World Cup round up
- 8 Jun 06, 06:19 PM
LONDON - After pleas from some of you to give it a rest on Wayne Rooney, I pledged to bring you some insight into what the rest of the 31 teams have been stressing over.
So here's a little round-up of recent news and mood in the camps, some of which come from some of the 主播大秀 News correspondents around the world (and check out our for an overview).
Claire S - blog editor
Javier Saviola and Hernan Crespo are expected to start against Ivory Coast in Argentina's opening Group C match in Hamburg on Saturday, going by the line-up in practice this week, reported Reuters.
Coach Guus Hiddink was not impressed despite a 3-1 win over Liechtenstein (World ranking = 123rd. Australia = 42). (Goals from Mile Sterjovski, Josh Kennedy & ex-Portsmouth & Coventry striker John Aloisi plus an o.g. from Blackburn defender Lucas Neill)
Hiddink was pleased though with the return of Harry Kewell, who played another 58 minutes in his recovery from injuring his groin in the FA Cup final.
Steve Kingstone, 主播大秀 News, in Brazil
Something approaching collective angst seems to be setting in. On paper, Brazil have far and away the best squad in Germany (and injury free though )
But the favourites tag is weighing heavily. "Sometimes it's hard to be Ronaldo," reads one newspaper headline - musing on the star's blisters, weight, temperament and love-life. Another front page screams "SOS Ronaldinho," suggesting that Fifa's world player of the year has lost his trademark happy streak. There is even bemused analysis of the fact that many of Brazil's players appear to have waxed their legs. Is this the first sign that the world champions are losing their bottle?
Barros Sergie, producer, Brazilian TV Globo reports:
Ronaldo's blisters are our only worry. But we are worried about Rooney too - we want to see him play!
Midfielder Pavel Nedved, who came out of retirement to help the team qualify for the tournament, limped off the training ground on Thursday, but coach Karel Brueckner .
Caroline Wyatt, 主播大秀 Paris Correspondent
If the fortunes of Wayne Rooney's metatarsal are gripping the UK, Djibril was the body part plunging this nation into despair.
Last night's 3-1 friendly against China was the last on French soil for French captain Zinedine Zidane, who will be retiring after this tournament (goals from Henry, Trezeguet and an o.g. plus Zizou missed a penalty).
The country is dreaming of a repeat of 1998's glorious World Cup win on home turf, which brought a fractured nation together in celebrating the victory of its multi-cultural team. After November's riots in the suburbs, France is feeling in need of a similar boost.
"We need to win the World Cup to regain confidence in our country," one young Parisienne told me this morning. "We need to believe in ourselves again."
As for France's chances of winning, though, not all are optimistic. According to the website maxifoot.fr, 40% of the French say France won't, 53% say it will, and 7% reckon it's a maybe.
Philippe Kauffmann, journalist, TF1
France have a similar worry as England - one of the crucial parts of the team is not fit. Our best player, Zinedine Zidane, does not seem to be at 100% and we could be in big trouble. He missed France's first games four years ago and we didn't get out of the group stage. Zidane is our main man, but he is playing on one leg I think!
Jo Meyer, journalist, Premiere TV
We're worried about everything to do with the team and our World Cup! (and today) Nobody knows what to think. Germany could be favourite, or they could lose every game and be out in the first round. Everything about the German team is a big surprise. We don't even know what our strongest XI is, or who will play against Costa Rica!
Our blogger Martin on what the newspapers are saying in Germany.
Some injury woes over the last few weeks but it now seems it is for the squad.
The nation has been preoccupied by the
(and that's saying something), with prosecutors in Rome, Parma, Turin and Naples investigating allegations of match-fixing, illegal betting, manipulation of referee assignments and false bookkeeping.
Christian Fraser, 主播大秀 Rome correspondent
Italian football is going through a pretty torrid time. The Azzuri are not playing particularly well and the domestic league is of course mired in scandal. No one doubts there is real quality in this Italian squad but in successive tournaments they really have failed to impress. They made it the last 16 in the last World Cup - defeated by Korea - and then they suffered an embarrassingly early exit from the 2004 European Championships.
