Sixty Matches in Seven Days “Soccer Big Bang”

The reason why the “A” matches are all clustered together is because national teams had to play the previously delayed exhibition games, as well as the European Soccer Championship (Euro 2004) playoffs and the preliminary games in South America for the 2006 Germany World Cup all occurring at the same time.

The exhibition game between Germany and France at Gelgenkirhen in Germany on November 16 is drawing the biggest interest. This match is between the two powerhouses, who form high mountains against competition in Europe, and it is expected that “The Commander of Art Soccer” Zinedine Zidane and “Nova of German Tank Corps” Michael Ballack will confront at midfield. France is now riding on 12 straight victories, including sweeping wins in preliminary games in the Euro 2004 to escape from the shock experienced after failing to qualify in its group at the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup.

England will contend for victory against Denmark, the northern European power, at Manchester Stadium on November 17, betting their pride of soccer origin without Michael Owen. “Azzuri Corps” Italy will play against Romania, the notorious Eastern European power on the same day. Italy will have an open game against Poland on November 13, and Mexico will battle Nigeria. Japan will test the variable strategy of Zico, the coach of Japan, by mobilizing seven overseas players including Nakata, Yanagisawa to play against “an indomitable lion” Cameroon in Oita on November 19.

Brazil, who now marks only two wins in South America preliminary matches for the 2006 Germany World Cup, will challenge to win straight victories against Peru on November 17 and Uruguay on November 20. The match between Brazil and “the power” Uruguay is the focus. Brazil is positive for a victory since Ronaldo is at the peak of his play in spite of the absence of playmaker Ronadinho. However, Uruguay’s power is also tough, positioning the best strikers in big leagues such as Dario Silva, and the match is expected to be close.

Argentina, led by Aimar and Crespo, will play against Bolivia on November 16 and Columbia on November 20. In the playoffs of the Euro preliminary matches, the second-place team of each group will be playing both at home and away. Netherlands versus Scotland and Spain versus Norway (on 16, 20 respectively) are must-sees. The European Soccer Championship will be held in Portugal next year.

Jong-Koo Yang yjongk@donga.com