Watch India Vs Pakistan 4th Match Asia Cup 2010 Live Streaming

Saturday, 19 Jun 2010

			India Vs Pakistan
Venue :4th Match, Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium (D/N) Live action starts from: 09:00 GMT (14:30 IST) ODI Asia Cup 2010 Match

India play Pakistan in the fourth game of the Asia Cup at Dambulla. The Indians had made mincemeat of Bangladesh in the first game of the tournament, whereas Pakistan had lost a narrow game to Sri Lanka first up, after they had batted second, under the lights and yet, almost chased down the target.

India's heroes in the first game were Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag. While Gambhir smashed an 80 to guide his side to the win, Sehwag's performances came with the ball, as he scalped figures of 4/6 in 17 balls to end the Bangladeshi resistance.

Click for Live India Vs Pakistan

For Pakistan, the previous game had seen the likes of Shoaib Akhtar and Shahid Afridi bowl and bat rather well but failing to achieve the win. Akhtar returned back to international cricket with a three wicket haul and ensured that the side would benefit from his return as the Lankans were throttled thanks to that. at the other end, Afridi's century was one of the best in the business, but his untimely cramping meant that the side was in deep trouble by the time he was sent back.

India, on the other hand, showed signs of rustiness in the early part of the game when they bowled, but came back well to overcome the Bangladeshi batsmen. However, they will need to be careful of the manner in which they bowl, as the stronger teams in Sri Lanka and Pakistan will not spare the Indian bowlers as lightly as the Bangladeshis did.

Against Pakistan, it will be interesting to see whether the Indians try out something different if they bowl first. Zaheer and co. did not seem to be getting much help from the wicket in the early part of the Bangladesh game, but it must also be said that they lacked rhythm.

The good thing from India's point of view is that Zaheer Khan usually gets better as he bowls more and more, and one can expect him to make a comeback against Pakistan. Praveen Kumar did swing the ball around, but it was, rather surprisingly, the spinners who did well.

The battle to look forward to will be the one between Harbhajan Singh and Shahid Afridi, both of whom would love to have a go against each other. Afridi had already shown that he can take on Muralitharan, and he will look to do the same against Bhajji as well. It remains to be seen how well Harbhajan and India respond to that onslaught.

Watch England vs USA Live Streaming FIFA 2010 World Cup

England

USA

Date/Time:	Jun 13, 2010, 12:30am(GMT+6:00)
Competition:	FIFA World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live
Venue:	Royal Bafokeng, Rustenburg

England vs USA Live Streams and TV Channels

Country	Channels
England	ITV Sport Broadband
UK	ITV HD (HD), ITV 1 (HD), Sky Sports HD 1 (HD), RTE Two, TalkSport Radio
USA	ABC (HD), ESPN Mobile TV, ESPN Deportes (HD), Univision (HD), Futbol de Primera Radio, ESPN Radio, Univision Futbol (HD)

Live LINK HERE.......

England vs USA Match Preview

Saturday’s high profile match between England and USA inevitably invokes comparisons with the famous 1-0 loss the English suffered against the Americans in Brazil in 1950. Sixty years is a long time and much has changed in football. Yet its still goals that count. Can USA snatch another shock victory over England?

The big match of Group C gets underway Saturday when England take on USA in a battle between the teams widely expected to finish 1-2 in the Group.

The England squad is packed with top class players, in particular Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, and midfielders Frank Lampard of Chelsea and Steven Gerrard of Liverpool.

But although the USA lacks the man for man quality of the English, they are not without players of skill and creativity themselves.

Midfielder Landon Donovan of the LA Galaxy is undoubtedly the most high profile of the Americans. His successful10 game loan to English Premier League club Everton earlier this year surely proved even to his most zealous detractors that he can compete among the top teams and players.

Striker Clint Dempsey, who plies his trade in England with Fulham, is another American whose talents are obvious. And goalkeeper Tim Howard has proven time and again that he is a fine stopper for his English club Everton.

Central defense: England and USA have problems in common

England central defender and captain Rio Ferdinand injured his knee on the training ground last week in what seemed an innocuous challenge. He was soon ruled out of the World Cup as a result and England boss Fabio Capello called up Tottenham’s Michael Dawson to replace him.

Despite a good season at the club level, Dawson lacks international experience and so the primary responsibilities for central defense will fall to Tottenham’s talented Ledley King. Though a fine defender, King is fragile, with chronic knee problems.

