International friendlies preview: Hopefuls finalise Euro tune-up

The heavyweights hoping for Euro 2012 glory continue their preparations in international friendly action over the weekend.

The Netherlands, beaten finalists at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, host Northern Ireland at the Amsterdam Arena, fresh from beating Slovakia 2-0 on Wednesday.

Portugal, who will meet the Netherlands in Group B of the UEFA showcase event in Poland and Ukraine, go up against Turkey on Saturday.

Despite boasting the goal-scoring prowess of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal have been held to 0-0 draws in their last two friendlies, against Macedonia and Poland.

Denmark, hard pressed to escape from Group B, which also features Euro 2008 finalists Germany, host Australia in Copenhagen.

Sought-after Ajax playmaker Christian Eriksen will carry the slim tournament hopes of Denmark, who are captained by Liverpool defender Daniel Agger.

Croatia, thrown into a tough Group C with holders Spain and a resurgent Italy, make the trip to Oslo for a run-out against Norway.

Coach Slaven Bilic will hope to improve on his team’s showing at Euro 2008, when Croatia lost on penalties to Turkey in a memorable quarter-final.

England, who defeated Norway 1-0 last week, will play their first home match under new manager Roy Hodgson when Belgium arrive at Wembley Stadium.

Euro 2012 co-hosts Poland have a winnable match at home to minnows Andorra.

Also on Saturday, Luxembourg host Malta and Honduras tackle fierce rivals El Salvador in Washington DC.

A day later, neighbours Canada and the United States square off at BMO Field, Toronto.

The US lost 4-1 on Wednesday in an exhibition at home to Brazil, who are in action again on Sunday against Mexico.

The new-look Brazil continued to take shape as they prepare to challenge for the FIFA World Cup on home soil in 2014, with Santos star Neymar scoring once and providing two assists against the US in Maryland.

European and world champions Spain will aim to finalise the starting 11 for their tournament defence with a friendly against China in Seville.