World Football: 5 Matches to Watch This Week

On Friday, many of the best national teams over the world play in both competitive and friendly matches. Euro qualifying will be on many people's minds while other fans will be awaiting the mouthwatering friendly clashes.

With domestic play off for a period of two weeks, players have the chance to feature for their national team in the next few days. Some players have tough and important clashes ahead of them, while others have less consequential matches.

Here's a list of five matches to watch this Friday.

France vs. United States

Competition/Tournament: Friendly

Date: November 11 (3 PM EST)

Venue: Stade de France

After qualifying for Euro 2012 last month, France hosts the United States national team at the Stade de France on Friday. Both sides have some notable absentees out of this match for domestic fixtures and injuries but will still aim for a win.

So far under Jurgen Klinsmann, the US haven't played too well, with a record of 1-3-1. A good performance, even without a good result, will delight American fans.

On the other hand, France will want to maintain their good current form and distance themselves as far away as possible from their World Cup failures last year.

The withdrawal of Landon Donovan, Samir Nasri, Patrice Evra and others will allow other, less-known, players to shine. 

Turkey vs. Croatia

Competition/Tournament: European Championship playoffs

Date: Friday, November 11 (2 PM EST)

Venue: Türk Telekom Arena

The last time Turkey and Croatia faced off was in the Euro 2008 quarter finals. Turkey thoroughly established themselves as the tournament's "comeback kings" in this match.

After a three-goal turnaround against Czech Republic in the group stage, Turkey looked to keep their momentum going with a win against Croatia.

After a pulsating 90 minutes, the match went into extra time. The Croatians started the scoring in the 119th minute, only for Turkey to come back with a 120th-minute goal and a penalty shootout win.

This rematch will certainly bring back memories of that game three years ago. And I am expecting a similar contest this time around.

Netherlands vs. Switzerland

Competition/Tournament: Friendly

Date: Friday, November 11 (2:30 PM EST)

Venue: Amsterdam Arena

Out of all the games on this list, the Netherlands-Switzerland match has the greatest chance of being a blowout. The Dutch qualified for next year's Euro with nine wins (out of 10) and are in top form.

Switzerland, on the other hand, have underachieved tremendously in recent years, most recently failing to achieve Euro qualification.

While this match is a low-key friendly game, it should still be interesting. With players such as Van Persie, Elia and Sneijder expected to feature, this contest will probably include goals.

Ukraine vs. Germany

Competition/Tournament: Friendly

Date: Friday, November 11 (2:45 PM EST)

Venue: Olimpiysky Stadium

Like Netherlands, Germany have impressed tremendously in recent years and had a 100 percent winning record in the Euro 2012 qualification process. In their 10 qualification matches, they scored a superb 34 goals while only allowing seven.

Ukraine have also qualified for next year's Euro, though they achieved it automatically as co-hosts. They haven't performed too well in major competitions in the past and will want to change that in front of their fans.

Ukraine's recent form in friendlies hasn't been stellar, and they will look at the Germany match as a chance to pull off an unlikely result. The Germans, however, will want to maintain their stunning recent form. 

Bosnia Herzegovina vs. Portugal

Competition/Tournament: European Championship playoffs

Date: Friday, November 11 (2 PM EST)

Venue: Stadion Bilino Polje

In my mind, both Bosnia and Portugal should feature in next year's Euro. But, as the qualification process has shown, only one can make it.

These two sides faced each other two years ago in the World Cup qualifying playoff, with Portugal winning each leg 1-0. Bosnia will look to avenge that defeat on Friday.

Portugal have key players out for this match, especially in defense, with Silvio, Carvalho, Danny and Bosingwa out (for different reasons). Bosnia have an almost fully fit squad, though Tomas Hubschman, Mensur Mujdza and Marko Basa won't feature.

Both teams will need to pay close attention to a specific player if they are going to win this match. For Bosnia, Cristiano Ronaldo is obviously the main threat. For Portugal, Edin Dzeko will cause problems if not properly contained.

This match has all the characteristics of a great game and will certainly not disappoint.