[photo by Vladimir Maiorov]

• by Adam Huntington, writing from Dundee, Scotland

Since Carlo Ancelotti's ridiculous, but partially expected, departure from Chelsea a couple of months back, there has been much speculation as to who would take up the reigns next at the London club. As usual, plenty of names were randomly dropped in, from the unemployed Marco van Basten to old favourite Mourinho. Hiddink was a front runner for a long time, favoured by Abramovic, and it was hard to look past him; he managed the team well in the short spell in 2009. With Hiddink seemingly uneasy with the managerial role at Chelsea, he took up the director of football position within the club, and left Abramovic still manager-less.

FC Porto boss Andre Villas-Boas was not initially considered by many to succeed Ancelotti. He looked comfortable and content in Porto and signed a contract extension in December that was to keep him there until 2013. Something of a prodigy, Villas-Boas has been incredible this season, breaking multiple records en route to one of the most comprehensively dominating seasons in recent times. He's now the youngest manager ever to win a European Cup, he guided the team to the highest number of consecutive wins in the Portugese League (16), and managed the biggest points margin over the second placed team in the league (21). With much the same charm and confidence as former Porto boss Jose Mourinho, Villas-Boas has gained many fans and plaudits in a very short time. Winning the Europa this year with an albeit strong squad, one that barely appeared to break sweat at times, has only pushed him further into the limelight.

In what seems like a practically done deal, Villas-Boas is now off to Chelsea, hunting for more illustrious silverware with a bigger challenge behind it. Breaking those records in Portugal was no mean feat, but when you look at the squad he had; the likes of Falcao and Hulk, his task was made much easier for him. It will be interesting to see if Villas-Boas tries to bring any of his players with him to London. Some would say that Falcao would be surplus to requirements in a team that contained Anelka, Drogba and Torres, but I feel, as he's an in-form striker, he could offer Chelsea something different. Hulk will surely be considered though, the powerful forward could play as either a left or the right attacking midfielder and based on his performances last season, he'd be revolutionary. Uncompromising, athletic and talented, Hulk would offer an ailing Chelsea side some drive and ambition. That said, Villas-Boas could do the same.

Having never played football professionally, Villas-Boas was instead involved with the coaching side from an unprecedentedly young age. He gained his first coaching badge at the age of seventeen, and managed the British Virgin Islands at the age of twenty one, however he lost both his games. After that, he partnered up with Jose Mourinho and became an impressive opposition scout, delivering reports that went into unbelievable detail. In 2009 he stepped out of the Mourinho shadow and became the manager of struggling Portugese side Academica, bottom of the table and without a win. Villas-Boas guided them to a mid table finish and to a Portugese League Cup semi final. He then moved to Porto where, in his first full season in charge of a club, he won the treble.

Reports initially said that Chelsea had triggered a €15 million release clause in Villas-Boas' contract, allowing them to hold talks with him. However, as of this morning, new reports from Portugal are suggesting that the Porto manager has resigned and paid the clause himself. We all know that Villas-Boas doesn't simply have that money lying around. I suspect it's been a busy morning for Abramovic's accountant. Expect to see him at Stamford Bridge in the next couple of days.

[photo by sdhansay]

• by Matt Narvaez, writing from Florida

The international friendly matches that will be on TV tomorrow.

ESPN2 -  France Vs Brazil  - 3PM
This game is great matchup of two of soccer’s historic powerhouses. Both will be fielding top flight squads. Brazil will feature the likes of Pato and Robinho for AC Milan up front. Mid field will have EPL players Anderson, Lucas, Ramires, and Sandro. Dani Alves, David Luis, Marcelo, Rafael will be some of the stalwarts in the back. Mano Menezes will also have plenty of fire on the bench to draw from so this should be a formidable test for Les Bleus. The French side will have some familiar names on it. The big man Karim Benzema will have to show some of the form that has been missing this year during at Real Madrid. Also Guillaume Hoarau from PSG and Loic Remy from Marseille will be featured in the attack. Diaby and Malouda will be the big names in the middle of the pitch; while the back line might as well be known as gunners light with 3 players from the London squad called up to hold back the Brazilian onslaught. The French team has been playing well of late. After what was just a humiliating world cup new manager Laurent Blanc has more than righted the ship and well on their way to their rightful place in world football. Notable absences are Ronaldinho, Nelmar, Kaka, and Nilmar for Brazil. Ribery, Evera, Lass, and the internationaly retired Nicolas Anelka. Since this will be airing on the world wide leader plenty of people should have a chance to watch this great international match.

GolTV Argentina vs Portugal 3PM
If a matchup with 2 of the best footballers on the planet right now can’t get you excited I can’t help you. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will be squaring off in what has to be the glamour match of the day. German and Italian fans would argue that, but when the last two players that have received the Ballon d'Or are on the same pitch it makes for a special night. Add the fact they are neck and neck for the battle of the Pichichi, it’s definitely one not to be missed. They of course won’t be playing 1 v 1 and both of their nations teams will be fielding impressive squads. Messi will be joined by Milito, Lavezii, and Gaitan in the attacking half. Barcelona teammate and ex Liverpool player Mascherano will be roaming mid field with Inter star Cambiasso, Di Maria and Gago from Real Madrid, Pastore, and Sosa. The back will be anchored by Zanetti, Zabaleta, Milito, and Garay. The men from the Iberian Peninsula should certainly hold their own against the Argentines. Ronaldo will have the Red Devil’s Nani and Danny to send shots at the opposition goal. Manager Paulo Bento will hope Raul Meireles current great play with Liverpool will continue tomorrow. Bosingwa and Bruno Alves will be missing Real Madrid’s Pepe and Carvalho in the back, out due to injury. Hopefully the two main stars can play decent minutes and get an opportunity to display some of the brilliance that they have all year for their clubs.

Other Notable Matches:
Turkey Vs South Korea 1 PM
Denmark Vs England - 2:15 PM on ESPN3
Germany Vs Italy on ESPN3

After a very impressive performance against Brazil last Tuesday, North Korea's defense allowed seven Portuguese goals. The 7-0 victory for Portugal is tied for the Seventh biggest margin of victory in the World Cup. (Hungary defeated El Salvador 10-1 in the 1982 World Cup) North Korea as a result is eliminated from the World Cup and Portigal moves into second place in Group G behind Brazil, who have already advanced.

Portugal and the Ivory Coast both play their last game on Friday against Brazil and North Korea respectively. Watch the highlights of the game below.