Central defense is problematic for the USA too. Oguchi Onyewu of AC Milan is coming off a knee problem that has kept him out of the game since late last year. Only in recent weeks has “Gooch” started playing again and his lack of match fitness was initially clear. Still, he claims now to ready for 90 minutes against England. Whether his knee is ready only time will tell.

He’s a big lad, Onyewu, and his readiness for a physical battle may be tested if he has to face the likes of stout England striker Emile Heskey whose physical presence can be imposing. But Onyewu will likely find himself at a greater disadvantage against the pace of England’s small men, Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Aaron Lennon or Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Knowledge of the venue may help the Americans

USA may have a small advantage due to their playing experience in South Africa. They competed there in last year’s Confederations Cup, losing in the final to Brazil. They’ve even played in Rustenburg's Royal Bafokeng Stadium, the venue for Saturday match with England.

Nevertheless, any experiential advantage gained through playing in South Africa is far outweighed by the quality of the England squad. Still, USA boss Bob Bradley and his men are confident.

"It's certainly a big challenge but that's what we're there for. It will be a very special start to the tournament with us playing England -- a team we know very well,” said Bradley, speaking in December after the World Cup draw was announced. "We can be dangerous against very good teams. We feel that this is a group that gives us a very fair chance to get through to the next round."

Rooney is a passionate fellow,…can opponents take advantage?

Much has been made of the possibility that England’s opponents might resort to “winding up” tactics to put Wayne Rooney off his game. The sly kick when the ref’s attention is elsewhere, or casual observations on the behavioral characteristics of female family members are de rigueur in today's game,…perhaps Monsieur Zidane would confirm this.

Yet young master Rooney has matured, and such abuses are unlikely madden him as once they might have. Fabio Capello, however, is taking no chances. According to team captain Steven Gerrard, Capello has called for his players to maintain control, especially with respect to communicating with the referees.

Rooney’s high profile sending-off against Portugal four years ago makes him an obvious focus of his opponents’ attentions and the manager’s admonitions, as does his booking for verbal abuse of a referee in a match against a team of locals earlier this week.

Rooney's history of inelegant responses during heated moments may well be why the Brazilian referee for Saturday’s match is said to be honing his understanding of English insults. But if he wants to have a clue to the meaning of Rooney-isms as passions rise he should be honing his understanding of Scouse.

Watch Argentina vs Nigeria Live Streaming FIFA 2010 World Cup

Argentina

Nigeria

Date/Time:	Jun 12, 2010, 8:00pm(GMT+6:00)
Competition:	FIFA World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live
Venue:	Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Live LINK HERE......

Argentina vs Nigeria Live Streams and TV Channels

Country	Channels
Argentina	DirecTV Latin America (HD), Canal 7, Telefe Argentina

International FIFA.com, BWIN

Argentina vs Nigeria Match Preview

After two consecutive defeats, Nigeria will be looking forward to even the score with the Albiceleste. Lionel Messi's squad need a victory to be taken seriously as a candidate.

A huge step for Argentina

Argentina has a clean sheet on its confrontations with African teams, having won 75% of the matches played against teams of the Black Country. Two years ago these two teams took on each other to define Beijing's Olympic Games, in which Argentina claimed the gold medal. This was a response to the Atlanta '96 match which ended with glory for Nigeria. Two years ago Angel Di Maria scored the winning goal, something he'll be looking forward to repeating for this world's debut.

Maradona has the team almost confirmed. Sergio Romero will be the man between the posts, and after having chosen four full-centrals to guard the back line, team's coach finally decided to force Jonas Gutierrez to lead Argentina's right band both in the attack and defense. Walter Samuel and Martin Demichellis will occupy the center of the area, with Nicolas Otamendi filling the last place. This is a classic 4-4-2 formation with a twist, for Gutierrez's versatility offers the team the opportunity to advance as a 3-3-2-2.

Javier Mascherano and Juan Sebastian Veron are the backbone of Argentina's midfield creation. Angel Di Maria is the bridge between them and Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain, top strikers in the Spanish league. By relegating Jonas Gutierrez to the defense Maradona frees another offensive place, which is occupied by Carlos Tevez for the moment: He is the striker with most experience in the National Team and people's favorite. Messi's lack of results have turned the Argentineans against him, and the pressure of having to make things right might be too much for such a young player.

Saturday morning will have the Albiceleste with Maradona back in a world championship after more than a decade. Argentina's new generation will be welcomed in Africa by a team determined to retain what is theirs against the second most expensive formation in South Africa.

