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Fulham vs Arsenal August 24, 2013

Posted by baturayk Saturday, August 24, 2013 0 comments
The alarm sirens for Arsene Wenger's reign will be screeching if Arsenal lose back-to-back opening league matches for the first time since the inaugural Premier League season 21 years ago. If they surrender as meekly as they did against Villa then Fulham can record successive opening Premier League v ictories for the first time.

But the Gunners reminded everyone that they're not far short of being a really good team when they won handsomely at Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday. Arsene Wenger has been overly-cautious in the transfer marker so far, but some of the criticism of him has bordered on the hysterical.

Fans have rightly been frustrated that big-name signings have been mooted yet no deals have been forthcoming. But it's not Wenger's fault that Liverpool wouldn't sell Luis Suarez. The Anfield club told me last week the Uruguayan was never going to move to the Emirates.

weekend, top up their Oyster cards, and get on the Underground for the 30 minute journey down to Craven Cottage, where Fulham awaits, well-rested after their Opening Day win at Sunderland.

With such a thin squad and a very short turnaround time, there's not a whole lot to say about this game, lineup- or tactic-wise, that we didn't see Wednesday; Kos is out, Flamini won't be signed in time for the game, and otherwise it's more or less status quo. Arsenal don't have a lot of options right now, so what you saw Wednesday is likely what you'll get Saturday.

The Cottagers made the perfect start to their 2013/14 campaign last weekend, with a 1-0 victory secured on the road at new-look Sunderland.

Martin Jol will be delighted to be off the mark away from home, but will also be aware that Fulham are historically stronger in front of their own supporters than they are on their travels.

They will hope that proves to be the case this weekend, with it important to establish, and then maintain, early momentum.

Arsenal will feel that they have the wind back in their sails following an impressive 3-0 victory over Fenerbahce in their UEFA Champions League qualifier in midweek, but that success has only served to paper over old cracks.
Wenger remains firmly under the spotlight after failing to bolster his ranks this summer, and a 3-1 reversal at the Emirates on the opening day saw Gunners supporters make their feelings clear.

Speculation suggests it could be a busy couple of weeks in north London, with Arsenal likely to spend big before the window closes, but they need to ensure that they get things right on the field if events off it are to become less of a distraction.

Dortmund vs Werder Bremen August 23, 2013

Posted by baturayk Friday, August 23, 2013 0 comments
 Date: Friday, August 23 at 2:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. CET)
Where: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund host Werder Bremen on Friday as both sides look to maintain perfect starts to the 2013-14Bundesliga season. Having finished a disappointing 14th last season, just three points above the relegation zone, the visitors will be delighted by their start. The hosts may perhaps be slightly less enthralled, having nearly dropped points last weekend. 
After two matches, BVB stand first in the Bundesliga table on goal difference, having beaten Augsburg (4-0) and Braunschweig (2-1). Werder have faced the same opposition, winning both fixtures 1-0.
Dortmund will have to do without long-term casualty Lukasz Piszczek and key holding midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, but will otherwise have a full squad available. Bremen are missing Philipp Bargfrede, Lukas Schmitz, Predrag Stevanovic and Tom Trybull.
Both sides will be keen to continue their fine form at season's start, and each will have over a week before its next fixture, so Friday's fixture promises to be an exciting affair. Let's take a look at key information for the match, followed by a look at individual players and how the match may unfold.
Bremen are yet to concede a goal this season, but given that their two opponents have been predictable relegation candidates Braunschweig and Augsburg, that record is not likely to last much longer. Dortmund and Bremen may be on level terms thus far, but BVB are the better team and are playing at home, and can only be considered favorites.




