Pre-World Cup 2010 Thread [Archive]

Kaesra

05-16-2010, 09:33 PM

North Korea enlists Chinese fans to cheer for them at World Cup (http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/blog/sow_experts/post/North-Korea-enlists-Chinese-fans-to-cheer-for-th?urn=sow,241154)

By Brooks Peck (http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/blog/sow_experts?author=Brooks+Peck)
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_sow_experts__5/ept_sports_sow_experts-427245123-1273863940.jpg?ymFMzIDDtIsUAeUb
Since leaving the country isn't exactly the easiest thing for North Koreans to do and traveling all the way to South Africa just to watch their team serve as the sacrificial lamb to the Group of Death may not be the best reason to do it, they've decided to recruit their Chinese friends to make the trip for them.
Says the AP (http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slug=ap-northkoreasadoptedfans):
The Beijing office of the North Korean Sports Committee is giving outtickets to the tournament, China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.

The Chinese fans will attend North Korea’s games against Brazil andPortugal, Xinhua said.
North Korea is looking to distribute 1,000 tickets to these Chinese rent-a-fans. It almost seems appropriate given the ties between China and North Korea -- even the team's sponsor is a Chinese sports apparel maker -- and the secretive, largely unknown quantity of the North Korean team.
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if other countries tried this as well. Several thousand Chinese-Dutch fans may be the difference for the Netherlands.

============================
Actually I think this might give IFF ideas, Altough it'll be easy enough to learn them how to say marg bar diktator or something like that so it may backfire on them.

Bi-Honar

05-16-2010, 11:16 PM

LOL. The only people I feel more sorry for than ourselves is these poor North Koreans with that reatrded leader Kun Chon-Fil! :)

keyvan_pars

05-17-2010, 11:52 AM

Germany have lost Ballack as well.

I have been waiting for two years and this is what comes out. I have taken three weeks off for the world cup...and look !!!

artavile

05-17-2010, 02:20 PM

Are you going to SA?

Bi-Honar

05-17-2010, 03:14 PM

I'm a big German fan K1 jaan, but I don't think this is going to be their year at all. I think I'm going to be cheering for my next home, Spain. :)

keyvan_pars

05-17-2010, 04:34 PM

Are you going to SA?

no bruv.

I was aiming to go but fucking work situation is too unstable right now to commit to such a project.

Kaesra

05-17-2010, 06:41 PM

Ballack is a unlucky player overall though, but I agree with Behrou, dont think Germany is gonna do that good, altough they brilliant for tournaments like these, always have been. I am counting on the dark horses to suprise at the WC.

Bi-Honar

05-17-2010, 06:57 PM

I am counting on the dark horses to suprise at the WC.

2nd that. I think this WC's going to be like 2002 Japan/Korea where we'll have at least two relative unknowns in the semis. But I think one of them will make it to the final this time. I thik Spain will be in the semis for sure this time and I would have put them up against Argentina in the final, but I think they;re going ot be facing each other in the semis. I think Brazil will make an early exit this time. ;)

Kaesra

05-17-2010, 07:18 PM

Maradona coaching Argentina is such a shame, I mean their team wouldnt be as good as some make them out to be, as its mostly a brilliant offensive line but thats also mostly on paper, you cant really play Aguero, Tevez and Messi at once, but Maradona really fucks their whole team up, the guy is just a supporter, doesnt have a clue what he's doing. Last time I saw Brazil I was suprised with how good they are with set piece plays, but havent seen them for a while and they arent that good this time around individually, but thats more a thing with all of the teams, a bit less about the big stars. Chile might be another suprise. Spain will still be a good team, they might miss Torres wich would bring the total level down, but still quality wise a brilliant team.

I dont like the whole SA location, its good for africa but it might have been too soon, it wont have germany sleakness but still the prospect of suprises might give a good tournament. It also depends on form alot, I predicted Italy pre-2006 Wc but this time around Im not sure.

Bi-Honar

05-17-2010, 07:37 PM

Thanks for the info Commander. I'm a bit out of touch with football events, but getting my cable hooked-up this weekend and doing some serious catching up on friendlies before the WC starts. Would you believe I didn't know Maradonna was Argentina's coach?! :(

We might as well scratch them from contention like you said. Other than offering them some blow before the game, I just can't see him lift these guys to the trophy. Chile was actually vote on FIFA.com to top group H ahead of Spain, so people must be seeing something in them for sure. Of course, they've been underachievers on the world stage for a long time much like Spain - although their last early exit was because of a bad refing call in their game against Italy - much the same way Australia went out last time around.

What happened to Torres? Also, what are your thoughts on Denmark & Holland? I've always liked Holland and love the way Denmark played in the 90's.

Kaesra

05-17-2010, 09:02 PM

Well dont think Denmark is one of the outsiders/dark horses, still enough dutch links in that team too, so i do know them to some extent but I wouldnt see them going that far, they do have new talents coming up with Ajax' Eriksen being one of them. I mean Japan and Cameroon are also in that group and especially Japan can be a really good team, Keisuke Honda is amazing, but i dont think the dark horse would come out of that group, atleast if you dont count Holland as a dark horse?

The dutch with Robben, Van Persie and Sneijder have arguably (actually there is no argument) the best offensive line in the world, put a kuyt, V/d Vaart/ Huntelaar, Elia or ... in there and your ready to go, but the first 3 , damn .... and Van Marwijk has created a solid team, Van bommel is a very important player and has really grown at Bayern and in the NT, Van Marwijk is also his father in law, but their sore spot is their defence and their weaknesses mentally and they arent as good in tournament as ther German brothers, play a little naive at times, they also havent been tested in the WCQ group by a really big team, their defence still hasnt been renewed or improved, V/d Sar gone, Ooijer to old but should start with Heitinga and the same as Gio V. Bronckhorst who is retiring after the world, but they dont have a better left back, a decent right winger and he's out. They have alot of promising defending talents that do show alot of promise for holland in that departement in the future, funny enough most of them from Chelsea and Ajax both of my clubs.

They just have too many weaknesses but again V.Persia, Robben and Sneijder .... They are a possibility but like everyone else they'd need the form and some luck, an outsider.

05-17-2010, 09:06 PM

I think Brazil will make an early exit this time. ;)
I think you are trying to do a jinx on all the teams other than Brazil. :D
I am all for such a jinx.

Bi-Honar

05-18-2010, 01:40 AM

05-18-2010, 04:27 AM

LOL. Definitely not Mr. Ped. I can't stand Brazil, don't know why, but never liked them. In fact, the only team I can't stand even more than Brazil is Italy. Other than that and maybe Portugal, I'm pretty friendly to the rest! :)

Ditto about Italy, who has been on my black list since 1982 and every year after that they remind me why. Brazil has been showing the most beautiful football regardless of whether they win or lose. They play a fluid football with zero tendency to zedde football.
Germany is right in the middle for me. When they are going against Italy they are my favourite.
Hala in brazil che hizome tari be to forookhteh?

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 03:22 PM

I thought it was good to have a thread for the pre-world cup news, not much left. I'll merge some of the other threads with this one if thats ok.

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 03:29 PM

World Cup Profile: Spain

May 17th, 2010 · No Comments (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2010/05/17/world-cup-profile-spain#comments)

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/themes/cutline-3-column-split-11/images/hr_tag_sep2.gif  Not all of these men will play
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/spain.jpg (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/spain.jpg)
Of course, Spain look like the most likely winners of the World Cup this year, but who ARE these strange and intriguing people? Read on to find out…
Form Guide
The favourites to win the tournament, and unsurprisingly. They won Euro 2008, they blitzed their way through the qualifiers, scoring almost three goals/game while they were at it, and they’ve got some wonderful players in their ranks. But, don’t get too carried away - they’ve never won the thing, they used to be notorious big-stage chokers, and remember what Mourinho’s Inter did to Barcelona in the Champions League? It’s not quite in the bag. You can back them at odds of around 9/2 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).
Classic World Cup Moment
The team has never quite done it on the World Cup stage, hence their finest moment - as a country - would probably be hosting the 1982 World Cup, which came complete with some pretty marvelous goals. Observe.

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Main Man
This is a team that’s pretty rich in quality. Casillas will be important when it comes to keeping them out, Villa and Torres know exactly where the goal is at the other end. But it’s the little Barca men Xavi and Iniesta who really make the team tick. At a push, Xavi would probably be the main man.
Working Class Hero
To look at him with his stylish haircuts, and his cosmopolitan bottom lip micro-beard, you wouldn’t have David Villa pegged as a once young peasant boy from a humble mining village called Tuilla. And yet, that’s exactly what he is. An example to us all.
Rich Kid
From the rather more swishy end of the spectrum is the defender/author Gerard Pique, who comes from a long line of rather wealthy Catalans. His dad is a lawyer, his mum a successful director of a medical institute, and granddad was once the vice-president of Barcelona FC. How very posh.
Best Nickname
It’s commonly regarded that Villa and Torres are probably the most feared football twosome in the world. And yet, their nicknames somewhat defy their combined threat, with Torres as “El Nino” (“The Kid”) and Villa known as “El Guage” (erm, also “The Kid”, but in the Asturian dialect). Cringe! Same name! But seriously, these men are hardly toddlers.

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Strengths and Weaknesses
It’s nearly impossible to spot an obvious weakness is the Spanish side, and there seems to be plenty of strength in depth. Much like the Barcelona team, they like to pass teams to death, so they can become slightly ruffled against burly sides who just want to beat them up. But, really, that’s clutching at straws. Much will depend on whether they continue with their recent run, or hark back to the days of being big tournament bottlers.
Current Number One in Spain
Edward Maya, Stereo Love

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To show your support…
Those who have enjoyed summering in Spain will know all about how it’s done. You get yourself a big jug of fruity alcohol, a few tiny plates of sausages or prawns (or both), then spend the afternoon getting gradually more drunk, and really quite sunburnt. Ole!
Most blatant use of sex to sell football…
Well, there are footballs and a ladylike Spanish costume. Other than that, this is just a young woman enjoying a very typical outdoor shower…

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If Del Bosque were a TV character, he would be…
The gentlemanly moustache, the ability to succeed under pressure, a fine seduction patter. Del Bosque IS Magnum PI.

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The Spoiler predicts: They seem mentally stronger than before. Finalists, or better.

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 03:53 PM

World Cup Profile: England

May 14th, 2010 ·[/URL]

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/themes/cutline-3-column-split-11/images/hr_tag_sep2.gif  Might this be the starting XI?

[URL="http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/england_edited-5.jpg"]http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/england_edited-5.jpg (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2010/05/14/world-cup-profile-england#comments)
Familiar ground now - the England team. They always promise so much, then deliver something frustrating. Can they go all the way this year? And, more importantly, who ARE these people? Read on to find out…

Form Guide
Well, the famous 30 years of hurt is now more like 44. England won the tournament in 1966, made the semi final in 1990, but have managed pretty much sod all in between and since. That said, they have looked pretty solid under Capello, and enjoyed a relatively painless qualification process. Hence, the third favourites behind Spain and Brazil, with odds to win at around 7/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).