Life without Okocha

Lars Lagerback has already tasted Argentinean blood 8 years ago, when he eliminated the Albicelestes in 2002, back in his days as Swedish coach. This will be their fourth world championship, having missed the last World Cup for the first time in 16 years.

Nigeria responds to the classic African style: solid defenders in the middle of the field and strikers light as feathers. Victor Obinna was the captain in the last Olympic games, and he will probably by the offensive lighthouse to whom Peter Odemwingie and Obafemi Martins will subordinate. These three strikers have an insane speed and good definition, but their place will have to be carefully guarded, for there's only one survivor from the golden days in the squad in it's Nkankwo Kanu, whose technical superiority might completely turn a match around if given a change.

Chelsea's John Obi Mikel is the key player in this team, for his position as defensive midfielder and his long field of view and witness creates a center from where creation can flow. Another player from the Premier League, Dickson Etuhu will contribute to Nigeria's ball flow. His good moment with Europa League's finalist Fulham City earned him a place in Lagerback's Nigeria.

Lagerback's assistant Roland Andersson warned Nigeria's coach about Argentina's weak spot: its defense. "We must defy Argentina and adopt an offensive position" regarding Albiceleste's attack, team's assistant recognized Argentina's lack of efficiency. Nigerian players appear also to be quite confident for this match, and the boost from defeating a giant could be enormous.

Murdered by numbers

Statistic show without a doubt a wide advantage for the American team, but these two formations had their problems from claiming their place in the championship to begin with, and thus nothing can be taken for granted. In fact, Nigeria played eight matches against these three rivals, and could only claim one victory. Argentina is not going through its best moment, but the weight of their figures will probably lean the game on Maradona's side, who faced these three rivals six times – five victories, one draw.

Watch Korea Republic vs Greece Live Streaming FIFA 2010 World Cup

Korea Republic

Greece

Date/Time:	Jun 12, 2010, 5:30pm(GMT+6:00)
Competition:	FIFA World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live
Venue:	Nelson Mandela Bay, Port Elizabeth

Korea Republic vs Greece Live Streams and TV Channels

Country	Channels
Greece	ERT Greece
Korea	SBS Korea (HD, 3D)
Venezuela	Meridiano Television

Live LINK HERE.....

Korea Republic vs Greece Match Preview

The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth will open its gates for Group B’s encounter between Korea Republic and Greece. Kick off time is at 11:30 GMT, meaning that this early game will precede the other Group B clash between Argentina and Nigeria which will start at 14:00 GMT.

Korea Republic Favored To Win

South Korea lost their last two friendly matches in the build up for their 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign. The Red Devils beat Asian rivals Japan on May 24 in a warm-up game. However, they stumbled against European minnows Belarus and European champions Spain on a 1-0 score line as they closed their preparations before travelling to South Africa.

But despite these latest miserable results, The Tigers of Asia remain favorites to clinch victory on Saturday, June 12. There are two reasons behind this thought. Firstly, South Korean supporters are confident that their team will raise their level of performance when it matters the most to prove that Asia has something to offer when it comes to football. Secondly, their Greek opponents presently don’t look that dangerous – neither in terms of form, nor in terms of results.

Besides, the Tigers of Asia have received a boost ahead of their 2010 World Cup opener on Saturday. Attacking-minded players Park Ji-Sung and Lee Dong-Gook are set to feature for their team and thus increase South Korea’s chances of securing a good result. Speaking to Korea Times about Park Ji-Sung’s condition, Coach Huh Jung-Moo declared:

“Park Ji-Sung is feeling fine. He felt a slight soreness on his hamstring; that is why we didn’t let him play in the friendly match against Spain.”

The Manchester United midfielder and Korea Republic captain is expected to strengthen his team’s spirit on the pitch and multiply his side's chances in attack. Lee Dong-Gook will create the perfect bond upfront should he shake off his injury worries and get into the game.

Lee Dong-Gook experienced a return to form last season with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, his new club. The former Middlesbrough and Werder Bremen front man scored 21 goals in the K-league, helping his side to claim the competition’s title as he emerged as the top scorer. About the 32-year-old striker, Coach Huh Jung-Moo revealed to the-afc.com:

“Lee has improved a lot. He may even get a little playing time during Group B’s opening match between Korea Republic and Greece.”

Greece’s Pirate Ship Hit By Bad News

Christos Patsatzoglou and Giourkas Seitaridis made the cut into Otto Rehhagel’s 23-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup after overcoming their respective injuries. However, there are doubts over their inclusion in Greece’s lineup for the game against Korea Republic this weekend. Both players lack of match fitness as a result of their irregular first team appearances in club football.

