Hassan Chamas
International players take some time off from the whirlpool that is their club life, to give back to their respective countries as their potential trip to South Africa 2010 draws even closer. With that in mind, a look at the five of the most anticipated qualifiers of the week ahead:
Denmark vs. Portugal 
When: 5th September, 2009, at 20:00 (GMT+2)
Where: Parken Stadium, Copenhagen.
Denmark host Portugal in what is the certainly the most anticipated qualifier. Seven points away from group leaders Denmark, a loss to Carlos Quieroz’s boys would seriously jeopardise Portugal’s chances this year, leaving only the playoffs as a potential qualification route. Denmark, meanwhile, can ensure at least second place if they defeat their visitors from the south and Hungary manage to defeat Sweden.
The fact that Portugal lost, almost a year ago, the corresponding fixture doesn’t lift the weight off the shoulders of the Seleccao das Quinas, and therefore, they will be counting on Manchester United’s Nani to continue his impressive international form, while the Danes will have the group’s top goalscorer Soren Larsen spearhead their attack.
England vs. Croatia 
When: 9th September, 2009, at 20:00 (GMT+1)
Where: Wembley Stadium, London.
Fabio Capello’s Three Lions are well underway to forgetting the disaster of failing to qualify for Euro 2008 by coming out on top of their group. The team hold a 100% record to date, and have amassed a staggering +22 goal difference. Who’s to say that they won’t make an impact at this year’s finals and burn a recent history full of disappointment?
Capello’s biggest weapon remains Wayne Rooney, who he compared to Spanish legend Raul just a few days ago. If Rooney carries out is club form against Croatia, England are bound to end the game as winners. As for the Balkan nation, they will have to be without star playmaker Luka Modric, who fractured his leg while playing for club side Tottenham Hotspur. Therefore, Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olic will have to be the focal point of his team.
France vs. Romania 
When: 5th September, 2009, at 21:00 (GMT+2)
Where: Stade de France, Saint Denis, Paris.
Raymond Domenech’s surprise this week – other than the continuous snub of Philippe Mexes and Sebastien Frey – came when national team captain Patrick Vieira was not amongst the 23 names that will dispute France’s September qualification games. On the other hand, should Romania fail to beat Les Bleus, then it’s curtains for their World Cup hopes.
Domenech will have to rely on his star player Franck Ribery in order to halt the Romanians who themselves have everything to play for in this game. At the other end, the Tricolorii will rely on Adrian Mutu, eager to make a statement in the midst of his tussle against former employers Chelsea.
Scotland vs. Macedonia 
When: 5th September, 2009, at 15:00 (GMT+1)
Where: Hampden Park, Glasgow.
In a group where the Scotsmen should have a reasonable chance of qualification, it seems as if they are having a hard time trying to book their passage to the African continent. Three losses in six games have seen them stuck on a poor seven points, behind visitors Macedonia, a team that have yet to participate in a major FIFA tournament. Macedonia on the other hand appear to be fully living the dream, as The Red Lions are full of hope that they can get to South Africa. And why not?
For the men in kilts, be on the look for James McFadden, as the Birmingham City striker will be eager to show his worth for his national side. As for the Red Lions, Lazio striker Goran Pandev is the epicenter, with him already the national team’s leading goalscorer with 17 strikes.
Northern Ireland vs. Slovakia 
When: 9th September, 2009, at 19:45 (GMT+1)
Where: Windsor Park, Belfast.
Barring extreme modifications in the rankings of this group on the 5th of September, this clash will be a determining first against second, as both sides will want to skip past the ordeal of having to go through a playoff tie. The Irish will be hoping for stands full of four leaved-clovers as they attempt to hurdle Vladimir Weiss’ Slovaks.
Northern Ireland will be looking to count on the likes of Manchester United starlet Jonny Evans to halt Slovakia’s arsenal, while the “Repre” will have Napoli playmaker Marek Hamsik to dictate play.