Tromso vs Besiktas August 22, 2013

Posted by baturayk Thursday, August 22, 2013 0 comments
When: August 22, 2013 |  2 P.M EDT

 Where: Alfheim Stadion, Tromso
Tromso vs Besiktas August 22, 2013
Tromso vs Besiktas August 22, 2013

 In the UEFA Europe League First Playoff Round first match, Tromso will face Besiktas. Although the Besiktas is the away side of the match, the odds are against Tromso.
Tromso vs Besiktas August 22, 2013
Tromso vs Besiktas August 22, 2013
Tromso's last 5 matches showed a fair performance. The results are L-W-L-W-W. However, Besiktas' last 5 match results are really awful. The only have 1 win and they had 3 losses.
Tromso vs Besiktas August 22, 2013
Tromso vs Besiktas August 22, 2013

Fenerbahce vs Arsenal August 21, 2013

Posted by baturayk Tuesday, August 20, 2013 0 comments
Place: Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey
Date: Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 2:45 p.m. ET (7:45 p.m. BST)
Arsenal and Fenerbahce continue busy starts to the new campaign with the first leg of their crucial Champions League playoff-round matchup. Both clubs are coming of losses in their respective league openers and are hoping for an immediate bounce back.
The Gunners suffered a wild loss to Aston Villa. The match featured a couple Villa penalty kicks, a red card to Laurent Koscielny and some poor finishing by Arsenal. The result was a 3-1 defeat and instant pressure on Arsene Wenger and his squad.
The biggest key for Fener is controlling the midfield. Even though Arsenal looked out of sorts in their opener, they created a lot of chances and dominated possession. If they continue doing that, the goals are eventually going to come.
Fenerbahce didn't fare much better. The club rushed out to a 2-0 halftime lead againstKonyaspor but collapsed after the break in a 3-2 loss. Their play in the second half certainly wasn't anywhere near Champions League level, and Arsenal hope it carries over.
Let's take a glance at all the important viewing information for the UCL playoff-round clash, followed by an examination of some players to watch and a match prediction.


Chelsea vs Aston Villa August 21, 2013

Posted by baturayk 0 comments
Date: August 21, 2013

Where: Stamford Bridge

League: English Premier League

Chelsea could not have a worse home record, losing every single one of the last six matches played! These low-scoring games have seen just 0 goals scored and conceded.

The away form of Aston Villa is pretty terrible, losing every single one of the last six matches played! These low-scoring games have seen just 0 goals scored and conceded.

Chelsea prepare to entertain Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday August 21, 2013 evening, looking to continue a fantastic record. Blues are clearly on top, winning 53.62% of the games played between the two.
Chelsea vs Aston Villa Live Stream
Chelsea vs Aston Villa Live Stream


The most recent encounter between these two sides at Stamford Bridge was less than a year ago, in December 2012, with Chelsea annihilating their visitors 8-0 in a Premier League match.

Chelsea's total of 3 points from their 1 games sees them sitting in the playoff places in Barclays Premier League.
Aston Villa's total of 3 points from their 1 games sees them sitting in the playoff places in Barclays Premier League.

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Posted by baturayk Monday, August 19, 2013 0 comments





Manchester City vs Newcastle United August 19, 2013

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Where: Etihad Stadium
Date: August 19, 2013
Kick-off: 20:00 (BST)
Manchester City FC
Former Real Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini has been selected as the man who has to wrestle the title back from City’s neighbors Manchester United. Most of the City fans would not have been too familiar with the former Chilean International but they can be rest assured that the City board have appointed a man with a high pedigree.
City have again spent big this summer bringing in the likes of Stevan Jovetic, Alvaro Negredo, Fernandinho and Jesus Navas for a combined fee of a whopping £95million. With such a huge outlay on new players, City have made their intention clear in wanting to win back the title.
Yaya Toure, Mateja Nastasic and Sergio Aguero are doubtful for the game. Fernandinho will most probably make his debut with either Alvaro Negredo or Stevan Jovetic partnering Edin Dzeko in attack. Spanish duo David Silva and Jesus Navas will be handed the task of providing the creative spark. Navas, in particular, will give City’s play a new dimension as he will add width to their play.
The defence will consist of Vincent Kompany, Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy and Micah Richards in front of England number one Joe Hart in goal.
Manchester City vs Newcastle United Live Stream
Manchester City vs Newcastle United Live Stream

