World Cup 2010 News

This is what the World Cup is about...PASSION!!!!!!

2010-06-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

North Korea's JONG Tae Se during his country's national anthem in the match against Brazil tonight.

Forlan vows to find the net against Bafana Bafana.

2010-06-12T14:51:00.001-07:00

Uruguay striker Diego Forlan was disappointed not to have scored against France in a 0-0 draw at Cape Town Stadium on Friday night.The Atlético Madrid ace saw his chances limited, but looked sharp in front of goal.With South Africa and Mexico also drawing their first match in the earlier game, it leaves Group A wide open.

Uruguay tackle Bafana in their next match, with victory crucial for both sides.Forlan admitted his team-mates will now regroup ahead of that tie.He told Football365.co.za: "We have finish this game and now we have to rest and train and then see how we are going to be for the next match."He then added to the media: "Four teams are in the same position now so we have to see what is going to happen in the second game."When asked how he felt about drawing with the former world champions, Forlan admitted that while his side "had the better chances", "it was a good result for each other" but "nobody deserved to win".

Forlan also revealed that while he was happy with his overall performance, he would have preferred to have found the target. A snapshot late in the game was probably his best chance, but he was unable to direct the ball goalwards."I knew it was off target the first moment I shot, I knew it was out. I had the chances and I would have been more happy if they were in."The former Manchester United frontman said he had watched bits of South Africa's draw with Mexico and while he admitted, "it was a tough game", he isn't fazed about facing the hosts.

"Yeah we saw the game and it was a tough game."It's the way we were drawn and we have to play against them, we don't have to think about it."

Algeria, Slovenia eye big chance after USA, England draw

2010-06-12T14:48:00.001-07:00

Algeria and Slovenia open their World Cup Group C schedules on Sunday under a ton of pressure for a result.

Both clubs are underdogs to advance past England and the USA in the group, meaning getting off to a good start in the opener is imperative.

"In football you never know," Algeria midfielder Hassan Yebda told fifa.com. "We will do our best and play the first game against Slovenia and try to win. The first game is very, very important, if we can win it will be better for us. Slovenia though have a good team."

While Algeria is gearing up for just its third-ever World Cup, a familiar face is leading the way.

Coach Rabah Saadane, who also coached the team 24 years ago in its last World Cup appearance in Mexico, is at the helm again - for the fifth time - and it will take all his wisdom to get the Desert Foxes to the knockout stage.

On the field, midfielder Karim Ziani will be the key, not only against Slovenia on Sunday, but for the entire tournament. The playmaker plies his trade with German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg, and he has the versatility to pull the strings in the middle of the field, or shift out wide in a more indirect attacking role.

England keeper Rob Green howler rescues a point for USA

2010-06-12T14:44:00.001-07:00

Just as South Africa opened their World Cup with a goal that will be remembered forever, so England, as is their wont, contrived to open theirs with a goalkeeping blunder that will never be forgotten. No sooner had Fabio Capello placed his confidence in Robert Green than his judgment was mocked by the sort of bungle no professional footballer can comfortably watch, an unforced error that allowed the USA back into a game on which England appeared to have a comfortable grip after Steven Gerrard's early goal.

Although Green will inevitably carry the can for this disappointment, in truth it was not a great England performance, just a great start. The American goal may have been a fluke, yet it came about because England were defending too deep and allowing their opponents to take pot shots. Far too little was seen of England's attacking players – Capello even turned to Peter Crouch before the end – to place all the blame on the goalkeeper.

Capello, true to his word, had kept everyone guessing right up to the last minute with his line-up, though there were no real surprises once it was understood that the Italian was not about to mess around with the system and selections that had proved so successful in qualifying on the basis of late claims made in inconsequential friendlies.

So Green retained his place as goalkeeper after all, just as Capello had promised. James Milner, who has consistently appeared in competitive games for Capello, was preferred on the left wing to Joe Cole, who has not. And Emile Heskey, on the back of three Premier League goals last season, was invited to resume as Wayne Rooney's gofer.

Nigeria struggle against a sleek Argentina

2010-06-12T14:39:00.000-07:00

The Diego Maradona World Cup experience got off to a winning start in Johannesburg this afternoon, but already it is worth asking the question: will Argentina’s fantastic attack be fatally undermined by their fragile defence?

The uncontrollable Lionel Messi might have had a hat-trick, or even the four goals he scored against Arsenal in the Champions League last season, but for the heroics of Nigeria’s goalkeeper. But Argentina’s defending was distinctly dodgy during an entertaining match at Ellis Park in front of a near-full, and wildly loud and exuberant, crowd.

Chief culprit was the right back, Jonás Gutiérrez, of Newcastle United. He was exposed time and again and a better team than Nigeria – whose composure in front of goal was abject – would have scored a couple of goals. Do not expect many more 1-0 scorelines in Argentina’s future games.

The warning signs were there early on as the impressive Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi, preferred to Obafemi Martins and Nwankwo Kanu, skipped past Gutiérrez but pummeled a shot well wide.

South Korea gets the first win of WC2010 beating Greece 2-0

2010-06-12T14:35:00.001-07:00

Energetic South Korea upset 2004 European champions Greece 2-0 in their 2010 FIFA World Cup Group B match here on Saturday, becoming the first victors of the tournament and winning glory for Asia.

"Our players worked really hard," said South Korea coach Huh Jung-moo. "The team played well and the flow of the game was very good."

Only seven minutes into the game, Lee Jung Soo opened the scoring for South Korea when the central defender flicked on and tapped in at the back post after a free-kick from Ki Sung-yong found him.

In the 52nd minute, a poor cross from Greece at the back gifted Manchester United star winger Park Ji Sung a thrusting solo run. Park dribbled past two defenders straight into the box and sealed the win with a powerful shot.

Park, 29, who started his career as a defensive midfielder, has won three English Premier League champions and a UEFA Champions League title.

Madjid Bougherra talks positive on Algeria's World Cup adventure.

2010-06-12T14:31:00.001-07:00

Algeria will play the first match of their third World Cup against Slovenia on Sunday but their players already have an eye on their second Group C match, against England.

The Rangers defender Madjid Bougherra said today that his experience in British football would help him to deal with the likes of Wayne Rooney when Algeria meet England at the Green Point Stadium in Cape Town next Friday night. The centre-back, who has played for Crewe Alexandra, Charlton Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday, has also played European football with the Scottish champions.

"It can help me," said Bougherra of his experience in Britain. "I play in a big team, I played Champions League so I have learned a mentality change – I want to win every game."

Will internal dissent destroy Algeria's chances

2010-06-12T14:28:00.001-07:00

Algeria's quest to sabotage England's World Cup dream is being wrecked by an astonishing dressing-room row which almost saw their captain walk out.

The north Africans, who play Fabio Capello's men in Durban on Thursday, are in disarray on the eve of their Group C opener against Slovenia.

The upheaval started last Wednesday when captain Yazid Mansouri was told by coach Rabah Saadane that he would not be in the team to play Slovenia - and he furiously threatened to quit the team.

Benched: Captain Yazid Mansouri says he will fight to win back his place in
the Algeria side after a fallout with coach Rabah Saadane

The 32-year-old midfielder stormed off to his hotel room and was packing his bags before desperate team officials managed to persuade him to rethink his decision after an hour of heated chat.

'It's hard to accept the decision,' said Mansouri. 'I've been in this side for 10 years and that is why I'm struggling to digest the news.' Saadane's decision was also greeted with dismay by Mansouri's team-mates. Portsmouth defender Nadir Belhadj said: 'It will be difficult for us without Yazid because we listen to him all the time.'

David Beckham reaction to Rob Green's blunder...Classic

2010-06-12T14:00:00.000-07:00

Steven Gerrard's determination can see England through to Victory

2010-06-11T15:48:00.001-07:00

Steven Gerrard said he accepted the captain’s armband for this World Cup with a certain degree of ambivalence last week. But it was more complicated than his initial response to such questions suggested on Thursday.

More than simply a mixture of disappointment for Rio Ferdinand and delight for himself. Thrown in is the pressure he seems to put on himself. The kind of pressure he sometimes gives the impression he would rather not have.

It came across like that as the conversation developed. In particular, after he was asked how he would avoid the captaincy becoming a burden.

Focussed: England captain Steven Gerrard delivered an inspirational performance to the world's media on the eve of the World Cup

‘By enjoying it,’ he said. ‘I think the people around me won’t allow me to let it be a burden. I’ve got to use it as a motivation rather than a burden.’

The people around Gerrard clearly know him well. They know how seriously he takes such responsibility and how much he will want to prove himself a success.

Didier Drogba makes swift recovery may play against Portugal

2010-06-11T15:21:00.000-07:00

Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba could start their opening World Cup game against Portugal next week, coach Sven Goran Eriksson said on Thursday.

Drogba, 32, broke his arm during a friendly against Japan on June 4, and needed surgery.

'If the game had been today or tomorrow, he wouldn't play. But there are still some days. He might play against Portugal,' Eriksson told journalists at the team's arrival on Thursday.

On the mend: Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba (right) has an operation on his broken arm

Ivory Coast take on Portugal next Tuesday in Group G in the coastal city of Port Elizabeth.

They have been drawn in a tough group, which includes North Korea and five-times World Cup winners Brazil.

'It is a difficult group, but we will be well prepared and we will do everything to play well against the other teams,' Eriksson said.

Lagerback says Nigeria have nothing to fear against Argentina

2010-06-11T15:11:00.001-07:00

Nigeria go into their opening match, against Argentina on Saturday afternoon, telling themselves that although they are up against the likes of Lionel Messi and Carlos Tévez, they have nothing to fear. They are merely some of the best players in the world — but ignore it.

This, at least, has been the gospel according to Lars Lagerbäck, their coach, who has been parachuted in to do a quick-heal job similar to the one that Sven-Göran Eriksson, his fellow Swede, has been asked to pull off with Ivory Coast.

It is a tall order for both of them. Eriksson may have to do without Didier Drogba, the talismanic striker, and Lagerbäck has lost John Obi Mikel, Drogba’s Chelsea team-mate, to injury. Yet they have been asked to raise the spirits of their teams without the leading player there to show the way.

Although Nigeria finished third in the Africa Cup of Nations, their performance was sufficiently disappointing for them to sack their coach, Shaibu Amodu, in February and ask Lagerbäck to do better.

Altidore is fight to face England

2010-06-11T15:01:00.001-07:00

United States coach Bob Bradley has confirmed Hull flop Jozy Altidore will start against England in Saturday's World Cup clash in Rustenburg.

Altidore netted only one goal for the Tigers last season when on loan from Villarreal.

But the 20-year-old will face Fabio Capello's side after recovering from an ankle injury which kept him out of last weekend's friendly win over Australia.

Altidore was USA's leading scorer during their qualification campaign with six goals.

Bradley said: "It was an important year for Jose. Any player that has gone to the Premier League finds out about the level and the competitiveness.

"But I think he grew a lot at Hull and the one thing I would always say about Jose, from our experiences with him, is when he's come into our camps he's shown that, when things don't come easily it's helped him.

Capello warns Rooney over his temperament

2010-06-11T14:58:00.001-07:00

England manager Fabio Capello has confirmed he has spoken with Wayne Rooney following concerns over his temperament.

Rooney came in for criticism after he was booked against Platinum Stars on Monday for an outburst at the referee.

The Manchester United's actions sparked fears of a repeat dismissal at this summer's World Cup after his red mist in Germany four years ago.

Capello said: "Wayne Rooney played all the qualifying games for the World Cup and had no problems with the referees.

"I hope we see the same Rooney during the World Cup.

Greece coach pledges not too underestimate South Koreans

2010-06-11T14:55:00.001-07:00

Greece manager Otto Rehhagel is eagerly anticipating his World Cup debut but is taking nothing for granted against South Korea.

Rehhagel, 71, famously led the Greeks to glory at the European Championship in 2004, however his team failed to qualify for the 2006 World Cup.

Four years on, though, the German coach is preparing his charges for Saturday's Group B clash versus South Korea in Port Elizabeth.

"Some things take their time. I am pleased to take on such a huge challenge. Everything comes in due course," said Rehhagel.

Maradona launches mind games as he says Nigerians are dirty players

2010-06-11T14:51:00.000-07:00

The 49-year-old, who lifted the World
Cup as Argentina captain in 1986, having infamously scored a goal with his hand against England in the quarter-finals, said he hoped the referees would ensure the Africans play fair.

"We know how Nigeria play and they know how we play. We don't expect to play a rough and tough team, although we're ready to play any team," said Maradona, whose international career ended in disgrace when he failed a drugs test at the 1994 World Cup finals when Nigeria were also in their group.

"But the only thing I can say right now is those looking for fair-play should not stand alone.

"Let's really look for fair play and referees should understand what fair play is.

"When fair play started in 1990 I got a kick from a Cameroon player who nearly kicked my head off.

"Claudio Caniggia got a yellow card for a small kick and I nearly got kicked in the head.

Martins says Eagles must look beyond Argentina

2010-06-11T14:47:00.000-07:00

Nigerian forward Obafemi Martins has warned that the Super Eagles would have to look beyond Lionel Messi if they are to get a result against Argentina on Saturday. Talk among the fans have been centred around the World Player of the Year, but Martins, 25, says there are other players that the team need to be wary of.

"People talk a lot about (Lionel) Messi, forgetting that there are other very good players in the Argentine team, such as (Carlos) Tevez and (Diego) Milito. It's a team game and we also have our own stars for the day.

"It is an important match for all of us, the players and the technical crew."

Left back Taye Taiwo, who played against the Argentina Under-20 team which defeated Nigeria 2-1 in the final of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Netherlands in 2005, added: "I was not happy that we lost that day in Utrecht against Argentina because we worked so hard. But for sure, this is payback time.

"We know Messi is a good player and we can't allow him to roam round the park just like that. But we also have our great players. They've got a couple of great players and we've also got a couple of great players.

Tshabalala super strike fails earn South Africa opening win.

2010-06-11T14:42:00.001-07:00

Diminutive midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala sent the whole of South Africa in to raptures with the opening goal of the World Cup in Johannesburg but it was not enough to hold off Mexico at the final whistle.

His wonderful strike in the 55th minute of an entertaining opening match put Bafana Bafana ahead with a goal that looked likely to give them an emotional victory - a win which could ignite not only their own campaign but the whole World Cup.

