Watch Saudi Arabia vs Nigeria Live Streaming FIFA U-20 World Cup

Saudi Arabia

VS

Nigeria

Date/Time:	Aug 7, 2011, 1:00 am(GMT)
Competition:	FIFA U-20 World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia battle for top spot

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With both sides already assured of qualifying from Group D of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011, Saturday’s clash between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria in the city of Pereira will decide which of these teams will top the section, after both recorded impressive victories over Croatia and Guatemala.

The match
Saudi Arabia-Nigeria, 6 August, 20.00 (local time), Pereira

The stakes
As if to prove their 5-0 demolition of Guatemala was no accident, Nigeria crashed another five past a hapless Croatia on Wednesday, albeit with Flying Eagles goalkeeper Dami Paul being beaten twice along the way. The African side go into their contest with Saudi Arabia needing a draw to maintain first place in Group D, which would see them play their Round of 16 tie in Armenia.

For his part, Saudi Arabia coach Khalid Al Koroni is also keen to go back to Armenia, the scene of his side’s opening two triumphs. “The team likes Armenia,” he said. “We’re used to it!” To get there, though, the youngsters from the Gulf Kingdom will need to do better than during their last meeting with Nigeria – a draw in an international friendly on 13 March last year.

In what is sure to be a thrilling encounter, all eyes will be on Saudi goalkeeper Abdullah Al Sdairi and his stalwart back line. Their defence is yet to concede a goal in the group stage but now come up against a rampant Nigeria attack, spearheaded by the gifted Ahmed Musa with able support from Olarenwaju Kayode and Uche Nwofor.

The stat
1 – The number of times the two sides have met at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. The previous meeting came at the 1989 edition in Saudi Arabia, when the Nigerians won 2-1 en route to a runners-up spot.

The words
Khalid Al Koroni, Saudi Arabia coach: “We’re going to try to win this match and the group, although it’s not going to be easy as Nigeria are a strong side. We faced them in a friendly not long ago and they were well-organised and tough to beat.”

Ahmed Musa, Nigeria forward: “We have to win against Saudi to merit top spot in Group D and that’s what we’re focused on at the moment. Morale is high in the squad and I believe things will go well.”

Watch Australia vs Spain Live Streaming FIFA U-20 World Cup

Australia

VS

Spain

Date/Time:	Aug6, 2011, 10:00pm(GMT)
Competition:	FIFA U-20 World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live

All or nothing for Young Socceroos

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Spain are guaranteed a place in the Round of 16 and are all but sure of top spot in Group C, while Australia will likely require nothing short of three points to join them in the knockout phase.

The game
Australia-Spain, Saturday 6 August, Manizales, 5:00pm (local time)

The stakes
Having taken just one point from two matches, a draw is unlikely to be enough to extend the Young Socceroos' stay in Colombia. The Aussies, therefore, have to go for broke. In Tommy Oar they have a player who has scored twice thus far, while Jan Versleijen must decide whether to reinstall fan favoruite Mustafa Amini to his starting XI after the No10 impressed from the bench against Costa Rica. Central to Autralia's hopes of victory will be whether Julen Lopetegui picks a full-strength side or rests his first-choice players. Spain are all but guaranteed top spot, but how important will the 44-year-old regard going through with a 100 per cent record?

The stat
1 – The total of group-stage matches Spain have lost at the FIFA U-20 World Cup since a team including Santaigo Canizares, Albert Ferrer and Urzaiz fell 4-2 to a Lars Bohinen-inspired Norway in 1989. Thereafter, La Roja have 22 victories, three draws and one defeat, courtesy of Argentina's 2-1 success in 2003.

The words
“It doesn't matter what team Spain put out, they'll be strong in defence, strong in midfield and strong in attack. But we believe we can do it. If we have the right game plan and play to our full ability, we can get the three points,” Trent Sainsbury, Australia defender.

“Regardless of what the situation is, we want to beat Australia. We want to have the pride of going through with a 100 per cent record as we have done in the past. They have improved a lot in recent years, but we will be doing our best to get the win,” Sergio Canales, Spain attacking midfielder.

