Czech Republic
FIFA has reached an agreement with Poland to allow them to still host Euro 2012 and play their next qualifying matches. No nightmares off the pitch, but there could very well be one on it. The Poles have played poorly thus far in qualifying and the Czech's will look to show that they are numero uno in Group Three.
Germany vs Russia
A superb opportunity for the Russians to pass Germany after they were held to a 3-3 tie in Finland last month. However, with Roman Pavlyuchenko, Denis Kolodin, and Dmitry Torbinsky on the shelf, the Germans should prevail.
Estonia vs Spain
Once again, this match is only worth watching to see the Spaniards play the game so beautifully. Estonia doesn't have a shot—no offence—and David Villa should add to his goal total for Spain. Sergio Ramos, Fernando Torres, and Xavi Hernandez will all most likely get in on the action too.
Ukraine vs Croatia
Ukraine's first real test in qualifying is to keep their unbeaten record. Croatia coach, Slaven Bilic, may change the formation from 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1 after they were hammered by England in the last match.
Romania vs France
A loss for France could mean the end of Raymond Domenech's reign as head coach. Both squads were shocked in their opening matches, with France going down 3-1 to Austria, and Romania getting shutout 3-0 by Lithuania. In Euro 2008, the two tied 0-0 in their group match, and the same result could appear tomorrow.
Serbia vs Lithuania
In my opinion, the story of qualifying so far has been Lithuania. After defeating Romania 3-0, and Austria 2-0, the Lithuanians will look for a third straight upset in Serbia. Nikola Zigic will lead the way up front for the Serbians, who are in desperate need of a win.
These matches should all receive considerable attention at the least.
Tomorrow, I will return with my thumbs up and thumbs down for the World Cup 2010 qualifying matches.
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about 1 month ago
good preview. i'll be keeping an eye on a few of those matches. some pretty interesting ones there. hopefully france lose and domenech gets sacked :)
from about 1 month ago
The French FA are a bunch of losers. Just like English FA, they really dont know what they are doing..
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Yoosof. I'm really worried about Poland. We'll see how it goes.
about 1 month ago
I'd rather fancy watching Germany v Russia... Thats if I get bored with our own game against Malta.
from about 1 month ago
We'll see if Sweden can match Denmark's performance against Portugal tomorrow. Russia's got some injuries so Germany has a great advantage tomorrow.
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