Classic World Cup Moment
Owen’s goal against Argentina in 1998 was very special, but for iconic moments, it has to be Hurst’s hat-trick goal in the 1966 final…

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Main Man
Much of the weight of expectation will sit on Rooney’s shoulders, and if he continues with this season’s high standards, he’ll be a force to be reckoned with. But he needs a good show from the midfield, so Lampsie and Stevie G will need big tournaments to bring out the best in him. Rooney is the third favourite to top score, with decent odds of around 12/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).

Working Class Hero
All over the country, violent looking street kids can be found merrily hoofing balls around council estates, and generally keeping out of trouble. This is mainly thanks to Wayne Rooney. Raised in Liverpool’s Croxteth - or Crocky to its friends - he presumably spent his childhood playing keepy-uppy with old bits of rubble, and bricks that had been used as makeshift car wheels. An example to us all.

Rich Kid
On the other end of the spectrum is Frank Lampard, who certainly knows how to put the “oi oi” in hoity toity. Unlike most of his football peers, Lampsie was educated at a lovely private school, where he excelled in Latin classes. Were this a reimagining of the classic 1980s peasant-girl-meets-lord-of-the-manor romp, Pretty in Pink, Lamps would be that unbelievable posho, Steff (below)…

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Best Nickname
For a country with such a rich and expansive language, the English do not excell when it comes to crafting excellent nicknames. They tend to be bitter and derogatory - ie. Cashley Cole - or just plain lazy - ie. JT. So, it’ll probably have to be Wazza (Wayne Rooney), which simply finds Paul Gascoigne’s football moniker Gazza replaced with a lazy “W”. Must try harder.

Missing in Action
Likely to feel particularly hurt with their World Cup omission are: Bobby Zamora, Gabby Agbonlahor, Owen Hargreaves, Ashley Young, Wes Brown, Gary Neville, and Stewart Downing. But, frankly, Capello hasn’t done a bad job. He named the right names, for the most part. He clearly just doesn’t like Aston Villa very much.

Strengths and Weaknesses
Under Capello, England look pretty strong. They’re certainly more organised than before. On the downside, they don’t seem to have a first choice keeper, and when they’re not firing on all cylinders, they can look pretty pedestrian. Players like Lennon, Rooney, and Gerrard will need to hit top form if they want to pull something magnificent out of the bag.

Current Number One in England
Roll Deep, Good Times

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To show your support…
England fans know the routine pretty well by now. Hit the pub for a bit of lunch, get a few pints down before kick off, shout at anyone who blocks your view, and sarcatically applaud if anyone clumsily drops their glass during a silent bit. Engerland, Engerland, Engerland etc…

Most blatant use of sex to sell football…
Abbey Clancy tries on a lady’s version of the England kit. Phwoar!

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If Capello were a movie character, he would be…
Gordon Gekko. Of course, when Capello speaks, his words can get rather lost in translation, but don’t be fooled - this man is a winning machine. He’s done it all, and yet still he remains hungry for more, rarely smiles, and never relaxes. Almost exactly like Michael Douglas in Wall Street (who is also a bit like Jose Mourinho).

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The Spoiler predicts: If things go well, semi finalists.

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 04:06 PM

France Name Laurent Blanc as Raymond Domenech Successor: Bordeaux Manager to Take Over After 2010 World Cup (http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/05/17/france-name-laurent-blanc-as-raymond-domenech-successor-bordeaux-manager-to-take-over-after-2010-world-cup/)

by Mad Dog and Glory on May 17th, 2010 <script type="text/javascript" src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js"></script>

What great timing!
http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/2/6/3/c/Sports_News_a0bf.jpg?adImageId=12885704&imageId=8444478 (http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?iid=8444478&term=%5c%22laurent+blanc)<script type="text/javascript" src="http://cdn.pis.picapp.com/IamProd/PicAppPIS/JavaScript/PisV4.js"></script><script language="javascript" src="http://edge.quantserve.com/quant.js"></script>
World Cup winner Laurent Blanc will quit as Bordeaux coach and replace Raymond Domenech as manager of France after this summer’s World Cup.
The 44-year-old former Manchester United defender guided Bordeaux to the 2009 League and Cup Double but his side ended this season without a trophy.
The French federation is expected to officially confirm Blanc as Domenech’s successor on Thursday.
Blanc was part of the France team that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.
Bordeaux said in a statement: “Girondins Bordeaux have been informed by Laurent Blanc that he wanted to answer favourably to the French federation (FFF)’s solicitation to become the France coach.
Blanc proved he was able to be in charge at club level. But coaching a national team is a different job.
Raymond Domenech
“Girondins Bordeaux expect to hear from the FFF on the question of the compensation linked to the release of their coach.”
Blanc had a successful career as a centre-back at Barcelona, Marseille and Inter Milan.
But, after success as a manager with Bordeaux in 2009, his side finished sixth in the league this season and were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by fellow French side Lyon.
Domenech has long bore the brunt of fans’ frustrations following a disappointing Euro 2008 campaign where France picked up only one point and finished bottom of their group.
But the Frenchman said he had not been told whether he would be replaced by Blanc after the World Cup in South Africa.
“I’m not the one who decides on this,” said Domenech.
“Blanc proved he was able to be in charge at club level. But coaching a national team is a different job.
“He will have to be ready immediately because the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign starts in September.” (BBC Sport)
Now either this is ridiculously bad timing or a touch of genius on behalf of the FFF. Raymond Domenech is not universally liked in France, in fact you could say is universally disliked, but to line up a replacement for the French national coach just a few weeks before the World Cup starts is bizarre to the say the least.
There is no doubting Laurent Blanc has been a great success at Bordeaux and that he is more than able to take over from the current coach its just odd to appoint someone to take a job at such inopportune time. Imagine if you will that you work for a leading company and then days before a big event/meeting you publicly hand his job to someone else in a months time. This could either have the impact of making the current boss very angry and therefore perhaps effect his running of the company or perhaps it helps motivate that boss to try even harder to make that big event/meeting even more of a success. Which will be France’s fate?

Bi-Honar

05-18-2010, 04:08 PM

artavile

05-18-2010, 04:30 PM

I can't stand Brazil, don't know why, but never liked them.

Ey baba! Behrou jan, watching Brazil play is pure entertainment. From fair play, sportsmanship, beautiful football, not to mention some of the most fun (not even mentioning sexy ;) ) and performance demanding fans on the planet.
:Ba-Honar:

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 04:36 PM

World Cup Profile: Italy

May 13th, 2010 ·

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/themes/cutline-3-column-split-11/images/hr_tag_sep2.gif

 Look at these old men!
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/italy-wc.jpg (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/italy-wc.jpg)
Today finds Italy under the spotlight. They were winners last time, they have an average age of about 40, and they take football strategy really seriously. But, underneath it all, who ARE these people? Read on to find out…

Form Guide
Only Brazil have a better World Cup record. Italy have won the tournament four times - in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006 - and, yes, they’re the current holders, thanks to some great penalties, and an astonishing headbutt from Zidane. They were unbeaten in their recent qualifiers, and if you fancy them, their odds to win the thing are around 15/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).

Classic World Cup Moment
Beating the great Brazil 82 team was NOT expected. In Brazil, the match still known as the “Sarrias Disaster” - named after the stadium where it all took place…

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Main Man
Buffon will be as essential as ever in goal, but what Italy really need to win the World Cup is goals. Without Toni or Del Piero in the squad, much weight will hang on the shoulders of Alberto Gilardino - their top scorer in the group stages, which included a rather impressive 13 minute hat-trick against Cyprus. His Golden Boot odds are currently 49/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).

Most Intriguing Family Background
What do you get if you cross a discus thrower with a weightlifter? Gianluigi Buffon. Seriously. That’s what his parents did for a living. Then they had sex, and a great goalkeeper was born. Hmm, England need a decent goalkeeper. With that in mind, can someone please arrange for Geoff Capes and Sally Gunnell to go on a date? Tell them it’s important.

Best Nickname
Italians don’t really need nicknames, just their actual names are enough. Totti, Pirlo, Toni, Chiellini - how could you possibly improve on these? One man, however, does have a nickname, and that’s the barking hound Gennaro Gattuso, aka Ringhio (Growl) - so called, because he looks like an angry puppy when he plays.

Missing in Action
There are a few notable absentees this year, with Luca Toni, Alessandro Del Piero, and Liverpool’s Alberto Aquilani all left to book a fun-packed summer holiday somewhere nice. The biggest downer, however, will be the tournament’s lack of Totti, who looked set to go after teasing everyone at the beginning of the year, when he said this:
“If Marcello Lippi calls me up, if I am fit and if the group wants me, I will go.”
What a crock!

Strengths and Weaknesses
Historically, the strength of Italian teams boils down to great teamwork and a strong defence, and this one is no different. They grind out results, with their traditional version of chess-meets-football. On the downside, most of their starting players are deep into their 30s, and they lack a playmaker with real sparkle. Hence, they could be very boring to watch.

Current Number One in Italy
Ligabue, Un Colpo All’ Anima

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To show your support…
If you really want to show your support for Italy this year, simply lurk outside the pub on a moped watching the game through the window, only occasionally pausing to explain to passing girls exactly how you would ideally make love to them.

Most blatant use of sex to sell football…
No, Martin Keown, this is not. Meet Laura Esposto! Phwoar!

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If Lippi were a TV character, he would be…
Captain Mainwaring. It’s impossible to look at the Italian squad without being rather taken aback by how old they are - hence this hilarious Dad’s Army reference. The backline on its own boasts an average age of about 34. In football terms, that’s ridiculous.

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The Spoiler Predicts: Well organised, but lack the firepower to really threaten. Quarter finals.

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 04:41 PM

World Cup Profile: France

May 12th, 2010

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/themes/cutline-3-column-split-11/images/hr_tag_sep2.gif

 A few of these, plus Ribery
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/france.jpg (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/france.jpg)
The World Cup profiles continue, and today The Spoiler is looking at the French. Only a small strip of water separates the nations, and yet, culturally, they seem to be gazillions of miles away. Who ARE these people? Read on to find out…

Form Guide
This will be France’s fourth World Cup on the trot, which is a French record - something which will no doubt stick somewhat in the Irish craw. They won the thing in 1998, they were runners-up last time around, but a fairly terrible qualifying campaign, completed by the Thierry Henry handball, has transformed them into tournament outsiders. An intriguing bet, at around 19/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).

Classic World Cup Moment
Well, there are two that stick in the mind. The impressive win in 1998…

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And Zidane’s even more impressive use of his head in 2006…

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Main Man
Whilst Ribery will add a nice bit of zip to proceedings - so missing in the qualifiers - France will forever look to Thierry Henry to just put them away. He’s knocked in 51 goals so far, with around 50 of those coming off the correct body part, and could be a decent bet as the tournament’s top scorer, with rather tempting odds of 74/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).

