There’s some important 2014 World Cup qualifiers going on in Asia, while there’s also some big match-ups in international friendlies in Europe.
AFC World Cup qualifiers, Wednesday 10.30am (CET)
The Socceroos are already through to the fourth and final round of World Cup qualifiers in Asia, but former Barcelona and Netherlands coach Frank Rijkaard and his Saudi Arabia side aren’t so lucky. In fact it’s quite the contrary as they sit on the brink of elimination in the final matchday in the third round. Saudi Arabia will be chasing a win in this game, as they sit second in the group, one point ahead of Oman who host Thailand. Only the top two go through.
South Korea v Kuwait
AFC World Cup qualifiers, Wednesday 1pm (CET)
While Europe braces for a day of friendlies, in Asia there’s some serious matches going on with 2014 World Cup qualification well and truly underway. And for one of the region’s heavyweights, South Korea, their run to Brazil 2014 could end as early as Wednesday, should be lose at home to Kuwait. The Koreans recently replaced their coach with Choi Kang-Hee after losing to Lebanon. For Kuwait, nothing less than a win is enough to go through.
Friendly, Wednesday 8.45pm (CET)
The two big Western Europe giants face off in Bremen on Wednesday, but it will be a weakened Germany side who face Laurent Blanc’s Les Bleus. There’s no Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Lukas Podolski and Per Mertesacker for Die Mannschaft, while France come with a strong side but are without Karim Benzema. Whoever hits the field, it has been 10 years since the last match-up between these two, so there will be bragging rights at stake.
Friendly, Wednesday 8.45pm (CET)
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli may experiment here or there, when La Nazionale take on the United States on Wednesday. US boss Jurgen Klinsmann is expected to name a conventional line-up for the clash with big names like Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard and Jozy Altidore among them. The Azzurri lost their last match, 1-0 to Uruguay back to November and they haven’t been too flash in friendlies under Prandelli.
Friendly, Wednesday 9pm (CET)
The Three Lions will begin life post-Fabio Capello when they take on the Netherlands in an international friendly in London. Stuart Pearce takes charge of the side without the likes of Wayne Rooney, John Terry and Darren Bent, so there will be a few youngsters on the park but it is a chance for Scott Parker to strut his stuff. The Oranje are without Rafael van der Vaart while Arjen Robben is battling, but in-form Klaas-Jan Huntelaar should start up front.