International Football Friendlies: 6 Games to Watch This Weekend
There will be some interesting international friendlies on this weekend with teams warming up for EURO 2012 and some nations just taking the chance to get their senior squads together.
International friendlies can be hit-or-miss depending on the teams involved and the possibility of future tournaments for any of the participants.
Here are six friendlies that should be good to watch this weekend.
Russia vs. Uruguay
1 of 6When: Friday, May 25, 12.45 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Nova Sport, Sport TV1
Russia's first warm-up game for EURO 2012 provides us with what could be the best friendly of the weekend, if both teams play well.
With Andrey Arshavin captaining the side and players like Alan Dzagoev and Aleksander Kerzhakov in the side, Russia has some great attacking talent.
In Uruguay they will face the most solid team in South America with the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani leading the attack.
Denmark vs. Brazil
2 of 6When: Saturday, May 26, 9.30 a.m. ET
Broadcast: GolTV USA, GolTV Canada
Denmark didn't shy away from the tough opposition either and will take on Brazil.
Dennis Rommedahl, Christian Poulsen and Thomas Sorensen provide the most experience in a side boasting young talents like Christian Eriksen and Simon Kjaer.
Brazil selected a young squad but there is certainly no shortage of talent with Lucas Moura, Neymar, Danilo and other players taking center stage.
Spain vs. Serbia
3 of 6When: Saturday, May 26, 12 noon ET
Broadcast: ESPN3.com, ESPN Deportes
Spain's first warm-up match will be an intriguing matchup against a Serbia team with few experienced players.
The Spanish will trot out the usual suspects minus the Copa Del Rey finalists from Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao.
Branislav Ivanovic, Neven Subotic and Zoran Tosic head the list of players in the Serbia camp and will look to provide a tough game for the defending European champions.
Switzerland vs. Germany
4 of 6When: Saturday, May 26, 12 noon ET
Broadcast: Sport TV1
Switzerland welcomes Germany to St. Jakob Park in what should be a tough challenge for one of the European Championship favourites.
Gokhan Inler captains a side that includes the talented Xherdan Shaqiri a defense headed by Philippe Senderos.
Germany's young guns will be looking to gain some confidence heading into a tournament they will have every chance of winning.
Norway vs. England
5 of 6When: Saturday, May 26, 2.45 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN3.com, ITV 1
All English eyes will be glued to the TV this Saturday to see how Roy Hodgson sets up his England side and how they will perform against a tough opponent.
With Brede Hangeland and John Arne Riise, Norway will be tough to crack.
England will be hoping that some good cohesion from the experience of players such as Steven Gerrard mixed with the youthful exuberance of Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain will help the squad in the lead-up to the tournament.
Mexico vs. Wales
6 of 6When: Sunday, May 27, 3.05 p.m. ET
Broadcast: Univision
Mexico and Wales don't have any tournaments to warm up for but should provide an interesting game.
Javier Hernandez, Giovani Dos Santos and Rafa Marquez head up a Mexico team that is always exciting to watch.
Gareth Bale won't be participating for Wales in this game, but Aaron Ramsey and Craig Bellamy will be there to lead the side.
