This week, sandwiched among all the various club competitions going on, many national teams will be getting together for short camps and a midweek FIFA international matchday.
Aside from our own Canadian men's national team being in action versus host Greece, there's a number of interesting match-ups involving European sides today and tomorrow.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
Later today, the Republic of Ireland hosts neighbours Wales. The match is the opener of the Carling Nations Cup, a four-country tournament played entirely in Dublin's Aviva Stadium that also features Northern Ireland and Scotland (who face each other tomorrow).
Wednesday features a few big matches, among the best of which has to be Germany facing off against Italy in Dortmund. The two giants have seven World Cups between them, and while it is 'just' a friendly, both sides will be using the game as preparation for their next set of Euro qualifying matches. As both teams are leading their respective qualification groups, it's likely that they'll be looking to keep the momentum going, meaning a win will be firmly in the sights for both managers.
As well, France will face off against Brazil in Paris. The French are in rebuilding mode following their disastrous World Cup last summer, and look to have a young, hungry squad which will get a very good test from the always-dangerous Brazilians.
The other marquee match of the day looks to be Argentina versus Portugal. Taking place in neutral Geneva, Switzerland, the Argentinians are actually the 'host' side of a match that could feature the two best players in the world - Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo - extending their season-long duel into the international arena.
Here's a list of all FIFA 'A' matches involving European nations this week:
Tuesday, February 8
Romania - Ukraine
Cyprus - Sweden
Republic of Ireland - Wales
Wednesday, February 9
Belgium - Finland
Germany - Italy
Netherlands - Austria
Israel - Serbia
Turkey - Korea Republic
Croatia - Czech Republic
Armenia - Georgia
Belarus - Kazakhstan
Greece - Canada
Albania - Slovenia
Mexico - Bosnia-Herzegovina
Andorra - Moldova
San Marino - Liechtenstein
FYR Macedonia - Cameroon
Latvia - Bolivia
Northern Ireland - Scotland
Iran - Russia
Denmark - England
Luxembourg - Slovakia
Malta - Switzerland
Poland - Norway
France - Brazil
Argentina - Portugal
Azerbaijan - Hungary
Estonia - Bulgaria
Spain - Colombia
What matches are you looking forward to?