Consequently, Coach Otto Rehhagel may have to look at other options for his starting XI sheet ahead of Greece’s 2010 World Cup opener against Greece. Adding to this concern is the confirmed exclusion of key defender Vangelis Moras from Saturday’s clash. Subsequent to an injury he sustained during training earlier in June, Moras was expected to recover in time to play for his country on June 12.

This couldn’t happen though, and Vangelis Moras commentated on his own status, stating:

“I am not ready. There’s no need to take a risk. It would be too risky to do that [play] in such a crucial match. I will now try to get fit for the second game against Nigeria.”

Greece will come up against Africa’s Super Eagles at 14:00 GMT on June 17 whereas South Korea will play against Argentina earlier at 11:30 GMT on the same day.

Watch Uruguay vs France Live Streaming FIFA World Cup 2010

Uruguay

France

Date/Time:	Jun 12, 2010, 12:30am(GMT+6:00)
Competition:	FIFA World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live
Venue:	Green Point, Cape Town

Live LINK HERE.......

Country	Channels
France	TF1 Broadband, TF1 (HD, 3D)
French Guiana	TF1 Broadband, TF1 (HD, 3D)
French Polynesia	TF1 Broadband, TF1 (HD, 3D)
Uruguay	DirecTV Latin America (HD)

Uruguay vs France Match Preview

Exactly four hours and thirty minutes after the first 2010 World Cup match ball will be kicked in South Africa, Uruguay and France will lock horns at the Cape Town Stadium. The match will actually kick off at 18:30 GMT (20:30 South African local time), on Friday, June 11.

The Henry Bench And Misunderstanding Factor

Whereas fans of Les Bleus are looking forward to unite in the spirit of support come Friday evening, the French national football team is once again suffering from dressing room problems. This time, it’s about the players rebelling against the country’s most hated sports personality, Coach Raymond Domenech.

Les Bleus captain, Thierry Henry, will only make the bench, not the First XI sheet – that’s according to the controversial manager. Meanwhile, the players are rather keen to seeing the veteran starting alongside Abou Diaby instead of the Yoann Gourcuff-Sidney Govou match up which looks to be Raymond Domenech’s choice. Hitting this issue, Arsenal’s Bacary Sagna complained to the media:

“We can maybe give him [Raymond Domenech] some advice, or some help. But even if we were to offer it, I don’t think he would listen. The most important thing is the team.”

But the team doesn’t look all right with kick off time against Uruguay being so near. At least, that’s what the situation during France’s recent training session revealed. There is certainly misunderstanding between some of the players; reports indicated that Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka refused to pass the ball to Yoann Gourcuff. Meanwhile, Franck Ribery also stole the ball from Anelka who was then about to take a free-kick. These issues that are happening in France’s camp and which the coach is trying to hide when speaking in public, have let Florent Malouda make a loud call for unity. In a statement, the influential winger declared:

“We have to create links between players. We can’t just think, ‘I’m not interested in what others do’. We’re going to look ridiculous if, as we did at Euro 2008, each player stays in his comfort zone, looking only for good marks from the media to the detriment of the team.”

To confirm how bad things are within the French squad, midfielder Alou Diarra avowed:

“We cannot really say we have improved during the warm-up games. We still need time to adapt, but we don’t have much time left.”

Actually, France just suffered a real shock on June 4 as they were beating 1-0 in their last friendly match against China whom they dominated with almost 70% of ball possession. Friday’s match against Uruguay is a game that the French cannot afford to lose or to even draw.

Raymond Domenech’s side need to prove to their supporters that they have what it takes to go one better than they did during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The fact is that Uruguay will surely make things difficult for Les Bleus who will be fighting with a broken spirit affected with lack of unity.

Uruguay vs France – Match Facts

Some match facts between France and Uruguay don’t favor the 1998 World Cup champions too much by the way. France could only win one of their five games against the Uruguayans, with two of those ending in defeats. The last time France and Uruguay played, the game ended in a goalless draw; the French know that a repeat of this result will drive many of their supporters to criticize and boo them off.

However, if Uruguay are looking to take advantage of France’s misunderstanding issues, they may also have to think about their own statistics related to Friday’s fixture. The most important of those is the fact that the Uruguayans have not won any of their last twelve matches against European teams. But now, Diego Forlan is a Europa League winner and his experience has turned him into a true leader in attack for Uruguay.

