Ten days before the beginning of the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006, coaches are starting to make decisions about their first teams in the last practice matches. The seven friendly matches played by ten World Cup teams have been proof of this, and provided very interesting lessons.

The most exciting game faced Germany and Japan. Jürgen Klinsmann’s team overcame a two-goal defeat in four minutes, ending up in a bitter tie. Three days after their flawless victory against Luxemburg (7-0), this result shows deficiencies in the German defense, while the Japanese, despite they had not won any of their preparation matches, have demonstrated their ability to confront any team.

During the third confrontation between World Cup teams, Argentina had no difficulties with Angola (2-0), with goals made by Maxi Rodríguez and Juan Pablo Sorín in the first half. Even Lionel Messi had his chance to play the last minutes of the match. Although Angola still has room for improvement, their team showed their positive development for the first practice match.

While England misses Wayne Rooney, the team defeated Hungary (3-1) with goals scored by John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Peter Crouch. Coach Sven-Göran Eriksson tried an unexpected attack strategy, associating Crouch with newcomer Theo Walcott. The English have another preparation match yet to come against Jamaica in Old Trafford next weekend.