FC Barcelona Internationals – Summary
Chygrynskiy (Ukraine-Andorra 5-0)
The central defender played the full 90 minutes against Andorra in Kiev, the match ended with Ukraine defeating Andorra by 5 goals, including 3 penalties awarded to the home side. Chygrynskiy was lively throughout the match, and even had an opportunity on goal in the second half with a shot from distance that caused trouble for the Andorra keeper.
Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast-Burkina Faso 5-0)
The Ivorian international celebrated with his team-mates the qualification of their team for the World Cup in South Africa. Ivory Coast beat the visitors five to nothing, with Yaya Toure scoring the third goal of the match. Toure played the full 90 minutes and was consistent throughout.
Ibrahimovic (Hungary-Sweden 1-2)
Zlatan Ibrahimovich’s participation in this match could not be more decisive for the Swedish National team. The Barca striker wore the captain’s armband, played the full 90 minutes, and grabbed the winning goal for his team in the last seconds.
Henry, Abidal (France-Romania 1-1)
The match leaves a bittersweet feeling for the French Striker. Thierry Henry started the match and scored the opener at the Stade de France after he followed up on a header from Gallas. However, his team-mate Escude scored an own goal shortly afterwards which set the score as a draw. Abidal on the other hand, played no minutes during the match as Raymond Domenech opted to keep the defender on the bench.
Puyol, Pique, Xavi and Sergio Busquets (Spain-Belgium 5-0)
Spanish coach, Vicente del Bosque, started the match with all the 4 Barca players in the starting line-up, and he wasn’t disappointed as his side defeated the Belgium’s with a large score-line.
Carles Puyol: Although he lacked a little pace. Puyol started the match and put on a great defending performance. He was shown a yellow card in the 79th minute with a late tackle on De Camargo.
Gerard Pique: One of the best performers on the pitch, and also got on the score-sheet with the 3rd goal. The Catalan defender is still living through a sweet moment, and last night was no exception. He was solid in defense, and showed great attacking skills after controlling the ball in the box and scoring the 3-0 for Spain.
Sergio Busquets: The player worked hard in midfield. The youth player was solid, and despite being 21 years old, he put in a veteran performance. Although he was booked in the 23rd minute for a foul on Vertonghen, he was vital for winning and keeping possession.
Xavi Hernandez: Xavi returned to give the midfielders a lesson on leadership. Xavi was the hero of the Spanish midfield, moving the ball around, making crazy passes, and feeding the Spanish attack with a typical performance of himself.
Messi, Dani Alves (Argentina-Brazil 1-3)
Lionel Messi: Barca’s star player Lionel Messi, started and played the full match last night. It wasn’t a good evening for the Argentinians as they’re qualifying problem becomes more difficult after losing against Brazil. Lionel Messi was lively throughout, and had a few shots on goal, and usually took on defenders, but he was well marked by the Brazilian defenders who give him little room.
Dani Alves: On the other hand, it was a wonderful night for the Right-back. Although he didn’t start the match, Alves came on in the 68th minute for Elano, and was very lively, and came close to scoring with a free-kick that just went above the bar. It was a good night for the Brazilian who celebrated the qualification of his country to the World Cup.
