Many great weekend fixtures are being played around Europe . Two of the top European 2010 World Cup qualifyers being played this weekend are the Russia vs Germany match and the Portugal vs Hungary Match.
Russia vs Germany Preview
The clash between Russia and Germany at the Luzhniki Stadium on Saturday is probably the match of the weekend, with both sides desperate to secure the top spot in their group and avoid having to go to a play-off for a place in South Africa.
Guus Hiddink’s Russians Confident on an Artificial Pitch
Germany are at the top of the group (with a one point advantage), with Russia just behind them, and only the top team is certain of a trip to South Africa 2010. The pitch is an artificial one, which should give Guus Hiddink’s Russians a boost of confidence, as their players are more familiar with it.
The Russians will be hoping the ever-dangerous Roman Pavlyuchenko will be fit for the match to partner in-form Arsenal playmaker, Andrei Arshavin up front to provide a ferocious attack for the Russian team, while Hiddink has a number of midfield options to choose from, including the entire Zenit St Petersburg midfield who has done so well this season.
Renee Adler Between the Posts for Germany
Germany will field debut goalkeeper Rene Adler as Robert Enke is injured.
A draw would almost certainly see the Germans progress as group winners since they host Finland in their final fixture, but a Russian win would leave Hiddink’s boys two points clear ahead of their trip to bottom side Azerbaijan.
Christiano Ronaldo will Play for Portugal.
Portugal vs Hungary Preview
Good news for Portugal is that Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo seems fit to play in their 2010 World Cup qualifier against Hungary on Saturday after recovering from a twisted ankle, according to Coach Carlos Queiroz.
Portugal will need to beat Hungary at the Estadio da Luz in their World Cup Qualifier on Saturday and hope other results go in their favour if they intend to make the cut for the trip to South Africa in 2010.
Seleccao are Third in Group One
The Seleccao are third in Group One, two points behind Sweden and five points behind first-placed Denmark with two games to play. They are scheduled to play Malta four days later and also need to win that match.
Carlos Queiroz’s men will need Denmark to beat Sweden this weekend, while securing a win over Hungary to keep their 2010 World Cup hopes alive.
The home side will be without Tiago due to an injury, while Pepe will also be sidelined as he serves a suspension.
Photo: Cristiano Ronaldo
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