Working Class Hero
Now notorious for procuring women of the night to celebrate his birthday with him, Ribery is still seen as a boy-done-good by our French cousins. He was raised in Boulogne-sur-Mer, which apparently isn’t as delighful and typically French as it sounds. If anything, it’s bloody rough. Or, as the French might put it, “tres dangereux”.

Most Fashionable Gentleman
Of course, the French are known for two things. Firstly, their very complicated food. And secondly, their love of fashion. Hence, the team’s luggage is presumably brimming with beautiful blouses and shimmering hotpants. But, if one man can pull together an outfit like no other, it’s Djibril Cisse - in a word, classy.
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cisse.jpg (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/cisse.jpg)

Missing in Action
There have been a few eyebrow raising omissions in the French squad, with Benzema presumably making way so that Anelka could enjoy a World Cup for once, whilst Samir Nasri might also feel rather put-out by being left to enjoy a football-free summer vacation. Plus no room at the inn for old men like Vieira and Saha.

Strengths and Weaknesses
To look at the team, they should be strong. You’ve got the likes of Gallas, Evra and Sagna at the back, Diarra in midfield, and then the attacking threat of Ribery, Henry and Anelka. Unfortunately, like Argentina, they seem rather hamstrung by a manager who is totally bananas.

Current Number One in France
Stromae, Alors On Dance

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To show your support…
For France games, if you really want to show your support, simply chain smoke your way through a bottle of red, then finish the evening by taking a mistress.

Most blatant use of sex to sell football
For those wondering, no, this is not the actual French goalkeeper

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If Domenech were a film character, he would be…
Inspector Clouseau. Like Peter Sellers’ hapless French cop, Domenech somehow appears incapable of losing his job, regardless of the fact that - for the most part - he’s absolutely awful at it. Unfortunately, he’s not quite as funny as Clouseau if you happen to be French.

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The Spoiler Predicts: Should they pull themselves together, they could surprise everyone. But a hunch suggests quarter-finals, then out.

05-18-2010, 04:41 PM

Well, they've always been a bunch of cocky guy with a lot of individual talent who just show up to the WC and expect to win. And the fact that everyone cheers for them, 'cause they're expected to win makes me cheer for the other side - always the underdogs! ;)

In other sports I am often for the underdogs. But in Football, underdog usually associates with playing with 11 guys in the box and playing zedde football. That just takes away from the beautiful football.

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 04:56 PM

World Cup Profile: Brazil

May 11th, 2010 ·

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/themes/cutline-3-column-split-11/images/hr_tag_sep2.gif

 “Kiss my face”
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/robinho-ronaldinho.jpg (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/robinho-ronaldinho.jpg)
And so now to the second of The Spoiler’s World Cup profiles. Brazil - famous for being brilliant at football, great at throwing parties that involve women in bikinis dancing around in the street, and not bad at winning major tournaments. But, beaneath it all, who ARE these beautiful people? Read on to find out…

Form Guide
If the World Cup were to consist of some kind of football monarchy, then Brazil would be king. They’ve been to all of them, and they’ve won five (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002), making them the most successful team in the competition’s history. They qualified as the best from South America, although they are featured alongside Portugal and the Ivory Coast in the terrifying Group of Death. Their odds to win are around 5/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).

Classic World Cup Moment
Carlos Alberto’s goal against Italy in 1970 wasn’t bad…

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Main Man
Of course, Brazil’s poster boy will forever be the God-fearing football artiste, Kaka, but when it comes to just getting the ball in the back of the net, few can boast a better record at international level than Sevilla’s Luis Fabiano. With 25 goals from just 36 matches, he could also make for a wise bet as the top scorer, with odds of around 12/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/). The word on the street is that Spurs are weighing up a hefty bid - they’d be wise to act very bloody quickly.

Working Class Hero
Watching him merrily strumming away on a banjo in YouTube- Arsenal's brazilian stars at home gives you some idea of how hard life for a young Gilberto Silva was. His family probably couldn’t afford luxury stereo equipment, so they made do instead with rubber bands, cardboard boxes, and made-up songs about what life must be like over the rainbow. At just 15-years-old, he was his family’s main bread winner. He’s done okay, by all accounts.
Rich Kid
When you think of Brazilian footballers before they were famous, you imagine them hoofing an old discarded tennis ball around a slum, or playing keepy-uppy with a dead street cat’s eyeball. But not Kaka. Kaka was raised in a very middle class fashion, and once even enrolled in some kind of tennis school. How very hoity toity of him.

Missing in Action
All eyes will be scanning for one name when Dunga announces the squad - Ronaldinho. Twice named World Player of the Year, now rejuvenated at AC Milan, and yet Dunga never seems to pick him. Some say it’s because of the below clip, which finds a young Ronaldinho making a chump of the now-Brazil manager.

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Strengths and Weaknesses
Brazil are magnificent on the break, and quite probably rank as the best counter attacking team in the world. If they have any obvious weakness, it’s that they tend to do less well against the more defensively minded sides. But, even then, they tend to win. They’re basically really good.

Best Nickname
In Brazil, they love a nickname - so much so that most of the side is made up of players who won’t answer to their given birth name. But, if pushed, The Spoiler would plump for “The Beast”, aka Julio Baptista - so named because he’s massive.

Current Number One in Brazil
Justin Bieber, Baby

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To show your support…
Well, you could go for a Brazilian - otherwise known as the art of painfully ridding your body of pubic hair using molten wax. Interestingly, the origins of the Brazilian wax date back to a letter written in around 1500, in which the Portuguese explorer Pêro Vaz de Caminha said this of Brazil:
“Their private parts were so exposed, so healthy and so hairless, that looking upon them we felt no shame.”
Quite.

Most blatant use of sex to sell football
Take a group of local girls, give them a ball, hit the beach, and film their bottoms…

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If Dunga were a film character, he would be…
He’s a very serious man, but not without his talents. In that sense, Dunga is the football equivalent of Mr Spock. He wouldn’t let his heart overrule his head, but give him enough encouragement, and he might just rock out with a group of space hippes. As in this clip:

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The Spoiler Predicts: All the way to the final!

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 05:01 PM

World Cup Profile: Argentina

May 10th, 2010

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/themes/cutline-3-column-split-11/images/hr_tag_sep2.gif

 At least two of these men will play… probably
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/argentina.jpg (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/argentina.jpg)
From now until the first ball is kicked at the World Cup, The Spoiler shall endeavour to profile each and every nation taking part in the competition. Not just to study their form, but to find out who these people really ARE. Today, to kick things off, it’s the turn of Argentina.

Form Guide
Argentina have qualified for 14 World Cups, winning two of the things - first in 1978, and then in 1986. Some might remember Maradona’s two goals against England in 1986. One where he wowed the planet with a dazzling run, and another where he totally cheated by prodding the ball in with his fist. Despite their vast array of talent, they only qualified as the fourth best South American team during the World Cup qualifiers, but still look worth a punt, with decent odds of around 8/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).

Classic World Cup Moment
The one where Maradona didn’t cheat…

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Main Man
Well, this one’s easy - Lionel Messi. Quite probably the best player in the world, although he famously seems to underperform at international level. He’s second favourite for the Golden Boot, at around 11/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).

Working Class Hero
Every country needs to witness a boy-done-good - it helps to inspire problematic teens to put down their knives and pick up a football. In Argentina, that man is Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez, who managed to drag himself up from the slums of the notoriously dangerous Fuerte Apache in Buenos Aires, and now lives like a wealthy lord of the manor beneath the heavy skies of “the north”. Good for Carlos.
Missing in Action
Esteban Cambiasso - famously the eventual goalscorer after Argentina had put together a string of about two hundred passes against Serbia and Montenegro in the last World Cup, and now the man pulling the strings for Inter Milan. And yet, he hasn’t once made it into one of Maradona’s squads. If he doesn’t go, it’ll be an actual travesty.

Strengths and Weaknesses
It’s fair to say that Argentina have quite possibly the most fearsome attackers in the world - Messi, Higuain, Aguero, Tevez, Milito. On the downside, their weakness appears to be that their bonkers manager has no idea who to play at any given time. An embarrassment of riches.

Best Nickname
Of course, there is Messi, aka “Pulga (Flea)”, or Maxi Rodriguez, aka “La Fiera (The Fierce One)”. But the winning nickname belongs to Sergio Aguero, aka “El Kun” - so named because his pals at primary school thought that he bore a resemblance to a Japanese cartoon character called “Kum Kum” (below).

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Current Number One in Argentina
Chico Y Nacho, Mi Nina Bonita

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Accompanying Snack
If you happen to be taking in an Argentina match, and would like to know what to eat to show your support, it’s simple - beef. In Argentina, they eat absolutely tonnes of the stuff, mainly in the form of big juicy steaks.

Most blatant use of sex to sell football
Popular Argentine model Carolina Ardohain poses with a football and some seriously small outfits.

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If Maradona were a film character, he would be…
Tony Manero from Staying Alive - played by John Travolta. For those who don’t know the story, Manero goes from being an expert disco dancer in Saturday Night Fever, to becoming a big dancer on Broadway in Staying Alive. It’s the tale of a fish out of water, attempting to make the most of his talents on the big stage. The parallels are quite astonishing. Here’s the trailer…

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The Spoiler Predicts: Semi Finals

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 05:01 PM

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 05:11 PM

Look! It’s some hilarious World Cup bloopers!

April 12th, 2010 · No Comments (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2010/04/12/look-its-some-hilarious-world-cup-bloopers#comments)

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/themes/cutline-3-column-split-11/images/hr_tag_sep2.gif  Biggest World Cup cock ups

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Everyone’s been there - the ball at your feet, a goalkeeper scrambling around behind you, just you and the goal. All you need to do is tap it in. And yet, instead, you panic, clumsily smash the ball into your own groin, whilst simultaneously shattering your nose on the goalpost. It’s humiliating. On the plus side, at least millions of people aren’t watching.
Only, sometimes they are. Above are some side-splitting World Cup howlers (WARNING: Clip features men speaking in foreign).

==================================
VIDEO: 50 of the most brilliant World Cup GOALS!

January 19th, 2010 · 1 Comment (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2010/01/19/video-50-brilliant-world-cup-goals#comments)

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/themes/cutline-3-column-split-11/images/hr_tag_sep2.gif  Some of the greats!

<object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" width="480" height="385">

<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/B9L9rj4swhs&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" width="480" height="385"></object> Like most of you, from now and right up until June, The Spoiler will be going increasingly bananas with World Cup fever. It’s just so damn exciting, and if it turns out anything like this year’s Premier League campaign, then literally anything could happen.
There will be at least one new World Cup post each day on the site, and for those still not quite feeling the itching sensation that comes from a mixture of deep anxiety and unbridled excitement, then above are fifty stonking goals to whet the appetite.
Come on England! Come ON!

