FC Barcelona players in crucial roles for their respective countries.


A penalty resulting from a foul on Giovani dos Santos was well converted by Cacho to give Mexico a 2-2 draw with Nigeria. The FC Barcelona starlet featured for all of the 90 minutes of the match played in Mexico, with Dos Santos being the antidote to the rampaging Nigerians. The Barca star proved a worthy answer on the other end to attacking incursions made by the West Africans, who are the number one rated country by FIFA in all of the Africa. Nigeria went ahead with a goal from Newcastle striker, Obafemi Martins. The Magpie, Martins made it two against the hosts, and with Mexico trailing 2-0, Giovani stepped up his game to constantly upset the Nigerian defence. Mexico drew one goal back through Cacho and got level after the skillful Dos Santos was fouled by a mesmerized Nigerian defence for a penalty, which Cacho again, converted to make it 2-2.


Ronaldinho also staved off challenges from host country Colombia to give Brazil an away point from their 2010 FIFA world cup qualifying match opener in Bogota. The FC Barcelona machine played all through the match, creating beautiful opportunities for the Samba Boys. Ronaldinho will again anchor events in Brazil's second world cup match against Ecuador in the Maracana, while Giovani will brace up for Mexico as they face Guatamela in their second friendly this week.