Everyone is counting down the days for the grand fete of soccer:  the World Cup. Many national team squads are on the task of preparing themselves with a series of friendlies to better tune up their squads on the eve of this great event. Two such players who are hoping that a positive series of friendlies will lead to greater fortunes in Russia are Portland Timbers defender David Guzman and midfielder Andy Polo

David Guzman was called in by  Costa Rican National Team by manager Oscar Ramirez for the Ticas series of friendlies against Scotland (March 23, 7:45 local time at Hampden Park) and Tunisia (March 27, 8:00PM local time at the Allianz Rivera).

These two friendlies will important for Ramirez for his Central American side, to observe and see who will make his final list. In his recent press conferences he has emphasized the tricolor is open to anyone, this step up the competition among the current regulars and that there might be newcomers to make it to big team.

A step-up in the competition will prove beneficial to Guzman, who has been showing a certain lag in his game with Portland. Being exposed to the push and hard game of the Tartar Army will be a boost in his game energy and motivation.

Tunisia will also prove to be a valuable test for Guzman and the Ticas. The African squad known to be a difficult foe to CONCACAF squads due to its high-level game filled with plenty of speed and dynamism in its attack. The hope that these two friendlies will awaken the dormant giant in Guzman and that he  starts delivering with leadership and especially in his game confidence.

In the case of Andy Polo, the call up to the Peruvian National Team by current manager Ricardo Gareca, this call up seen like a way to improve this man confidence and bring back his dynamic game. The friendlies for Peru against Croatia (March 23, 5:00 PM Hard Rock Stadium in Miami) and Iceland ( March 27, 5:00 at Red Bulls Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey) .

The Peruvian National Team if Professor Gareca gives Andy Polo the start in these two matches will be of utmost benefit for the new member of the Portland Timbers squad. Despite just playing one match and seating in his second these two preparation matches against two European foes will for sure add some spice to his confidence and raise his expectations in the midfield with more creativity in his game. On his  return to Portland we expect a more improved and a better player teeming with confidence and a bit more hunger in his game.

Guzman and Polo’s call-ups should be seen as a positive for the  Timbers and manager Giovanni Savarese. Portland is expecting to get from both of his midfielders a new and improved game. A positive experience for country  will hopefully mean they can start providing for club.