FCBARCELONA.CAT

08.09.2007 12:43

11 Barça players in international action

David Puig

This weekend 11 Barça players have games with their respective national sides. Of the six games, four are official and two are friendlies. It’s a crunch night for Spain, Iceland, France, Italy and Portugal’s Euro 2008 chances.

Four teams have particularly important encounters today, with Zambrotta, Henry, Thuram and Abidal appearing in Italy v France, Xavi, Iniesta and Gudjohnsen in Iceland v Spain, and Deco in Portugal v Poland. Anything but a win for all of these sides would leave them in a very dicey situation indeed regarding qualification for next summer’s championship in Austria and Switzerland.

Spain face Iceland

Spain need the three points from a tricky trip to Reykjavik. The Icelanders have little hope of making the finals now, and will be missing star player Gudjohnsen, who has not been given medical clearance by the FC Barcelona medical service. Xavi and Iniesta are among the Spain squad, who are currently third in Group F behind Sweden and Northern Ireland. Defeat for Spain tonight would leave them with a mountain to climb if they are to make the finals.

Deco leads Portugal against Poland

Portugal are in a similarly awkward position, and tonight meet Group A leaders Poland at the Stadium of Light in Lisbon. Deco’s side, like Spain, are third in the group and desperately need to win tonight.

Italy v France, world cup repeat

At the Giuseppe Meazza in Milan, Italy and France meet in a crunch game that will see Henry, Thuram and Abidal play for the visitors and Zambrotta, lining up for Italy. France currently top the group with 18 points while Italy are second on 16.

Touré Yaya a point away from the Nations Cup

The Ivory Coast need just one point from their game with Gabon to guarantee their place at the African Nations Cup. FC Barcelona midfielder Touré Yaya will be leading the side in the absence of the injured Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.