With World Cup 2018 rapidly coming up on the horizon, the international break promises to be an intriguing one.
We’ve picked out the top-five best friendlies that will be played during the next week.
SPAIN V ARGENTINA
March 27, Wanda Metropolitano, (23:30 UAE)
All eyes will be on Lionel Messi when the country of his birth and the country that has made him meet in Madrid.
Messi couldn’t come into the game versus Spain in better form. He’s scored eight goals in his last six club appearances.
Argentine will be pleased to have him back after losing to Nigeria in November.
FRANCE V COLOMBIA
Friday, March 23, Stade de France (00:00+1 UAE)
All eyes will be on Paul Pogba – and his shocking new blond/blue haircut – when he takes to the field for Les Bleus.
The centre midfielder has had a miserable time of late at Manchester United. This will be a test of his enduring quality.
For Colombia, former Monaco playmaker James Rodriguez will be back on French soil after previously excelling in Ligue 1.
GERMANY V SPAIN
Friday, March 23, Esprit Arena (23:45 UAE)
The 2014 World Cup winners host the 2010 champions – what’s not to like?
Both managers have enviable squad depth and they will be looking to unleash it. Up top for Germany, Timo Werner will be hoping to extend an electric international start that features seven strikes in 10 run-outs.
Timo Werner of Leipzig celebrates after scoring the winner against Bayern Munich on Sunday.
PORTUGAL V EGYPT
Friday, March 23, Letzigrund (23:45 UAE)
Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah should lock horns in a match-up that Real Madrid fans will hope is a harbinger of the future.
The latter tops the Premier League’s scoring charts and continues to be linked with a move to the Bernabeu.
Ronaldo has a ridiculous 17 goals in his last eight club games.
NORWAY V AUSTRALIA
Friday, March 23, Ullevaal Stadion (23:45 UAE)
A new dawn officially gets under way for the Socceroos in the coming days.
The divisive Ange Postecoglou stepped aside after securing entry to World Cup 2018. In his place is beaten 2010 finalist Bert van Marwijk.
The Dutchman is only signed up for a short stint. Let’s see if he can make it a good one.
