FCBARCELONA.CAT

03.03.2010 23:44

7 Barça players help Spain and Argentina to wins

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Seven FC Barcelona players were involved as Spain won in France (0-2) and Argentina in Germany (0-1). Piqué and Sergio for Spain and Messi for Argentina played the full 90 minutes.

This was the last friendly for these teams before they get together on a permanent basis at the end of the club season to prepare for the World Cup in South Africa. All six FC Barcelona players selected for the game made an appearacen in Paris; for Spain  Xavi and Puyol playing a half each, Iniesta 63 minutes and Piqué and Sergio were on for the whole game. Thierry Henry was substituted for France with 20 minutes to go.

45 amazing minutes

Vicente Del Bosque’s were all over the 2006 finalists in the first half. The French created very little danger, while an assist from Iniesta that Silva left for David Villa opened the scoring and just before the break Sergio Ramos’ shot deflected off centre back Escudé to make it two.

French reaction

“Les bleus” improved after the restart, but failed to find the net. Cisse’s header onto the post was the nearest they came to scoring. The Spanish weren’t settling for a 2-0 win though, and Torres very nearly made it three but was denied by the well placed French goalkeeper Lloris.

Prestigious win for Argentina

Argentina, including Leo Messi, won against the ever difficult Germans. Maradona’s side had Gonzalo Higuaín to thank for their solitary goal at the Allianz Arena. It was an important morale booster for the South Americans after their difficult qualifying campaign.