France fluff opportunity to beat 10 man Uruguay

2010-06-11T14:38:00.000-07:00

France and Uruguay played out a goalless draw at the Green Point Stadium in the second Group A game on the opening day of the World Cup.

Uruguay were forced to play the final nine minutes of the match in Cape Town with 10 men following the dismissal of substitute Nicolas Lodeiro for a second bookable offence.

Substitute Thierry Henry had a late penalty shout for handball dismissed as lacklustre France finally took the game to their opponents, but failure to capitalise on their numerical advantage ended in a disappointing stalemate.

The draw means that neither side took advantage of hosts South Africa's 1-1 draw with Mexico in the day's earlier game to move top of the group, although Uruguay's Oscar Tabarez will likely be the happier of the two managers.

USA on a $1m a man bonus to win World Cup

2010-06-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

Each of the 23 players will collect £617,332 should they become the most unlikely winners in World Cup history, easily outstripping the £500,000-a-man on offer to Spain should Fernando Torres and co lift the trophy.

England's win bonus pool is kept confidential by the FA, but is believed to be in the region of £400-500,000 per player - but the entire England squad will donate all match fees to charity.

Brazil will offer each of their players around £250,000 for a win, while Germany will hand out £212,000 per man.

Yet the USA bonus is not dependent on overall victory: the players will share up to £1.1m in the group stage, a further £1.95m if they qualify for the last 16, £2.3m should they reach the quarter-finals and another £1.8m for making the semis. Should they make the final, they will then earn a further £4.7m, rising to £5.3m if they finish the job.

The money itself will come from FIFA, who pay the winners £21.4m in prize money, with £16.6m for the runners-up. Prize money then tapers off, but all teams participating in the finals are guaranteed a minimum of £5.5m.

England jet off to South Africa tonight

2010-06-02T12:43:00.001-07:00

The English team arrive at Johannesburg's OR Tambo airport on Thursday morning before heading north-west to their World Cup base in Rustenburg.

The newly built multi-million pound Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus will be England's home during the tournament.

Capello signed a new deal on Wednesday committing him to the role until 2012.

The Italian had been linked with a move to Inter Milan, while Lord Triesman's recent departure as the Football Association's chairman was reported to have unsettled him.

But Capello signed an amended deal which removed the break clause allowing either party to end the contract after the World Cup.

The news provided a fresh angle for England fans after the unexpected story of Arsenal winger Theo Walcott's omission from the final squad.

The 21-year-old was named in the starting line-up of both of England's recent friendly victories against Mexico and Japan, but his performances were not enough to convince Capello of a World Cup place.

Eto'o sent off as Cameroon fall to Portugal

2010-06-02T12:35:00.001-07:00

Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o was sent off on his return to the Indomitable Lions side, as his team slumped to a 3-1 defeat in Portugal.

The Inter Milan striker was dismissed in the first half for a second bookable offence in quick succession after returning to the side for their final two World Cup warm-up games.

A frustrated and agitated-looking Eto'o received his marching orders for a high tackle on Portugal left-back Duda, immediately after being booked by the referee for protesting, following the opener from Raul Meireles.

The Cameroonians looked unsettled after their captain's departure, and were well beaten by a Portuguese team who looked a lot more polished and confident ahead of their departure for South Africa - in stark contrast to their visitors.

The Indomitable Lions are now six games without a win, but drew some little comfort from an impressive debut for German-born striker Eric Choupo-Moting, who has just been cleared to play for the west Africans.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Benoit Assou-Ekotto also put in an impressive performance on the left, after a shaky start.

Portugal boost as Pepe is given the all clear

2010-06-02T12:33:00.000-07:00

Pepe is going to South Africa with Portugal. The Real Madrid player has received medical clearance to participate in this summer’s World Cup.

The news that Carlos Queiroz most wanted to hear was confirmed on the site of the Portuguese Football Federation yesterday:

“The medical teams of the National Seleccao, Real Madrid, Juan Carlos Hernandez and Carlos Diez, and the surgeon who operated on Pepe, Jose Carlos Noronha, agreed to pronounce medical clearance to the Portugal international, meaning the player can continue to comply with the programme of gradual sporting integration.”

Pepe was outstanding for Portugal in the qualification campaign, playing as a defensive midfielder, but has not played a competitive match since rupturing his cruciate knee ligaments in December.

His recovery is a huge boost for the national team, although question marks will remain about whether he will be match fit in South Africa, especially for the first game against Ivory Coast on June 15th.

Slick Holland thrash woeful Ghana

2010-06-02T12:15:00.001-07:00

The Netherlands proved to be too strong a side for Ghana in last night's friendly, handing the Black Stars a crushing defeat.

Sunderland loan-star John Mensah came on for the second half in Rotterdam but by then Liverpool's Dirk Kuyt and Rafael van der Vart had given the Dutch a 2-0 lead.

Ghana pulled a goal back midway through the second half but Holland's Wesley Sneider found the back of the net before a Robin van Persie penalty took the scoreline to 4-1, dealing the Ghanaians a crush blow as they prepare for their World Cup campaign.

Ghana have one friendly against Latvia on Saturday prior to their World Cup opener against Serbia on 13 June.

The Black Stars are also in a group with Australia and Germany.

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More heartache for the Swiss as they lose to Costa Rica

2010-06-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

Non-qualifiers Costa Rica partially spoiled Switzerland’s buildup as they defeated the World Cup hopefuls 1-0 at Sion.

Winston Parks fired home the only goal of the match on 57 minutes as the Central American’s continued to impress on their European tour after narrowly losing 2-1 to 2006 finalists France last week.

Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld must now restore moral for a team that reached the second round in 2006 and will be in Group H in South Africa with Chile, Spain and Honduras.

Denmark not good enough against Australia

2010-06-02T12:01:00.001-07:00

A slow and sloppy performance against Australia demonstrated that Denmark’s football side still has a lot of work to do

It was a line-up filled with new faces that national team head coach Morten Olsen fielded for Tuesday’s World Cup warm-up match against Australia – many of which may not be seen on the pitch again this summer after the team’s woeful performance.

The final score was 1-0 to the Aussies, but the shoddy level of play will be of greater concern to Olsen, whose team face the highly-fancied Netherlands in their opening World Cup match on 14 June. The Dutch hammered Ghana in their friendly yesterday 4-1.

None of the Danes stood out in the uninspired affair, which saw Australia’s Joshua Kennedy score the match’s only goal in the second half following a miscommunication between Andersen and defender Daniel Agger over a loose ball around 20 metres from goal.

While Olsen did not believe his players gave their best efforts yesterday, he also blamed the controversial, heavier World Cup ball, which many top players and coaches have criticised as well.

‘We’re playing with an impossible ball, but we’ll just have to get used to it,’ he told TV2 Sport. ‘That’s not an excuse, it’s a cause. We had trouble controlling the ball and getting any pace on our passes.’

Brazil stroll past Zimababwe in 3-0 win

2010-06-02T11:57:00.001-07:00

Brazil barely broke a sweat as they beat Zimbabwe 3-0 in a friendly that generated huge excitement in the troubled African country.

The visitors made a sluggish start and Ovidy Karuru blew a chance to write his name in Zimbabwean sporting history when he ballooned over the bar with the goal gaping in the 19th minute.

A header from Knowledge Musona, the Kaizer Chiefs striker, in the 27th minute forced a save from the Brazil goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes. The Tottenham Hotspur player replaced Júlio Cesár after the first-choice keeper went off with a back injury, although team doctors said it did not appear to be serious.

Brazil, nearly at full strength, coolly moved up a gear and Michel Bastos fired home a free-kick from 20 yards. Soon after Robinho ran on to a long pass from the right-back Maicon to score with a first-time finish from inside the area.

In the second half, Elano grabbed the third after a cross by the substitute Daniel Alves but Brazil, who made six substitutions in all, were unable to add to the tally in what resembled a training exercise.

Mokoena grabs 100th cap as South Africa thrash Guatemala

2010-05-31T15:50:00.001-07:00

Captain Aaron Mokoena became the first South African to win 100 caps when the World Cup hosts beat Guatemala 5-0 in a friendly at Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The Portsmouth defender wore a shirt with the number 100 emblazoned on the back as his side scored five goals in a single game for the first time in more than 250 internationals since returning to world football 18 years ago.

For a second successive match South Africa were awarded two generous penalties to help them on their way to victory in Polokwane.

The first came in the 11th minute and as a surprise to both teams.

Television replays showed a long-range shot from Siphiwe Tshabalala hit the shoulder of Guatemala defender Gustavo Cabrera but he was outside his penalty area.

Katlego Mphela converted to hand the home team the lead, doubled 15 minutes later by a strong volley from Reneilwe Letsholonyane after a persistent run by leftback Lucas Thwala provided a cross into the penalty area.

Following a strong run down the left wing, Mphela delivered a square ball for substitute Surprise Moriri to tap-in in the 48th minute after coming on as one of three halftime changes.

A handball by Cabrera earned South Africa another penalty in the 56th minute which Mphela again tucked away.

Five minutes earlier, Guatemala had also been awarded a spot kick for an innocuous-looking handball but Guillermo Ramirez's effort was saved by Moeneeb Josephs.

Bernard Parker got the fifth with eight minutes remaining.

The win stretched the team's unbeaten run to 11 matches since the return of Carlos Alberto Parreira as coach last November.

Nigeria names its 23 man squad for the World Cup

2010-05-31T15:47:00.000-07:00

Ike Uche and Victor Anichebe are the two high profile casualties of Lars Lagerback's cull as he named his 23 players for the World Cup on Monday.

Joining the duo are Peter Utaka, Onyekachi Apam, Brown Ideye and the two domestic players Bassey Akpan and Terna Suswan.

The Swede announced the list to the players at a meeting where he called the affected players together and explained to them why they were being dropped.

"He called them together and explained that time was too short, and that injuries were also a factor," Super Eagles Media Officer Idah Peterside told KickOffNigeria.com.

More importantly, Peterside said Lagerback assured the players that in the unlikely event of injury to any player on the 23-man squad before kickoff, he would look no farther than that seven-man group.

The contingent leaves for South Africa later on Monday.

Nigeria squad
Goalkeepers : Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda, Israel), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Petach Tikvah, Israel)

Defenders : Taye Taiwo (Marseille, France), Elderson Echiejile (Rennes, France), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Ayodele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands), Rabiu Afolabi (SV Salzburg, Austria), Danny Shittu (Bolton Wanderers, England)

Midfielders: Kalu Uche (Almeria, Spain), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham, England), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Sani Kaita (Alaniya, Russia), Haruna Lukman (AS Monaco, France), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine)

Strikers: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton, England), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth, England), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg, Germany), John Utaka(Portsmouth, England), Victor Obinna Nsofor (Malaga, Spain), Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany)

Morten Olsen reveals Denmark's 23 man squad for World Cup.

2010-05-31T01:05:00.001-07:00

Denmark coach Morten Olsen on Friday unveiled a 23-man squad that will meet the Netherlands, Cameroon and Japan in group E of the World Cup.

Goalkeepers: Thomas Soerensen (Stoke City/ENG), Stefan Andersen (Broendby), Jesper Christiansen (FC Copenhagen).

Defenders: Daniel Agger (Liverpool/ENG), Simon Kjaer (Palermo/ITA), Per Kroeldrup (Fiorentina/ITA), Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn/ENG), Simon Busk Poulsen (AZ Alkmaar/NED), William Kvist Joergensen (FC Copenhagen), Patrick Mtiliga (Malaga/ESP).

Midfielders: Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen/GER), Christian Poulsen (Juventus/ITA), Christian Eriksen (Ajax/NED), Jakob Poulsen (AGF), Martin Joergensen (AGF), Mikkel Beckmann (Randers), Thomas Enevoldsen (FC Groningen/NED), Thomas Kahlenberg (Wolfsburg/GER), Dennis Rommedahl (Ajax/NED), Jesper Groenkjaer (FC Copenhagen).

Strikers: Jon Dahl Tomasson (Feyenoord/NED), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal/ENG), Soeren Larsen (Duisburg/GER).

Blow for Slovakia as Miroslav Karkhan is ruled out from finals

2010-05-31T00:59:00.000-07:00

Slovakia midfielder Miroslav Karhan will miss the World Cup due to an Achilles tendon injury.

Karhan, who first played for Slovakia in 1995, has 13 goals in 96 appearances for his country. He currently plays for German club Mainz.

"There's a little tear which means I can't take part in the tournament," said Karhan, according to a report on FIFA's website. "I have a three-week break ahead of me and the World Cup begins in two weeks. So my withdrawal is final."

Slovakia plays New Zealand on June 15 in its World Cup opener, and also plays Italy and Paraguay in Group F.

Mexico are rampant against a weak Gambia

2010-05-31T00:55:00.000-07:00

Manchester United-bound striker Javier Hernandez and Adolfo Bautista each netted twice as Mexico completed their FIFA World Cup™ preparations with a hansome win over Gambia in Bayreuth, Germany.

Having lost successive friendlies to England and the Netherlands, Mexico needed a morale-boosting result and delivered in emphatic fashion.

Gambia kept the deficit to 1-0 at half-time, Hernandez's 18th-minute opener the only goal, but there was a rush of activity in the second period.

Ebrima Bohna made it 3-1 after Hernandez's second and Bautista's first had swelled Mexico's advantage.

Alberton Medina wrapped things up nine minutes from time, shortly after Bautista completed his brace.

Chile beat Isreal 3-0 in World Cup warm up

2010-05-31T00:49:00.000-07:00

Chile maintained their winning rhythm as they prepare for the World Cup finals after securing a 2-0 win over Israel, thanks a first half strike from Humberto Suazo and second half goals from Alexis Sanchez and Rodrigo Tello.

Following their 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in Chillan earlier on Sunday, Marcelo Bielsa's side made the journey west to Concepcion for their second friendly of the day as Bielsa fielded a far stronger lineup for the test from Luis Fernandez's side.
The hosts were always in control on a misty night at the Estadio Municipal de Concepcion and could have gone in front minutes before Suazo found the net.

The Zaragoza front man got through one on one with Dudu Aouate but the veteran goalkeeper did enough to claim the ball at Suazo's feet when a goal seemed certain.
Suazo did score two minutes later as Jorge Valdivia carved open the Israeli defence, placing an excellent ball into the path of the excellent Carlos Carmona down the right. Both Carmona and Suazo looked suspiciously offside but the Reggina man squared it to Suazo who made no mistake smashing it home from eight yards as Aouate tried in vain to block.