Newcastle United FC
After such a wonderful season in the 2011/12 season, Newcastle United had a very disappointing season last year finishing 16th and only narrowly avoiding relegation. There has been controversy in the summer as the Magpies appointed Joe Kinnear as the Director of Football, a decision which has not pleased the fans.
Newcastle have so far only brought in Loic Remy on loan in the summer but he will be missing the match with a calf injury. Davide Santon, Steven Taylor, Ryan Taylor, Jonas Gutierrez and Massadio Haidara are all doubtful for the game with injury problems.
Papiss Cisse will lead the line for Newcastle with the likes of Hatem Ben Arfa, Yoann Gouffran and Moussa Sissoko providing support. Yohan Cabaye will be pulling the strings from midfield with Cheick Tiote playing in a holding role.
Despite a lot of speculation about Fabricio Coloccini’s future at St. James’ Park, the Argentine has stayed put at the club and will lead his side out on Monday. He will be accompanied in defence by Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Mathieu Debuchy and Davide Santon in front of Tim Krul in goal.
Probable Line-ups
Manchester City (Probable XI): Hart; Clichy, Kompany, Richards, Zabaleta; Silva, Milner, Fernandinho, Navas; Dzeko, Negredo
Newcastle United(Probable XI): Krul; Santon, Yanga-Mbiwa, Coloccini, Debuchy; Ben Arfa, Sissoko, Cabaye, Tiote, Gouffran; Cisse
Match
Manuel Pellegrini’s teams over the years have played an attractive brand of football and the City fans will be treated to some entertaining stuff at the Etihad this season. Manchester City will head into the game looking to assert themselves early on and get a breakthrough.
Newcastle United will be hoping that can absorb the City pressure and not concede an early goal. The Magpies do have creative players in Hatem Ben Arfa and Papiss Cisse who can cause the home team some problems, as well.

Barcelona vs Levante August 18, 2013

Posted by baturayk Sunday, August 18, 2013 0 comments
Date: Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. CET, 1 p.m. ET
Where: Camp Nou, Barcelona
The arrival of new coach Gerardo Martino creates a bit of uncertainty as to what exactly we'll see from Barcelona, those major changes are not likely. New signing Neymar is expected to make his league debut alongside Lionel Messi who has recovered from a thigh injury that threatened to keep him out of this week's match.
Barcelona vs Levante August 18, 2013
Barcelona vs Levante August 18, 2013


Cesc Fabregas is also available after recovering from a sprained ankle picked up during the team's Asia tour late in the summer.

There are still plenty of concerns about the defense as Barca have yet to add another central defender despite the glaring need. Martino appears ready to use Gerard Pique and Javer Mascherano as his starting pair, with youngsters Marc Batra and Frank Bagnack as coverage.
Barcelona injuries and suspensions
Out: Carles Puyol (knee), Isaac Cuenca (knee).
Levante injuries and suspensions
Out: None
Both Lionel Messi and Cesc Fabregas overcame fitness test and will be available for the match. Carles Puyol continues to rehab from of offseason knee surgery.
Match Date/Time: 7 p.m. local, 1 p.m. ET
Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain

