The Manchester City forward goes head to head with the former Manchester United star as their countries do battle to make Euro 2012.
For some countries this international break is meaningless, for others, it is crunch time, and a shot at redemption.
Bosnia and Portugal meet in the play-offs this week, but only one will be at next summer’s tournament.
The neutral would like to see both teams, but like the World Cup play-offs, they have been drawn against each other.
Portugal won on that occasion, denying the world the feel good story of war-ravaged Bosnia qualifying for the world’s biggest football tournament.
Who will miss out this time? Will Bosnia and Edin Dzeko get their shot? After finishing a close second to France, nearly winning in Paris, few would argue they deserve it.
But to do so they must knock out a star-studded Portugal line-up, including Manchester United stars past and present, Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.
For Nani it is of extra importance after missing the World Cup through injury, he will be desperate to prove himself on the international stage.
Big sponsors will be hoping Ronaldo makes it. But like Lionel Messi, he has been unable to convert his scintillating club form into international success.
There may be a couple of people who will not shed a tear if either don’t qualify.
Sir Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini would dearly love to have a fresh and rested Nani and Dzeko at the start of next season when the rest of their squads will be nursing a Euro 2012 hangover.
– Who do you want to see at Euro 2012, Dzeko or Ronaldo/Nani?
image: © Jan S0L0
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