Today's Friendlies and Upcoming International Matches

The real beginning of preparation for the Germany World Cup 2006 has started with a packed schedule of friendlies between now and the Finals themselves:


Today's Matches:

Australia (1) v Greece (0)

England 'B' vs Belarus

Sweden v Finland

Fri May 26:

South Korea v Bosnia Herzegovina

United States v Venezuela

Saudi Arabia v Czech Republic

Turkey vs Ghana

For a complete list of friendlies up to the opening match of the Finals, visit ESPN

The most interesting and potentially enlightening of the forthcoming games are these:

Switzerland vs Ivory Coast on Sat May 27.
Both teams are outsiders and both have the potential to spring a surprise. This will show how competitive these two sides really are.

Italy v Ukraine Fri Jun 2
I'm expecting the Ukraine to do well at these Finals and if Shevchenko is fit, this match will prove a stern test for both teams. It will be interesting to see how well the occasionally casual Ukraine defence holds up under the fire-power of the Italians. A draw would serve both sides well.