Valverde: Spain’s 6-1 victory over Argentina could be distracting

Posted on 29/03/2018 by admin

Valverde: Spain’s 6-1 victory over Argentina could be distracting

Ernesto Valverde

Barcelona Manager, Ernesto Valverde believes that the 6-1 win recorded by Spain over Argentina in an International friendly match in preparations for the summer World Cup can be distracting and ultimately dangerous.

The 2010 World Champions thrashed a Messi-less 2014 finalist after Isco scored a hat-trick and other goals from Diego Costa, Thiago Alcantara, and Iago Aspas completed the massacre.

Spain coach Julen Lopetegui has earlier cautioned his side of excessive excitement after extending his unbeaten run in charge to 18 matches stating that a friendly victory means nothing for his side’s World Cup hopes.

Vaverde stands with Lopetegui as he stated that he is unsure if the 6-1 victory is a good thing for the team at this point in time. He noted that over-confidence could be a problem for Spain seeing that they made light weight of an Argentina team that consists of many stars.

“We can think that we will win it all,” said Valverde. “6-1 is a wide margin, but that’s all.
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“It’s dangerous because it can make you think that you have more points than you have before you start.

“[Argentina] lost a friendly game, but that doesn’t mean anything. The World Cup has not started. There’s nothing won by Spain or lost by Argentina.”

Egypt talking to Sweden for a friendly international – 2018 FIFA World Cup – Russia

Posted on 27/11/2017 by admin

by
Phumzile Ngcatshe

Monday Nov 27, 2017. 13:30

Media reports in Egypt reval that the country’s Football Association is engaged with top European national teams for friendly matches.

EFA chairman Hani Abou-Reida announced that they are in talks for friendlies as part of preparations for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but would wait until the final draw before finalising plans.

The Pharaohs secured a World Cup berth for the first time since 1990 after topping Group E with 13 points, finishing ahead of Uganda on nine.

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“There are ongoing talks with some European teams like Sweden to play friendlies ahead of the 2018 World Cup finals,” Abou-Reida told a radio programme.

“There are also talks with South Korea from Asia but we are waiting for the World Cup draw,” Abou-Reida said.

“After the draw we will know Cuper’s plan for the preparation as well as whether he needs only one friendly or more because of the shortness of the period [before the start of the cup,” the EFA boss added.

Meanwhile, the draw for the highly anticipated global showpiece will take place on December 1 in Moscow.

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Algeria to face South Korea in May 2018 friendly

Posted on 26/11/2017 by admin

Algerian player Yacine Brahimi (R) fights for the ball with Zambian player Enock Mwepu (L) during the World Cup 2018 qualifying football match between Algeria and Zambia in Constantine, Algeria on 05 September 2017 © BackpagePix

by
Graeme Jackson

Sunday Nov 26, 2017. 14:00

Algeria will face South Korea in an international friendly in May 2018, according to Le Buteur.

World Cup qualifiers Korea are looking to secure matches against teams they may face in the finals in Russia.

And with three North African teams having secured passage to the global tournament – Egypt, Tunisia and Morocco – Algeria represent a team with a similar style of play.

Le Buteur reports that the match against Korea is confirmed for May, though the final details must still be buttoned down.

It is expected to be played in a European country, with the Asian side set to camp in the continent ahead of the tournament in Russia in June and July.

Panama and Costa Rica – two further 2018 qualifiers – are also keen on meeting Algeria in friendlies, though these matches could be brought forward to the international window in March.

The Fennec Foxes and coach Rabah Madjer will use the matches as preparation for the resumption of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in the second half of 2018.

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Egyptian FA boss reveals why they turned down a friendly against the USA – 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Posted on 15/11/2017 by admin

by
Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday Nov 15, 2017. 15:00

The Egyptian Football Association’s chairman, Hany Abou-Rida has announced why they turned down an offer to play a friendly against the United States national team in January.

The Pharaohs are set to feature in their first FIFA World Cup since 1990 after finishing their qualifying group stage matches with a 1-1 draw against Ghana.

However, Abou-Rida says they cannot rush to play friendlies but will rather wait for the World Cup draw set be conducted at next month.

“We will not rush in playing a friendly. We will wait for the results of the draw and will schedule friendlies based on the international schedule,” Abou-Rida said to KingFut.

“I received an offer to play a friendly against the USA in January and refused to stop the league for a week and to play without the players abroad.

“I told the technical staff that it’s better to play friendlies with all the players especially since there are priorities including finishing the league season.

“The league this season has seen many strong games and comparable levels between the teams and we hope to produce new talents.”

On the other hand, the EFA boss adds that he’s not concerned with the results of the World Cup draw as Egypt will be placed in Pot 3.

“I do not care about the draw or who we wish to play since all the games in the World Cup will be hard. We will either play Brazil or Germany,” adds Abou-Rida.

“However, personally, I do not care about any team other than Germany who have been playing very well for the last two years.

“Brazil, on the other hand, play football in an open manner and have wonderful talent.”

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Watch Botswana train ahead of Gabon friendly

Posted on 10/11/2017 by admin

Kabelo Seakanyeng of Botswana challenged by Riyaad Norodien of South Africa during 2017 Cosafa Castle Cup match between Botswana and South Africa at Moruleng Stadium in Rustenburg on 04 July 2017 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

by
Staff Reporter

Friday Nov 10, 2017. 17:00

Botswana’s senior national team are busy preparing for their upcoming match against Gabon.

The international friendly match scheduled to take place in the capital city of Gabon, Libreville next week Tuesday.

Nicknamed the Zebras, Botswana secured a 2-0 win over Ethiopia in a friendly match at home two months ago.

However, Namibia defeated the Zebras 3-1 in another friendly game which was played in Windhoek last month.

Before facing Botswana, Gabon will take on Mali in their final 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier which will be played on Saturday.

The Panthers of Gabon, who have already failed to qualify for the World Cup finals, will host Mali in Franceville.

The Botswana Football Association (BFA)’s official Facebook page posted a video of the Zebras players training ahead their clash with Gabon: