International Friendlies preview

This week sees the final internationals of 2008 being played, with the vast majority on Wednesday. Most club managers don’t see the point of this series of friendlies, coming as it does in the midst of european club competitions, and as leagues across Europe begin to get in to the serious business.

However for fans there are some interesting matches on offer, not least the meeting of old foes England and Germany and the clash of Scotland and Argentina. England/Germany renews one of Europe’s fiercest (footballing) rivalries and probably gives England’s manager Fabio Capello his best test yet. Unfortunately for him he has had a raft of injury drop-outs from his squad. Germany’s manager, Yogi Loew, on the other hand has a squad of players showing some serious unrest over his selection policies.

In Glasgow we have the tantalising prospect of the great Diego Maradona’s debut as Argentina’s coach. This could be a marriage made in heaven with FIFA’s Internet Player of the Century providing guidance to one of the most talented but under-achieving squads of international players. Argentina have had a less than inspiring start to their World Cup 2010 qualifying campaign, with 4 draws and 2 defeats in their 10 matches so far, including a 1-0 defeat away to Chile which saw the tearful end of the reign of Alfio Basile.

Can the great Maradona inspire his team to a victory? A fascinating tussle awaits against a Scotland side themselves struggling under new manager George Burley.