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The 2009 Amsterdam Tournament kicks off this Friday with Sunderland taking on Portuguese giants Benfica in the first match. Sign up to free football tv to watch Amsterdam Tournament 2009 live on your computer as it happens.

Sunderland are making their debut in the Amsterdam Tournament. They were invited after defending champions Arsenal opted to pull out of the tournament. For the last four years, the trophy has always been won by an English team, and the Black Cats will be hoping to keep it in English hands.

The Black Cats have won both of their pre-season friendlies. Steve Bruce's first game in charge, against League Two side Darlington, was won 4-0. Kieran Richardson, Paul McShane and Roy O'Donovan scored for the Wearsiders at Darlington, while Matty Plummer also put Andy Reid's cross into his own net. They also beat Portimonense 1-0 in a hard fought game in Portugal, with Carlos Edwards scoring the winner in the second half.

Benfica come into this tournament having already won a piece of silverware in their pre-season campaign. They won the Guadiana tournament by beating Olhanense 2-1 in the final. Oscar Cardozo and Miguel Vitor were on target for Jorge Jesus' side. The Eagles had reached the final by beating Athletic Bilbao thanks to a brace from Argentine striker Javier Saviola.

Prior to the Guadiana tournament, Benfica had two friendlies against Sion and Shakhtar Donetsk. They drew 2-2 against Sion, and beat Shakhtar 2-0. The Aguias are in good form, and with the likes of Saviola, Aimar and Angel Di Maria in their squad, they could certainly lift the trophy.

Can Benfica continue their recent good run? Or will the Amsterdam Arena see a win for Steve Bruce's men? Watch Sunderland v SL Benfica live in the Amsterdam Tournament to find out.