Watch Ecuador vs Costa Rica Live Streaming FIFA U-20 World Cup

Ecuador

VS

Costa Rica

Date/Time:	Aug 6, 2011, 10:00pm(GMT)
Competition:	FIFA U-20 World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live

High stakes in Pereira

The stakes are almighty in Pereira. Ecuador and Costa Rica are chasing a place in the Round of 16, yet both know they could finish the match having been eliminated from the competition.

The game
Ecuador-Costa Rica, Saturday 6 August, Pereira, 5:00pm (local time)

The stakes
Ecuador and Costa Rica will be hoping Spain, who are effectively assured of top spot in Group C, do them a favour by denying Australia the chance to progress. However, given that the Iberians are already through and may, therefore, have less urgency to win their final first-phase match, La Tri and Los Ticos will want to leave nothing to chance. A draw will ensure the Costa Ricans finish above their opponents and likely see them advance, while the Ecuadorians need a victory to end up second in the pool, though a point could also see them progress.

The stat
10 – The low percentage of matches Costa Rica have drawn at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Los Ticos have finished all square on only three occasions in 29 outings. Only Argentina have drawn a less percentage of games in the tournament.

The words
Juan Govea, Ecuador forward: “We deserve more than a point from out [two] matches. We must make sure that against Costa Rica we not only play well but we win. We can't fall to sleep towards the end of the game.We are confident. They are a good team with a very good player [in Joel Campbell], but we have a lot of good players and we don't want to go home.”

Joel Campbell, Costa Rica forward: “We could lose and still go through, but that would not please us. We are going for the win. Ecuador are a good team and they need the victory, but we will listen to our coach, play our own game and hopefully emerge victorious. We are a team to be reckoned with and we want to prove that again.”

Watch Colombia vs Korea Republic Live Streaming FIFA U-20 World Cup

Colombia

VS

Korea Republic

Date/Time:	Aug 6, 2011, 1:00am(GMT)
Competition:	FIFA U-20 World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live

Colombia striving for perfect nine

The host nation has been in unstoppable form so far at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Colombia 2011 and will be out to seal first place in Group A when they meet Korea Republic in Bogota in their final group game. Victory will give them a perfect record of nine points out of nine and first place in the section, while the South Koreans, who lie second, are hoping for a ticket to the knockout rounds.

The game
Colombia-Korea Republic, Friday 5 August, Bogota, 20.00 (local time)

The stakes
With comprehensive wins over France and then Mali, Los Cafeteros have already clinched their place in the next round, but that will not stop them going for a third straight win, this time against the South Koreans. Should they top the group, the hosts will stay in Bogota for the next round, which has proved a happy hunting ground for them so far. With his charges having performed so well to date, coach Eduardo Lara is not expected to make many tactical changes for Friday’s game.

Opponents Korea Republic have played well in spells but only have a victory over Mali to show for their efforts. Coach Lee Kwang-Jong is aware they will have to up their game for what is a decisive clash: “We need to improve if we want to qualify, and though we want to win, we also know that a draw will virtually take us through, which is what we’re fighting for.”

The stat
43 - The number of matches Korea Republic will have played in the FIFA U-20 World Cup when they take on Colombia. To date they have won 12, drawn 10 and lost 20 of their matches in the competition.

Watch France vs Mali Live Streaming FIFA U-20 World Cup

France

VS

Mali

Date/Time:	Aug 6, 2011, 1:00am(GMT)
Competition:	FIFA U-20 World Cup
Live/Repeat:	Live

Upbeat France take on goal-shy Mali

Getty Images

Friday’s match between France and Mali is shaping up to be an intriguing encounter. No fewer than five members of the Malian U-20 squad ply their trade in French leagues, with Ibrahima Diallo playing for Auxerre, Boubacar Sylla turning out for Chateauroux and the trio of Kalifa Traore, Kalifa Coulibaly and Adama Traore all at Paris Saint-Germain.

Les Bleuets, in turn, feature several players of west African descent. Captain Gueida Fofana has mixed Malian and Guinean origins, while Gilles Sunu has Togolese ancestry and Kalidou Koulibaly has Senegalese roots. Jonathan Ligali is of Beninese descent, while Cedric Bakambu has links to the Democratic Republic of Congo in central Africa. In short, the match represents a rich melting pot of French and African talent that should produce an attractive spectacle for the fans in Cali.