Having clinched seven goals in only thirteen appearances for his side during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers, Diego Forlan is poised to make an impact in Cape Town against France. Can the veteran forward shake Les Bleus’ defensive lines that can boast of a few facts like these ones:

Fact 1: Four consecutive clean sheets in France's last four matches against South American teams in a World Cup.

Fact 2: Three wins and a draw in France's last four matches against South American teams in a World Cup.

Fact 3: Only one goal conceded in their last four World Cup opening games.

Well, perhaps La Celeste Olimpica will find luck from above. Something similar to Thierry Henri’s sending off the last time both sides met (2002 World Cup) might benefit Oscar Tabarez’s men.

Likewise, France could also benefit from the influence of Franck Ribery who will be featuring in his first competitive fixture since sustaining a red card in Bayern Munich's UEFA Champions League semi-final fixture against Lyon in May.

Watch South Africa vs Mexico Live Streaming World Cup 2010

South Africa

Mexico

Date/Time:	Jun 11, 2010, 8:00pm(GMT+6:00)
Competition:	FIFA World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live
Venue:	Soccer City, Johannesburg

Country	Channels
Mexico	Sky Latin America (HD), TDN Mexico (HD), Televisa Mexico (HD)
South Africa	SuperSport Broadband

LIVE LINK HERE......

South Africa vs Mexico Match Preview

The moment will finally arrive on Friday, June 11. For the first ever time in the history of the sport, a soccer ball will be kicked on African soil in a FIFA World Cup match.

This will at last happen when South Africa, the 2010 FIFA World Cup’s host nation, will battle it out against CONCACAF Gold Cup defending champions Mexico. It is the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg which will host such an honorable match. There will be plenty to look out for in this game that will be played just after opening ceremony which is expected to rock the world with some African flavor.

In his own words, South Africa president Jacob Zuma explained how historic the World Cup, which will begin with the South Africa vs Mexico fixture, is. He said on Wednesday:

“There are a few moments that define a nation’s history. We stand on the threshold of one as we draw closer and closer to Friday, June 11 when the World Cup officially begins.”

The clock indicates that the moment isn’t far away indeed. Fans around the world cannot wait for it to begin. Now in the meantime, the two teams concerned are also putting finishing touches to their preparations. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana know exactly how wonderful it will be to offer joy through victory for the millions of South African fans that will show their support by blowing Vuvuzela horns.

Likewise, Mexico are very much aware of the immense respect they will acquire from the rest of the world if they can call silence to reign upon the Soccer City Stadium by defeating the 2010 World Cup hosts at the end of proceedings. The meaning of this opener is certainly beyond the understanding of most football-loving fans. But South Africa and Mexico’s players certainly know how the outcome of the game on June 11 will contribute in changing the world. The pressure is already on, and both El Tri and Bafana Bafana feel it. But they know that they’ve got it all so they can keep believing in their fighting spirit.

South Africa ready to challenge Mexico – Katlego Mphela

For every Bafana Bafana player, South Africa’s 2010 World Cup opener against Mexico will surely come up as a special moment in their lives. Ranked 83rd in the world of football and having struggled in previous tournament to put balls at the back of the net, there could be concerns over the host nations’ chances of delivering the best of results for their supporters on Friday.

However, striker Katlego Mphela believes that he and his team are ready for the challenge Mexico will pose on the opening day of the 2010 World Cup.

“I just need chances to score,” Mphela avowed boldly before continuing:

“I’ve no problem playing alone upfront, as long as there is service. I know that we’re under pressure as we play at home. But, that is actually pushing us to do more. I’m well prepared for the challenge ahead. The camps that we have had give us confidence. With a record of 12 games unbeaten, we have reason to be confident.”

In fact, Mexico are also fresh from a spirit-boosting 2-1 triumph over World Cup titleholders Italy which they secured in a friendly match on June 3. Still, Katlego Mphela dared to analyze El Tri’s style of play in favor of South Africa. He explained:

“Mexico are more of an attacking team from what I’ve seen of them in the last three friendly matches that they’ve played. But then, when they push a lot, they are bound to leave spaces behind in defense – which I’ll be taking advantage of.”

Pursuing his defy against Bafana Bafana’s opponents on Friday, Mphela stated:

“Mexico are fast upfront and they’ll attack. But we will do the same. We are ready for this and very fit for the challenge.”

Talking about fitness, Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira singled it out as a major factor that will decide South Africa’s fate during the tournament. He declared:

“I believe if you want to qualify for the second round, you have to do something special. And for us, that would mean in the technical and skills aspects of the game. We can’t beat France, Mexico, or Uruguay in a physical struggle. My boys have to play well against them, with the ball on the ground. This is our big strength. That is what I want the South African team to believe in.”

