Three To See – The Weekend’s Football (5.9.09 – 7.9.09) – Gabon, Denmark, Argentina

No sooner is Three to See back for the season on Just-Football.com than we are rudely interrupted by the distraction of an international break in the fixture calendar. Well, not to worry; there are some intriguing fixtures lined up this weekend nevertheless as the road to the 2010 World Cup heats up. Here are 3 games we recommend tuning in for:

1, Gabon vs Cameroon (Group A, CAF World Cup Qualifier) 15.30 GMT, Saturday 5th September 2009

In a group that contains Togo, Morocco and Cameroon it is unfancied Gabon who lead the way on the march to South Africa, topping Group A with a 100% record after 2 games. A glance at their results in qualifying so far makes the achievement appear all the more impressive – a 2-1 win in Morocco was followed by a 3-0 trouncing of Togo at home. Now comes the most difficult test for coach Alain Giresse and his men however, a game against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

Cameroon have struggled in qualifying so far, managing just one point and no goals from their two games, but have since replaced departing coach Otto Pfister with Paul Le Guen. Le Guen has made changes since taking over, most notably in naming Samuel Eto’o captain instead of Rigobert Song, and a fresh wave of optimism is coursing through the Cameroon squad ahead of the trip to Libreville.

This game was supposed to have been played back in June when Gabon were flying, but the death of Gabonese president Omar Bongo meant it was postponed. With only 1 World Cup spot per group defeat for Cameroon would make it nigh on impossible for the Indomitable Lions to make it to South Africa. Can Le Guen’s new look side rejuvenate the nation’s World Cup hopes in Libreville?

2, Denmark vs Portugal (Group 1, UEFA World Cup Qualifier) 19.00 GMT, Saturday 5th September 2009

A huge game takes place in the European section of World Cup qualifying as group leaders Denmark take on Portugal in Copenhagen. Portugal are struggling under the leadership of coach Carlos Queiroz and go into the game lying in 3rd place, 4 points behind Hungary and 7 behind Saturday’s opponents. With just 4 games remaining a win for the Danes will guarantee they finish above Portugal and confine the Iberians to a playoff place at best.

If Portugal are to qualify automatically therefore it is a must-win game for them. As ever, Cristiano Ronaldo is confident his homeland will make it to South Africa. “There is great pressure, that is true. It’s normal, with everything at stake but I am sure we will achieve victory and my team will be at the World Cup in South Africa. I am convinced Portugal will be at the World Cup. For sure,” Ronaldo told AS.

In attempts to address Portugal’s goalscoring problem Queiroz has called up Brazilian-born Sporting Lisbon striker Liedson into his squad, and he looks set to make his debut against Denmark. This has irked Danish captain Jon-Dahl Tomasson, who quipped: “They are needy for a real striker so they went to Brazil to buy one. We do not do that in Denmark… but that is fine by me.” With Soren Larsen banging them in upfront (5 goals in 6 qualifiers so far) Denmark don’t need to.

2, Argentina vs Brazil (CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier) 01.30 GMT, Sunday 6th September 2009

Argentina coach Diego Maradona may have caused all manner of controversy with his ultimately successful attempt to get this crucial Argentina vs Brazil World Cup qualifier moved from River Plate’s El Monumental stadium to Rosario, but despite the hubbub I actually think it was a shrewd and clever move. Having been t
o the Gigante de Arroyito stadium myself, home of Rosario Central, I definitely think it is far more intimidating and atmospheric than River’s ground. Given the spiky build-up to the game, with players back-biting and Maradona and Pele re-opening their frankly tiresome war of words, Argentina fans have certainly had a lot to get them worked up ahead of Sunday’s game. The atmosphere in Rosario should be raucous.

For Argentina the game is not strictly make or break but it is of huge importance. After losing to Ecuador, defeat could plausibly see Maradona’s side drop down to 5th and leave them teetering dangerously close to elimination territory. The prospect of the Albicelestes not making it to South Africa 2010 is unthinkable. After a frankly poor start to his tenure as national coach the pressure is on Maradona to get this one right.

Brazil for their part sit at the top of the group and look certain to qualify, despite coach Dunga’s ongoing unpopularity in his homeland. Victory in the Confederations Cup has given the Seleção renewed vigour and confidence though, and confidence is high.

Argentina vs Brazil is one of the most exciting rivalries in international football and the atmosphere in Rosario will only add to the competitive spirit of the match. It should be a riveting clash.

Argentina, Brazil, Cameroon, Denmark, Gabon, Portugal, Three to See, World Cup 2010