Real Madrid vs Real Betis August 18, 2013

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Date: Sunday, August 18, at 3 p.m. ET (20:00 BST)
Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain
Real Madrid begin their battle for Spanish supremacy with Barcelona by welcoming Real Betis to the Bernabeu.
Fans have become accustomed to seeing Barcelona and Madrid cannibalize the rest of Spain, but this is getting ridiculous. Aside from the top two clubs, the Spanish league is seeing a major talent drain, as European teams cherry pick the best talent of every other club.
Radamel Falcao, Iago Aspas, Thiago Alcantara, Gary Medel, Jesus Navas, AlvaroNegredo and Roberto Soldado have all left Spain for greener pastures.
Of course, Madrid have only strengthened this summer. Although they lost Gonzalo Higuain, they've added Isco and Asier Illarramendi. It's been a policy of relying a little more on young Spanish talent, as Alvaro Morata and Jese are academy projects who appear poised to see some action as well.
Although it was just a preseason tournament, it was a strong showing from the club, and continued the positive momentum following the hiring of Carlo Ancelotti and the additions of Isco and Illarramendi.
Madrid shouldn't have much trouble in their La Liga curtain-raiser
Cristiano Ronaldo is poised to have a huge season now that he's free of JoseMourinho's more totalitarian regime as Madrid manager. Ancelotti is a players' manager who will take Ronaldo aside and tell him how good he is each and every week. It's the kind of support the winger needs but didn't get with Mourinho.
Real Madrid vs Real Betis Live Stream
Real Madrid vs Real Betis Live Stream

His record against Real Betis is actually not all that good. He's yet to score against Betisin Madrid.
Betis' only hope is to sit back and let Madrid run right at them. Lesser teams had a lot of success with that strategy last season. Rather than trying to attack Real Madrid, opposition sides bunkered in and tried to eliminate Madrid's chances on the counter.
Although it may prove fruitful for a short time, it's not going to work out for the entirety of the match.
Madrid will snag a goal before halftime, and it will be an uphill battle for Real Betisfrom that point forward. It will be a great league debut for Ancelotti and a major marker for the club as they look to take down Barcelona.

Ajax vs Feyenoord August 18, 2013

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Ajax vs Feyenoord August 18, 2013

When: Sunday 18th August, 2013, at 11:30 UK Time
Where: Amsterdam Arena, Amsterdam, Netherlands

 After threconsecutive title wins, Ajax’s worst enemy in the Eredivisie could be themselves. Frank de Boer has an unchanged squad, packed with quality and only improved by the loaning of Bojan Krkic from Barcelona. However, Ajax will hope that the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Christian Eriksen, Siem de Jong and Ricardo van Rhijn, who have all been tipped for summer moves, can stay focused.

Ajax began the season in style by beating AZ Alkmaar 3-2 in the Dutch Super Cup. After a first half they dominated, but could not create any clear chances, Ajax fell two goals behind. They woke up though and bounced back with two goals in the last 20 minutes, before De Jong’s header secured the club’s eighth Super Cup.
After a comfortable Eredivisie opener against Roda (a 3-0 win), Ajax then lost 3-2 in Alkmaar, but had been leading 2-1 when Van Rhijn was shown a red card. The talented right-back is not the only regular performer that Ajax will miss against Feyenoord, as captain De Jong has been sidelined for six weeks due to a collapsed lung. Positive news for De Boer has come from the flanks, with Viktor Fischer improving his performances on the left, while on the right Krkic has enjoyed a good impact, in a role in which last season the Ajax coach deployed no less than six players.
Watch Ajax vs Feyenoord Live Stream
Watch Ajax vs Feyenoord Live Stream


When Ronald Koeman joined Feyenoord in the summer of 2011, the Rotterdam side were a declining club whose maximum aim was a spot in the Europa League. Koeman led Feyenoord to third place in 2012 and then to second in 2013. And that is the reason why the coach commented in July “this season will be the most difficult since I have been here”. To do better means bringing back the title, which Feyenoord have not won since 1999.

 The club have worked to keep the team which raced for the title last term together. Technical director Martin van Geel has secured contract extensions for key players, including Jordy Clasie and Stefan de Vrij, and rising talents Tonny Vilhena and Jean-Paul Boetius. Feyenoord have also definitively bought striker Graziano Pelle, who had been in Rotterdam on loan from Parma.


