FCBARCELONA.CAT

30.01.2008 13:12

Deco is the first to be named

www.fcbarcelona.cat

Deco has been the first FC Barcelona to be officially called up by his country for the round of international matches to be played next week.

The Brazilian-born midfielder has been named in the Portugal squad to face Italy next Wednesday in the high profile encounter that will, unusually, be played in the Swiss city of Zurich. Gianluca Zambrotta is also likely to play in that match, although the Azzurri squad will not be named until next Sunday, as many more Blaugrana stars are expected to head off to play for their national sides.

Spain and France

The game with the greatest number of Barça players will surely be played in Málaga where Spain are due to take on France in a friendly that will see both teams have several Camp Nou teammates facing each either. French coach Raymond Domenech will name his squad on Thursday and Luis Aragonés will follow suit a day later.

Gudjohnsen, Márquez and Giovani

Eidur Gudjohnsen, Rafael Márquez and Giovani Dos Santos are all also in line to be named by their countries to play next week. Iceland take on Armenia in a friendly, while in Houston, Mexico will play the United States. None of the players have yet been confirmed though as it is still too early for coach's to name their squads.

Brazil and Argentina

Frank Rijkaard will be able to count on the Brazilian and Argentinian members of his squad though. Dunga is set to name a team of youngsters and untried players for the friendly against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, while Lionel Messi nor Gaby Milito will be called up for Albiceleste's game against Guatemala.