Despite these similarities, the sides have very different playing styles and contrasting FIFA U-20 World Cup ambitions. Les Bleuets are composed, dangerous going forward and strong at the back, and as reigning European champions, elimination at this early stage would be a bitter pill to swallow. Mali are altogether more rugged and unpredictable, particularly in attack, but their two opening defeats have left them with little hope of reaching the knockout stages.

The game
France-Mali, Friday 5 August, Cali, 20.00 (local time)

The stakes
On the face of it, the stakes are the same for France and Mali as both can still qualify for the last 16. However, with two defeats already to their name, the Eagles face a near-impossible task and will be looking above all to leave the tournament on a high. Les Bleuets, on the other hand, recorded a confidence-boosting 3-1 victory over Korea Republic in their second match after a disappointing 4-1 opening defeat by Colombia. A win for Francis Smerecki’s side would all but secure their place in the next round, while a draw would also leave them with a good chance of progressing.

When asked to choose between second place in the group and qualification as one of the best third-placed teams, Smerecki’s response was simply “qualification!” Mali coach Sekou Diallo was left crestfallen after his side’s 2-0 loss to Colombia, but he has not given up all hope. “With two defeats from two matches, we’re in a bad position. But you never know,” he said.

Both sides have avoided injuries so far, with France also free of suspensions for Friday’s match. Mali, however, will have to make do without the suspended Kalifa Traore, who received his marching orders against Colombia. And given coach Diallo’s anger at his side’s display against the hosts, there will almost certainly be other changes to the Eagles’ starting XI.

The stat
0 – The number of times Mali had lost their first two matches at a FIFA U-20 World Cup before this, their fourth finals appearance. It is also the number of goals Sakou Diallo’s men have scored at Colombia 2011 to date.

The words
Sekou Diallo, Mali coach: “Against France, it’s quite simply our last chance. We have to take that chance if we are to have a hope of finishing among the best third-placed teams. But our hopes are slim.”

Francis Smerecki, France coach: “I don’t know if we’re on the right track ahead of the Mali game. All I know is that we’ve identified the things that didn’t work against Colombia. We’re a close-knit group but we were shaken by the opening defeat. We recovered quickly and I hope we can find a way through to the last 16.”

Watch Argentina vs Bolivia Match Live Streaming Copa America 2011

Argentina

VS

Bolivia

Date/Time:	Jul 2, 2011, 12:45am(GMT)
Competition:	Copa America 2011
Live/Repeat:	Live
Venue:	Estadio Ciudad de La Plata (La Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires)

Argentina vs Bolivia Match Preview

And at last, the 2011 Copa America will get underway with Bolivia providing hosts Argentina a tricky start. Let the action begin!

Lionel Messi suffered a nightmare against Bolivia last year. What's next for Argentina this time round?

Huge cheers from the home crowd, high tension and pure football. This is what followers of the 2011 Copa America are anticipating. In particular, all eyes will be on Lionel Messi. The Argentine, who inspired Barcelona to the double last season, is under pressure to achieve silverware with his country.

Another player among the Albicelestes that is set to capture the public’s attention is Carlos Tevez. The striker’s relationship with coach Sergio Batista is believed to be sour.

All the same, Tevez will reportedly play as a starter against Bolivia. According to Cancha Llena, Argentina’s starting XI could see Angel di Maria dropped for an attacking line composed of Tevez, Messi and Lavezzi.

Bolivia’s roster, meanwhile, is rather modest. However, they will be bolstered by at least two things—the first being their 6-1 thrashing of Argentina a year ago, the second being the presence of their president, Evo Morales. As Fox Sports television reported, Bolivia president Evo Morales stated in the build-up to the 2011 Copa America’s opener:

“I will attend the opening match to support Bolivia's soccer national team. We are sure that we will be able to play well, although we have a lot of respect for the Argentine team with all its world star players.

“I love sports, especially soccer. We are going to accompany the Bolivian team in the first match in order to lend support to our team. I have a lot of faith in the Bolivian team. I believe they will represent us with dignity in this Copa America held in Argentina.”

Barcelona vs Real Madrid: 2011’s Clasico IV Could Be Match Of The Season

Barcelona

VS

Real Madrid

Date/Time:	May 3, 2011, 18:45(GMT)
Competition:	UEFA Champions League
Live/Repeat:	Live
Venue:	Camp Nou, Barcelona (Barcelona)

Barcelona vs Real Madrid is this season’s last Clasico and this Champions League 2011 semi-final match could end up being the most unforgettable fight of the 2010/2011 season.