In a first half of few chances Jean Beausejour had a great opportunity to extend Chile's lead but opted to take a touch when it called for a first time shot as la Roja's players seemed to be queuing up to strike inside the Israeli penalty box.

At the other end, Claudio Bravo was merely a spectator as Israel failed to threaten. Auoate was called into action once again just before the interval making a smart one-handed save low to his right from Valdivia's well struck 25-yard free kick.

After the break the South Americans continued to probe with some promising build up play and their endeavours were rewarded five minutes in when Alexis Sanchez added to the brace he hit against Zambia by netting a fine solo effort.

Racing through the middle the Udinese striker was afforded too much time and space and made the Israeli's pay unleashing a low drive which sailed past the outstretched Aouate from 20 yards.

Both coaches made changes in the second half and while Chile continued to dominate Aouate was never really stretched until the final minute when Tello struck Chile's third, pouncing on a poor headed clearance to volley home from 22 yards to seal a convincing win.

The South Americans now have just one remaining warm-up game against New Zealand before taking on Honduras in their opening group game on June 16.

Nigeria claw back hard fought draw with Colombia

2010-05-31T00:41:00.001-07:00

Technical Adviser Lars Lagerback made 10 changes to the side which turned out a forgettable 0-0 draw against Saudi Arabia, as he sought to get a closer look at more of his squad.

The move looked to have backfired when Valdes took advantage of a poor clearance to crack home an unstoppable volley.

But the Nigerians refused to let their heads drop, and although they were giving the ball away in midfield, kept their heads, and more importantly, their calm.

Lagerback threw on Haruna Lukman in the second half, and it was the young Monaco midfielder who stabilised the central areas, and created danger with his passing.

It was no surprise then, that it was he who found a way to break down the South Americans.

Kalu Uche, who had also come in as a substitute, skinned his man down the right with an audacious flick of the inside of his boot and delivered a cross into the box.

Obafemi Martins chased down the ball and the clearance fell to Lukman, who stroked it in first time from 25 yards.

From then on, it was one-way traffic, with the Eagles in total control with their passing and movement. But Colombia had two good chances on the break, which Rabiu Afolabi did well to cut out.

Overall, it was a more pleasing display to both the fans, and the coaching staff, and Lukman, with this performance, would have forced Lagerback's hand.

Van Persie back for Holland with brace against Mexico

2010-05-31T00:36:00.001-07:00

Robin van Persie was left enthused with his two-goal return for Holland in a 2-1 friendly win against Mexico in Germany last night, although it was later revealed he suffered tightness in his hamstrings. The 26-year-old Arsenal striker had not played for Holland since rupturing ankle ligaments in a friendly against Italy in November.

Van Persie only returned for Arsenal at the end of last season, but his double last night showed he should be fit and firing for the World Cup. Both goals came during a dominant first-half display, and while Van Persie was indebted to a pair of defence-splitting assists by midfield duo Rafael van der Vaart and Ibrahim Afellay, he converted both chances with unerring confidence.

"The assists of Van der Vaart and Afellay were both amazing," Van Persie said. "It wasn't too much of a problem to find the net after their great passes. This Dutch team really is of very high quality.

"We were quite impressive for the majority of the first half and we have shown what we're capable of. I've seen some very good attacks before the break. We were unable to keep up our good form after the interval, but that isn't too much of a problem. It was our first exhibition game so we are satisfied.

"We have trained very hard in the past couple of days and that showed in the second half."

Ivory Coast defense lets them down against Paraguay

2010-05-31T00:33:00.001-07:00

Once again question marks will be raised about the Ivorian defence as they failed to show a disciplined defensive performance in their Praguay friendly yesterday.

Ivory Coast wasted a two-goal lead Sunday to draw 2-2 with Paraguay in a friendly that marked coach Sven-Goran Eriksson's first game in charge.

Didier Drogba netted with a 54th-minute free kick that was deflected by the Paraguay wall and deceived goalkeeper Justo Villar.

Substitute Soulemayne Bamba made it 2-0 in the 74th, arriving late at the far post to volley home a deep cross.

Paraguay substitute Lucas Barrios scored a minute later with a powerful low shot and Aureliano Torres then saw his free kick deflected into the Ivorians' net in the 89th.

Eriksson, who took England to the quarterfinals at the past two World Cups, was appointed in March to lead Ivory Coast in South Africa.

Superior Japan suffer unlucky loss to England.

2010-05-31T00:29:00.001-07:00

Fabio Capello's preparation for the World Cup suffered a slight knock as England found themselves struggling against a rampant Japan.

England started sloppily and were punished after six minutes when Marcus Tulio Tanaka met Yasuhito Endo's corner and crashed the ball past David James.

Frank Lampard had a penalty saved before England levelled when Tanaka headed Joe Cole's cross in his own net.

And England stole the win when Yuji Nakazawa turned Ashley Cole's ball in.

England boss Fabio Capello will trim his squad from the provisional 30 to a 23-man World Cup party on Tuesday and after the match the Italian revealed he had made his mind up who would be selected - but would not share the information.

Ghana announce 23-man squad

2010-05-30T02:47:00.000-07:00

Bernard Kumordzie, goalkeeper Stephen Adams and midfielder Agyemang Badu were the other casualties from the 29-man squad released by the Serbian late on Saturday as the team prepared to hit Rotterdam for an international friendly against Holland on Tuesday.

Ghana’s Serbian coach settled on his final squad after five days of training in Paris and decided some of his big names were past it ahead for the campaign in South Africa.

The official squad made nonsense of the many rumoured lists that made the rounds in the media in the past weeks and is bound to shock many in the Ghana game too.

Laryea Kingston missed the 2006 World Cup through suspension and was desperate to put in a show in South Africa so much so that he run into trouble into his club side Hearts over his national team commitments.

Hamini Dramani and Eric Addo who both played in Ghana’s first World Cup seemed to have fallen on their poor showing for Ghana at the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola while Emmanuel Agyemang Badu lost out because of an injury he picked up towards the end of the Serie A season.

Rajevac kept faith with John Mensah despite the fact that he had done very little contact training with the squad all week after a season at Sunderland which was blighted by one injury after another. Also in is Quincy Owusu-Abeyie who last played for the Black Stars in Rajevac’s first game in charge back in September 2008.

The squad are now due to arrive in Rotterdam on Sunday ahead of their friendly meeting against Holland on Tuesday before travelling to England to play Latvia in Milton Keynes next Saturday.

Ghana kick off their World Cup campaign against Serbia in Pretoria on June 13 in Group D which also includes Germany and Australia.

Ghana Squad:

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson, Daniel Agyei, Stephen Aholu

Defenders: John Paintsil, John Mensah, Samuel Inkoom, Hans Adu Sarpei, Rahim Ayew, Lee Addy, Isaac Vorsah, Jonathan Mensah

Midfielders: Kwadwo Asamoah, Anthony Annan, Sulley Muntari, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie, Stephen Appiah, Andre Ayew, Derek Boateng

Attackers: Asamoah Gyan, Prince Tagoe, Dominic Adiyiah, Mathew Amoah

Sven Eriksson says progress from Group of Death possible

2010-05-30T02:40:00.000-07:00

Ivory Coast manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes that his team are capable of progressing from the World Cup’s ‘Group of Death.’ Eriksson took charge of the Ivory Coast team on March 28, replacing Vahid Halilhodzic after a poor African Nations Cup performance.

The former England manager has been leading him team at their training camp in Switzerland and will manage his first match with the Ivory Coast on Sunday when the Elephants take on fellow World Cup participants Paraguay.

Despite being placed into a group with Portugal, Brazil and North Korea, Eriksson is confident that his squad can progress to the knockout stages in South Africa.

"We know that we are in a very difficult group, but I really believe we have a good chance to move on," Eriksson told Swedish newspaper Sportbladet.

"It is a golden opportunity (for an African nation) to go far in the World Cup in Africa."

The 62-year-old thinks that the Ivory Coast have a strong and unique team that can overcome the fact that he has only been with the squad a short time.

"The time is short, yes. But I cannot do anything about it. It is up to us leaders and players to form a team on and off the field. And I think we are going the right way. (The squad has) a combination of technique, speed, and many of them are so incredibly physically strong. It is a very interesting team. I have never had a team with that combination before."

Eriksson, who led England to the quarter-finals in 2002 and 2006 World Cups, considers the task of leading Ivory Coast a more difficult assignment.

"This is perhaps a greater challenge, although there was a big challenge with England also," he said.

"It feels wonderful in every case. I know we have a good team and going into a World Cup is more than wonderful.

Japan face tough test against England today.

2010-05-30T02:10:00.000-07:00

For England's Manager Fabio Capello it is the last in a series of positive warm up games, but for his Japanese opposite number Takeshi Okada it is another in a what has been a tough warm up series.

Following a poor show by Japan in a 2-0 defeat to arch rivals South Korea in a friendly match on 24 May, Japanese coach Takeshi Okada is now under pressure. He was severely criticized by Japanese media, but Motoaki Inukai, the president of Japan Football Association, asked the coach to continue his job till the world cup 2010.

The upcoming friendly match against England is now seen as a big challenge for Japanese coach who could have been sacked following Japan’s defeat to South Korea unless there was world cup coming up next. Japan will face England on 30 May 2010 in Austria.

South Korea dominated over Japan throughout the match with captain Park Ji-Sung and Park Chu-Young scoring for the visitors. Japanese media reacted very strongly blaming the coach’s irresponsibility.

On Tuesday, England clinched a 3-1 victory over Mexico at the Wembley stadium in London, but the Three Lions were not as impressive as the score line may suggest. Mexico, in fact, outperformed England in terms of ball possession.

However, England striker Wayne Rooney has assured that they would come back strongly against Japan. Captain Rio Ferdinand also voiced the same. English players would like to give their best against Japan as this is apparently their last chance to claim a place in the final 23-man squad.

So, Japan can expect a more determined England with the players looking to impress coach Fabio Capello. As a result, Takeshi Okada and his team may face tougher challenge from England than what they experience against South Korea at home.

Capello ready to wait on injured Gareth Barry

2010-05-30T02:03:00.000-07:00

Fabio Capello has said he is ready to take a risk on Gareth Barry despite the mid fielders injury.

Fabio Capello is prepared to wait until the last possible moment before deciding whether to include Gareth Barry in his final squad for the World Cup after a scan on his ankle injury yesterday proved inconclusive.

Capello had expected the examination to yield a definitive verdict, but the specialist indicated that it was too early to say whether the Manchester City midfield player’s injury would heal in time for him to play a significant role in the finals.

Barry, who has started 19 of Capello’s 23 games in charge, will be given as
long as possible to prove his fitness before the England manager names his final 23-man squad next Tuesday. The 29-year-old has undergone oxygen treatment, injections and soft-tissue massage in the hope of accelerating his recovery since he suffered the injury to his right ankle in City’s penultimate game of the Barclays Premier League season, at home to Tottenham Hotspur on May 5, but so far his only running has been on a water treadmill.

Barry will not join the rest of the England squad when they fly back to Irdning, Austria, today for the second part of their training camp. He will be assessed again in London at the weekend, with Capello looking for reassurances that, even if the player is not fit in time to feature in the opening game against the United States on June 12, he can play some part in the remaining group matches.

Franco Baldini, the England general manager, was in Hartford, Connecticut, to watch the United States in their warm-up match last night against the Czech Republic. A member of Capello’s staff will watch Algeria, another of England’s group opponents, when they play Ireland in Dublin on Saturday.

Capello has still to determine David Beckham’s role in South Africa. Beckham,
the former captain, was invited to stay with the squad after being ruled out of the tournament with an Achilles tendon injury in March, but he will not link up with the team until they depart for the tournament on June 2.

Germany beat Hungary 3-0 in impressive win

2010-05-30T01:28:00.001-07:00

The German steam roller presses on as they notch up another comprehensive win, this time against Hungary.

Despite resting the four players that started Bayern Munich's UEFA Champions League defeat to Inter Milan, Germany dominated throughout in Budapest.

Lukas Podolski opened the scoring from the penalty spot after just four minutes and only a string of saves from Gabor Kiraly prevented Germany from leading by a greater margin at the break.

Mario Gomez and Cacau then struck in the second half to seal a comfortable victory for Joachim Low's side.

Podolski, who scored just twice for Cologne in the Bundesliga this season, showed how he transforms when he pulls on a Germany shirt as he tested Kiraly with a powerful drive in the third minute.

The Hungary goalkeeper was in for a busy night and he passed his first test by tipping the ball over, but he was let down by his team-mates from the resultant corner when Sandor Torghelle pulled down Per Mertesacker inside the penalty area.

Podolski stepped up to place his penalty into the top corner to give Low's side the lead.

A good combination between Mesut Ozil and Piotr Trochowski led to a shot from the former being saved by Kiraly, who denied the Werder Bremen winger again moments later.

Kiraly made further saves to thwart Miroslav Klose and Ozil again as Hungary held on desperately until half-time.

Low made several changes to his side at the break and one of his substitutes

Gomez scored with practically his first touch of the match.

He was sent through by another substitute, Marko Marin, and managed to just poke the ball into the bottom corner as Kiraly raced from his line in the 69th minute.

Gomez was on target five times in a midweek 24-0 victory over a local amateur team in Germany's training camp in Sudtirol and showed he is desperate not to be one of the two names dropped by Low to form his final 23-man squad next Tuesday as he set up the third.

His pass sent Cacau through and the Stuttgart striker rounded Kiraly before placing the ball into the empty net to boost his chances of boarding the flight to South Africa.

And Low's task in trimming his squad will be made all the harder after Marcell Jansen, Marin, Trochowski and debutant Holger Badstuber all made good impressions.

USA 2 - Turkey 1

2010-05-30T01:18:00.000-07:00

USA gain valuable win over turkey in their last friendly before leaving for South Africa.

USA eventually gave Philadelphia the farewell party it demanded and, in the second half at least, something for Fabio Capello to ponder.

But America must know that if they play as they did in the opening half, the champagne corks popping in Rustenburg will bear an English stamp.

A crowd of more than 50,000 gathered at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field to wish the USA safe passage to the World Cup.

With the barbecues fired and the beer flowing in the vast car parks it was all going so well until the referee blew his whistle. Thereafter Turkey went through their short-passing, quick-footed repertoire to leave American coach Bob Bradley with serious remedial work to do at half time.

