FCBARCELONA.CAT

25.03.2007 14:52

Eto’o returns, Ronaldinho scores and an assist from Iniesta

Barça players featured prominently in this weekend’s internationals. Eto’o played for Cameroon for the first time in six months, Ronaldinho scored twice for Brazil and Iniesta set up Spain’s first goal.

Six Barça players were in action on Saturday, namely Ronaldinho, Eto’o, Iniesta, Xavi, Van Bronckhorst and Thuram. Puyol was suspended and missed Spain’s game, but will probably be back on Wednesday. Márquez plays on Sunday, while Zambrotta and Gudjohnsen have games on Wednesday.

Brazil, 4 – Chile, 0

The ‘canarinha’ were in dazzling form against Chile, and Ronaldinho was one of the star performers. In a game that served as a warm-up for the Copa America, Dunga’s side had few problems overcoming their fellow South Americans, and were already one up through a Ronaldinho penalty on the quarter hour. Kaká made it two just before the break. Ronaldinho scored again early in the second half with a trademark free kick, and Juan rounded things off with his side’s fourth goal shortly before full time.

Cameroon, 3 – Liberia, 1

Cameroon welcomed back Samuel Eto’o for the first time since his knee injury, and although he failed to score, the Barça player was one of the Indomitable Lions’ most active players. He was involved in the first goal, with a penetrating run into the area and a shot that the keeper failed to keep hold of, allowing Webo to come through to score on the rebound. Webo added a second just minutes later. The Liberians pulled one back through Francis Doe on the stroke of half time, but early in the second half were reduced to ten men. Nyongha came on for Eto’o, who played 68 minutes in all. A third goal for Cameroon towards the end sealed three points that leave them in a commanding position in the chase for a place at the 2008 African Nations Cup.

Spain, 2 – Denmark, 1

Spain narrowly defeated Denmark 2-1, and that was despite playing most of the game against ten men. Morientes opened the scoring thanks to a terrific through ball from Barcelona’s Iniesta, who played a decisive role in his team’s victory. Shortly before the interval, Villa made it two, which was enough to reduce the rest of the game into a mere formality for Luis Aragonés’ side, with Xavi and Iniesta brilliantly leading the show in midfield.

Holland, 0 – Romania, 0

Holland only managed a draw at home to Romania, and were fortunate not to get even less out of the game. Marco van Basten’s side failed to create much danger up front, while the visitors tested Dutch stopper Stekelenburg on numerous occasions, without luck. Despite the draw, Holland stay top of the group. Gio van Bronckhorst played the entire 90 minutes.

Lithuania, 0 – France, 1

France scraped though to victory on their trip to Lithuania, and remain on course for Euro 2009. Domenech’s side struggled to find their way through a packed Baltic defence, and the only goal of the game came from Nicolas Anelka fifteen minutes from the final whistle. Barça defender Lilian Thuram played all 90 minutes.