The international friendlies continue to take to the stage as various countries prepare for the FIFA World Cup in Russia. As both Germany and Saudi Arabia head into the prestigious event in contention to win the title, they face one another this evening. The Germans come into this match reportedly without the services of Mesut Ozil who had a bruise on his knee and will not be risked for the upcoming tournament.
On Saturday, June 9, Tunisia take on Spain. These two sides have only played against each other once which was in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where the Spaniards walked away with a 3-1 victory. This time around, the Tunisians will be looking to get into gear as they also prepare for their participation in the World Cup.
Match of the Week
Germany v Saudi Arabia (International Friendly)
Match 3 Soccer 6 Pool 8 June S6 V1 P1
FIFA Rankings: Germany 1st Saudi 67th
Useful facts: Joachim Löw shocked the football fraternity when he omitted Manchester City star Leroy Sané from the final squad that will represent the current world football champions in this year's World Cup in Russia, which commences next week. However, the focus for Löw will be to tighten the nuts and bolts when they take on the Western Asians in the final preparation match ahead of the upcoming football showpiece. Die Mannschaft and Green Falcons are no strangers to each other. The two countries met in North Korea/Japan during the 2002 World Cup where the Germans knocked Saudi Arabia out of the competition with a staggering 8-0 scoreline in the group stages.
Wiseman Maluleke: Germany
Tunisia v Spain (International Friendly)
Match 6 Soccer 6 Pool 9 June S6 V2 P1
FIFA Rankings: Tunisia 14th Spain 8th
Useful facts: The Carthage Eagles play the third and final international friendly ahead of the World Cup, having played Iran and Costa Rica earlier this year as preparation for the tournament. Coach Nabil Maaloul sees the fixture against the 2010 world champions as key to getting his squad into shape before their opening World Cup match against England on 18 June. The Spaniards and the African side have met only once in an official match, in the 2006 World Cup in Germany where the Europeans defeated Tunisia 3-1.
Wiseman Maluleke: Spain
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