Reigning world and European champions Spain will look to end an unforgettable year on a high note tomorrow night when they face neighbours Portugal in an international friendly in Lisbon.

Spain's 2010 FIFA World Cup™ final win over Netherlands was one of 13 victories in their 16 matches played so far in 2010. La Roja will be looking to cap off the year with a win against Portugal, who they knocked out of South Africa 2010 at the quarter-final stage thanks to a David Villa goal.

"We aren't playing for any points but we are playing for prestige," said Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque.

"Both countries can field many of the best players in the world. These are two countries with a big footballing tradition and we want to put on a great show to give a good image in our support of our joint World Cup bid."

European clashes
Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli, meanwhile, is backing Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli to have a big game against Romania in Austria. Balotelli will earn his second start for the national team after making his international debut in August. With troubled Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano dropped from Prandelli's squad, Balotelli has been handed the number 10 jersey and will partner Giuseppe Rossi in attack.

Both countries can field many of the best players in the world. These are two countries with a big footballing tradition and we want to put on a great show to give a good image in our support of our joint World Cup bid.
Vicente Del Bosque, Spain coach

"He is motivated and I'm convinced that he will have a good game even if he had minor knock during training," said Prandelli. "His main characteristic is that he doesn't feel pressure. Champions like him have some extra to give. Balotelli and Rossi are two strikers able to cause damage and I want from them a big response tomorrow."

Die Mannschaft Goalkeeper Rene Adler is relishing his return to the Germany side for the friendly against Sweden. Adler has not played for his country since missing the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ through injury but his form for Bayer Leverkusen has prompted his inclusion in Gothenburg.

"It's nice for me to be able to play again and it was important that I could swiftly return to the national team," he said. "I don't want to talk too much about the World Cup as it is out of my head. It was a bitter disappointment but that is football...life goes on."

In England, Newcastle striker Andy Carroll will make his Three Lions debut against France at Wembley. The 21-year-old trained today after sitting out yesterday's session with a slight injury and will start alongside Sunderland's Jordan Henderson, who also wins his first cap, and Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs.

"He (Carroll) has done fantastic, he is a real talent, someone who is going to make it awkward for opponents to play against," said England captain Rio Ferdinand. "He is not just a big fellow who can head the ball into the net. Andy has got good feet as well so Newcastle have got a fantastic players on their hands."

Montenegro, surprise leaders of Group G in UEFA EURO 2012 qualification, test themselves against Azerbaijan, while Group B pacesetters Russia host Belgium. Greece, who top Group F, head to Austria, while Norway travel to the Republic of Ireland. Switzerland host Ukraine, Czech Republic go to Denmark and Switzerland face Ivory Coast.

There are also two UEFA EURO 2010 qualifiers tomorrow. Croatia can go top of Group F when they welcome Malta to Zagreb, while Finland and San Marino will both be looking for their first points when they meet in Helsinki.

South American showpiece
Ronaldinho is relishing his return to the Brazil team for tomorrow's friendly against Argentina in Doha. The AC Milan forward has been absent from the national team for 19 months, falling out of favour and missing the trip to South Africa 2010. He hopes to have done enough this week to win a place in coach Mano Menezes' starting line-up, having not appeared for his country since April 2009. In other all-South American games, Colombia host Peru and Chile face Uruguay.

USA return to South Africa
Leeds striker Davide Somma could make his South Africa debut as they clash with the United States in Cape Town. The 25-year-old was born in Johannesburg but spent much of his childhood in America.

"I want to score goals, that is what feels good for me," said Somma. "I wanted to play for them (USA), but nothing ever happened so I just want to do it against them tomorrow."

Elsewhere in Africa tomorrow, Egypt host Australia at the Cairo International Stadium.