Chelsea vs Hull City August 18, 2013

Posted by baturayk Saturday, August 17, 2013 0 comments
Date: August 18, 2013 Sunday
Where: Stamford Bridge, London
Kickoff: 4 p.m. GMT
Who will win the Barclays Premier League title this season? It's a question every fan in the English top flight has been asking themselves of late as we count down to this weekend's big kick-off. Where Chelsea supporters are concerned, they may have a few reasons for feeling confident it will be them.
Money and budget can help a team achieve success, but it doesn't ultimately deliver it. Nor does talent in some cases and neither does an iron will to succeed.
Sometimes you need luck or a little divine intervention, and any Blues attending Stamford Bridge on Sunday who believe in the supernatural will be able to draw on many omens to bring them belief that this is indeed their year.
The last time Chelsea won the Premier League trophy was in 2010 of course. That year they kicked off their season with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over none other than Hull City, as they will for 2013-14.
Not only that, but being crowned champions that season ended a four-year wait to lift the Premier League trophy and—low and behold—this season marks the fourth since Chelsea could last cal themselves England's finest.
Chelsea vs Hull City Live Stream
Chelsea vs Hull City Live Stream
Jose Mourinho's first-ever game in charge as Chelsea manager came at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the 2004-05 campaign. The Blues faced Manchester United, defeating them 1-0 thanks to Eidur Gudjohnsen's scrappy finish.
Hull manager Steve Bruce used to play for Manchester United and 2004-05 saw Chelsea go on to lift their first league title in 50 years.
If the stars are to align for Chelsea, Hull may be just as concerned as the Blues are elated, however. 
His return has all but healed those wounds. Win on Sunday and the club will be truly reunited.

Despite plenty of speculation, Chelsea have signed just three players since last term, while a one-year contract renewal has been forthcoming for backup goalkeeper Hilario.
The new faces at Stamford Bridge are Mark Schwarzer, who signed on a free from Fulham and the young talents of Andre Schurrle from BayerLeverkusen and Vitesse Arnhem's Marco van Ginkel.
Chelsea vs Hull City Live Stream
Chelsea vs Hull City Live Stream




Liverpool vs Stoke City August 17, 2013

Posted by baturayk Friday, August 16, 2013 0 comments
Liverpool is facing Stoke City in August 17, 2013 at Anfield.
Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is rated at about 80 per cent fit but appears to have shown enough to warrant inclusion against Stoke at Anfield.
Centre-backs Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel are expected to be available, although the latter is likely to have to settle for a place on the bench.
Summer signings Simon Mignolet and Kolo Touré are set for competitive debuts while fellow new arrivals Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto are additionally in the squad.
But forward Luis Suárez is suspended for a further six matches.
Stoke, meanwhile, are without midfielder Brek Shea, who has a knee injury suffered in a friendly in the United States last month.
Another midfielder, Jamie Ness, is also ruled out of Mark Hughes' first competitive game at the helm after his involvement in pre-season was curtailed by injury.
Summer signings Erik Pieters and Marc Muniesa, both defenders, are in contention for debuts while Asmir Begovic looks set to remain first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Thomas Sorensen and Jack Butland.
Match Notes
There is trepidation on both sides ahead of the fixture officially kicking off the Premier League season.
Luis Suárez is banned and keeping his removal firm on speed dial, Jamie Carragher retired and Liverpool arguably weaker in terms of squad depth.
Post-Tony Pulis, Mark Hughes is tasked with making Stoke more attractive.
That will require the kind of nip-tuck David Gest would be proud of.
Liverpool vs Stoke City August 17, 2013
Liverpool vs Stoke City August 17, 2013

Finland vs Slovenia August 14, 2013

Posted by baturayk Wednesday, August 14, 2013 0 comments
Finland vs. Slovenia 2013 prompts a Wednesday friendly international match from Veritas Stadium. Today’s soccer game for August 14, 2013 is a final practice match before key World Cup qualifiers this fall.
Finland vs. Slovenia 2013 (start time 9 am PST) features two teams with comparable records. Slovenia has two wins and three losses in their last five matches. Finland has two wins, two draws and one loss in its last five games.
Finland drawed its qualifier last March when it faced against Spain. Since then, the team has beat Belarus and drawed against Belarus in two other qualifiers. Finland is heading into qualifiers next month. The team faces Spain and Georgia in September. But then it battles France in October, officials remind news.
Slovenia in turn won its qualifier last June. Before that, the team was beat by Iceland in a qualifier in March. The team hopes to continue a two game winning streak having scored six goals in its last two matches. After today’s match, Slovenia heads into qualifiers this September. The team will face Cyprus that month. Then they will face Norway and the Swiss in October, reps remind news.

