International Round-Up

Gareth Barry put on another very impressive showing as England beat Slovenia 2-1 at Wembley in a friendly game ahead of Wednesday's qualifier with Croatia. Shaun Wright-Phillips played the first half on the right before being replaced by Spurs' Aaron Lennon. Joleon Lescott got twenty minutes at the end and was beaten to a near-post header as the visitors pulled one back late on. To be fair to him, i'm not sure the scorer was his man, and Glen Johnson might've done better on the build-up. Barry stood out, though, and was all over the pitch, carrying on his fantastic club form.

Nigel de Jong was perhaps lucky to remain on the pitch during Holland's 3-0 victory over plucky Japan, making a two-footed challenge on one player and generally putting himself about. He did play a part in van Persie's goal, mind, feeding Eljero Elia a nice weighted pass to cross for the Arsenal man's opener. The Dutch have already qualified for the finals and have a 100% record ahead of their visit to Glasgow midweek. Scotland need a point to ensure a play-off place. Not particularly City-related, but this Elia kid looks pretty special for Holland. He played against us last season for Twente in the UEFA Cup, a very fast and skillful left winger. He's since moved to Hamburg. Think we've missed out on a real prospect there. I thought he was the best player on the pitch at our place and we might want to keep tabs on him.

Bulgaria came from behind to beat Montenegro 4-1 in Sofia, Martin Petrov playing most of the match before being replaced late. He was also booked. Parma loanee Valeri Bojinov was an unused sub as the home side kept up their unbeaten run in qualifying. Sadly too many draws will probably see them miss out.

An Ivory Coast side featuring Kolo Toure beat Burkino Faso 5-0. Dider Drogba scored twice. Kolo's brother Yaya was also on the scoresheet. Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboue and Chelsea's Saloman Kalou also took part. Four wins out of four for them, and their second 5-0 win so far.

Robbie Mak played for Slovakia's u21's in an impressive 2-1 qualifying win in Serbia. Vlad Weiss made the senior side as they earnt a credible draw with out-of-form Czech Republic.

Shay Given made his 98th appearance for Ireland, who won 2-1 in Cyprus to stay on course for a play-off place. Recently-departed captain Richard Dunne also played, along with academy graduate Glenn Whelan. Robbie Keane grabbed the late winner.

Gunnar Nielsen and Ryan McGivern were unused subs for the Faroe Islands and Northern Ireland respectively.

Argentina take on Brazil in the early hours, Tevez and Robinho are certs to play in a match that's guaranteed to be lively. Argie coach Maradona might well find himself out on his arse should they manage to lose this one. His side trail both Paraguay and Chile in the current standings. Pablo Zabaleta again overlooked in a squad that includes both Fabricio Coloccini and United legend Juan-Seba Veron. Brazil are unbeaten since losing in Paraguay last June and include former Blue Elano.

Emmanuel Adebayor should play for Togo tomorrow against Morocco.