A 2-0 defeat leaves Los Blancos with only obligations ahead of the Barcelona vs Real Madrid match in the 2011 Champions League semis.

The first leg of this encounter brought nothing but an imaginable amount of malice from Barca at the Santiago Bernabeu, as a harmless Real Madrid side were controversially beaten 2-0. Lionel Messi was the man who netted the Catalans’ two goals, but his feat only came after the incorrect sending-off of defender Pepe.

Coach Jose Mourinho was also a victim of the referee’s inexplicable favouritism in El Clasico III, being sent to the stands after showing discontentment upon the game’s unfair officiating in an ironic manner. The Special One revealed after the clash that a comeback in the return leg for Real was more than unlikely, citing Barcelona’s “power over referees” as inescapable and inevitable.

Nothing is however finalized as at now concerning El Clasico in the 2011 Champions League semi-finals, and this clearly means that anything could be done by the recent Copa del Rey winners. As it stands at present, Madrid need to overcome Barcelona at least 2-0 to extend their battle to extra time in search of glory. The obstacle that emerges at this point for Los Merengues is the absence of Mourinho, who will have to leave his men to face their immense danger all by themselves.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel di Maria and Mesut Oezil were all out of form at the Bernabeu, and there were concerns as it was visible that the Castellans were aiming for a goalless draw. Real Madrid’s negative techniques once again seemed to come out as a great defect for most spectators of the showdown; therefore, Los Blancos’ frontmen will need to fire their best shots at the Blaugrana come May 3.

For the visitors on Tuesday in La Liga leaders’ arena, it will be a matter of fighting at the highest level, with the strongest mentality. Obviously, doing so without a first-team manager on the touchline does not appear to be a stress-free undertaking; yet, in such situations, obligations always outnumber options.

Real Madrid have not won at the Camp Nou since December 2007, and it would be a dream come true for their devotees if they managed to break this curse in mid-week to reach their prime goal. Mourinho’s side got rid of their cupless torment on April 20 at the Mestalla Stadium, when they narrowly edged past Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final through an extra-time header from Cristiano Ronaldo.

This time, they have the chance to make history on another occasion, but perhaps, in a tougher position. The 2011 Champions League final is definitely the stage both Madrid and Barca would love to play in; yet, it is understandable that the 2009 champions are currently the ones with the bigger advantage.

The Azulgranas’ role on May 5 will evidently be to defend and maintain the bonus they so daringly earned back on April 27, and in other for them succeed, they will eventually have to check on all areas in their team. Their defence has proved to be solid overall in recent times, while their front has lacked of real power subsequent to David Villa’s poor form this season.

Although the club has been able to profit from the services of reigning Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi in their attacks, serious improvements from the No.7 Spaniard and Pedro are still very much required. Ibrahim Afellay has shown great signs since his entry in Barcelona, but seeing that he might not perform as a starter against Real Madrid next up, it will be up to his experienced teammates to live up to expectations and assume their responsibilities.

A fair refereeing in this Champions League Clasico could cool down tempers at the Nou Camp, but it will surely not take away the heat from the much-anticipated Barcelona vs Real Madrid match. If Real manage to make a historically stunning comeback in the semi-finals, then they will be lifting their name higher in the scale of greatness. A sufficient victory could even turn them into the most dangerous team in Europe—not to mention the fact that such a boost in their reputation would ultimately make them significantly privileged ahead of their futures challenges.

Conversely, a loss for Barcelona would detach them from their designation as the “great ones”. Depending on the match’s outcome, it could even take off a remarkable part of their energy and place them under the power of their arch-rivals for a certain period of time.

Either way, the winner of the 2010/2011 season’s last Clasico will be facing either Schalke or Manchester United in the 2011 Champions League final. At this time, the question is whether Real Madrid will be able to make Barcelona pay back for their notorious acts in the first leg. In fact, in a Clasico where both teams have so much to wish for, anything at all could happen.

Barcelona vs Real Madrid

Date: Wednesday, 4 May 2011 Time: 00:45 ( Asia/Dhaka ) Competition: UEFA Champions League Live/Repeat: Live Venue: Camp Nou, Barcelona (Barcelona)