B/R Experts: Big-Game Predictions, March 28-29
The latest round of international action concludes this week, with a host of friendlies and World Cup qualifiers.
The intensity levels will be vastly different—depending on what is at stake—and our experts will guide you through the games.
There are tasty-looking friendlies such as Netherlands vs. Italy and France vs. Spain, while the United States face Panama in World Cup qualifying.
Read on for our pundits' views on the week's action.
Netherlands vs. Italy
1 of 6
The friendly international at the Amsterdam Arena on Tuesday night offers the latest instalment in a clash of contrasting cliches that both need laying to rest.
The "Total Football" made famous by the Oranje has been replaced by total chaos; coach Danny Blind has been sacked with the 1974 and 2010 runners-up in danger of failing to qualify for next summer's tournament.
The Azzurri, meanwhile, have a plethora of young attacking talent at their disposal and will look to showcase just how good they can be. They are keeping pace with Spain at the top of Group G.
However, many of their veteran players have been excused from this game and, with the hosts looking to make a good impression under interim boss Fred Grim (no, really), they could perhaps spring a surprise result.
Prediction: 1-1
First goalscorer: Andrea Belotti
Portugal vs. Sweden
2 of 6
Both Portugal and Sweden are second in their World Cup qualifying groups, so a friendly is a respite from the pressure and worry of having to go into a play-off if they can't overhaul the teams ahead of them.
While it might be a chance to change a few players around, the suspicion must be that both sides—with new faces involved this qualifying campaign—might be better off keeping the spine of the regular XI in place and letting them evolve further together.
The likes of Andre Silva, William Carvalho and Joao Mario are now regular fixtures for Portugal, and they have more star quality than Sweden's post-Zlatan Ibrahimovic lineup, and that should be enough to settle what will likely be a low-key event.
Prediction 2-1
First goalscorer: Andre Silva
Republic of Ireland vs. Iceland
3 of 6
The horrible double leg fracture suffered by Seamus Coleman has cast a shadow over this international break for Republic of Ireland.
The Everton defender has now undergone surgery on his injury, but the team have to move their thoughts forward to the next game. Fortunately, this is only a friendly encounter.
It will be a different side that face Iceland, as Glenn Whelan, Jonathan Walters and John O'Shea are among the Irish players who have returned to club duty and are unavailable. Robbie Brady will be brought in to add something new to the team.
It's an interesting fixture but one that could be lacking in creativity from both sides. Iceland could only manage a narrow win over Kosovo on Friday, with Gylfi Sigurdsson deciding the game from the penalty spot.
They are second in their World Cup qualifying group and are continuing a trend from Euro 2016 by giving up possession for long spells. Their route to goal is likely to come on the counter-attack.
Prediction: 1-1
First goalscorer: Bjorn Sigurdarson
France vs. Spain
4 of 6
With both France and Spain top of their respective World Cup qualifying groups, the assumption has to be that both coaches will see this friendly fixture as an opportunity to give one or two players a chance to push for the first XI.
Isco, Alvaro Morata and Pedro might all be in the frame for Spain due to good form of late, while France could hand exciting youngsters including Kylian Mbappe, Thomas Lemar and Adrien Rabiot opportunities.
With lots to prove for those players, it should mean an open, engrossing game where two of Europe's heavyweights showcase their quality and depth—big reasons why both will be among the favourites in Russia 2018.
Prediction: 2-2
First goalscorer: Alvaro Morata
Bolivia vs. Argentina
5 of 6
A Lionel Messi penalty was enough to clinch the victory for Argentina against Chile on Thursday, and things could be tight again as they head to Bolivia.
Javier Mascherano and Gonzalo Higuain are suspended, which will cause concern—especially for fans who will have memories of how badly this fixture can turn out.
La Paz, 3,600 metres above sea level, is a tough place to go—and Argentina lost there 6-1 in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup.
A repeat is unlikely, but Argentina will know that in order to deal with the high altitude, they will need to ensure a possession game is top priority.
Bolivia suffered a 1-0 defeat in Colombia last time out but will be well prepared for this match, as they rested players in preparation.
Prediction: 1-3
First goalscorer: Angel di Maria
Panama vs. USA
6 of 6
The United States men's national team have a chance to build momentum for the World Cup in this fixture.
A 6-0 victory against Honduras should act as a confidence boost, with the side now lifted to fourth in the standings. Panama sit one position above them, but the truth is the USA have far more star quality.
If the side can find a way to combine the wisdom of 35-year-old Clint Dempsey with the raw talent and excitement of Christian Pulisic, then USMNT should surely go on to book a place at Russia 2018. Those two, along with Jozy Altidore, should start the next game and help the side take another step forward.
Panama have only scored one goal from their three matches of this stage so far, but they have also only conceded one. They may prove difficult to break down, but patience will be the key to success for the Americans.
Prediction: 0-1
First goalscorer: Christian Pulisic
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