The opening goal followed a blueprint available to Capello. Whipps Cross-born Colin Kazim-Richardson sliced open a pedestrian defence to set Arda Turan away in acres of space down the left, the kind of room Aaron Lennon or Theo Walcott will relish if offered in Rustenburg. Turan survived a scissored challenge from two defenders to crack the ball past Tim Howard in goal.

The same defence shortcomings exposed on Tuesday night during the 4-2 defeat to the Czech Republic were evident here. AC Milan stopper Oguchi Onyewu failed to make the starting line-up again following the patellar tendon rupture suffered last October. Carlos Bocanegra, who had minor surgery to correct a hernia three weeks ago, filled in at left back with Jay DeMerit and Clarence Goodson forming a flat-footed pairing at centre-back.

West Ham’s Jonathan Spector was routinely outpaced at right back, offering Capello potentially rich rewards down the left. The one threat presented in the first half came from Jozy Altidore, whose cross after breaking into the box down the right, narrowly escaped the outstretched boot of Landon Donovan.

The introduction of Jose Torres and Robbie Findlay after the break produced significant forward thrust. Guus Hiddink’s team were hardly busting a gut to defend their lead and as the hour approached the Americans found a way to release Donovan, who disguised his pass beautifully to pick out the advancing Altidore.

Not oven Altidore, who failed to score in 25 successive games for Hull, could miss that cherry. What little interest Turkey retained evaporated allowing Clint Dempsey to add a second and clip a post with the cake there to be iced in the closing minutes.

Serbian fans riot after New Zealand loss

2010-05-30T01:10:00.000-07:00

Serbia lost 1-0 to New Zealand in a friendly played in Austria. The result would be of the concern to Serbian fans and a big boost to New Zealand's.

Serbia's stand-in captain Nemanja Vidic had to appeal for calm over the microphone as his country's fans rioted during the second-half of a 1-0 World Cup warm-up defeat by New Zealand yesterday. Around 10,000 Serbia fans, mostly expatriates living in Austria, attended the match and trouble erupted in the second half when they threw burning flares, bottles and missiles on to the pitch.

Several invaded the pitch and had to be dragged away by security before Manchester United's Vidic stepped in to urge calm as the match officials and New Zealand's players were getting ready to walk off. The match was held up for several minutes before restarting.

The ugly scenes compounded a miserable afternoon for Serbia with New Zealand's Shane Smeltz scoring the only goal in the 22nd minute.

Spain struggle to beat Saudi Arabia

2010-05-30T01:00:00.001-07:00

World Cup favourites Spain put up a less than inspiring performance as they struggled to beat Saudi Arabia in the World Cup warm up match.

European champion Spain scrambled a 3-2 victory over modest Saudi Arabia in a World Cup warmup game on Saturday

A strong Spanish lineup fell behind to the Saudis and, despite goals by David Villa and Xabi Alonso, was being held 2-2 in the final stages until Fernando Llorente headed the winner in injury time.

Algeria have a lot of work to do after Irish defeat

2010-05-30T00:54:00.001-07:00

Algeria has to go back to the drawing board after suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Ireland in their latest friendly.

The euphoria of qualifying at the expense of bitter rivals Egypt has now turned into a cold reality for the Desert Foxes.

There is serious work to be done if they want to prevent their stay in South Africa from being a brief and painful one.

Saadane's decision to delay his team's first World Cup warm-up until just a fortnight before kick-off now appears to have been misguided as his team looked rusty and disorganised in Dublin.

And the coach acknowledged afterwards that his team has much to do to avoid defeat in South Africa, not least at the hands of England, and improve on their abject performance against an Irish side who have not qualified for the World Cup.

Germany beat local side by a whopping 24-0

2010-05-27T13:29:00.001-07:00

Say what you like about the Germans but one think you can't say is that they are not ruthlessly efficient as a young Italian side found out.

Germany smashed a whopping 24 goals without reply against amateur side Eppan at their pre-World Cup training camp in Sudtirol, Northern Italy.

Bayern Munich strikers Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez scored five goals each on their playing return from Champions League final duty, while fellow forwards Cacau and Stefan Kiessling scored two apiece and Cologne’s Lukas Podolski was also on target.

In midfield, Hamburg’s Piotr Trochowski grabbed a hat-trick, Andreas Beck and Toni Kroos each hit a brace, while Arne Friedrich and Sami Khedira also scored.

Michael Essien ruled out of World Cup

2010-05-27T12:54:00.000-07:00

Ghana's chances at the World Cup suffered a huge blow as the talismanic midfielder has been ruled out of the World Cup.

The 27-year-old Chelsea and Ghana midfield player missed a large part of the season due to knee and ankle injuries and has hardly played any competitive football since December.

Milovan Rajevac, the Ghana coach, had hoped Essien would be passed fit for the tournament in South Africa this summer, but the Ghana Football Association today announced he was not expected to be back in action until the end of July.

“An evaluation by a combined team of medical experts from the Ghana Football Association and Chelsea Football Club revealed that Essien will not make full recovery until the end of July,” a statement read.

Diego Forlan and Sebastian Abreu punish Israel

2010-05-27T12:25:00.001-07:00

Uruguay romped home with a 4-1 win over Israel as their preparation for the World Cup next month moves into top gear.

Uruguay gave themselves a boost when they overcame an inexperienced Israel side 4-1 during a practice match at Montevideo. Coach Oscar Tabarez was delighted with the performance of strikers Diego Forlan and Sebastian Abreu (scorer in 75th and 81st min.) Another came from Alvaro Pereira, converting an assist by midfield playmaker “Nacho” Gonzalez on 37.

Chile whip Zambia 3-0 in World Cup preparation

2010-05-27T12:18:00.001-07:00

Substitute Alexis Sanchez scored a second half brace as Chile beat Zambia 3-0 in an international friendly game played at Calama’s Estadio Municipal.

Zambia started the match strongly clad in the new copper strip with both William Nobvu and Hichani Himonde testing Chilean goalkeeper from long range before Kalililo Kakonje made a great save to deny Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Zambia saw two players booked in a space of six minutes. Firstly, Felix Katongo was booked for a late challenge on a Chilean player in the 21st minute and then Rainford Kalaba who was playing his first competitive match since the Nigeria game in Angola entered the referee’s entered the referee’s book for a similar offence.

World Cup favourites Brazil arrive in South Africa

2010-05-27T12:12:00.001-07:00

The World Cup is definitely ready to kick as favourites Brazil arrived today.

Brazil arrived in Johannesburg on Thursday to embark on a journey they hope will take them to a record sixth World Cup title.

Usually hot pre-tournament favourites wherever the quadrennial international football showcase is staged, Brazil have been downgraded by many bookmakers to second spot behind European champions Spain.

A crisp, clear dawn in the South African economic hub greeted the South Americans, who flew from Brasilia having been given an official send-off by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Landing 12 hours after the Australia's team the Socceroos became the first qualifiers to reach South Africa, Brazil followed the same procedure of restricted assess to select TV crews and photographers and no interviews.

Australia's Socceroos are the first team to land in South Africa

2010-05-27T12:07:00.001-07:00

Australia national team the Socceroos are the first of the World Cup teams to arrive in South Africa. the 30 man squad touched down on Wednesday at Johannesburg's international airport.

The 'Socceroos', in Group D with Germany, Ghana and Serbia, boarded a luxury coach for the trip to a hotel in the elite northern Sandton suburb and will start training Thursday at a college in another upmarket area of the South African economic capital.

Australia have lined up friendlies against Denmark on June 1 and the United States on June 5 in Roodepoort on the western outskirts of Johannesburg.

Indomitable Lions 30 man squad.

2010-05-13T15:09:00.001-07:00

Cameroon names World Cup squad and includes veterans Rigobert Song and Geremi Njitap.

French coach Paul Le Guen has found places for veterans Rigobert Song and ex-Chelsea midfielder Geremi Njitap.

Cameroon will play in Group E in South Africa alongside Denmark, Japan and The Netherlands.

Bassong's Tottenham team-mate Bennoit Assou Ekotto is also included in the squad after missing the Nations Cup in Angola with an injury.

But Burnley's Andre Bikey has been left out of the line-up.

Coach Le Guen is also giving an opportunity to two home-based players John Patrick Abouna Ndzana of Stars FC Yaounde and Patrick Mevoungou of Canon Sportif.

Other notable inclusions are Samuel Eto'o of Inter Milan and Arsenal midfielder Alexander Song.

The Indomitable Lions kick off their World Cup campaign on 14 June against Japan.

Cameroon squad:

Goalkeepers: Guy Roland N'Dy Assembe (Valenciennes), Idriss Carlos Kameni (Espanyol), Hamidou Souleymanou (Kayserispor), Patrick Tignyemb (Bloemfontein Celtic)

Defenders: Patrick Abouna (Astres Douala), Benoit Assou Ekotto (Tottenham Hotspur), Sebastien Bassong (Tottenham Hotspur), Gaetan Bong (Valenciennes), Aurelien Chedjou (Lille), Geremi (Ankaragucu), Boukar Makadji (Al Nahdha), Nicolas Nkoulou (Monaco), Rigobert Song (Trabzonspor)

Midfielders: Achille Emana (Real Betis), Enoh Eyong (Ajax Amsterdam), Jean Makoun (Olympique Lyon), Georges Mandjeck (Kaiserslautern), Joel Matip (Schalke 04), Patrick Mevoungou (Canon Yaounde), Marcel Ndjeng (Augsburg), Landry Nguemo (Celtic), Alexandre Song (Arsenal)

Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar (Coton Sport), Eric Choupo-Mating (Nuremburg), Stephane Mbia (Marseille, France), Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan), Mohamadou Idrissou (Freiburg), Dorge Kouemaha (Club Bruges), Achille Webo (Real Mallorca), Jacques Zoua (Basle)

Nigeria names 30 man provisional World Cup squad

2010-05-13T14:58:00.001-07:00

Nigeria's new coach Lars Lagerback has named a 30 man provisional squad for the World Cup in June.

The Super Eagles squad was named by coach Lars Lagerback in the capital, Abuja, on Monday.

Fit-again Everton striker Victor Anichebe has been recalled along with John Utaka, the Portsmouth forward who was left out of the Nations Cup.

Lukman Haruna, the under-17 World Cup-winning captain in 2007, has also made the cut.

This is Lagerback's first Nigerian squad since taking over from Shaibu Amodu who was sacked after leading to third place at the Nations Cup in Angola in January.

Nigeria play Argentina, Greece and South Korea in Group B of the World Cup.

Two locally-based players - goalkeeper Akpan Bassey and defender Terna Suswan - are named in the squad, which will delight fans who had called for the inclusion of some players from the 2010 West African (Wafu) Cup team.

Assistant coach Austin Eguavoen defended Lagerback's first selection.

"We have travelled and have monitored our players for the last two months and we must admit it was not easy, but we have chosen players who give us options everywhere," Eguavoen told BBC Sport.

"There have been injury concerns as well as other issues but from defence to attack we have chosen carefully.

"This is a team the people of Nigeria can be proud of."

Nigeria squad:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda, Israel), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikva, Israel), Bassey Akpan (Bayelsa United, Nigeria)

Defenders: Taye Taiwo (Marseille, France), Elderson Echiejile (Rennes, France), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Onyekachi Apam (OG Nice, France), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Daniel Shittu (Bolton Wanderers, England), Ayodele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands), Rabiu Afolabi (SV Salzburg, Austria), Terna Suswan (Lobi Stars, Nigeria)

Midfielders: Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi (TSG Hoffenheim, Germany), John Utaka (Portsmouth, England), Brown Ideye (FC Sochaux, France), Peter Utaka (Odense Boldklub, Denmark), , Kalu Uche (Almeria, Spain), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham, England), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea, England), Sani Kaita (Alaniya, Russia), Haruna Lukman (AS Monaco, France), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine), Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)

Chile names 30 man provisional squad for World Cup

2010-05-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

Chile names provisional squad for World Cup with Jaime Valdes as a surprise inclusion.

Valdes, who has played in Italy for a decade, has never played under Bielsa,
who has been in charge of Chile since 2007. Valdes last played for his country in 2006.

Flamengo midfielder Claudio Maldonado was left out having come back in March from a knee injury he suffered playing for Chile against Slovakia in November.

Universidad de Chile midfielder Marco Estrada was included despite not playing much for his club side having not fully recovered from a leg injury.

Bielsa, whose team meet Mexico in a warm-up at the Azteca in Mexico City on Sunday, must trim his World Cup squad to 23 by June 1 for the finals starting on June 11 in South Africa where Chile face favourites Spain, Switzerland and Honduras in Group H.

Chile squad

Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Miguel Pinto (Universidad
de Chile), Luis Marin (Union Espanola).

Defenders: Waldo Ponce (Universidad Catolica), Gonzalo Jara (West
Bromwich Albion), Gary Medel (Boca Juniors), Mauricio Isla (Udinese), Arturo
Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen), Pablo Contreras (PAOK Salonica), Ismael Fuentes
(Universidad Catolica), Roberto Cereceda (Colo Colo).

Midfielders: Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile), Carlos Carmona
(Reggina), Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo), Jorge Valdivia (Al Ain), Matias
Fernandez (Sporting Lisbon), Jean Beausejour (America, México), Pedro
Morales (Dynamo Zagreb), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Gonzalo Fierro
(Flamengo), Charles Aranguiz (Colo Colo), Manuel Iturra (Universidad de
Chile), Rodrigo Tello (Besiktas).

Forwards: Humberto Suazo (Real Zaragoza), Alexis Sanchez (Udinese),
Mark Gonzalez (CSKA), Fabian Orellana (Xerez), Hector Mancilla (Toluca),
Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Jaime Valdes (Atalanta).

Confident Brazil names 23 man squad.

2010-05-13T14:37:00.000-07:00

Brazil's coach Dunga has named his 23 man squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Brazil coach Dunga announced his 23 man squad directly following in the footsteps of Switzerland's Ottmar Hitzfeld in bypassing the provisional 30 man squad. His squad contained 20 Europe based players with Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Kleberson (Flamengo) and Robinho (Santos) the three selections who play in Brazil.

There will be no World Cup for Ronaldo either or his Corinthians team mate Roberto Carlos, both of whom harbored faint hopes of making the squad.