Mexico also keep believing

Like he has been doing since replacing Sven Goran Eriksson, Coach Javier Aguirre keeps believing in the mixture of experience and youth for the benefit of his squad. For example, Veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco is a 37-year-old midfielder whose inclusion in El Tri’s squad - among much younger players - always seems to be positive. Soccer commentator Gustavo Mendoza branded Cuauhtemoc Blanco as “the biggest name in Mexico” and as “the one who can really make a difference”. So the public can watch out for the 37-year-old midfielder to work wonders at the Soccer City Stadium on Friday.

Besides Cuauhtemoc Blanco, the likes of young players like Giovanni dos Santos, Javier Hernandez, and Carlos Vela are expected to make an impact against South Africa. Concerning Mexico’s injury list, Coach Javier Aguirre can be relieved as Barcelona defender Rafael Marquez and West Ham striker Guillermo Franco should be fit in time to play against Bafana Bafana.

According to Arsenal’s Carlos Vela, concentration will be the key for El Tri to upset the 2010 World Cup hosts, South Africa. Speaking to the media, the youngster declared:

“We’ll just have to focus on what happens on the pitch. That will be the best way to win the match.”

So the game promises to offer a lot of attacking flair at the joy of neutrals especially. Can South Africa’s Bafana Bafana follow Waka Waka’s message and emerge victorious against Mexico after the final whistle on June 11?

South Africa vs Mexico – Head-to-head

South Africa and Mexico have played three times only against each other. El Tri have the edge with two victories against one, and nine goals scored against four. The last time both teams faced each other, Mexico ran away 4-2 winners. That was in Dallas, on June 7, 2000.

The whole world is awaiting the start of the football fiesta. It's the turn of South Africa and Mexico to light up football fans with a dazzling display. What will we see at the end of the 90 minutes? Bafana Bafana fans singing in harmony or Mexican supporters proudly making the Mexican wave?

Watch Portugal vs Mozambique Live Streaming

Portugal

Mozambique

Date/Time:	Jun 8, 2010, 8:30pm
Competition:	Friendly
Live/Repeat:	Live
Venue:	BidVest Stadium in Johannesburg.

Portugal vs Mozambique Live Streams and TV Channels

ESPN Deportes (USA)	RTP Internacional (International)	FIFA.com (International)	ESPN3.com USA (USA)	BWIN* (International)	ESPN HD Brasil (Brazil)
ESPN DOS Mexico (Mexico)	ESPN Sur (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay)	ESPN Brasil (Brazil)	ESPN Venezuela (Venezuela)	ESPN Sur 1 (Latin America)

Portugal vs Mozambique Match Preview

By Angela Asante, Jun 4th 2010

Coach Carlos Queiroz will lead his Portuguese players to their last warm-up game ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup with a friendly match against Mozambique. The date for this fixture has been set for June 8, exactly a week before Portugal open their World Cup campaign with a crucial game against Sven Goran Eriksson’s Cote d’Ivoire.

There will be some playing time for Pepe, according to reports. The Real Madrid defender suffered an injury last December while playing against Valencia. He had been recovering in hospital and following fitness programs to be ready in time for the 2010 World Cup. As Carlos Queiroz explained in a statement, Pepe will make his return to the field against Mozambique:

“As it should be according to the plan drawn up, Pepe should play a little against Mozambique.”

Portugal’s relatively good performance against Cameroon last Monday revealed the team’s determination to work and to win as a team. Manager Carlos Queiroz said that “all 23 players can be starters as they all share the ambitions of the Selecção”. One thing that the Portuguese have improved on is the goal scoring issue. After surprisingly stumbling to a 0-0 draw against 117th ranked side Cape Verde, they finally banged in more than two goals against Cameroon since their 4-0 defeat of Malta in the European World Cup qualifiers.

Interestingly, Portugal Captain Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t scored since netting a goal against the Czech Republic on June 12, 2008 in the European Championship. The Real Madrid forward joked a couple of months ago that he was keeping his goals for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Now the coinciding side of this fact is that his friend and foe, Wayne Rooney, also endured a goal drought under his respective national team shirt for two years. Either way, Carlos Queiroz is optimistic about his team’s shape going into the World Cup and he is also hopeful that Cristiano Ronaldo’s form in South Africa will influence Portugal to success. Until then, Portugal have a match to play against Mozambique on June 8.