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.

Injury scare for FC Barcelona ahead of Osasuna clash.


Argentine wonder, Lionel Messi may not have the opportunity to perform his magic in Pamplona this weekend, as the soccer meastro was slightly injured while representing his country against Australia in the midweek friendly encounter in which Mesi steered Argentina to victory. Lionel Messi has a strained muscle in his right thigh and will have to miss the Osasuna game in order to increase his chances of recovery and playing well in subsequent matches for Barca. It's a long season ahead, and being fot for many matches is the main priority.


Messi trained seperately from other players this week, as more concentration was given on his muscle therapy in order to aid quicker recovery.
Bojan krkic and Eidur Gudjohnsen may be called in to replace injured Messi and another previously injured striker, Samuel Eto'o.

FC Barcelona's magic man, Ronaldinho has begun to peak as he ran down USA to secure a Brazilian victory.


Rampaging Ronnie was all over the pitch as he became a nightmare for the North Americans who could not contain their South American colleagues. The boys from Brazil were inspired by their Barca dynamo, Ronaldinho Gaucho as the Blaugrana architect designed the downfall of the determined Americans, who even though went down 4-2 at home to the Samba Boys, still gave a very good account of themselves.
Read all about this below:


USA - Brazil: It's Ronaldinho All The Way !

A personal protest against the effects of international engagements and a word of advice for Giovani Dos Santos is Marquez offering for the day.


FC Barcelona's Mexican defender, Rafa Marquez is concerened that the international break for friendlies and competition qualifiers could hurt Barca's progress pattern in the La Liga. Marquez spoke about the often slowing effect breaks from a free flow of constant league action can affect a player's mind and the entire teams rythym. Having picked three points and a bit more of their form against Athletic, Barca were hoping to continue their impressive display with another closely placed victory in the next Primera game, but that has been disrupted by the international matches as the Camp Nou is now deserted by senior team stars who have all gone to their respective countries camps. Marquez says:

This development is not good for us. It would be better if the league continued and we could all work together, but we all have to fulfil our national team obligations. Let’s hope we come back in perfect condition so we don’t lose the good rhythm we had last Sunday.

Márquez has been called up by Mexico manager Hugo Sánchez for the match against Brazil on 12th September.

Rafa's fellow country-man and rising teen sensation, Giovani Dos Santos has also been called for two friendlies involving the Mexican senior national teams. The youthful prodigy is only 18 and has been suddenly thrown into professional limelight with his star-bewitching performance since wearing the Blue and the Red stripes of Barca. Marquez, who has been once a teenage star himself, has words of advice and caution for his illustrious teammate:

He’s a great footballer with an extraordinary future. It’s logical that other clubs are interested in him. I think the Board would do well to work to keep him at Barça. He’s a player that can bring us a lot of joy. I always try to help Giovanni and the advice I give him is to keep his feet on the ground and work hard day in and day out to be a better player and a better person.

As international duty calls, most countries have Barca stars on their list of dependable players.


International matches once again will deny FC Barcelona the service of their players, when 14 of the Blaugrana stars will travel to different destinations to shine for their respective countries. 10 of such matches are competitive while the remaining four are freindlies. The players who will feature in the friendlies include Ronaldinho for Brazil against USA Giovani dos Santos for Mexico against Panama. Gabriel Milito and Lionel Messi will play for Argentina against Australia.
Read full details about below:


FC Barcelona To miss 14 Players.