Indonesia vs Philippines August 14, 2013

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The Philippine Azkals will face the Indonesian national football team in a friendly game August 14 at the Manahan Stadium, Indonesia in preparation for the upcoming 2014 Asian Football Confederation Challenge Cup in Maldives.
The Azkals are fresh from their 1-0 victory over Hong Kong in a friendly competition held at the Mong kok Stadium last June.
The victory by the Azkals was significant for the Philippine national football team as it marked the first time the team won over Hong Kong in at least six FIFA-sanctioned games.
Aside from the Maldives games, Asian football teams are preparing for the upcoming 2014 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup competition to be held in Singapore and the 2015 Asian Nations Cup to be held in Australia.
The Azkals have made significant progress in the AFF Suzuki Cup competition with their entry into the 2010 and 2012 semi-finals, finishing fourth place overall.
Azkals’ Coach Michael Weiss will be adding new faces in the game to include Green Archers United Globe goalkeeper Patrick Deyto and Global FC midfielder Mark Hartmann, who played with the team about two years ago.
Azkals team manager Dan Palami told that the Indonesian friendly is a good opportunity for the young talents to develop their skills for future competition.
“We want to test some new players, who could also help us in the future,” said Palami. “The friendly is a good chance to develop talents.” Palami added.
Goalkeepers for the 21-man Azkals lineup are Ed Sacapano (Army) and Patrick Deyto (Green Archers)

Italy vs Argentina August 14, 2013

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It's been 12 years since Argentina and Italy took the pitch together, and they'll face off on Wednesday in a match different in many ways Italy vs Argentina.

 The last time these teams faced each other was another friendly exhibition in 2001, as the Argentinians pulled off a 2-1 victory. But most fans will remember the unforgettable 1990 World Cup semifinal that Argentina pulled out in penalty kicks. 

Let's break down everything you need to know for Wednesday's match Italy vs Argentina August 14, 2013.

Even with two of the sport's biggest names in Lionel Messi for Argentina and Mario Balotelli for Italy sitting this one out, this friendly clash figures to be one of the day's best. Both sides will be trotting out incredibly talented rosters, although the honor of most talented likely rests with the South Americans. With a deep attacking corps to pull from and a solid group of midfielders, La Albiceleste play a fun, up-tempo style of play that few on the planet can keep up with.

However, the Italians rank as one of those few teams. What they lack in finishing with Balotelli out, the azzurri make up for with midfield and defensive skill. This team can lock down even the most formidable of offensive attacks, and head coach Cesare Prandelli is slowly but surely pulling this team out of its shell and forcing it to attack more frequently. 
In other words, even without their two biggest stars, these teams figure to put on one heck of a show in Italy vs Argentina Live Stream. 

Italy vs Argentina August 14, 2013
Italy vs Argentina August 14, 2013

Germany vs Paraguay August 14, 2013

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Germany vs Paraguay are set for a high-profile friendly match before turning their attention back to World Cup qualifying next month. The match comes at a tricky time as players from both sides are just getting their European club seasons underway.

Die Mannschaft are in good shape when it comes to qualifying for Brazil. They lead UEFA Group C by five points with four matches to go. Barring a complete meltdown, they should punch their World Cup ticket in the near future.

Things haven't gone as good for Paraguay. La Albirroja sit in last place in the South American group and are in danger of being eliminated from contention. It's a disappointing turn of events for a country that's reached the last four World Cups.

