Weekend Watch: Beware of Flying Frenchmen

By: Daryl | September 7th, 2007

Flying Frenchman

The world of domestic football takes a back seat to its international cousin this weekend. But not everywhere. You can still get your domestic ya-yas from the likes of MLS and the A-League, which will bravely soldier on minus their international players. Normal service will be resumed next weekend.

Saturday
England vs Israel
It’s make or break for In-Ger-Land, who find themselves in fourth place in Group E of Euro 2008 qualifying. They desperately need a win. We could see the resurrection of Emile Heskey’s international career, or maybe the end of Stevie Gerrard’s big toe. Either way there’ll be drama.

Italy vs France
It’s the World Cup final rematch, except there’s no Matrix and no Zizou, so there’ll be no headbutt related action. But their should be plenty of football action. France are first in Group B, with Italy just two points behind and Scotland waiting in third just one point behind them.

FC Dallas vs Toronto FC
Dallas DP Denilson gets another chance to impress in MLS, while Mo Johnston scrambles to put out a Toronto team. Presumably he’ll everyone on the TFC roster with a stick to see if any of them are fit enough to stand on two feet. That’s how I’d do it anyway, which is probably why I’m not a professional coach.

Cruz Azul vs Pachuca
Pachuca are top of Group 1 in Mexico’s Apertura (and also reigning Superliga champions) while Cruz Azul are top of Group 3. The two clubs are second and third in the single table respectively, so the winner of this game will be that much closer to leaders Santos Laguna.

Sunday
DC United vs New England Revs
The top two teams in MLS’ Eastern Conference meet in the nation’s capital. The winner will lead the Eastern Conference and be top of the MLS single table. If there was one.

Perth Glory vs Sydney FC
Sydney FC have made a poor start to the A-League season in Australia, with a loss and a draw. They’ll be hoping to get their first win against Perth Glory, who have drawn their opening two games. Like MLS, the A-League will be depleted by international call ups, ~~but Sydney will still be able to rely on miniature Brazilian midfield genius Juninho to get their season going.~~ (see comments for bad news about Juninho)

USA vs Brazil
The clash of the champions! Except one of them only won the Gold Cup and the other beat Argentina in the final of the Copa America. Both teams have put together close to their strongest squads though, so expect a more than half decent game of soccer vs futebol.

Know of a game happening this weekend that we should follow or be excited about? Feel free to hype it in the comments.