Frendly Matches Info and Video Stories

England 2 - Switzerland 1 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) (MOTD highlights here.) England took the lead just before half-time with a goal from Jermaine Jenas, Joe Cole did brilliantly to skin his man and cross for the Spurs midfielder to finish from close range. Switzerland equalised just before the hour-mark with a fine strike from substitute Eren Derdiyok. England responded almost straight away, captain Steven Gerrard setting up Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Republic of Ireland 0 - Brazil 1 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Brazil had the opening effort on target against managerless Ireland when Diego fired his free-kick straight at Shay Given. Towards the end of the first-half Robinho displayed great skill to set up Josue who tested Given. Midway throught the second-half Robinho scored the only goal of the game with a lovely finish.

Italy 3 - Portugal 1 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Italy went one-up in injury-time of the first-half, Luca Toni scored after a number of Portugal defenders failed to clear. Five minutes into the second period Italy doubled their lead through a deflected shot from Andrea Pirlo. With twelve minutes to go, Ricardo Quaresma pulled one back for Portugal. Two minutes later Fabio Quagliarella restored Italy’s two-goal advantage.

Spain 1 - France 0 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Joan Capdevilla got the only goal with ten minutes remaining after Diarra had headed off the line from Iniesta. In the last minute Benzema hit the bar for France and following up Thierry Henry missed an absolute sitter.

Poland 2 - Czech Republic 0 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Two goals in the opening half-an-hour from Lobodzinski and Lewandowski (great finish) gave the Poles a comfortable win. Artur Boruc also saved a penalty from Jan Koller.

Turkey 0 - Sweden 0 (International friendly, February 6, 2008)

Austria 0 - Germany 3 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) After a dire first-half, goals from Hitzlsperger, Klose and sub-Gomez gave Germany the win. The two sides next meet in Group B at Euro 2008.

Croatia 0 - Holland 3 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) England’s conquerers fell to an embarrassing home defeat to Marco Van Basten’s side, for whom John Heitinga and Klaas Jan Huntelaar netted at the beginning and end of the first-half while Vennegor of Hesselink added the third just before the final whistle.

Bolivia 2 - Peru 1 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) In a comment on South American defending, all three goals were headers from set-plays.

Macedonia 1 - Serbia 1 (International friendly, February 6, 2008)

Hungary 1 - Slovakia 1 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Zoltan Gera’s header from a corner was cancelled out by Sestak.

Israel 1 - Romania 0 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Israel recorded a morale-boosting victory over Romania, who were reduced to 10-men after Ovidiu Petre was sent off after 20 minutes, thanks to Omer Golan’s header.

United States 2 - Mexico 2 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Oguchi Onyewu’s towering back-post header gave the hosts the lead, but Magallon’s first goal for Mexico tied the score five minutes later. Highly-regarded starlet Jozy Altidore, then restored America’s lead, only to have Magallon net his second of the game just after the break.

Argentina 5 - Guatemala 0 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Fielding a predominately young side in preparation for the under-23 competition at August’s Olympic Games, Gonzalo Higuain netted a brace (second goal here) whilst Ezequiel Lavezzi, Jonatan Maidana (great strike) and Marco Ruben added the other goals in the Argentinean rout, marking the first meeting between the two nations.

Uruguay 2 - Colombia 2 (International friendly, February 6, 2008) Edison Perea scored a goal in each half to put Colombia in the driving seat. But the introduction of Edinson Cavani for Diego Forlan reaped immediate benefits with the striker pulling the a goal back before Suarez completed the comeback with a late equaliser.