Let's examine all the key information for the friendly clash, followed by a match preview and a prediction.

Terrific depth is the reason Germany is dangerous heading into a World Cup year, and it will be on full display against Paraguay. Even without Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gotze, who are two key assets, the Germans have put together an elite squad.

Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller lead a young midfield that should reach its peak just in time for the World Cup. Even without Schweinsteiger, the Germans should have little trouble controlling the middle of the pitch with players like Marco Reus and Ilkay Gundogan stepping up to fill the void.
Up front, the veteran duo of Mario Gomez and Miroslav Klose have combined to score over 90 international goals. Having a midfield that consistently creates scoring opportunities certainly helps, but they are both great finishers, as well.

Thus the German squad really has no glaring weakness. Add in the fact they are playing at home, and this should be a match the Germans should control throughout.

The biggest problem for Paraguay, which ranks last in scoring and second-last in goals allowed in South American qualifying, has been the inability to replace veterans with a wave of new talent. That helps explain the sudden drop off.


Germany vs Paraguay August 14, 2013
Germany vs Paraguay August 14, 2013


The roster for Wednesday's friendly Germany vs Paraguay Live Stream features a lack of experience at the back. Aside from Da Silva, no other defender has 20 international appearances under their belt, which is a worrisome sign as Paraguay get set to face a star-studded German attack.


Portugal vs Netherlands August 14, 2013

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Wednesday brings us a friendly of two international powers Portugal vs Netherlands Live Stream, as Portugal host the Netherlands at Estadio Algarve.

The Netherlands roll into this match fifth in the world soccer rankings, and Portugal football is just behind them at seventh seed. Also, they both have been in good form as of late. Portugal football club has won three straight, and the Netherlands football have won four. 

The pitch will be full of stars in this one. Most notably is a battle of strikers that is as good as it gets. Cristiano Ronaldo is set to go for Portugal, while the Netherlands will counter with Robin van Persie. 

This match will have special significance for Van Persie. Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal left former captain Wesley Sneijder off the roster for this match, so Van Persie will assume the role of captain in this clash.

These two last met at Euro 2012 in a Group B match. Portugal edged out the 2-1 victory on the strength of two goals by Ronaldo.

Portugal vs Netherlands August 14, 2013
Portugal vs Netherlands August 14, 2013

Van Persie’s appointment as captain is well deserved. The 30-year-old earned his first of 76 caps in 2005 and has 35 goals in that span.

That's not all that surprising. Van Persie is a tremendous striker of the ball and is creative in possession; he is always one of the premier players on the pitch no matter how talented those around him are. 

He also isn't showing any signals of offseason rust. In four games started this summer (including international and club play), Van Persie has already scored three goals. 
He is focal point of the Netherlands' attack, and Portugal will undoubtedly pay extra attention to him in the hopes of stifling the opposition attack. 
As great as Van Persie is, he is not piling up his impressive stats on his own. He is surrounded by talent, and he enjoys the impressively accurate crosses of Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben.
Robben plays with tremendous smarts and pace. He can break down a defense, create space and fashion opportunities for his teammates.

Robben's power allows him to score a few goals on his own, but his real value to the Netherlands is his ability to create. If Portugal wants to succeed in Portugal vs Netherlands, they will have to keep Robben from feeding Van Persie excellent looks on goal. 

 Cristiano Ronaldo needs no introduction, but I'm going to give him one anyway.
There is no denying he is the heart and soul of this Portugal team. Even when he isn't scoring goals, he is a benefit to his team simply through the amount of defensive attention he commands.
The 28-year-old has "just" 39 goals in 102 career caps. I put "just" in quotes because for most it wouldn't apply. However, considering Ronaldo's prodigious goalscoring throughout his career, this is a bit underwhelming. 

This has been more due to the defensive attention paid to him and the lack of talent around him, than his own performances. 

However, he had no such problems against the Netherlands the last time these two met. We'll see if he can duplicate the brace he picked up in that contest.