Supporters I have spoken to are hoping the match-fixing scandal will galvanise the squad, and certainly the return of Roma striker Francesco Totti has improved the mood. But one thing that hits you when you look at this squad is the average age. Six players are over 30 another 10 are 28 or 29. Maybe that explains why they are often slow starters.
James Copnall, 主播大秀 News, Ivory Coast
There aren't many pessimistic fans in Ivory Coast at the moment. The team may be at its first ever World Cup, and may be in the toughest group, with Argentina, Holland and Serbia & Montenegro, but Ivorians are not concerned. Predictions vary between winning it all, and merely reaching the quarter finals - which would equal the best ever peformance by an African side. The fans cite the team's undoubted stars - Didier Drogba, Aruna Dindane and Kolo Toure - as solid reasons why the Elephants will triumph. Many people even go as far as to say that Ivory Coast - which has been split in two by civil war since 2002 - will be reunited if the Elephants win the World Cup. No pressure there then!
Striker Roque Santa Cruz (the team's best player) has to face England in the opening match.
There was a media outcry in the country after 32-year-old defender Dusan Petkovic was called into the squad by his father and coach Ilija Petkovic. But .
The team maintained its unbeaten run of 22 matches with a over fellow finalists Croatia, with a lucky goal from debutant Mariano Pernia who has been called up to replace injured Asier del Horno.
6ft 6in goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson (who plays for Rennes) will miss Sweden's World Cup opener against Trinidad and Tobago because of a by midfielder Kim Kallstrom's shot during training.
And finally..
Neither Israelis nor Palestinians have a team to cheer in the World Cup - but they are in ..
Comments Post your comment
Great blog - but John Aloisi does not play for Portsmouth, and hasn't since 1999.
Complain about this post
What about the US of A?
Complain about this post
what about trinidad and tobago ?
Complain about this post
I think two teams that will prosper, they may not go far but will only improve, and have been forgotten largely are the Ivory Coast with a bundle of Prem players, and not forgetting the promising Yaya Toure and Holland, despite having a young team, they have talenetd players, with or without Huntelaar.
Complain about this post
where are ghana?? they beat south lorea 3-1 yet you still have south korea and not ghana...
Complain about this post
Thanks for your update. Here is my update of the World Cup fever and distaste in South Asia:
World Cup Football boosts Nepalese Advertisement Industry
Made in Pakistan Footballs in World Cup Football 2006: Do Pakistanis even Care?
Bangladesh and World Cup Football 2006: Flags and TV sets
No country from South Asia ever qualified in World Cup but I think that people in Bangladesh and Nepal are most crazy for World Cup Football.
Complain about this post
First of all I am very disapppointed that Ireland did not qualify for WC2006. With Ireland not in world cup I would have to support the team from Portugal because they lost the Euro Final 04 to surprised Greece at home. I was hoping that this is their moment to erase their disappointment from Euro two years ago. I believe that they have legitimate shot of winning it. If Portugal were eliminated in the first round I would have to go with England, because I know all of the English players among them John Terry, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and of course David Beckham. England is also one of my favorite team. I am a fan of Chelsea because one of my favorite player Damien Duff unfortunately I am not going to see him in the WC. It had been 40 years since they won the WC. England is so popular I am picking them to win. I don't want Brazil to win because I am so tired of seeing them with it so many times. I would like to see the other teams that have yet to win the WC wins the title.
Complain about this post
What about Scotland? Oh, right, we're not there again. Well, the only thing is to do what we always do in this situation...root for England's demise!
One Wayne Rooney, you've only one Wayne Rooney...
Complain about this post
mexico not in the world cup? i could've swore they were?
Complain about this post
There are now just over 12hrs to go....before 64 games between the 32 best teams in the world. My heart says England, ny head however cant see past the Brazilians. Never used a blog thingy before....Not sure what one is....Hope this works.