There were three surprising omissions, Ronaldinho, Adriano, and Alexandro Pato but the man who impressed in his side's shock 2009 Bundesliga triumph Grafite from VFL Wolfsburg made the squad.

Champions League finalists Inter Milan are themost represented club with three players, and there was a surprise place for Spurs goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes, the only EPL player in the selection.

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham), Alexander Doni (Roma)

Defenders: Maicon, Lucio (Inter), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Olympique Lyonnais), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)

Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Kaka (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma), Josue (Wolfsburg), Kleberson (Flamengo), Elano (Galatasaray), Ramires (Benfica)

Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Grafite (Wolfsburg)

The USA names 30 man squad for South Africa 2010.

2010-05-13T14:32:00.000-07:00

Coach Bob Bradley names 30 man squad for South Africa 2010.

USA coach Bob Bradley has named his provisional 30 man squad from which he will select the final 23 men to travel to South Africa for this summer’s 2010 World Cup.

The coach has included a host of players based in Europe, including an all Barclays Premier League selection of three goalkeepers: Brad Guzan, Tim Howard and Marcus Hahnemann.

USA face England, Slovenia and Algeria in Group C of the FIFA World Cup 2010.

Squad: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves); Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Chad Marshall (Columbus Crew), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Heath Pearce (FC Dallas), Jonathan Spector (West Ham); DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Alejandro Bedoya (Orebro), Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Robbie Rogers (Columbus Crew), Jose Torres (Pachuca); Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles Galaxy), Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla), Eddie Johnson (Aris Thessaloniki)

Slovenia names 30-man World Cup provisional squad named.

2010-05-13T14:23:00.000-07:00

Slovenia has named a 30 man provisional squad for the coming World Cup.

The Slovenia coach, Matjaz Kek, has named his 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup finals.

Slovenia who are in Group C alongside England, Algeria and the USA, must submit a final squad of 23 players on or before 1 June.

Robert Koren, the West Bromwich Albion midfielder, is Slovenia's only British-based player.

"I'm particularly happy about the last report from South Africa where the training headquarters of the Slovenian team, including an excellent pitch, are already waiting," Kek said in a statement.

The team qualified for the World Cup by ousting Russia in a big upset in the November playoffs on away goals. With a population of two million, Slovenia will be the smallest nation at the tournament.

Goalkeepers: Samir Handanovic (Udinese), Jasmin Handanovic (Mantova), Aleksander Seliga (Sparta Rotterdam), Jan Koprivec (Maribor).

Defenders: Bojan Jokic (Chievo), Marko Suler (Ghent), Bostjan Cesar (Grenoble), Branko Ilic (Lokomotiv Moscow), Matej Mavric (Koblenz), Dejan Kelhar (Cercle Brugge), Elvedin Dzinic (Maribor), Miso Brecko (Cologne), Aleksandar Rajcevic (Koper), Suad Filekovic (Maribor).

Midfielders: Andraz Kirm (Wisla Krakow), Andrej Komac (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Rene Krhin (Internazionale), Mirnes Sisic (Giannina), Darjan Matic (Rapid Bucharest), Dare Vrsic (Koper), Dalibor Stevanovic (Vitesse Arnhem), Robert Koren (West Bromwich Albion), Aleksander Radosavljevic (Larissa), Valter Birsa (Auxerre).

Forwards: Milivoje Novakovic (Cologne), Zlatko Dedic (VfL Bochum), Zlatan Ljubijankic (Ghent), Nejc Pecnik (Nacional), Miran Burgic (AIK), Tim Matavz (Groningen).

Greece releases 30 man provisional World Cup squad.

2010-05-13T14:17:00.000-07:00

The 30 man provisional squad for Greece has been named.

Greece have announced the following provisional 30 man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Otto Rehhagel, the Greek coach, has selected a couple of players who are looking to make a quick recovery from recent injuries in his provisional squad, but it remains to be seen whether or not Christos Patsatzoglou (knee) and Giorgos Seitaridis will be fit enough to make the final 23 man squad.

It may be that Rehhagel takes a half fit Patsatzoglou for his role on the bench – the AC Omonia utility man would make a good backup as he is able to play in a number of positions in defence and midfield – something which is often vital for the latter stages of big tournaments.

Greece will play in Group B along with Argentina, Nigeria and South Korea.

Goalkeepers: Michalis Sifakis (Aris Salonika), Alexandros Tzorvas (Panathinaikos), Kostas Chalkias (PAOK Salonika).

Defenders: Giorgos Seitaridis (Panathinaikos), Loukas Vintra(Panathinaikos), Evangelos Moras (Bologna), Socrates Papastathopoulos (Genoa), Sotiris Kyrgiakos (Liverpool), Avraam Papadopoulos (Olympiakos), Vasilis Torosidis (Olympiakos), Nikos Spiropoulos (Panathinaikos), Stelios Malezas (PAOK Salonika), Giorgos Tzavellas (Panionios), Kostas Manolas (AEK Athens), Giorgos Galitsios (Olympiakos), Stergos Marinos (Panathinaikos).

Midfielders: Kostas Katsouranis (Panathinaikos), Alexandros Tziolis (Siena), Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos), Sotiris Ninis (Panathinaikos), Christos Patsatzoglou (Omonia), Grigoris Makos (AEK Athens), Sakis Prittas (Aris Salonika), Lazaros Christodoulopoulos (Panathinaikos).

Forwards: Angelos Charisteas (Nuremberg), Dimitris Salpigidis (Panathinaikos), Pantelis Kapetanos (Steaua Bucharest), Theofanis Gekas (Hertha Berlin), Giorgos Samaras (Celtic), Kostas Mitroglou (Olympiakos).

Raymond Domenech names 30 man provisional squad.

2010-05-13T14:13:00.000-07:00

Raymond Domenech has named his provisional 30-man squad for the World Cup 2010.

France have named their 30 man provisional squad for this summer’s 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

There is to be no final World Cup for Manchester City’s Patrick Viera, though Barcelona’s Thierry Henry is named at the 30 man stage by coach Raymond Domenech.

French playmaker Franck Ribery will make up for missing the UEFA Champions League Final with Bayern Munich through suspension as he looks certain to be in the final squad of 23, though it is likely that a number of other forwards named will miss out: there are 8 front men in the 30 strong provisional list.

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyon), Steve Mandanda(Olympique Marseille), Cedric Carrasso (Girondins Bordeaux), Mickael Landreau (Lille)

Defenders: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), William Gallas (Arsenal), Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Rod Fanni (Stade Rennes), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla), Adil Rami (Lille), Marc Planus (Girondins Bordeaux), Gael Clichy(Arsenal), Anthony Reveillere (Olympique Lyon)

Midfielders: Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), Alou Diarra(Girondins Bordeaux), Jeremy Toulalan (Olympique Lyon), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Yoann Gourcuff (Girondins Bordeaux), Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Yann M’Vila (Stade Rennes)

Forwards: Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich), Sidney Govou (Olympique Lyon), Djibril Cisse (Panathinaikos), Hatem Ben Arfa (Olympique Marseille), Mathieu Valbuena (Olympique Marseille), Jimmy Briand (Stade Rennes)

Joachim surprises with call ups for Aogo and Badstubber

2010-05-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

Dennis Aogo and Holger Badstuber were surprise call ups as Joachim Low announced his 27 man provisional squad for the World Cup in June.

Löw also named Bayern Munich veteran Hans-Jorg Butt among the three goalkeepers who are all vying to become the new number one after Rene Adler had to pull out due to injury.

Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose, who have both had difficult seasons for their clubs, have also been included, but there was no place for Lazio midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, who was a key member of the squad which earned qualification for World Cup 2010 over the last two years.

Aogo, 23, makes the step-up from the Germany Under-21 squad and will rival his Hamburg team-mate Marcell Jansen for a place in Löw's final 23-man selection.

"Aogo has played for our Under -21s and has been playing with Hamburg in Europe," explained Löw.

"For us, the criteria are not that players have played lots of games for us, but that they have the potential and we could see his technical ability and that was the reason why we have decided to take him along with the 27 players."

Badstuber also earns his first international call only nine months after making the first of eight appearances for the Under-21s, and his debut in the Bayern first team.

Löw will have to disappoint four players before he hands his final list of 23 players to Fifa early next month, but before that, he will get the chance to consider all of his options in the next few weeks, with friendly matches against Malta, Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the schedule.

Provisional Germany squad for World Cup:

Goalkeepers: Hans-Jorg Butt, Manuel Neuer, Tim Wiese

Defenders: Per Mertesacker, Heiko Westermann, Philipp Lahm, Jerome Boateng, Andrea Beck, Arne Friedrich, Serdar Tasci, Marcell Jansen, Holger Badstuber, Dennis Aogo.

Midfielders: Michael Ballack, Sami Khedira, Piotr Trochowski, Marko Marin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Christian Trasch, Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos.

Forwards: Lukas Podolski, Miroslav Klose, Stefan Kiessling, Cacau, Thomas Muller, Mario Gomez.

Argentina post easy 4-0 win over Haiti

2010-05-06T13:34:00.001-07:00

Argentina's preparation for the World Cup in June got a fillip as a team of local players put in a impressive performance against Haiti.

Argentina easily defeated Haiti 4-0 in an international friendly Wednesday, one of the last warm-ups for the South Americans before they head to the World Cup in South Africa.

Argentina played without its Europe-based stars, with coach Diego Maradona taking a look at local players who could make his 23-man squad.

Boca Juniors' Martin Palermo, the club's all-time leading scorer, helped his chances with a goal. Facundo Bertoglio scored two and Sebastian Blanco added the other.

Many of the Haitian players lost loved ones in the devastating earthquake on Jan. 12. The highlight for many members of the team appeared to be lining up at halftime to snap a photo with Maradona.

Argentina tests local players in Haiti friendly

2010-05-05T12:37:00.000-07:00

Argentine coach Maradonna leads a squad of local based players in a friendly against Haiti with spot on the World Cup squad up for grabs.

Veterans Martin Palermo and Ariel Ortega, of Boca Juniors and River Plate, respectively, will lead Argentina’s attack in their World Cup preparation match against Haiti in Neuquen on Wednesday. Diego Maradona, the coach of the national team, already confirmed his starting line-up, from which he is expected to choose at least one player to form part of his 23-man squad for the World Cup in South Africa.

Maradona’s starting XI will be the following: Diego Pozo, Ariel Garce, Paolo Goltz, Juan Insaurralde, Fabian Monzon, Sebastian Blanco, Juan Mercier, Leonel Vangioni, Facundo Bertoglio, Ariel Ortega and Martin Palermo.

From the eleven players the most likely player to participate in the World Cup finals is Boca legend Palermo, who scored Argentina’s crucial winner in their penultimate World Cup qualifier against Peru last year. Other players with chances of making the squad are Pozo and Monzon, while Maradona could also add in a surprise.

Argentina’s squad to face Haiti:

Goalkeepers: Diego Pozo (Colon) and Adrian Gabbarini (Independiente).

Defenders: Matias Caruzzo (Argentinos), Luciano Monzon (Boca), Paolo Goltz (Huracan), Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell’s) and Ariel Garce (Colon).

Midfielders: Juan Mercier (Argentinos), Patricio Toranzo (Huracan), Leonel Vangioni (Newell’s), Facundo Bertoglio (Colon), Nicolas Olmedo (Godoy Cruz) and Sebastian Blanco (Lanus).

Strikers: Martin Palermo (Boca), Franco Jara (Argentinos), Ariel Ortega (River) and Juan Pablo Pereyra (Atletico Tucuman).

Brazil gets World Cup boost as they oust Spain as top team

2010-05-05T12:27:00.000-07:00

The Brazilian national team has got a boost ahead of the World Cup as the ousted Spain from the top of the FIFA ranking.

The latest edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking has a surprise in store as it reveals that Spain’s five-month reign has come to end, with Brazil reclaiming pole position and pushing the reigning European champions back into second place. This is the seventh time that Brazil have claimed top spot on the global ladder, a position that they have held for a total of 142 months since 1993.

Other moves of note in the top ten include the progress made by Argentina (7th, up 2) and Portugal (3rd, up 1). Third place represents the highest-ever position for the Portuguese since the launch of the Ranking in 1993.

Only five matches have been taken into account in April’s edition, which was to be expected, given that there are only 43 days to go until the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™, and many national leagues and continental championships are now entering the home straight. As a result, the international match calendar did not have a reserved date for international matches.

This means that most of the changes in this edition of the ranking are due to the devaluation of past results. Some teams have actually gained points due to the fact that the devaluation of poor results has led to a greater weighting of successful matches.

150 international matches have been played so far in 2010. There is likely to be significant movement in next month’s edition of the ranking, the last before the big event in South Africa, as the 32 teams start their preparations in earnest by playing friendly matches to decide on their best line-up. The World Cup is looming large and making things exciting – and not just in terms of the world ranking.

Fabio Cannavaro to quit International football after World Cup.

2010-05-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

Fabio Cannavaro captain of the Italian side is hoping for a glorious end to his international career at the World Cup in June.

Cannavaro has announced he will retire from international football after captaining Italy at the World Cup. The 36-year-old, who lifted the trophy in 2006, has been capped a record 132 times for Italy.

"They already say I'm too old, so I can only imagine what they would say in August," Cannavaro said.

The Juventus veteran defender took over the captaincy after Paolo Maldini left the national team in 2002. Cannavaro missed Euro 2008 because of injury but is returning to the side for this summer's tournament in South Africa. He has played for the national team for 13 years, with his greatest moment coming four years ago in Germany when leading Italy to the title.

Even better for Cannavaro was that he was voted the Fifa World Player of the Year.

"We're hoping to bring home the cup again, this time to keep it," said Cannavaro, who has been involved alongside 28 Serie A players in a three-day training camp held by the Italy coach, Marcello Lippi, in Rome.

Italy will face Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia in Group F in South Africa this summer.

Fernando Torres may miss start of World Cup

2010-05-04T12:23:00.001-07:00

Spain's chances at the World Cup took a knock as Liverpool striker is ruled out of the opening games by Liverpool medical staff.

The 26-year-old is recovering from surgery to repair knee cartilage torn in the 4-1 win over Benfica on 8 April.

"Whether he will be fit for the first game or not is uncertain," said Peter Brukner who is overseeing his recovery.

"But, if he continues to progress the way he is, he should be fit to play at some stage during the World Cup."

Spain, current European champions and one of the pre-tournament favourites, play their first match in Group H is against Switzerland on 16 June.

