31.  Argentina played two friendly matches without many of its top players last month.

32.  Argentina also has scheduled friendly matches against Israel, Ireland, and Brazil in April.

33.  As a bonus to the successful negotiations, Croatia and Newcastle agreed to play a friendly match this year, most likely in Zagreb, the TV report said.

34.  As such, friendly matches are among the few draws for fans in Argentina, who have gone for weeks without their regular football.

35.  Boyd was recalled in July for friendly matches against Cuba, Martinique, St. Kitts and Nevis and Grenada after an eight-month absence from international soccer.

36.  But poor organization meant the Senegalese showed up for a friendly match in casual clothes, kicked some balls around then signed autographs.

37.  But nobody really minded, and after the friendly match the elephants lumbered off the field for a well-earned snack.

38.  But within moments of the lights coming on and this friendly match starting, Brazil turned it on too.

39.  Camacho plans three friendly matches in the buildup to the World Cup.

40.  Chilavert was not called for several friendly matches this year after he made disparaging comments about Paraguayan president Juan Carlos Wasmosy.