COME ON ENGLAND.
Complain about this post
There are now just over 12hrs to go....before 64 games between the 32 best teams in the world. My heart says England, ny head however cant see past the Brazilians. Never used a blog thingy before....Not sure what one is....Hope this works.
COME ON ENGLAND.
Complain about this post
tomorrow is the day we see the world greatest game come to live.there are alot of great teams which live by titles and reputations.but this year,there will be alot of shocks.i think,it is about time,the world,the media,the sport-critics realize that there will be new emerging soccer powers from the so-called third world countries,africa will bring alot of suprises,so will asia.but in all,i strongly believe that this time,the trophy will not be goin to south america or europe,so,make your guess,
Complain about this post
England MUST win against Paraguay and then score loads against T&T. We cannot be in the position where our fate depends on the Sweden result. Using the 主播大秀 predictor, our nightmare scenario is a draw against Paraguay, a win against T&T followed by a draw or a loss against Sweden, while Paraguay beat T&T and then get a draw with Sweden. England catch the early plane home!
Complain about this post
Vanuatu is a small country in the south pacific will have to stand and saport the nearest country australia
We know that australia can do it.
if not,then i can see now 50% people
in vanuatu likes to go for Brazil and
most 30 % go for france and 20% for
england.I think they like the players.
But i am a long time supporter of
Brazil until today. I know that they
must win this world cup 2006.
Go Australia Go!! Go Brazil Go!!
Go!! Every Teams Players World Cup
2006 Gooo!! GOD BLESSES YOU ALL!
Complain about this post
I would love to see England win but I fear that somewhere along the line they will do what comes natuaraly and choke.
I think that Spain may beat brazil in the semi-final but will go on to lose to france in the final.
Complain about this post
Really enjoy your blog. Wanted to just add this quick message relaying a link to my blog about some of the players to watch in the World Cup. There are so many to name but here are a few gems:
Complain about this post
i know its trendy for us americans to follow manutd (and i blame my father for passing the trend down to me.)
with that said, i would enjoy a quarter final match between england and holland - even though i would rather the match be against portugal, since england's experience would prevail.
go england! semi finals or bust.
Complain about this post
Come on Paraguay, T&T and Sweden. Football will be coming home, on the 20th June. Then you can blame the media, Sven, the hype, the fever or whatever you English like. Just don't forget to blame yourself when you crash out in the group stages.
Over-rated, over-payed, over after 3 games.
Complain about this post
change the record Angus..!!
At least we can say we are here..!!
What was that song in 1998 "Don't come home too soon"..?? more like "don't bother turning up in the fist place"..
but seriously I would have loved for Scotland (and Wales, Eire, NI) to have qualified, and would have cheered for them all..
Complain about this post
This is what makes the World Cup and football so rich. All the other stories from around the world that mesh together. Subplots within the main plot of who will win the world cup. Everyone one of the 'billion' that will watch this, enjoy.
Complain about this post
watching Germany get off to a flying start....
sitting back and seeing all the games on a plasma screen....
tickets to the final....
seeing England return home after three games.....Prizeless
for everything else there's mastercard
Complain about this post
watching Germany get off to a flying start....
sitting back and seeing all the games on a plasma screen....
tickets to the final....
seeing England return home after three games.....Prizeless
for everything else there's mastercard
Complain about this post
watching Germany get off to a flying start....
sitting back and seeing all the games on a plasma screen....
tickets to the final....
seeing England return home after three games.....Prizeless
for everything else there's mastercard
Complain about this post
Cannot believe Scots are STILL anti England, As Ian said, English people cheer on Scotland, Eire, Northern Ireland and Wales but they all seem to really have a problem with England. Currently England have the best team in the British Isles (plus Eire) but when it was Scotland in the 70s English fans supported them. Come on, stop being so grumpy and cheer us on, we actually have a chance this time, Semi's I reckon, maybe the final but it's likely to be Brazil. Ivory Coast will make a BIG impact I think.