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 05:39 PM

Not neccesarily Pj, the underdogs I am thinking bout arent particularaly defensive, you are thinking of small time countries like N.Korea or N.Z or something who do play defensively in WCQ and dont really deserve to be in the WC. Remember T&T in the last world cup, the Danes and swedes in previous WC, S.Korea 2002, Russia and Turkey last EC, and this time around Serbia, Ghana, Uruguay, Chile, IC(Ivory Coast not our local team ;)) etc arent that defensive. Some of them will ofcourse revert to a little more defensive attitude if faced with a big opponent, but that doest mean these countries dont play an offensive style, the coach they have also plays a big part in that ofcourse.

And since we are talking about countries we dislike, I always hated/disliked Portugal, their players are so sneaky, its the winning mentality wich is part of the game and I can have respect/understanding for it but they take it to a different level, Acting, diving, arrogance, plain being an asshole, its a thing with all south american/latin countries but the Portugese are the worst IMO. I used to dislike germany but since Klinsman their play is much fresher and I am fairly neutral against them, being as good as Dutch makes that the limit for me, they do demand respect with how they can play these tournaments but I didnt like the way they did it before, they have improved tough playing less "german", the amount of foreigners helps with that.

Bi-Honar

05-18-2010, 05:49 PM

(not even mentioning sexy ;)

That's it dude, I'm officially never walking in front of you again. :Bunny:

I don't know guys, I just don't like them, can't stand them and I hope they go out in the first round this time around, so they send their B or C team next time which does actually play hard and beautiful football. The A team is just a bunch of sissy, transvestite-dating, super-rich lazy asses and half of them in the past two decades looked like they have the Down syndrome!

http://www.playworksonline.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/ronaldinho.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_eosGkndaIFM/R4tXI3PrHzI/AAAAAAAABz4/HB3ll3DtMfQ/s400/fat-ronaldo.jpg

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 06:15 PM

Dude and you gave me trouble for posting a Iranian chick with a see through bra in the IC birthday thread, atleast I post hot chicks. Google is out there you know.

Bi-Honar

05-18-2010, 07:24 PM

LMAO @ Commander. Those are man boobs and don't count ;)

Here's a lillte less racey one altough just as retarded looking:

http://img.skysports.com/07/12/218x298/lucio_613496.jpg

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 08:08 PM

With those kinda moobs its hard to tell the difference and its still google who knows what is ok and what not ;)

You do know that ronaldo and ronaldinho arent in the team tough. And Dunga has a diifferent type of selecting, more like the B/C team you mentioned altough the quality wise I wouldnt say they are fully a B team, this selection isnt the typical brazilian selection, he took some chances leaving out guys like Pato, Alex and neymar and Ronaldinho but I wouldnt have brought him either and in some ways they also play a bit differently, good on the brake and set pieces. Dont get me wrong I normally am not their biggest fan, altough I dont have anything against them like you either, and in the Argentina vs Brazil question I chose Argentinia but I do get their charm and especially for people who maybe dont know that much about football they are a good introduction to football and the country oozes football. But I wouldnt want them to win it either just bc they have won it that many times already.

Bi-Honar

05-18-2010, 09:40 PM

LMAOL @ Moobs :)

I'm glad he has left out some big names. I think they have enough talent that the B or even C players beat most teams in the world in terms of individual talent. It's just that the less known players are there to prove they're good and they play so much better and harder IMHO. But maybe it's this statement that you made "I wouldnt want them to win it either just bc they have won it that many times already" that's the real reason I've been against them. I'm going ot have to give it some thought, but I think you just unlocked a subconsious part of my brain. ;)

BTW, what's with all these football threads all of a sudden. We gotta get you off caffeine. :coffee:

Kaesra

05-18-2010, 11:00 PM

:) took a slower day today, so I posted a bit more today, am busy studying :)

05-19-2010, 04:59 AM

Well, I don't necessarily want Brazil to win it all again. But hoping they get eliminated in the first round is way distasteful. That is if you want to watch football and not yeghol doghol. ;)
I haven't been following all the club games and I am not familiar with a lot of players I am sure. I usually develop my likes and dislikes throughout the tournament. But traditionally I like Brazil (I became their fan in 1978 and 1982 for the great game that they played and got got third without a single loss in 78 and got eliminated by that bozo Paolo Rossi in 82), Holland (because of all the times they deserved to win and lost), France (specially their 1982 team who lost to Germany in semis on PK and when Zidan was playing), Spain (again for all the great teams they had and got eliminated in the first round) :D
And there are teams that I hate, there is actually only one that I really hate and that is Italy. There are so many times they have made me hate them. When they beat Brazil in 82 with three lashkhoori goal, when they beat France after getting Zidan ejected.
And there are teams that I am neutral about such as Germany and England. Depending on who they play against and who is playing on their teams I may root for or against them.
Argentina is somewhere between Germany and Italy. I hated it when they cheated and beat England and I hated it when they won against Holland in 78.

Bi-Honar

05-19-2010, 02:50 PM

You got it Mr. Ped. Brazil was an awesome team back then (the entire 70's and early to mid 80's) and definitely a pleasure to watch. It's the 94 WC that I really started to dislike them. I don't think they deserved to be in the final, let alone win in. That game (Brazil-Italy) has got to be the worst and most boring WC final EVER. They sucked again in 98 and did not deserve to be in the final at all - Holland did. '02 was a daze and as far as I'm concerned, everyone sucked! ;)

Holland in the 79's and France in the 80's were awsome teams, 100% agree. And lol @ Bozo for Rossi - annoying little bugger ;)

raminIC

05-22-2010, 08:31 AM

Kaesra

05-22-2010, 03:17 PM

Well the Bordeaux coach will take over after the WC, it was somewhere in this thread. And regarding referee decision against them, I think the Irish have something to say against that. Together with Holland and Spain, France has the best domestic youth system out there and then they are stuck with a guy like Domenech

Kaesra

05-28-2010, 07:00 PM

Damn Essien is out for the wc, is a big miss of the wc and especially Ghana. I mean the Bison is an even bigger beast than Drogba and we missed him for a good while.

=================================
Injured Essien ruled out of Ghana's World Cup squad

By Gordon Tynan

Friday, 28 May 2010

Chelsea's Michael Essien has been ruled out of the World Cup finals after failing to recover from a knee injury, dealing a large blow to Ghana's hopes of getting past the group stage in South Africa.

In a statement the Ghanaian Football Association said: "An evaluation by a combined team of medical experts from the Ghana Football Association and Chelsea Football Club revealed that Essien will not make a full recovery until the end of July."

The midfielder has been recovering from a knee injury picked up at the African Cup of Nations in January. He played only 45 minutes at the tournament in Angola after suffering a hamstring injury in the Champions League last November.

Only last week the Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac described Essien as the leader and engine room of his team. The 27-year-old is hugely popular in Ghana and his image appears on posters all over the country. He has scored seven times in 50 appearances for his country and played at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

Essien hinted several weeks ago he might not be fit for the tournament. "The last thing I want is to rush back and cause more problems down the line. If I make it for the World Cup then great – if not, I have my whole career ahead of me," he said.

Ghana are still unsure of the fitness of two other key players, Stephen Appiah and John Mensah, and even with a fully-fit squad faced a tough battle to qualify from Group D. They open their World Cup campaign against Serbia on 13 June, then face Australia before finishing off against Germany.
===================================
Argentina players allowed to have sex during World Cup (http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/blog/sow_experts/post/Argentina-players-allowed-to-have-sex-during-Wor;_ylt=AvoP19Cb.rJdFIdzmbQf2oH74414?urn=sow,244095)

By Carter Daly (http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/blog/sow_experts;_ylt=AkNzQQm6oF_LQnRYkITA_pL74414?author=Carter+Daly)
<center>http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_sow_experts__6/ept_sports_sow_experts-52263760-1274990611.jpg?ymTQGNDDitQfGVsF</center>Just in case you found yourself worrying about it in the wee hours of the night, you can rest assured knowing that the Argentines will be allowed to have sex during the World Cup. Whew. Although Maradona is running this ship, just don't think this means the Argentina camp is going to turn into one big weird swingers party. Goal.com claims (http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AndAZaU1brOQhQbUsoKMo6D74414/SIG=13qhgjiv5/**http%3A//www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2010/05/27/1945474/argentina-squad-allowed-to-enjoy-sex-during-the-world-cup):
The Argentina World Cup squad, which includes the likes of Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez, have received the green light to have sex with regular partners during the World Cup as long as it is on non-match days.
Argentine team doctor Donato Villami, speaking on Argentina radio station Radio Del Plata, said: "The players will be able to have sex during the World Cup in South Africa, but with regular partners and without champagne or other drinks."
OK, so, let's go over this. The players can only have sex on non-match days, presumably to preserve fitness and recovery, and can't just go man-slutting it up all over Africa. They can have sex with regular partners, but are, under no circumstances, allowed to have sex with champagne or any other beverages. Why someone would try to have sex with a bottle of champagne is beyond me, but clearly the team doc felt the need to make that clear. Whatever floats your boat.
"Sex is part of everybody's social life and it's not a problem in itself. Problems arise with the excesses: all the extras, a non-regular partner or in hours reserved for rest."
All the miniature Leo Messi groupies hoping to catch some sexy Lego action in South Africa now need to find other ways to spend their time. Clearly Ronaldinho wouldn't fit in this Argentina set-up with his all-night sex and PlayStation 2 escapades (http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AuEl50yWNeObQgYTW5VIGOb74414/SIG=128l5vv1k/**http%3A//kotaku.com/189837/ronaldinho-hearts-ps2-and-hot-sex-so-do-we).
Photo: Getty Images

==================================

Maradona's going streaking (if Argentina wins World Cup) (http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/blog/sow_experts/post/Maradona-s-going-streaking-if-Argentina-wins-Wo;_ylt=AgJWNDceUXWvBN_sisCFZ8H74414?urn=sow,243851)

By Carter Daly (http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/blog/sow_experts;_ylt=AkNzQQm6oF_LQnRYkITA_pL74414?author=Carter+Daly)
http://a323.yahoofs.com/ymg/ept_sports_sow_experts__6/ept_sports_sow_experts-894286375-1274900988.jpg?ym8XwMDDaFNCZpEo
I want to preface this post by reminding the general public that Diego Maradona is actually the real-life manager of Argentina's national team. That fact is not a figment of your fevered imagination.
Instead of stopping at running over a photographer's leg (http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=Amw2ezOA3o.xGI0X9KM8yNn74414/SIG=123ggc951/**http%3A//notas.guanabee.com/2010/05/maradona-runs-over-reporter/) or requesting a heated toilet seat (http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/blog/sow_experts/post/Argentina-leads-the-way-in-World-Cup-hotel-deman;_ylt=Ano13dliURBssyY9nEkJbir74414?urn=sow,243370), Maradona has taken the next step towards spending the rest of his life in a tightly strapped white jacket by promising that should Argentina win the World Cup, he will go streaking through the center of Buenos Aires in celebration. The AP reports (http://us.lrd.yahoo.com/_ylt=AlEkvK0JSqVDOLeOC5SjxMn74414/SIG=14h12fapp/**http%3A//g.ca.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/maradona-says-he-will-run-naked-if-argentina-wins--fbintl,ap-wcup-argentina-maradona.html):
The Argentina coach made the promise during a radio show. The unpredictable Maradona was speaking a day after Argentina defeated Canada 5-0 Monday in its final warm-up match before the World Cup.

