Friendly in Doha
When it comes to International Football and qualifying games against country’s like Andorra, I can really take it or leave it, I won’t go out of my way to watch it especially if it’s on a pay to view channel. But, when there is a game against a country like Brazil, friendly or not, that’s a lot more interesting. It’s not really about watching England play, it’s more about watching the Brazilian’s, a team full of skillful players who just want to express themselves.
When it comes to England, I think they have come along way in the last few years since Capello has been in charge, there seems to be a lot more emphasis on keeping the ball and playing a possession game, a real contrast to previous England teams. As a country though, we still don’t seem to produce the skillful ball players other country’s have, the likes of Ronaldo of Portugal, Messi of Argentina and Ronaldinho of Brazil, the closest England have would probably be Joe Cole. What England are now is very organised, have a strong centre to the team and have some pace on the wings with players like Arron Lennon, Theo Walcott and Shaun Wright Phillips.
This game will be a good test for England, a top team from South America and playing outside of Europe will be good preparation for next summers world cup. I don’t really expect either team to really go for it, but it should be a useful exercise and see how some of the fringe players can fit in.
My Prediction: 1-1
