FCBARCELONA.CAT

12.09.2007 13:01

Ten Barça stars in action

Roger Bogunyà

Ten Barça players are in international action this Wednesday. Seven of them are involved in competitive matches while the other three will play in friendlies.

Tonight, ten Barça players will be playing in the second and final match of this international break. However, an eleventh, Thierry Henry, will not be involved on the pitch due to a match ban.

Portugal and Spain need a win

Deco, with Portugal, and Xavi and Iniesta, with Spain, are the Barça players who are most in need of a win tonight if their countries are to take another step closer to qualification for Euro 2008.

Deco’s Portugal team are at home to Serbia while the two teams above them in Group A, Finland and Poland, meet in Finland. Portugal are currently third with 16 points, while Finland – with 18 – are second. Poland top the group with 20 points.

Meanwhile, nothing but a win for Xavi, Iniesta and the rest of the Spain squad will do in their home match against Latvia. They’ll be hoping that Eidur Gudjohnsen’s Iceland can do them a favour and beat an in-form Northern Ireland team in Reykjavik

However, Gudjohnsen is unlikely to play any part in Thursday’s match having just received the medical all-clear after missing much of the pre-season through injury.

Italia and France desperate for a win

Four more Barça players - Zambrotta, Abidal, Thuram and Henry (who won’t play due to a suspension) – have a stake in Group B. France lead the group while Italy are third.

Zambrotta and the Italy team have a difficult trip to fourth placed Ukraine while France face an equally tricky home match against second placed Scotland, so far the surprise package of the group.

México v Brazil, a Barça duel

Ronaldinho, Giovani and Márquez will fight out the only Barça duel of the day when Brazil meet Mexico in a friendly in Boston USA. It’ll be another chance to see Giovani in action for Mexico after Sunday’s friendly game against Panama had to be suspended due to torrential rain.