"If we win the World Cup, I'll get naked and run around the Obelisk," he said, referring to the tall monument that marks the center of the city and serves as its most famous landmark.

Maradona's response came after a reporter asked him in the interview what he would do if his team returned to Argentina with its third World Cup title.
The Crazy One also used this response to answer the questions of "What did you do last night?" and "What do you think about when you're on the can?" and "What's your favorite breakfast meat?"
For the safety of Argentina's population, let's hope that this is another promise Maradona can't keep, or that Lionel Messi gets preoccupied building a Star Wars Lego Millennium Falcon and forgets to get on the plane to South Africa.
Speaking of that little bugger, also known as the reigning World Player of the Year, it sounds like he wanted to get in on that slaughterfest that was their friendly against Canada on Monday:
In the same interview, Maradona said he had to explain to Lionel Messi why he did not play against Canada. Messi is the reigning FIFA player of the year, but sat out the match to protect him against any possible injury.

"If something would have happened to you in that match, I'd have been shot — you know where," Maradona said he told Messi.
That's for sure.
Photo: Reuters

Kaesra

05-30-2010, 10:28 PM

Cesare Prandelli signed a 4 year contract with the Italian NT, to be Lippi's succesor after the WC. Good coach, the italians have alot of good coach though.

keyvan_pars

05-31-2010, 02:27 PM

Even though I hate Dumb-enech, I still wish for France to win it. They've been screwed my refereeing decision in past WC's and I think they deserve it. But unfortunately i don't see them getting too far. Final 8 maybe.

Well Ramin jaan they are in the WC this time because of one of the worst refreeing decisions in the history of the WC.

need i remind of the Henry hand ball goal that he, the french coach and the referee apologized about.

lol

Bi-Honar

05-31-2010, 05:44 PM

I still feel bad for the Irish. :(

Kaesra

06-01-2010, 05:56 PM

World Cup 2010 Group A: Final 23-man squads announced

• Deadline day for squads to be trimmed to 23 players
• South Africa drop all-time top scorer Benni McCarthy

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/6/1/1275383333376/Benni-McCarthy-006.jpg South Africa have dropped Benni McCarthy. Photograph: Gallo Images/Getty Images

South Africa (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/southafrica)'s all-time leading scorer Benni McCarthy was one of five players cut from the World Cup hosts' squad on Tuesday as coach Carlos Alberto Parreira settled on his 23 players.
The decision to drop McCarthy was a surprise, but follows criticism over the forward's fitness. Parreira also dropped defender Bryce Moon and goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez.
Parreira sympathised with the players cut from the squad and thanked them for their commitment.
"My heart bleeds for them," he said. "But put your heads up. Life goes on. We are only allowed to take 23 but thank you very much for your efforts, your attitude and commitment. A team is when somebody shares the same vision, whether you are playing or on the bench."
McCarthy's omission effectively ends a turbulent international career in which he won 79 caps and scored a record 31 goals. McCarthy played at the 1998 and 2002 World Cup finals but had a stormy relationship with the national side, twice retiring from international football when it conflicted with his club career in Europe, making him a deeply divisive figure in South Africa.

France (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/france)

Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Olympique Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Olympique Marseille), Cédric Carrasso (Girondins Bordeaux)

Defenders: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), William Gallas (Arsenal), Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Sebastien Squillaci (Sevilla), Marc Planus (Girondins Bordeaux), Gaël Clichy (Arsenal), Anthony Reveillere (Olympique Lyon)

Midfielders: Alou Diarra (Girondins Bordeaux), Jeremy Toulalan (Olympique Lyon), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Yoann Gourcuff (Girondins Bordeaux), Abou Diaby (Arsenal)

Forwards: Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Franck Ribéry (Bayern Munich), Sidney Govou (Olympique Lyon), Djibril Cisse (Panathinaikos), Mathieu Valbuena (Olympique Marseille)

Mexico (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/mexico)

Goalkeepers: Memo Ochoa (America), Luis Ernesto Michel (Chivas), Oscar Perez (Chiapas)

Defenders: Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart), Hector Moreno (AZ Alkmmar), Francisco Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven), Paul Aguilar (Pachuca), Efrain Juarez (Pumas UNAM)

Midfielders: Jonny Magallon (Guadalajara), Jorge Torres Nilo (Atlas), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (Pumas UNAM), Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna)

Forwards: Pablo Barrera (Pumas UNAM), Adolfo Bautista (Guadalajara), Alberto Medina (Guadalajara), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Veracruz), Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara), Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray), Guillermo Franco (West Ham), Carlos Vela (Arsenal)

South Africa

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Shuaib Walters (Maritzburg United)

Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa (Sundowns), Anele Ngcongca (Genk), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth), Matthew Booth (Sundowns), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates)

Midfielders: Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), MacBeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan), Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows), Kagiso Dikgacoi (Fulham), Steven Pienaar (Everton), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)

Strikers: Surprise Moriri (Sundowns), Bernard Parker (FC Twente), Katlego Mphela (Sundowns), Siyabonga Nomvethe (Moroka Swallows)

Uruguay (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/uruguay)

Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Lazio), Juan Castillo (Deportivo Cali), Martin Silva (Defensor Sporting)

Defenders: Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce), Diego Godin (Villarreal), Andres Scotti (Colo Colo), Jorge Fucile (Porto), Martin Caceres (Juventus), Mauricio Victorino (Universidad de Chile), Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica)

Midfielders: Walter Gargano (Napoli), Egidio Arevalo Rios (Penarol), Sebastian Eguren (AIK Stockholm), Diego Perez (Monaco), Alvaro Pereira (Porto), Ignacio Gonzalez (Valencia), Nicolas Lodeiro (Ajax), Alvaro Fernandez (Universidad de Chile)

Forwards: Luis Suarez (Ajax), Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid), Sebastian Abreu (Botafogo), Edinson Cavani (Palermo), Sebastian Fernandez (Banfield Argentina)

Kaesra

06-01-2010, 06:02 PM

World Cup 2010 Group B: Final 23-man squads announced

• Deadline day for squads to be trimmed to 23 players
• Injured Lee Dong-Gook included by South Korea
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/6/1/1275384201937/Huh-Jung-Moo-006.jpg South Korea coach Huh Jung-Moo has named his final squad. Photograph: Samuel Kubani/AFP/Getty Images

Jeonbuk Motors striker Lee Dong-gook has been included in South Korea's 23-man World Cup squad by coach Huh Jung-moo, with Lee Keun-ho, Shin Hyung-min and Koo Ja-cheol missing out.

Former Middlesbrough frontman Lee Dong-gook is set to miss South Korea's Group B opener against Greece due to a hamstring injury but has been included at the expense of Jubilo Iwata's Lee Keun-ho after Huh was assured the 31-year-old would be fit to face Argentina and Nigeria.

Oita Trinita midfielder Kim Bo-kyung, 20, has been included despite only making his international debut in January, with defender Kang Min-soo replacing Kwak Tae-hwi, who suffered a knee injury in Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Belarus.

As expected Manchester United's Park Ji-sung, Bolton's Lee Chung-yong, Monaco striker Park Chu-young and Celtic's Ki Sung-yong have all been included along with veteran forward Ahn Jung-hwan, who scored the winner as South Korea beat Italy en route to reaching the 2002 semi-finals.

Coach Huh said: "We have three games and about three weeks. In my own way, I've thought about which members could play in the three games and contribute to the team."

Huh gets a final chance to look at his side against European champions Spain on Thursday before the 12 June opener against Greece.

Argentina

Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (AZ Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Diego Pozo (Colon)

Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Roma), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Vélez Sarsfield), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Javier Pastore (Palermo)

Strikers: Sergio Aguero (Atlético Madrid), Diego Milito (Internazionale), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuaín (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona)

Greece

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)

Midfielders: Kostas Katsouranis (Panathinaikos), Alexandros Tziolis (Siena), Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos), Sotiris Ninis (Panathinaikos), Christos Patsatzoglou (Omonia), Sakis Prittas (Aris Salonika)

Strikers: Angelos Charisteas (Nuremberg), Dimitris Salpigidis (Panathinaikos), Pantelis Kapetanos (Steaua Bucharest), Theofanis Gekas (Hertha Berlin), Giorgos Samaras (Celtic)

Nigeria

Goalkeepers: Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikvah), Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv)

Defenders: Dele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam), Rabiu Afolabi (Red Bull Salzburg), Elderson Echiejile (Stade Rennes), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow), Danny Shittu (Bolton Wanderers), Taye Taiwo (Olympique Marseille), Joseph Yobo (Everton)

Midfielders: Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham), Sani Kaita (Alania Vladikavhaz), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth), Haruna Lukman (Monaco), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Kalu Uche (Almeria), John Utaka (Portsmouth)

Strikers: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton), Obafemi Martins (VfL Wolfsburg), Obinna Nsofor (Malaga), Chinedu Obasi (Hoffenheim), Peter Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow)

South Korea

Goalkeepers: Kim Young-kwang (Ulsan), Lee Woon-jae (Suwon), Jung Sung-ryong (Seongnam)

Defenders: Kim Dong-jin (Ulsan), Kim Hyung-il (Pohang), Oh Beom-seok (Ulsan), Lee Young-pyo (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Lee Jung-soo (Kashima, Japan), Cha Doo-ri (Freiburg, Germany) Cho Yong-hyung (Jeju), Kang Min-soo (Suwon)

Midfielders: Ki Sung-yong (Celtic, Scotland), Kim Bo-kyung (Oita, Japan), Kim Nam-il (Tomsk, Russia), Kim Jae-sung (Pohang), Kim Jung-woo (Gwangju), Lee Chung-yong (Bolton, England), Park Ji-sung (Manchester United, England)

Strikers: Park Chu-young (Monaco, France), Ahn Jung-hwan (Dalian, China), Lee Seung-ryul (Seoul), Yeom Ki-hun (Suwon), Lee Dong-gook (Jeonbuk)

Kaesra

06-01-2010, 06:07 PM

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/6/1/1275385950993/Landon-Donovan-006.jpg Landon Donovan adds experience to the final US squad. Photograph: Getty Images

United States coach Bob Bradley will rely on the experience of Landon Donovan and DaMarcus Beasley after naming a 23-man squad which includes relatively unknown players Edson Buddle and Herculez Gomez.
Bradley cut seven players from his preliminary squad: defenders Chad Marshall and Heath Pearce; midfielders Alejandro Bedoya, Sacha Kljestan and Robbie Rogers; and forwards Brian Ching and Eddie Johnson.
Midfielders Donovan and Beasley, and defender Steve Cherundolo earned their third World Cup trips.
Seventeen of the 23 players are based in Europe, with just four from Major League Soccer and two from Mexican clubs. Of the European group, eight play in England (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/england), three in Germany, two in Scotland, and one each in Denmark, France, Italy and Norway.
Buddle and Gomez are forwards and Bradley said they "both have been in great form, scored a lot of goals this year."
Algeria (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/algeria)

Goalkeepers: Lounes Gaouaoui (ASO Chlef), Faouzi Chaouchi (ES Setif), Raid Ouheb M'bolhi (Slavia Sofia)

Defenders: Abdelakder Laifaoui (ES Setif), Madjid Bougherra (Rangers), Carl Medjani (Ajaccio), Rafik Halliche (Madeira), Antar Yahia (Bochum), Habib Belaid (Boulogne Sur Mer), Nadir Belhadj (Portsmouth), Djamel Mesbah (Lecce)

Midfielder: Hassan Yebda (Portsmouth), Medhi Lacen (Racing Santander), Yazid Mansouri (Lorient), Adlene Guidoura (Wolverhampton), Riad Boudebouz (Sochaux), Djamel Abdoun (Nantes), Foued Kadir (Valenciennes), Karim Ziani (Wolfsburg), Karim Matmour (Borussia Monchengladbach)

Strikers: Abdelkader Ghezzal (Siena), Rafik Djebbour (AEK Athens), Rafik Saifi (Istres),
England

Goalkeepers: Joe Hart, David James, Robert Green.