Games against Honduras on the 21 June and Chile on 25 June then follow.

If they progress to the knock-out stages, Spain will play a second-round match against one of Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast or North Korea on the 28 or 29 June.

Boss Vicente del Bosque also has injury concerns over midfielder Xavi who is playing through a calf tear that may see him ruled out of the World Cup.

The 30-year-old is playing on in an attempt to help Barcelona hold off Real Madrid's challenge and win a second successive Spanish league title.

But del Bosque said although he was worried about Torres, expectations for his recovery were good.

"I am sure that when the moment comes all the players will say they are fine but we are the ones who have to evaluate and decide the risk that should be taken," he said at a Spanish soccer federation event in Madrid.

"We cannot go to South Africa with four or five doubtful players," he added. "We have good hearts but we have to listen to our heads."

Bruker, who was appointed as Liverpool's head of sports medicine and sports science in March, believes there is a balance to be struck between the demands of club and country for Torres.

"He is certainly tremendously committed to his rehab, as are the staff here, and if anyone can recover from an injury, he can," he said.

"Hopefully we can get a compromise where he plays in the World Cup and he is fit and well for Liverpool next season."

Torres spent a month on the sidelines after a knee operation in January and was hampered by a troublesome groin injury before Christmas.

Despite the disruption, the former Atletico Madrid forward has scored 22 goals in his third season for the Reds, including 18 in 22 Premier League appearances.

Torres has an impressive record at international tournaments, scoring three goals in four games in the 2006 World Cup and the winner against Germany in the Euro 2008 final.

Algeria names provisional squad for World Cup

2010-05-04T11:59:00.000-07:00

Rabah Saadane names his provisional squad for the World Cup. With only three recognised strikers in the squad it looks like Saadane is falling back on his instinct to be overly cautious and defensive.

The 25-man squad was made up largely of those players who contested January's African Nations Cup, where the Desert Hawks finished fourth. Fawzi Chouachi, Lounes Gaouaoui, Mohamed Zemmamouche and Abdelkader Laifaoui are the only squad members who play their club football in Algeria.

Seven players ply their trades in France, while four are based in Britain - Rangers' Madjid Bougherra, Portsmouth duo Nadir Belhadj and Hassan Yebda, and Adlene Guedioura, who is currently on loan at Wolves from Belgian side
Charleroi.

Algeria, who have reached the World Cup for the first time since 1986, will face England, United States and Slovenia in Group C in South Africa. They will hold a fortnight-long training camp in Switzerland from May 13 before contesting friendlies against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on May 28 and the United Arab Emirates in Nuremberg on June 5.

Saadane will be required to trim his squad to 23 players by June 1.

Preliminary Algeria squad: Fawzi Chouachi (ES Setif), Lounes Gaouaoui (ASO
Chlef), Mohamed Lamine Zemmamouche (MC Alger), M'bohi Rais Ouheb (Slavia Sofia);
Abdelkader Laifaoui (ES Setif), Madjid Bougherra (Rangers), Carl Medjani
(Ajaccio), Rafi Halliche (Nacional), Anther Yahia (Bochum), Haib Belaid
(Boulogne), Nadir Belhadj (Portsmouth), Djamel Mesbah (Lecce); Hassan Yebda
(Portsmouth), Mehdi Lacen (Racing Santander), Yazid Mansouri (Lorient), Adlene
Guedioura (Charleroi), Riad Boudebouz (Sochaux), Djamel Abdoun (Nantes), Fouad
Kadir (Valenciennes), Mourad Meghni (Lazio), Karim Ziani (Wolfsburg), Karim
Matmour (Borussia Monchengladbach); Abdelkader Ghezzal (Siena), Rafik Djebbour
(AEK Athens), Rafik Saifi (Istres).

Denmark faces goalkeeper worries

2010-05-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

Danish national coach faces tough selection challenges after Thomas Sorenson his first choice keeper suffered an elbow injury.

Denmark's coach Morten Olsen will likely postpone the announcement of goalkeepers for his World Cup squad after his first-string choice, Thomas Sorensen, picked up an elbow injury Sunday.

Stoke City's Sorensen was injured in the 7-0 thrashing handed out by Chelsea.

"He has been a terrific goalkeeper during the 10 years I have been manager, and he still is," Olsen on Monday told the online newspaper spn.dk.

Results of a scan are pending to determine the extent of Sorensen's injury.

Olsen was set to announce his World Cup squad May 10, but said he will wait until June 1 concerning the three goalkeepers.

"If we select Thomas Sorensen, and he can't play, then we have a problem. We will wait until June 1 when we will inform (football's ruling body) FIFA," Olsen added.

Japan's samba star is ready for the World Cup

2010-05-02T10:01:00.000-07:00

Marcus Tulio Tanaka Japan's Brazilian born defender has vowed to give all for his country in the forth coming world cup

Japan's Brazilian-born defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka has vowed to make his first World Cup a bruising battle he can remember with pride as a hard man among the Blue Samurai.

"I don't want the World Cup finals to be like food that I can't remember the taste of," the J-League Nagoya Grampus player said.

"It would be fantastic if our hard work from the World Cup tastes like strawberries but there is also a possibility it could taste nasty," he told Kyodo news agency in an interview published Wednesday.

"Even if we get hammered and it is not a nice feeling, I want to feel it completely in my body. I don't want to come back home wondering maybe if I could have given a bit more," said the 185-centimetre (six-foot-one-inch) player.

Tulio, who turns 29 on Saturday, is seen as sure to be selected alongside Yokohama F Marinos' Yuji Nakazawa as the main centre backs when Japan face Cameroon, the Netherlands and Denmark at the World Cup group stage in South Africa.

He has scored seven goals in 37 international appearances.

Despite being crowned the 2006 J-League Player of the Year, Tulio was ignored by Japan's then-coach Brazilian legend Zico for the squad that made an early exit from the 2006 World Cup in Germany after losing to Australia and Brazil and drawing with Croatia.

"Maybe I won't have another chance to play at the World Cup and I just want my whole body to react when someone mentions the tournament in 70 years time, if I'm still alive then," Tulio said.

Tulio first came to Japan, his father's homeland, aged 16, to enrol at a high school as an exchange student and football player. He joined the J-League Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2001.

He moved to Urawa in 2004 after a year on loan to a second-division side and helped the country's best-supported team win the AFC Champions League title in 2007. He signed with Nagoya in January.

Tulio, who obtained Japanese nationality in 2003, will become the third Brazilian-born player to represent Japan at the World Cup, following Wagner Lopes in 1998 and Nagoya team-mate Alessandro Santos in 2002 and 2006.

He admitted he was at first sceptical of Japan coach Takeshi Okada's ambitious goal of a semi-final spot in South Africa.

"To be honest I also thought 'what?' first of all, but we have played against a number of strong opponents and I see no reason why we can't achieve that," he said.

Under-age Prostitution rocks French World Cup preparations

2010-05-02T04:38:00.000-07:00

The latest twist in a prostitution scandal involving members of the French national football team has come as a relief to manager Raymond Domenech.

According to Liberation newspaper, the police investigation into whether Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema knowingly paid for sex with an under-age escort girl has been put on hold until after the World Cup.

"We're not moving till the World Cup is over," a police insider told Liberation. "There is no rush. The implications are too serious."

It means that Domenech should be assured the services of two of his most important players when the squad travels to South Africa next month.

For the time being, the pressure may be off. But the fall-out from the scandal could prove highly damaging to the image of French football, as well as the personal careers of those involved.

This week the public has been lapping up more salacious details about how a blonde Algerian-born teenager called Zahia Dehar worked as a 2,000-euros-a-night (£1,740) courtesan to some of the biggest names in French football.

In an interview with Paris-Match, Ms Dehar described how she was flown to Munich in April last year on the occasion of Mr Ribery's 26th birthday. The Frenchman currently plays for Bayern-Munich.

"I came on an aeroplane with one of my friends who I suppose [Ribery] had asked regarding my services. He had booked a room in a luxury hotel. We had sexual relations and he paid me… I was a nice birthday present, wouldn't you say?" she said.

Nightclub sting

The problem is that at the time Ms Dehar was 17 years old. Under French law, paid sex with someone under the age of 18 is regarded as sex with a minor - and punishable by three years in jail and a fine of 45,000 euros.

Eriksson looks forward to return bout with Portugal

2010-05-02T04:23:00.000-07:00

Ivory Coast's new manager Sven Goran Eriksson is looking forward to facing Portugal again in the World Cup bringing back memories of the the last time he faced them as the then manager of England.

Portugal defeated Eriksson's England on penalties in the quarter-finals at Euro 2004 before doing the same two years later in a controversial World Cup contest which saw Wayne Rooney sent off.

The Ivory Coast kick off their World Cup campaign against Portugal before facing Brazil and North Korea and, while Eriksson recognises the importance of their first match, he claims he will not be thinking of his England days.

"Brazil is favourite to win the group and second should be us or Portugal or North Korea on paper," Eriksson told Press Association Sport. "But that's on paper.

"But the first match for us is really important. There's no sense of revenge, this time it can't be penalty shoot-outs that's for sure.

"I'm looking forward to that but first we have to start the preparation and it's still far away. But it's important."

Despite being drawn in the so-called 'group of death' Eriksson insists a quarter-final spot is their target and is not even considering failing to progress from their pool.

He said: "To go through would be a success from a group like that.

"If we can reach the quarter-final I think everyone should be thinking it's a great success from an African team, for the Ivory Coast. That's the first target.

South Africa introduces "World Cup" visa

2010-05-02T04:11:00.000-07:00

The South African government has announced the introduction of a special visa specially for visitors attending the World Cup.

South Africa will issue the first ever Event Visa for an international event in support of the 2010 Fifa World CupTM, Minister of Home Affairs, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, announced on Tuesday in Johannesburg.

The issuing of such a visa is in keeping up with the guarantee that the Department of Home Affairs made to Fifa when the 2010 Fifa World Cup was awarded to South Africa in 1994. The Visa will make South Africa the first country to ever issue such a Visa for an international event.

The Event Visa will be issued free of charge to visitors to South Africa in 2010.

According to the department, the Event Visa has been finalised and will be tested by eligible visitors coming to South Africa for the Fifa Confederations Cup in 2009. The Visa will enable visitors for both events to enter South Africa conveniently at various ports of entries.

Minister Mapisa-Nqakula said the department was aware of the central role it has to play to make a meaningful success of the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa and use the event to revolutionalise the migration regime in the country.

“The Event Visa is one of the department’s exciting new immigration initiatives in support of the 2010 Fifa World Cup. As the department we are also aware of the central role we have to play to make 2010 a success for our country. When visitors come to South Africa, their first contact will be our officials, which is why we have to keep our promises,” she said.

She said the 2010 Fifa World Cup preparations had been intertwined with the department’s overall migration strategy to ensure that all the systems being put in place for the event become a legacy beyond 2010.

South Korea names 30-man provsional World Cup Squad

2010-05-02T04:05:00.000-07:00

South Korea's coach Huh Jung-Moo has announce a 30 man provisional squad for the 2010 World Cup and the side contains quite a few surprises.

Coach Huh Jung-Moo, whose side were drawn in Group B alongside Argentina, Greece and Nigeria, included no uncapped players. Park Ji-Sung of Manchester United and Monaco's Park Chu-Young head a 13-strong foreign contingent, while 2002 FIFA World Cup hero Ahn Jung-hwan is also included as he bids for a third consecutive appearance on the global stage.

Huh will reduce the size of the squad to 23 after the Taeguk Warriors take on Ecuador in a FIFA World Cup warm-up match in Seoul on 16 May. "The Ecuador game is the last opportunity for the domestic players," said Huh. "We will also be checking the condition of the foreign-based stars."

There is no place for former Fulham and Reading star Seol Ki-Hyeon, who is still recovering from a knee operation. "Seol hasn't been included because he hasn't played as he is still recovering and hasn't trained. Of course, it is regrettable for the players who haven't made the squad but those 30 players have the opportunity to play a big part for the national team."

South Korea 30-man preliminary FIFA World Cup squad:Kim Young-Kwang (Ulsan), Lee Woon-Jae (Suwon), Jung Sung-Ryong (Seongnam); Kang Min-Soo (Suwon), Kwak Tae-Hwi (Kyoto), Kim Dong-Jin (Ulsan), Kim Hyung-Il (Pohang), Oh Beom-Seok (Ulsan), Lee Young-Pyo (Al Hilal), Lee Jung-Soo (Kashima Antlers), Hwang Jae-Won (Pohang), Cho Won-Hee (Wigan), Cha Du-Ri (SC Freiburg), Cho Yong-Hyung (Jeju); Koo Ja-Cheol (Jeju), Ki Sung-Yong (Celtic), Kim Bo-Kyung (Oita), Kim Nam-Il (Tom Tomsk), Shin Hung-Min (Pohang), Kim Jae-Sung (Pohang), Kim Jung-Woo (Gwangju), Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton) Kim Chi-Woo (Seoul), Park Ji-Sung (Manchester United); Park Ju-Young (AS Monaco), Ahn Jung-Hwan (Dalian Shide), Lee Seung-Ryul (Seoul), Yeom Ki-Hun (Suwon), Lee Keun-Ho (Jubilo Iwata), Lee Dong-Guk (Jeonbuk).

Wolfsburg Grafite eye's World Cup with Brazil

2010-04-12T13:54:00.000-07:00

Wolfsburg's Brazilian striker Grafite hopes his current run of form can secure him a place in Brazil's World Cup squad.

Grafite boosted his chances of a place in Brazil's World Cup squad by scoring the second goal as German champions VfL Wolfsburg won 2-0 at struggling Nuremberg on Sunday.

Edin Dzeko became the Bundesliga's top scorer with 19 goals after putting Wolfsburg ahead in the 66th minute. His strike put him one goal ahead of Schalke 04's Kevin Kuranyi and Bayer Leverkusen's Stefan Kiessling.

Europa League semi-finalists Hamburg SV sneaked a late 2-1 win at VfL Bochum to end a four-match winless league run in Sunday's other game.

Wolfsburg, eighth with 46 points from 30 games, went ahead when Zvjezdan Misimovic found Dzeko with a diagonal pass and the Bosnian scored from 15 metres.

Twelve minutes later, Makoto Hasebe was given too much space on the right and delivered a pinpoint pass for Grafite to head in at the far post for his 10th goal of the season.

