IRAN BEATS RUSSIA; ARGENTINA BEATS PORTUGAL; FRANCE BEATS BRAZIL

Iran managed to earn a hard-fought 1-0 win against Russia today. Both teams were expected to have their strongest squads, but the Iranian duo at Osasuna, Nekounam and Shojaei, did not get a permit from their club to play internationally due to their absence for the Asian Cup. Iran were also without striker Karim Ansarifard, and Ali Karimi, who was not called up. Russia started as expected, with Arsenal star Andrei Arshavin in midfield, as well as Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchecnko. Despit Iran's lack of starting players, both teams received good chances in the first half. In the second half, however, the Persians dominated play and had the better chances. In the 90th minute, striker Mohammad-Reza Khalatbari scored a fantastic solo effort, sealing up the game.

(Khalatbari's goal against Russia)

Any game involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the two best players in the world, is sure to be a great one. Argentina and Portugal faced off in Geneva today, both teams with their best players. Carlos Tevez was the only star player not called up for the highly anticipated friendly game. The game got off to a fiery start, and it only took 14 minutes for Lionel Messi to tear apart the Portuguese defense and send a beautiful ball for Angel Di Maria, Ronaldo's teammate on Real Madrid, to score the first goal of the game. Portugal responded quickly, and seven minutes later Cristiano Ronaldo equalized with a world class finish. The game was heated, but the score at half time ended 1-1. In the 2nd half, Cristiano Ronaldo was subbed out to make way for Danny, who doesn't see too much action internationally. Portugal would regret some missed opportunities as Argentina was awarded a penalty kick in the final minute, and none other than Lionel Messi stepped up to score. The game ended 2-1 to Argentina.

France managed to surprise Brazil in a 1-0 win at Stade de France, where Les Bleus famously won 3-0 in the 1998 World Cup against Brazil. France is one of only teams in the world that Brazil has never figured out how to break down. In the 2006 world cup, Brazil, favorites to win the competition for an incredible 6th time, were beaten 1-0 as they could not score. In today's game, Karim Benzema managed to score his 3rd goal in 3 consecutive appearances for the national team, to lift up the spirits of distraught French football fans after a disastrous World Cup. Although Benzema scored, his lack of form continues, as he could have and should have scored at least three more. Brazil was playing with 10 men from the 40th minute onward, as Brazilian midfielder Hernandes was red carded for kicking Benzema in the upper body. Brazil fought hard with 10 men, but France were not planning on losing to Brazil, as they never have.


(Benzema's Goal against Brazil)