Defenders: Jamie Carragher, Ashley Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Glen Johnson, Ledley King, John Terry, Matthew Upson, Stephen Warnock.

Midfielders: Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Aaron Lennon, James Milner, Shaun Wright-Phillips.

Forwards: Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Emile Heskey, Wayne Rooney.
Slovenia (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/slovenia)

Goalkeepers: Samir Handanovic (Udinese), Jasmin Handanovic (Mantova), Aleksander Seliga (Sparta Rotterdam)

Defenders: Miso Brecko (FC Cologne), Bostjan Cesar (Grenoble), Branko Ilic (Lokomotiv Moscow), Matej Mavric-Rozic (Koblenz), Bojan Jokic (Chievo), Marko Suler (Ghent), Suad Filekovic (NK Maribor), Elvedin Dzinic (NK Maribor)

Midfielders: Andraz Kirm (Wisla Krakow), Robert Koren (Unattached), Valter Birsa (AJ Auxerre), Andrej Komac (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Dalibor Stevanovic (Vitesse Arnhem), Aleksander Radosavljevic (Larissa), Rene Krhin (Inter Milan)

Strikers: Milivoje Novakovic (FC Cologne), Zlatko Dedic (VfL Bochum), Zlatan Ljubijankic (Ghent), Nejc Pecnik (Nacional Funchal), Tim Matavz (Groningen).
United States

Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Tim Howard (Everton)

Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas usa)Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Jonathan Spector (West Ham)

Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (Rangers), Michael Bradley (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Eintracht Frankfurt), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (AGF Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jose Torres (Pachuca)

Strikers: Jozy Altidore (Hull), Edson Buddle (Los Angeles Galaxy), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Pachuca).

World Cup 2010 Group C: Final 23-man squads announced

• Deadline day for squads to be trimmed to 23 players
• United States pin hopes on Landon Donovan

Kaesra

06-01-2010, 06:10 PM

World Cup 2010 Group D: Final 23-man squads announced

• Deadline day for squads to be trimmed to 23 players
• Kevin-Prince Boateng included by Ghana

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/6/1/1275386638795/Kevin-Prince-Boateng-006.jpg Kevin-Prince Boateng is in Ghana's final squad. Photograph: Getty Images

Kevin-Prince Boateng has been included in Ghana (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/ghana)'s 23-man squad for the World Cup finals.
Berlin-born Boateng played for Germany (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/germany) at every level up to and including under-21, but recently opted to switch his allegiance to Ghana after becoming frustrated with a lack of opportunities under Joachim Low.
And he survived the cull which saw coach Milovan Rajevac reduce his squad from 30 players to the required 23. Stephen Adams, Eric Addo, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, Laryea Kingston, Haminu Draman and Bernard Kumordzi were the men to miss out.
More to follow.
Australia (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/australia)

To be confirmed.
Germany

To be confirmed.Ghana

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Wigan), Daniel Agyei (Liberty Professionals), Stephen Ahorlu (Hearts of Lions)

Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (FC Basel), Jonathan Mensah (Grenada), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea), Rahim Ayew (Zamalek), Hans Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen), John Mensah (Sunderland), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim), John Paintsil (Fulham)

Midfielders: Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan), Derek Boateng (Getafe), Anthony Annan (Rosenborg), Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese), Andre Ayew (Arles-Avignon), Stephen Appiah (Bologna), Quincy Owusu Abeyie (Al Sadd), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Portsmouth)

Strikers: Matthew Amoah (NAC Breda) Asamoah Gyan (Rennes), Prince Tagoe (Hoffenheim), Dominic Adiyiah (AC Milan)
Serbia (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/serbia)

Goalkeepers: Vladimir Stojkovic (Sporting Lisbon), Bojan Isailovic (Zaglebie Lubin), Andjelko Djuricic (Uniao Leiria)

Defenders: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Antonio Rukavina (1860 Munich), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester United), Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund), Aleksandar Lukovic (Udinese), Ivan Obradovic (Real Zaragoza), Aleksandar Kolarov (Lazio)

Midfielders: Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan), Gojko Kacar (Hertha Berlin), Nenad Milijas (Wolves), Zdravko Kuzmanovic (Stuttgart), Radosav Petrovic (Partizan Belgrade), Milos Krasic (CSKA Moscow), Zoran Tosic (Manchester United) , Milos Ninkovic (Dynamo Kiev), Milan Jovanovic (Standard Liege)

Strikers: Nikola Zigic (Birmingham), Marko Pantelic (Ajax), Danko Lazovic (Zenit St Petersburg), Dragan Mrdja (Vojvodina Novi Sad).

Kaesra

06-01-2010, 06:13 PM

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/6/1/1275388001253/Takeshi-Okada-006.jpg Japan coach Takeshi Okada during training. Photograph: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Under-pressure Japan (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/japan) coach Takeshi Okada has taken few risks in his final 23-man World Cup squad.
Europe-based quartet Makoto Hasebe, Keisuke Honda, Daisuke Matsui and Takayuki Morimoto have all been included alongside Shunsuke Nakamura and 2009 Asian player of the year Yasuhito Endo, ahead of Japan's Group E opener against Cameroon (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/cameroon) on 14 June.
Playmaker Nakamura is expected to be fit for Japan's final World Cup warm-up against the Ivory Coast after the former Celtic midfielder missed the defeat by England due to an ankle injury, but played 90 minutes of a practice match on Monday.
Okada, who was in charge for Japan's winless World Cup finals debut in France in 1998, received the backing of Japan Football Association president Motoaki Inukai following the one-sided 2-0 defeat to South Korea on 24 May.
Cameroon

Goalkeepers: Guy Roland Ndy Assembe (Valenciennes), Carlos Kameni (Espanyol), Hamidou Souleymanou (Kayserispor)

Defenders: Benoit Assou-Ekotto (Tottenham), Sebastien Bassong (Tottenham), Gaetan Bong (Valenciennes), Aurelien Chedjou (Lille), Geremi (Ankaragucu), Stephane Mbia (Marseille), Nicolas Nkoulou (Monaco), Rigobert Song (Trabzonspor)

Midfielders: Achille Emana (Real Betis), Eyong Enoh (Ajax), Jean Makoun (Lyon), Georges Mandjeck (Kaiserslautern), Joel Matip (Schalke), Landry NGuemo (Celtic), Alex Song (Arsenal)

Strikers: Vincent Aboubakar (Coton Sport), Eric Choupo-Moting (Nurnberg), Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan), Mohamadou Idrissou (Freiburg), Achille Webo (Real Mallorca).
Denmark (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/denmark)

Goalkeepers: Thomas Sorensen (Stoke), Stefan Andersen (Brondby), Jesper Christiansen (FC Copenhagen)

Defenders: Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Simon Kjaer (Palermo), Per Kroldrup (Fiorentina), Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn), Simon Busk Poulsen (AZ Alkmaar), William Kvist Jorgensen (FC Copenhagen), Patrick Mtiliga (Malaga)

Midfielders: Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen), Christian Poulsen (Juventus), Christian Eriksen (Ajax), Jakob Poulsen (AGF), Martin Jorgensen (AGF), Mikkel Beckmann (Randers), Thomas Enevoldsen (FC Groningen), Thomas Kahlenberg (Wolfsburg), Dennis Rommedahl (Ajax), Jesper Gronkjaer (FC Copenhagen)

Strikers: Jon Dahl Tomasson (Feyenoord), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal), Soeren Larsen (Duisburg).
Japan

Goalkeepers: Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus), Eiji Kawashima (Kawasaki Frontale), Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata)

Defenders: Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama Marinos), Marcus Tulio Tanaka (Nagoya Grampus), Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata), Daiki Iwamasa (Kashima Antlers), Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo), Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Atsuto Uchida (Kashima Antlers)

Middfielders: Shunsuke Nakamura (Yokohama Marinos), Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Junichi Inamoto (Kawasaki Frontale), Yuki Abe (Urawa Red Diamonds), Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg, Germany), Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Daisuke Matsui (Grenoble, France)

Strikers: Shinji Okazaki (Shimizu S-Pulse), Keiji Tamada (Nagoya Grampus), Yasuhito Okubo (Vissel Kobe), Kisho Yano (Albirex Niigata), Takayuki Morimoto (Catania, Italy).
Holland (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/holland)

Goalkeepers: Sander Boschker (FC Twente), Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Michel Vorm (FC Utrecht)

Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart), Edson Braafheid (Celtic), John Heitinga (Everton), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburg), Andre Ooijer (PSV Eindhoven), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax)

Midfielders: Ibrahim Afellay (PSV Eindhoven), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Demy de Zeeuw (Ajax), Stijn Schaars (AZ Alkmaar), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan), Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid)

Strikers: Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Eljero Elia (Hamburg), Klaas Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan), Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Robin van Persie (Arsenal)

Kaesra

06-01-2010, 06:15 PM

World Cup 2010 Group F: Final 23-man squads announced

• Deadline day for squads to be trimmed to 23 players
• Slovakia gamble on three players fighting for fitness

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/6/1/1275388694779/Martin-Skrtel-006.jpg Slovakia's Martin Skrtel has been named in their final squad, despite fitness concerns. Photograph: Samuel Kubani/AFP/Getty Images

Slovakia (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/slovakia) coach Vladimir Weiss has taken a calculated gamble by including three players who are fighting to re-establish themselves after injury in his 23-man squad for the World Cup finals.
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has been picked as he continues his recovery from a foot injury, while strikers Filip Holosko of Besiktas and Robert Vittek of Lille are both involved after coming back from a broken leg and a knee problem respectively.
"There are still question marks," Weiss said. "In case of an injury anything can happen."
Weiss has included his highly rated son, Vladimir junior, in his squad after some encouraging national team appearances during qualification and on loan with Bolton from Manchester City, while Napoli star Marek Hamsik was included as expected.
Italy (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/italy)