Grafite was overlooked by Brazil last year, when he was the Bundesliga's topscorer with 28 goals, but was given a surprise call-up for last month's friendly against Ireland, when he made only his second international appearance.

Thierry Henry World Cup spot not assured.

2010-04-12T13:48:00.000-07:00

Thierry Henry is not assured of making the French World Cup squad despite single handely (pun intended) being responsible for France's last minute qualification in the infamous hand goal against Ireland.

Raymond Domenech has refused to give assurances over Thierry Henry's place in France's 23-man squad for this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa.

The 32-year-old Barcelona forward was in the squad for France's last game against Spain, but there are no guarantees he will make the final cut for the World Cup, despite having helped Les Bleus reach the finals in the play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland in controversial fashion.

Domenech told French television show Canal Football Club: "It is a question that would arise on May 11 (the date of the initial squad announcement).''

Henry was a member of the World Cup-winning squad in 1998 and the Euro 2000-winning team and has scored 51 times in 118 appearances for France.

But his place is in jeopardy due to his limited playing time at Barcelona coupled with the wide array of attacking options at Domenech's disposal.

"I have deep respect for great players. Thierry has been, is (a great player). He does not play, but he is at Barcelona and he plays in a big competition,'' added the coach. "But I cannot help 'Titi' in this way.''

Another potential striker for France is Nicolas Anelka of Chelsea. Anelka has been critical of Domenech's regime, but the coach insisted he accepts comments from senior squad members.

Ghana's Serbian coach alleges Serbian intimidation

2010-04-11T12:55:00.000-07:00

Ghana's Serbian coach has alleged that the demolition of his house by Serbian authorities is part of intimidation campaign by Serbia ahead of the World Cup clash between the two countries.

Rajevac, a Serbian, is due to lead Ghana out to the 2010 World Cup where their opening game will be against Serbia.

Media reports in Ghana say he has been receiving threatening phone calls to quit since the Black Stars reached the Final of the African Nations Cup in January and now Rajevac is linking the demolition of his mansion to his Ghana job.

The building, in the tourist town of Zlatibor was demolished because town authorities say he didn't have the proper permits to build the house.

The Ghana coach disagrees and is now vowing legal action. "This is a very suspicious move and it is clearly an attempt to stop me from leading the Black Stars to the World Cup," Rajevac reportedly told Ghana soccernet.

"This house has been here for many years and I have all the documents. It is curious that a few weeks to the World Cup they decide to destroy the house.

I have no option than to go to the courts, ask Fifa to look into the matter and also ask the Ghana government to intervene and seek protection for me at governmental levels."

Ghana line up Latvian friendly before World Cup.

2010-04-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

Ghana will play a final warm up game against Latvia on June 5 before kicking off their 2010 World Cup campaign on June 13 in Pretoria against Serbia.

The Black Stars, who will prepare for the tournament in South Africa by pitching camp in Europe will meet the Latvians a week after another friendly in England.

The match will take place at the Plus Stadium of English League side MK Dons in Milton Keynes which has a massive Ghanaian population.

While the Latvians may not be a top draw international side, Milovan Rajevac will be hoping the game will boost the confidence of his side and set them up nicely for the tournament in South Africa in the same manner that warm up games in London against South Korea and Jamaica boosted Stars’ confidence before their fine showing in Germany 2006.

The Latvia game will round up an intense two weeks for the Black Stars who will set up a training base in Paris between May 24-29, play Holland in Amsterdam on June 1 and play the Latvians before flying over to Pretoria for their World Cup campaign.

Serbia wallop Japan 3-0

2010-04-11T12:40:00.001-07:00

Japan preparations for the 2010 World cup took a blow in Osaka this week.

Serbia defeated host Japan 3-0 in a friendly football international in which neither team fielded all top players they are set to have at the World Cup in June.

Forward Dragan Mrda got an early double in the third and 22nd minute before Nemanja Tomic wrapped up matters with a free-kick on the hour in Osaka.

Neither Japan nor Serbia fielded their stars who player in foreign leagues. Serbia play Germany, Australia and Ghana at the World Cup in South Africa, Japan are in a group with the Netherlands, Denmark and Cameroon.

Korea lines up four frendlies ahead of World Cup

2010-04-06T15:48:00.000-07:00

South Korea have lined up four high-profile friendlies to prepare for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa this summer.

Huh Jung-moo’s charges will assemble on May 9 and face Ecuador on May 16 in Seoul before taking on fellow qualifiers Japan five days later in Saitama, Japan.

The team then travels to Austria for a training camp before locking horns with Belarus on May 30.

Belarus finished fourth behind England, Ukraine and Croatia in the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers and this will be the first time they will face Korea .

European champions Spain, who are top-ranked in the latest FIFA world rankings, will be the Koreans’ final opponents on June 3 before they head to South Africa.

Belarus finished fourth behind England, Ukraine and Croatia in the FIFA World Cup European qualifiers and this will be the first time they will face Korea .

European champions Spain, who are top-ranked in the latest FIFA world rankings, will be the Koreans’ final opponents on June 3 before they head to South Africa.

Camerooon lines up Slovakia, Serbia friendlies

2010-04-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

Cameroon has lined up friendlies with Slovakia and Serbia in preparation for the 2010 World Cup.

The Indomitable Lions have already lined-up a World Cup warm-up against Slovakia in Klagenfurt on 29 May.

They will also play Portugal in a friendly in Lisbon on 1 June.

"These countries were chosen as sparring partners because their style of play is similar to that of our World Cup group opponents," the Cameroon FA said on its website.

The Indomitable Lions have been drawn in Group E alongside Netherlands, Denmark and Japan for the 2010 World Cup.

The tournament starts in South Africa on 11 June.

Japan names squad for Serbian friendly

2010-04-06T15:38:00.000-07:00

Japan's coach Takeshi Okada has named his 20 man squad for the match against Serbia on Wednesday.

Japan squad:

Goalkeepers: Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus), Eiji Kawashima (Kawasaki Frontale).

Defenders: Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama F Marinos), Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata),
Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo), Yuzo Kurihara (Yokohama F Marinos), Yuhei Tokunaga (FC Tokyo) Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Atsuto Uchida (Kashima Antlers).

Midfielders: Shunsuke Nakamura (Yokohama F Marinos), Junichi Inamoto (Kawasaki Frontale), Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Naohiro Ishikawa (FC Tokyo),
Yuki Abe (Urawa Reds), Koji Yamase (Yokohama F Marinos).

Fowards: Keiji Tamada (Nagoya Grampus), Kisho Yano (Albirex Niigata), Shinji Okazaki (Shimizu S-Pulse), Shinzo Koroki (Kashima Antlers), Kensuke Nagai
(Fukuoka University).

Serbia is to feature a largely domestic team in Japan friendly.

2010-04-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

As Serbia prepare for the World Cup players from the Serbian domestic League are being given a chance to fight for a place in the squad.

Serbia's national football team featuring only players who appear for domestic clubs travelled yesterday to Osaka, Japan, where they take on the host national team on Wednesday.

The coach of the team, Javor boss Radovan Curcic, has called up 18 players for the friendly event, as many as eight of whom will have their debut in the Serbia shirt.

One of the more experienced players in the squad is Red Star right-back Pavle Ninkov, who believes Serbia will be able to be on par with the home nation.

- “This game will serve the purpose of enabling an opportunity for these players to stake their claim and try to impress Serbia boss Radomir Antic and I hope we take our chance. I am glad to be back on the national team, there are some fine players here and I am confident we will be able to take the game to the Japanese,” says Ninkov.

Nikola Beljic, OFK Beograd midfielder, will wait for his chance to make his debut in the red Serbia shirt.

- “Playing for the national team is both an honour and an obligation. I am sure the Serbian Superliga players will show their qualities and maybe impose our case in national team coach Antic’s World Cup squad plans. I will be up to us to prepare as best we can and justify our selection and live up to the recent success of the senior team,” said Beljic.

Red Star defender Milan Vilotic shares his teammate’s views, who is also to make his debut for the national team in the game against Japan.

- “I expect to give a fine performance in my debut match for the national team. I hope we all fit in well together and take on a Japan side who are in the midst of their pre-World Cup preparations. This team is the future of the Serbian national team and our job will be to show Antic he can count on us,” said Vilotic.

Darren Bent in search of World Cup spot

2010-04-05T09:24:00.000-07:00

Darren Bent is cautious about winning a spot on England's World Cup squad despite his red hot form for Sunderland. Bent's 22 goals put him behind only Didiier Drogba (25) and Wayne Rooney (26) in the English Premier League scorers chart.

Sunderland striker Darren Bent scored twice against Tottenham Hotspur to take his goal tally to 23 this season but he has no illusions about his chances of winning an England place for the World Cup finals.

Bent missed out on a place in the squad for the 2006 World Cup finals but his good form will have been noted by England coach Fabio Capello.

Bent had an afternoon to remember against his former club on Saturday as Sunderland ended Spurs's five-match winning Premier League run with a 3-1 victory.

He opened the scoring with the season's fastest Premier League goal after 36 seconds, made it 2-0 from the penalty spot 20 minutes later then saw his former team-mate Heurelho Gomes save his next two penalties.

Only Wayne Rooney of Manchester United (26 goals) and Didier Drogba (25) have scored more times in the league than Bent this season.

Although he has scored more than England's other World Cup striker hopefuls -- Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch, Emile Heskey and Carlton Cole -- the 24-year-old Bent is keeping an open mind about his chances of being selected when Capello names his 23-man squad at the beginning of June.

Nigel De Jong will not rein in tough tackles

2010-04-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

Netherlands defender Nigel De Jong has defended his bone crunching tackling style despite a warning from Netherlands national coach that he would be a walking Red Card at the World Cup if he continues with this style.

Nigel de Jong insists he will not curb his combative approach to the game, despite recent criticism.

The Manchester City midfielder has established a reputation for taking no prisoners, with the Dutchman prepared to put his body on the line every time he takes to the field.

However, the Netherlands international can, at times, overstep the mark, with a crunching challenge on USA international Stuart Holden in a recent friendly leaving the Bolton man with a broken leg.

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk has called on De Jong to tone down his all-action displays, for fear of losing him to suspension during this summer's World Cup.

De Jong has no plans to heed that warning, though, with the 25-year-old adamant that he will not be changing his ways.

"It's difficult because I always give 100 per cent," he said.

"I spoke with the coach but he knows how I am as a player.

"But I also have to know that with international referees you can't do certain things, as you can in England. Over here, they will play on for things that get stopped in international games.

"I just have to focus on my game and be smart in certain situations on the pitch."

De Jong added: "English competition suits me better than German or Dutch at the moment, so I am happy to be here and willing to give 100 per cent again this weekend.

South Africa rally to draw with Paraguay

2010-04-01T14:45:00.000-07:00

South Africa put in a credible performance in Asunción as they held Paraguay to a 1-1 draw and had coach hailing the Bafana Bafana as "Lion Kings"

Carlos Alberto Parreira has called Bafana Bafana the “Lion Kings” after they came back to earn a credible 1-1 draw with Paraguay in Asuncion on Wednesday.South Africa were awful in the opening half hour or so, and deservedly went behind to a Marcelo Estigarribia header.

Bafana, however, were much improved after the break, as both coaches rang the changes, and Siphiwe Tshabalala thrashed home a wonderful left-footed drive to level the scores.“Paraguay were much better in the first half, we didn’t control the game as we would like,” said Parreira afterwards.

“In the second half we created more opportunities than them - we made good counter attacks and I believe the result is fair for what Paraguay have done in the first half, and for what we have done in the second half.”Lion Kings“We are the Lion Kings, we never give up. We were the better team in the second half and could have won.” Bafana captain Teko Modise, meanwhile, concurred with Parreira.

“Paraguay were the better team in the first half, and made things difficult for us,” said Modise.“They started pressurising us and we couldn’t play. In the second half we became better and started having confidence. If we can show character like this away from home, imagine what we can do at home,” added the midfielder, in a clear reference to the 2010 World Cup.

Bafana will return to Sao Paulo on Thursday, and will play Brazilian club side Santos on Saturday in the final game of their month-long tour of South America. Bafana have also now decided to leave Brazil on Sunday, returning to Johannesburg on Monday, two days earlier than expected.On April 9, Parreira will then announce a squad for his next training camp in Germany, from April 13-28.

Le Guen weighs up local players

2010-04-01T14:20:00.000-07:00

Cameroon's coach Paul Le Guen is looking to local players to complement his squad ahead of the World Cup.

Paul Le Guen is broadening his net ahead of the World Cup and has called up 24 locally-based players to a training camp in Yaounde later this month. The five-day exercise, which is aimed at identifying possible new talent, will also have striker Francis Ambane, based at Algerian champions Entente Setif, and Alfred Mfongang, who plays for AS Vita Club in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The Indomitable Lions team has long been dominated by players in Europe, but Le Guen had promised to pay more attention to the home-based talent that many of his predecessors were accused of neglecting.

Cameroon's squad at January's African Nations Cup finals was made up only of overseas-based players. They were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

At this year's World Cup in South Africa, Cameroon have been drawn in Group E with Denmark, Japan and Netherlands.

Rooney Injury scare is a sprain.

2010-04-01T14:05:00.000-07:00

England and Manchester United breathed as sigh of relief as scans show Wayne Rooney's injury is not as bad as feared.

The nation had held its breath for 19 agonising hours.

But last night England's prayers seemed to have been answered.

And all the signs are that super-striker Wayne Rooney will be OK for the World Cup, despite a painful ankle injury.

Experts believe he has nothing more than a bad sprain - and could even be back in action within two to four weeks The Man United ace, 24, had looked worried and drawn after flying back from Germany after twisting his right ankle in Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich.

It was feared he could join David Beckham and Ashley Cole on England's World Cup injury list.

But as he emerged after a scan at Bridgewater hospital in Whalley Range, Manchester, just before 5pm yesterday his relieved smile appeared to confirm that all was well.

United and England team medics were still waiting last night for the official results of the s c a n. B u t insiders say they are confident the injury will not keep him out of the game for long.

It is the second time Rooney has kept England fans on tenterhooks.

World Cup fears for England as Rooney is injured .

2010-03-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

Wayne Rooney hobbled off the pitch in tonight's Champions league match between Manchester United and Bayern Munich and England fans will be hoping the injury is not a repeat of the injury he suffered before the last World Cup in 2006.

