FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.06.2007 15:24

Five wins and three draws for the internationals

Sergi Nogueras

FC Barcelona’s international players had a mixed weekend as the Euro 2008 qualifiers and friendlies saw the club’s representatives chalk up five wins and three draws from the eight games involving Blaugrana stars.

In the first of two rounds of games, Barça have had several players in action and the balance, so far, has been positive. Andrés Iniesta scored, and Xavi and Carles Puyol played, as Spain won 2-0 in Latvia. France defeated Ukraine by the same scoreline in Paris, while Portugal were 2-1 winners in Belgium and the Netherlands beat South Korea 2-0 in Seoul. Three sides containing Blaugrana players drew as Brazil were held 1-1 by England, Iceland earned a point against Liechenstein (1-1) and Switzerland and Argentina ended level (1-1).

A good run out

Almost all the Barça players enjoyed a good run out with their national teams. Iniesta, Puyol, Xavi, Eidur Gudjohnsen, Lilian Thuram, Deco, Ronaldinho and Gio Van Bronckhorst all played the full 90 minutes, while Leo Messi was on for 88 minutes before replaced by Javier Saviola. Edmílson appeared at Wembley for half an hour.

Zambrotta rested

The only player from Frank Rijkaard’s squad not to play at all was Gianluca Zambrotta, who was rested for Italy’s 2-1 win over the Faroe Islands as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

Brazil drew on Friday

The only game played on Friday evening was between England and Brazil and the new Wembley Stadium in London. Steve McLaren’s team drew 1-1 with the Canarinha.