To be confirmed
New Zealand (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/newzealand)

Goalkeepers: Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory), James Bannatyne (Team Wellington)
Defenders: Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn Rovers), Ivan Vicelich (Auckland City), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix), Winston Reid (FC Midtjylland), Tommy Smith (Ipswich Town), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), Andy Boyens (New York Red Bulls)
Midfielders: Simon Elliott (unattached), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Michael McGlinchey (Motherwell), Aaron Clapham (Canterbury United), David Mulligan (unattached), Jeremy Brockie (Newcastle Jets), Andy Barron (Team Wellington), Jeremy Christie (FC Tampa Bay)
Strikers: Chris Killen (Middlesbrough), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast United), Chris Wood (West Bromwich Albion), Rory Fallon (Plymouth Argyle)
Paraguay (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/paraguay)

Goalkeepers: Justo Villa (Valladolid), Aldo Bobadilla (Independiente Medellin), Diego Barreto (Cerro Porteno)
Defenders: Julio Cesar Caceres (Atletico Mineiro), Denis Caniza (Leon), Dario Veron (Pumas), Paulo Da Silva (Sunderland), Claudio Morel (Boca Juniors), Carlos Bonet (Olimpia), Aureliano Torres (San Lorenzo), Antolin Alcaraz (Brugge)
Midfielders: Cristian Riveros (Sunderland), Jonathan Santana (Wolfsburg), Enrique Vera (Liga de Quito), Victor Caceres (Libertad), Nestor Ortigoza (Argentinos Juniors), Edgar Barreto (Atalanta)
Strikers: Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City), Oscar Cardozo (Benfica), Nelson Haedo Valdez (Borussia Dortmund), Rodolfo Gamarra (Libertad), Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dormund), Edgar Benitez (Pachuca)
Slovakia

Goalkeepers: Jan Mucha (Legia Warsaw), Dusan Kuciak (Vaslui), Dusan Pernis (Dundee United)
Defenders: Marek Cech (West Brom), Jan Durica (Hannover), Peter Pekarik (Wolfsburg), Martin Petras (Cesena), Kornel Salata (Slovan Bratislava), Martin Skrtel (Liverpool), Radoslav Zabavnik (Mainz)
Midfielders: Marek Hamsik (Napoli), Kamil Kopunek (Spartak Trnava), Jan Kozak (Politehnica Timisoara), Juraj Kucka (Sparta Prague), Marek Sapara (Ankaragucu), Zdeno Strba (Xanthi), Miroslav Stoch (Chelsea), Vladimir Weiss (Manchester City)
Strikers: Filip Holosko (Besiktas), Martin Jakubko (Saturn Moscow), Erik Jendrisek (Schalke), Stanislav Sestak (Bochum), Robert Vittek (Lille).

Kaesra

06-01-2010, 06:17 PM

World Cup 2010 Group G: Final 23-man squads announced

• Deadline day for squads to be trimmed to 23 players
• Real Madrid defender Pepe passes Portugal fitness test

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/6/1/1275389415186/Pepe-006.jpg Portugal will include Pepe in their final squad despite fitness concerns. Photograph: Miguel Riopa/AFP/Getty Images

Portugal (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/portugal) have confirmed that Real Madrid defender Pepe has been passed fit for the World Cup, ahead of naming their final 23-man squad.
The Real Madrid centre-back sustained a serious knee injury in December and missed the rest of the domestic season. However coach Carlos Queiroz will include the 27-year-old after fitness tests.
Brazil (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/brazil)

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (AS Roma), Gomes (Tottenham)
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Olympique Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucío (Inter Milan), Juan (AS Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan)
Midfielders: Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Felipe Melo (Fiorentina), Ramires (Benfica), Elano (Galatasaray), Kaká (Real Madrid), Julio Baptista (Roma), Kleberson (Flamengo), Josué (VfL Wolfsburg)
Strikers: Robinho (Santos), Luís Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villarreal), Grafite (VfL Wolfsburg)
Ivory Coast (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/ivorycoast)

Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Lokeren), Aristides Zogbo (Maccabi Netanya), Daniel Yeboah (ASEC Abidjan)
Defenders: Souleymane Bamba (Hibernian), Arthur Boka (VfB Stuttgart), Guy Demel (Hamburg SV), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal), Steve Gohouri (Wigan Athletic), Siaka Tiene (Valenciennes), Kolo Toure (Manchester City), Benjamin Brou Angoua (Valenciennes)
Midfielders: Jean-Jacques Gosso Gosso (Monaco), Abdelkader Keita (Galatasaray), Emmanuel Kone (International Curtea Arges), Gervais Yao Kouassi (Lille), Christian Koffi Ndri (Sevilla), Cheik Ismael Tiote (Twente Enschede), Yaya Toure (Barcelona), Didier Zokora (Sevilla)
Strikers: Aruna Dindane (Lekhwiya), Seydou Doumbia (Young Boys Berne), Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea)
North Korea (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/north-korea)

Goalkeepers: Kim Myong Gil (Amrokgang), Kim Myong Won (Amrokgang), Ri Myong Guk (Pyongyang City)
Defenders: Cha Jong Hyok (Amrokgang), Ri Jun Il (Sobaeksu), Ri Kwang Chon (April 25), Nam Song Chol (April 25), Pak Nam Chol (Amrokgang), Ri Kwang Hyok (Kyonggongop), Pak Chol Jin (Amrokgang)
Midfielders: Ji Yun Nam (April 25), Mun In Guk (April 25), Pak Sung Hyok (Sobaeksu), Ri Chol Myong (Pyongyang City), Pak Nam Chol (April 25), An Yong Hak (Omiya Ardija), Kim Kyong Il (Rimyongsu), Kim Yong Jun (Pyongyang City)
Strikers: Hong Yong Jo (FC Rostov), An Chol Hyok (Rimyongsu), Jong Tae Se (Kawasaki Frontale), Choe Kum Chol (April 25), Kim Kum Il (April 25)
Portugal

To be confirmed.

Kaesra

06-01-2010, 06:18 PM

World Cup 2010 Group H: Final 23-man squads announced

• Deadline day for squads to be trimmed to 23 players
• Honduras aiming for second round qualification
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Sport/Pix/pictures/2010/6/1/1275390248702/Honduras-006.jpg Honduras are confident of strong showing in Group H. Photograph: Attila Kisbenedek/AFP/Getty Images

Honduras (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/honduras) football federation president Rafael Ferrari says he is confident his team can make a good impression in South Africa.
The Central Americans are currently training in Austria in preparation for the tournament, and face Spain (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/spain), Switzerland (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/switzerland) and Chile (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/chile) in Group H.
"I hope the players can bring out their best and qualify for the second round," said Ferrari.
"We will face three very difficult rivals. Chile finished second in the South American section, Spain are one of the favourites to win the World Cup and Switzerland has Ottmar Hitzfeld, one of the best coaches in the world. Hence, nothing will come easy for us."
Ferrari has high hopes his national team can surpass the results gained at the 1982 World Cup, where Los Catrachos drew twice and lost one game in the group stages.
"We hope to surpass the achievements of 1982," he said. "I have no doubt we have what it takes to do that."
Chile

To be confirmed
Honduras

Goalkeepers: Ricardo Canales (Motagua), Noel Valladares (Olimpia), Donis Escober (Olimpia)
Defenders: Victor Bernardez (Anderlecht), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan), Oscar Garcia (Olimpia), Sergio Mendoza (Motagua), Emilio Izaguirre (Motagua), Johnny Palacios (Olimpia), Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Luchen), Osman Chavez (Platense)
Midfielders: Edgard Alvarez (Bari), Julio Cesar de Leon (Torino), Roger Espinoza (Kansas City Wizards), Amado Guevara (Motagua), Ramon Nunez (Olimpia), Wilson Palacios (Tottenham Hotspur), Hendry Thomas (Wigan), Danilo Turcios (Olimpia)
Forwards: David Suazo (Genoa), Georgie Welcome (Motagua), Carlos Pavon (Real Espana), Walter Martinez (Marathon)
Spain

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona)
Defenders: Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Piqué (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid)
Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal), Andrés Iniesta (Barcelona), Javier Martínez (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona)
Strikers: Jesus Navas (Sevilla), Juanma Mata (Valencia), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia)
Switzerland

Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg), Marco Wolfli (Young Boys), Johnny Leoni (Zurich)
Defenders:Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio), Philippe Senderos (Everton), Stephane Grichting (Auxerre), Steve von Bergen (Hertha Berlin), Mario Eggimann (Hannover 96), Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria), Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt)
Midfielders:Valon Behrami (West Ham), Gokhan Inler (Udinese), Benjamin Huggel (Basel), Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Gelson Fernandes (Saint-Etienne), Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen), Xherdan Shaqiri (Basel), Marco Padalino (Sampdoria)
Strikers: Alexander Frei (Basel), Blaise Nkufo (Twente), Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen), Marco Streller (Basel), Hakan Yakin (Luzern)

Kaesra

06-01-2010, 06:33 PM

World Cup Watch ... 10 days to go

Thierry Henry turns super-sub, Everton's Victor Anichebe misses out and . . . the World Cup's most reliable penalty-taking teams

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2010/5/31/1275331768521/Thierry-Henry-Mathieu-Val-006.jpg Thierry Henry sits with Mathieu Valbuena and Djibril Cissé on the France substitutes' bench. Photograph: François Mori/AP

France (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/france)

Thierry Henry claims he will be content if the France coach, Raymond Domenech, restricts him to a substitute's role during the tournament. After being named on the bench during France's 1-1 draw with Tunisia, replacing the first-choice striker, Nicolas Anelka, in the second half, he said: "I had a chat with the coach. As I've often said, the most important thing is the team. I try to come on and give something. No one is above the team; we're in this together."
Nigeria (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/nigeria-football-team)

The Everton striker Victor Anichebe has been cut from Lars Lagerbäck's final squad. Real Zaragoza's Uche was also omitted in favour of the England-based forwards Yakubu Ayegbeni, Kanu and John Utaka. Mikel John Obi was included despite a knee injury.
Australia (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/australia)

Ruud Gullit has said he would consider taking up a role as coach when Pim Verbeek leaves after the World Cup. "I love Australia," he said. "The people are very sport-minded, they love it."
Mexico (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/mexico)

The new Manchester United striker Javier Hernández, left, was included in the final squad after scoring twice against Gambia. He has seven goals in 11 internationals since making his debut in February.
Treatment room

The South Korea defender Kwak Tae-hwi has been ruled out of the finals after injuring a knee in the defeat by Belarus. Australia's Brett Emerton has returned to training after recovering from a calf injury and Mark Schwarzer is also fit again.
Did you know?