Brazil have to win it, they have the population of Europe and live and die football. If Europe played as a team I think we'd do quite well too! It's the same problem Scotland have compared to England, the bigger the population the more chance you have of winning (talking about the more traditional footballing countries here not China, Russia or the USA) these days.
Anyway come on England - PLEASE!!!!
Complain about this post
Great blog. I hope you keep it going throughout the tourny. I think this is the best opportunity of seeing England actually win something in my lifetime (OK I was 3 in 66 but don't remember anything) We really have a whole team of potential match winners this time and as long as we can force our opponents to play at our tempo and avoid silly mistakes at the back we can do it. Forget penalties..no reason why we can't get the job done in 90 minutes. Brazil, Germany, France, Italy & Argentina all looking a little dodgy and we are flying high. It's now or never...COME ON ENGLAND!!
Complain about this post
The African teams at the World Cup are the only breath of fresh air and the only reason I'll stay tuned after England go out because of either
a) a dubious refereeing decision
b) a hand or shirt pull of God
c) penalties
d) injured star player making fatal error.
Hopefully an African team will make it through to the semis or the Final. That would make for an excellent World Cup.
Complain about this post
The African teams at the World Cup are the only breath of fresh air and the only reason I'll stay tuned after England go out because of either
a) a dubious refereeing decision
b) a hand or shirt pull of God
c) penalties
d) injured star player making fatal error.
Hopefully an African team will make it through to the semis or the Final. That would make for an excellent World Cup.
Complain about this post
The African teams at the World Cup are the only breath of fresh air and the only reason I'll stay tuned after England go out because of either
a) a dubious refereeing decision
b) a hand or shirt pull of God
c) penalties
d) injured star player making fatal error.
Hopefully an African team will make it through to the semis or the Final. That would make for an excellent World Cup.
Complain about this post
The African teams at the World Cup are the only breath of fresh air and the only reason I'll stay tuned after England go out because of either
a) a dubious refereeing decision
b) a hand or shirt pull of God
c) penalties
d) injured star player making fatal error.
Hopefully an African team will make it through to the semis or the Final. That would make for an excellent World Cup.
Complain about this post
The African teams at the World Cup are the only breath of fresh air and the only reason I'll stay tuned after England go out because of either
a) a dubious refereeing decision
b) a hand or shirt pull of God
c) penalties
d) injured star player making fatal error.
Hopefully an African team will make it through to the semis or the Final. That would make for an excellent World Cup.
Complain about this post
I think England fans are natural cynics. We desperately want to win the world cup! We claim to have invented rugby, cricket and football. With the rugby world cup victory, the ashes victory and the olympic sucessess we expect our team to win. But at the same time we are dependant on a certain key individuals who currently are not up to the standard they can play at .
Complain about this post
FIFA 2006 was BOUGHT TOURNAMENT ... Brazil is the best for 21 cent.
Can anybody tell me why Pele wasn't in france brazil or Maradonna in argentina germany ? they where know that their teems must lose because germany and france was paid about 2.2 billion dollars to kick out USA ... this is not a tournament this is a war between USA and EUROPE and everyone was for sale, only Ronaldo and Messi are footballers...
so you can never imagine what is football ...
Brazil and Argentina are the best
Complain about this post
This is not a trournament this is a war between USA and europe , can anybody tell me why Pele wasn't in the game of france and brazil or Maradonna in argentina and germany ? because they have bought that games and france was win brazil and germany to argentina. everyone knows that brazil and argentina was the best teems in the world , so this is not a world cup this is a WAR! europe and usa!!!
Complain about this post
This is not a trournament this is a war between USA and europe , can anybody tell me why Pele wasn't in the game of france and brazil or Maradonna in argentina and germany ? because they have bought that games and france was win brazil and germany to argentina. everyone knows that brazil and argentina was the best teems in the world , so this is not a world cup this is a WAR! europe and usa!!! so.... FUCK FIFA!!!
Complain about this post
Thanks!!! Very nice site.I enjoy being here.
Complain about this post