It was double blow for Manchester United as they lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, but also lost their key striker Wayne Rooney during the game.

The England striker collapsed in agony, holding his right ankle after falling awkwardly after Mario Gomez appeared to tread on his left foot.

Rooney immediately signalled to the United bench that he had to come off the field.

Afterwards United manager Sir Alex Ferguson said he thought it was a bad ankle sprain and he was likely to miss Saturday's showdown with title rivals Chelsea.

England manager Fabio Capello also faces an anxious wait to discover the extent of the injury.

England midfielder David Beckham has already been ruled out of this summer's tournament in South Africa with an ankle injury.

Marcello Lippi hints Balotelli unlikely to make World Cup

2010-03-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

Italy's coach Marcello Lippi has hinted that Inter Milan star striker Mario Balotelli is unlikely to make the 2010 World Cup in South later this year.

Lippi believes the 19-year-old striker has bags of potential but has suggested that the under-21 international still has a great deal to learn.

"Balotelli is a lad that has great potential," he said. "I am certain, that once his path to maturity is complete, something which Inter are managing very well, he will be able to bring in his quality to the national team."

Balotelli was a surprise omission from the Inter squad which travelled to London to take on Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday evening following reports of a rift with coach Jose Mourinho.

Travel to the World Cup 2010 for Free.

2010-03-28T04:50:00.000-07:00

Bud House : Big Brother World Cup Style....

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Selected Contestants will be flown in stlye to Cape Town, South Africa where they will enjoy Luxurious accommodations, thrilling excursions, and the opportunity to have the kind of access few fans ever have.

The Contestants will filmed as they show their passion for their home country and the World Cup experience as a whole.

If you think YOU should represent your country in the Bud House, please click HERE to begin the application process. You must be over the age of 25, have or be able to get a valid passport and speak English. We welcome applications from both men AND women!

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Korea DPR (North Korea)
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Denmark
England
France
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Australia Coach to quit after World Cup

2010-03-27T15:53:00.000-07:00

The Australian coach Pim Verbeek has confirmed to the Sydeny Morning Herald that he will be resigning after the World Cup irrespective of the outcome.

SOCCEROO coach Pim Verbeek last night confirmed the worst-kept secret in Australian soccer - that he would quit when his contract ends after Australia's involvement at the World Cup is over.
The Dutchman, speaking by phone, said that he wanted fresh challenges and did not want stay so far away from family in Europe. The travel, jet lag and other challenges made it too big an ask to carry on, he said.
Not even the lure of coaching the national team at the Asian Cup finals in Qatar in January 2011, proved tempting enough for him to renegotiate a new deal on a seven-figure salary.
Been there, done that, was his reply when asked why he was leaving before that tournament, referring to his involvement with South Korea at the 2007 Asian Cup.
Football Federation Australia boss Ben Buckley said that the search for a successor had already begun.
Verbeek is likely to have some influence on who might fill his shoes, as Buckley said he would be consulted about a replacement.
''We have a very close relationship with Pim and we respect his views and of course we will talk to him and get his views [on prospective successors],'' Buckley said last night. ''We have started looking at who might be available and drawn up a list of potential candidates.''
Buckley stressed that the FFA wanted a long-term coach to take the Socceroos to the Asian Cup and to the next World Cup. Graham Arnold took temporary charge after Guus Hiddink's departure in 2006 and took the team to the Asian Cup in 2007 as caretaker before becoming Verbeek's assistant. Australia was disappointing in 2007 and the FFA does not want a repeat.

Salvador Cabanas back in training

2010-03-27T15:28:00.000-07:00

CF America striker Salvador Cabanas is to continuing his miraculous recovery in Argentina, having defied the odds to stage a quick recovery from a shot in the head in Mexico in January. Cabanas was Paraguay's leading scorer in the World Cup Qualifiers.

Paraguayan striker Salvador Cabanas, shot in his head last 25th Jan, is miraculously recovering at Fleni clinic in Escobar, Argentina, and hasn’t lost his faith to reach the World Cup in South Africa.

Cabañas is back in training and is performing shooting practice with high accuracy, according to people who visited him.

Horacio Cartes, Paraguayan Football Association director, said he “seems to have advanced very well” at his recovery.

Paraguayan Coach, Argentine Gerardo Martino and doctor, Celso Fretes visited him too.

“We are all very excited. He was waiting for us a little tense, but then he relaxed. We hugged. Then we saw him doing some football and goals of ‘all colors’ against doctor Fretes (who improvised as a goalkeeper)” said humorous Cartes.

Enthusiastic and encouraged by his amazing recovery, Cabanas asked Cartersto intercede with Martino for a call up to the World Cup in South Africa.

“Arrangre that for me that with Tata (Marino’s nickname)” said the striker. “I’m at my best state”.

The Paraguay international striker was shot in a bar in Mexico, in an incident which Cabanas still doesn’t remember.

Roque Santa Cruz returns to form

2010-03-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

The return to form of Roque Santa Cruz for club Manchester City is good news for Paraguay's ambitions at the world. The Paraguayan striker has struggled with injury since his £18 million move to City.

The striker made a rare appearance this season in Manchester City's match against Fulham and as an added bonus was on the score sheet.

Speaking after the match Roque Santa Cruz claims Manchester City must follow up their win against Fulham by beating Everton at Eastlands tomorrow.

The Blues can climb above Tottenham into fourth if they win their game in hand and the striker insists they can't afford any slip-ups.

"It's massively important that we win," he said. "Three points will put us ahead of Tottenham and, in that sense, just to feel that we are close to that fourth spot is massively important. We need to make sure we win this game.

"Everybody is happy that we beat Fulham. We are moving in the right direction and people are enjoying our football.

"We've now got to get ready for the coming games, which will be decisive for us. We are at home and we need to get the points."

Santa Cruz was delighted with his goal against the Cottagers, which was only his fourth during a difficult first season for the Paraguayan international since his £18million move from Blackburn last summer.

It has given him the lift he needed and he hopes to play a big part in City's push for a Champions League place.

"It's always important to score when you start and it gives you the confidence to keep going," he said.

Ivory Coast finally get a coach (and it's Sven)

2010-03-23T14:54:00.000-07:00

Sven Goran Eriksson is set to lead Ivory Coast at the World Cup finals.

Jacques Anouma, head of the African country's FA, is in Paris to conclude negotiations with the former England manager, who emerged as the frontrunner after Guus Hiddink turned down the chance to replace Vahid Halilhodzic.

The Elephants had been hoping to convince Guus Hiddink to take the reins in South Africa, but saw their efforts come to nothing.

The Dutchman is currently between jobs, having parted with Russia and yet to take charge of new employers Turkey.

However, an agreement could not be reached and the Ivoirians have been forced to turn their attention elsewhere.

Swedish tactician Eriksson was quickly installed as their top choice, with the former Mexico and England boss looking for work after leaving his role as director of football at Notts County in February.

He has prior experience of life at the World Cup, having guided England to the finals in 2002 and 2006.

Ivory Coast general secretary Hegaurd Ouattara admits Eriksson was not the leading candidate to replace Vahid Halihodzic, but is delighted with the appointment.

"He was not out first choice. That was Guus Hiddink," he said.

"But Eriksson's record speaks for itself."

Xavi has high hopes for Spain at the World Cup

2010-03-23T13:53:00.001-07:00

He is an instrumental part of Barcelona's holy trinity with Messi and Iniesta and this summer Xavi is looking to take transfer his mercurial talent from club to country.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes Spain's tight-knit group of players gives the national side a club feel about it.

Reigning European Champions Spain are favourites to win their first ever World Cup in South Africa this summer and further strengthened their case with a 2-0 win against France in midweek.

Xavi has hailed his nation's "modern" style of play and compared it to that of Barcelona and Arsenal, who are both famed for their free-flowing attractive football.

"Our style of game is very similar to the work in Barca or Arsenal," said Xavi. "This is modern football.

"Spain have still not found success in the World Cup but the squad is very concentrated and all the companions are in a compact group.

"In that sense, Spain appear more like a club than a national team."

The win in the Stade de France prolonged Spain's incredible record of 42 wins in their last 45 fixtures and that run is expected to continue this summer having been drawn in Group H with Switzerland, Honduras and Chile.

"At the minute Spain are in a good run of form and the supporters are happy with our game," added Xavi. "I personally am happy to be in this group.

Lukas Podolski believes Germany can go all the way.

2010-03-22T13:12:00.000-07:00

Cologne (Köln) striker Lucasl Podolski talks to FIFA.COM about his return to the club he's always loved and Germany's chances at the 2010 World Cup.

Any player whose presence at the first training session of a new season prompts a turn-out in excess of 20,000 fans is obviously a bit special. On 25 June 2009, Lukas Podolski ended a three-year absence from the RheinEnergie Stadium and reappeared in the colours of his beloved Cologne. An extraordinary wave of euphoria gripped the city: 'Prince Poldi' was back in his palace after a luckless three-year exile in Munich.

The left-footed forward could have had his pick of big-name clubs in Germany and elsewhere, but the call of home was the strongest of the lot. Podolski followed the call of his heart and returned to his footballing roots. He simply wanted to go home and open a new chapter in his life with partner Monika and their son Louis.

It has not been an easy transition for the man capped 70 times by Germany, but one thing is clear: the roguish grin is back on the player’s face, and there is a lightness and ease to his performances which was often lacking in Bayern colours. FIFA.com caught up with the 24-year-old to discuss the Bundesliga, Joachim Low and his country’s chances at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.

Algerian Keeper Chaouchi fails to overturn ban.

2010-03-20T12:55:00.000-07:00

Algerian keeper Chouchi and defender Belhadj are set to miss the opening rounds of Algerians World Cup campaign after they failed to overturn bans they incurred during the last African Cup of Nations.

Earlier this month, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) handed Belhadj and Chaouchi two-match and three-match bans respectively.

But Caf have upheld both those disciplinary decisions.

Both were punished for red cards in the 4-0 loss to Egypt during January's Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.

Defender Rafik Halliche was also dismissed in that game and earned a one-game ban.

With the trio having already missed the third-place play-off through suspension, Halliche can contest all Algeria's Group C ties while Portsmouth's Belhadj must only sit out the opener with Slovenia.

However, Algeria will have to make do without their number one goalkeeper Chaouchi for the first two group games against Slovenia and England.

After meeting Slovenia in Polokwane on 13 June, the Desert Foxes face England before finishing Group C against the United States in Pretoria on 23 June.

Boost For Nigeria at World Cup

2010-03-20T12:38:00.001-07:00

Nigeria is not likely to be short of support at this year's World Cup after FIFA was able to agree a deal with local airlines to fly hundreds of fans from Nigeria to South Africa.

Nigerian fans, among the most exuberant and vociferous in Africa, have been snapping up World Cup tickets in the last few days after more flights to South Africa were laid on.

"We have discussed ways of bringing fans from qualified African nations and Nigeria bought 1,000 tickets over the last days because they got a commitment that they will be able to fly to South Africa with a local airline," FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke told reporters on Friday.

Mobile ticket centres would be set up in South Africa's neighbouring countries in another attempt to make the June 11-July 11 tournament more accessible to African fans, he added.

Critics have said Africa's first World Cup is out of reach for all but a tiny proportion of the continent's fans because of a lack of flights, the consequent high price of tickets and absence of any other transport options.

Many fans wanting to travel to South Africa from Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Cameroon -- three of the qualifiers --would currently have to fly via Europe on scheduled flights.

Fans in South Africa and other countries have complained that the normal system of buying tickets over the internet is unsuitable for Africa where supporters have little access to computers and are not used to booking in advance.

"We are opening ticket centres in South Africa and have mobile units in South Africa and neighbouring countries on April 15. Fans will be able to buy tickets for $20 without having to fill in forms and this will increase sales of tickets in South Africa and elsewhere on the continent," Valcke said. "We have put everything in place."

Nigerian fans stand out for the non-stop drumming, singing and out-of-tune trumpets which form a backdrop to their team's games.

Ryan Nielsen: Don't write New Zealand off

2010-03-20T10:16:00.000-07:00

New Zealand's captain talks tough as his team head for their toughest competitive outing in 18 years.

New Zealand captain Ryan Nelsen believes his side are ready to announce themselves on the world stage, and have no plans to be World Cup whipping boys in South Africa this summer.

The All Whites qualified for their first finals since 1982 after beating Bahrain in a play-off in November, but they are the third-worst ranked team at the finals, with their FIFA world ranking of 79 higher only than hosts South Africa and North Korea.

However, Nelsen reckons that New Zealand have what it takes to defy their 'minnows' status, though he admits a bit of luck may be needed.

"When you look at someone like North Korea, we are obviously quite happy with our group, though France South Africa and Paraguay are all good teams,'' he said. "But we are competitive now, I think in New Zealand teams in the past haven't had many goalscorers or too much experience but I think we've got quite a bit of that that now.

Beckham may still make the England World Cup Squad

2010-03-20T02:51:00.000-07:00

...as a "24th" member of the squad. Fabio Capello is said to be considering an informal 24th man role for David Beckham in England's World Cup squad.

From the Guardian...

The arrangement allows England to benefit from the David Beckham circus without the distraction of his football skills
David Beckham could be worth more to England off the pitch at the World Cup than on it if Fabio Capello is imaginative in his definition of the '24th man' role.

Let me begin by saying that it is in no way an indication of some national psychiatric malaise that within hours of David Beckham being confirmed as out of the World Cup, urgent moves to fashion a "24th man" role for him at the tournament were already well under way. According to a range of reports, Fabio Capello and the FA will invite Beckham to travel to South Africa in what is described as a "special role", with pundits gibbering about both his importance as a mentor to the England squad and his peerless lobbying skills for England's 2018 World Cup bid.

As yet, this special role remains tantalisingly undefined in formal terms, with the above brief placing him somewhere between a brilliant but twinkly-eyed diplomat in the mould of Ben Franklin, and Linus van Pelt's security blanket in Peanuts. But the arrangement is a triumph of logic, ideally allowing the England set-up to benefit from the David Beckham circus without the irritating distraction of any of his football skills.

Certainly, there will be a few who imagine this to be the worst of both worlds, but optimists should regard Beckham's personally devastating injury as what David St Hubbins once called "a great freeing-up of time", permitting those self-assured national bigwigs to deputise him to perform any number of vital functions they lack the wit or charm to perform themselves.