10 – World Cup goals scored by Gary Lineker, twice as many as the next-best English striker (Geoff Hurst).
1 – Number of non-European sides in the 1958 and 1994 quarter-finals. Both times Brazil went on to lift the trophy.
2 – Sides with a 100% success rate in World Cup penalty shoot-outs: Belgium and South Korea.
17 – Games Bulgaria went without a win in the tournament between 1962 and 1994, an unwanted record.
Travel deal of the week

Get the latest breaking news on all 32 teams at this summer's tournament, view our gallery of players to watch in South Africa, send us your travel tips to be in with the chance to win a £200 camera (http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/articles/jessops.jsp) and enter our competition to watch the World Cup in style (http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/competition/2010/may/24/win-a-trip-waldorf).
Meanwhile in South Africa

The official Adidas World Cup ball is called Jabulani, which means "to celebrate" in the isiZulu language, but few are celebrating after trying it. "It's very weird," said Brazil's Luís Fabiano, the latest to complain. "All of a sudden it changes trajectory on you. It's like it doesn't want to be kicked. It's incredible, like someone is guiding it."

Sly

06-01-2010, 08:54 PM

Man, I just can't wait...

Bring it on!!!! Brazileteeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee ;)

Kaesra

06-01-2010, 10:23 PM

Actually I'd like to see a brazil vs Holland match up, I'd say its long overdue. Actually I'd like Holland to play big league oppenents anyway; Germany, Spain, Argentina, France, Italy etc I have enough of seeing them playing the "smaller" countries, altough admitedly they did rape Italy and france at the EC 2 years ago so they would be able to do it to the big countries too. Their defence aint great but a forward line of VDV, Sneijder, Robben and Robin V. Persia is mouth watering, the best forward line in the world at the moment.

Kaesra

06-03-2010, 07:25 PM

- Chelsea and Barça are the main suppliers of the wc with 13 players each, Liverpool 12, Arsenal 10, Bayern München 11, Internazionale and Real Madrid 10, my other club ajax has 9

- The youngest player in the world cup is Danish Ajax player Eriksen and the Oldest is Englands David James.

5 oldest:
1. David James (39, Eng) 01-08-1970
2. Sander Boschker (39, Ned) 20-10-1970
3. Marcus Hahnemann (37, US) 15-06-1972
4. Mark Schwarzer (37, Aus) 06-10-1972
5. Blanco (37, Mex) 17-01-1973

5 youngest;
1. Christian Eriksen (18, Den) 14-02-1992
2. Vincent Aboubakar (18, Kam) 22-01-1992
3. Chris Wood (18, NZ) 07-12-1991
4. Xherdan Shaqiri (18, Swi) 10-10-1991
5. Joël Matip (18, Kam) 08-08-1991

-North Korea tried to get an extra field player by giving one of the spots of goalkeeper to a striker, they have now been dissallowed to use that player as a striker as one must have 3 goalkeepers in its selection.

Kaesra

06-03-2010, 07:42 PM

World Cup Profile: Holland

May 19th, 2010 ·

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/themes/cutline-3-column-split-11/images/hr_tag_sep2.gif

 Beware the men in orange, world

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/holland.jpg (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/holland.jpg)
Today, it’s the turn of the Dutch side. Also known as Holland, also known as The Netherlands. Like the rapper, Puff Daddy, no one is ever entirely sure how to address them. The Spoiler likes Holland best. Anyway, who the hell are these people, and what do they want? Read on to find out…
Form Guide
Like Spain, Holland enjoyed a magnificent qualifying round, as they coasted through eight victories, making them one of the form-teams in the world at the moment. They haven’t yet managed to make it count on the world stage, but those of a certain age will bore you to death with their tales of the magnificent 1974 team, who took football to new levels - commonly known as “total football”. Their odds of winning the whole thing are around 12/1 on Betfair (http://sports.betfair.com/).
Classic World Cup Moment
It would have to be the side of 1974 almost as a whole. But mainly featuring the legendary Johan Cruyff (not to be confused with his son, Jordi, who certainly didn’t inherit daddy’s sublime skills)…

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Main Man
In attacking terms, the Holland team boasts a few big names - notably, Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie (27/1 to top score on Betfair (http://sports.betfair.com/)) - but the little man pulling all of the strings is Inter’s Wesley Sneijder, who comes into the tournament on the back of a very decent season, and who has a very attractive girlfriend poetically named Yolanthe Cabau van Kasbergen. She once did a lapdance on TV, the minx:

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Working Class Hero
You wouldn’t know it to look at him, but Rafael van der Vaart grew up on a grotty caravan park, presumably using old dirty rolled up socks and discarded bedsheets as makeshift footballs. And now look at him. An example to us all. He now enjoys the high life with this dancing woman:

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Missing in Action
Rather embarrassingly, Ruud van Nistelrooy made a bit of a fuss about making himself available for selection, before being totally overlooked. Hey, why the long face, Ruud?
Strengths and Weaknesses
Simply put, as attackers go, this team is a real force to be reckoned with, but unfortunately they’re more than a little bit shaky at the back. Their skipper, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, could prove to be something of a weak link if he comes up against a zippy winger or two. The man’s 35-years-old, for heaven’s sake!
Current Number One in Holland
Stromae, Alors on Dance

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To show your support…
If you happen to have visited Holland, chances are that you spent your entire trip sitting in an Amsterdam “coffee shop”. Hence, you know the drill. A few doobies, then an afternoon of giggling at football, before wondering out loud if anyone has any crisps… or a pizza… or a Pot Noodle… or Cornflakes. Ah, yeah man, Cornflakes! Cornflakes are soooo good.
The Spoiler predicts: Great going forward, could come unstuck at the back. Quarter finals.

Kaesra

06-03-2010, 07:44 PM

World Cup Profile: Germany

May 20th, 2010 ·

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 Imagine this, but without Ballack
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And so to the wonderful Germans - famed for getting all of the best sun loungers, and making England fans cry in 1990. But who ARE these strange and intriguing people? Read on to find out…
Form Guide
The Germans could be the ones to watch, having breezed through the group stages undefeated. They also have a particularly strong World Cup record, having won the thing three times (1954, 1974, 1990), and made it all the way to the final on a further four occasions (1966, 1982, 1986, 2002). Some might remember 1990 as the year that they unkindly tore beating hearts from their chests, and trampled on them in a cruel penalty shoot out. They have odds to win of around 15/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).
World Cup Moment
They’ve had a few, but no one would argue against “The Miracle of Bern”, which saw West Germany (as it was then) come back from two goals down to beat a mighty Hungary side in the 1954 final.

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Main Man
With Michael Ballack out of the competition, the side will look ever more to Miroslav Klose, who has managed - rather impressively - to put away 48 goals in 94 international matches. He won the Golden Shoe in 2006, and if you think that he can put in a repeat performance, you’ll find him with odds of around 35/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).
Strengths and Weaknesses
Like most German sides, this one is very physical, and astonishingly organised - hence, they take some beating. That said, with Ballack gone, and not much in the way of experience between the sticks, they could easily come unstuck against some of the bigger teams.
Current Number One in Germany
Mehrzad Marashi, Don’t Believe

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To show your support…
Simple. Pop on a Morris Dancer’s outfit, order a massive beer - roughly the size of two pints - then get all Oktoberfest about it by demanding more drinks from any buxom women who happen to be in the area.
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Most blatant use of sex to sell football…
Take the traditional game of football, then add girls in body paint. Phwoar!

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If Joachim Loew were a 1980s balladeer, he would be…
With that impressive mop of dark dark hair, the Germany manager is the spitting image of everyone’s least favourite 1980s pop icon, Chris De Burgh. Here he is singing his appalling masterpiece…

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The Spoiler predicts: Without Michael Ballack to steady the ship, they could come unstuck. Quarters at best, last 16 at worst.

Kaesra

06-03-2010, 07:46 PM

World Cup Profile: USA

May 21st, 2010 ·

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 “U! S! A!”
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/donovan.jpg (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/donovan.jpg)
<style> </style> Today, it’s the turn of those lovely American chaps, who will be seriously attempting to urinate on England’s chips during the group stages. But can they do it? And, more importantly, who ARE these people? Read on to find out…
Form Guide
As they proved by beating Spain in the Confederations Cup last year, the USA are not to be taken lightly. The team now features a few players of genuine pedigree, and having qualified at the top of their World Cup qualifying group, England would be wise not to get too cocky before kick off. If you think they can win the thing, you’ll find their odds at about 89/1 on Betfair (http://sports.betfair.com/). Seriously though, they won’t win.
World Cup Moment
Of course, the Americans fared pretty well in the 1930 World Cup - coming in at an impressive third. But, in the run up to this one, much will be made of the 1950 match against England, in which they pulled off a 1-0 upset.

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Main Man
The spine of the team isn’t too shabby, with the likes of Tim Howard, Oguchi Onyewu, and Clint Dempsey all having performed to a relatively high level in Europe. But the man carrying the hopes of his fair nation will be Landon Donovan, who some might remember during his very impressive loan spell at Everton. You can get odds of him top scoring at around 400/1 on Betfair (http://sports.betfair.com/). And here he is getting convincingly cross with a reporter…

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Working Class Hero
Fans of Jerry Springer will be all too aware of the freakish buck-toothed faction of America, known as “trailer trash”. But did you know that Fulham’s Clint Dempsey grew up in a trailer park? It’s true. As a child, his family lived in a weird caravan thing, with young Clint presumably wiling away the weekends playing soccer with a warped American football. And now look at him. An example to us all. Here he is rapping about his life, keeping it real etc…:

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Most Uncouth Player
As everyone knows, urinating in public is rather frowned upon. A fact that didn’t even cross DaMarcus Beasley’s mind, as he casually flopped out the old man and proceeded to water the pitch during an important World Cup match. Naughty DaMarcus.

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Strengths and Weaknesses
In the past, the main criticism of the US team was that most of the players hadn’t competed at the highest level - with the MLS viewed as rather second rate. But now that they have a mob of players plying their trade in Europe, they could prove to be something of a surprise package. On the downside, there’s no real strength in depth.
Current Number One in America
Usher, OMG

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To show your support…
Americans like to celebrate hard with a series of chest bumps, and enthralling “USA!” chants. Grab yourself a six pack and a hotdog, then spend the afternoon/evening randomly shouting “offside, you jerk!” whenever there’s a lull in proceedings.
Most blatant use of sex to sell football…
A “blonde” team prepares to take on some “brunettes”. This does not happen in “regular” football…

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[I]The Spoiler Predicts: With a bit of wind in their sails, our American cousins should make the Last 16.

Kaesra

06-03-2010, 07:46 PM

Kaesra

06-03-2010, 07:50 PM

World Cup Profile: Portugal

May 24th, 2010 ·

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 This looks about the gist of it
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It’s time to have a little look at the gentlemen from Portugal. Can they win this thing? And who is their best ever? Read on to find out…
Form Guide
Regardless of this being just their fifth World Cup, Portugal have already felt a few big highs and crippling lows. They fared particularly well in the 1966 and 2006 World Cups, finishing in the top four in both. But they stuttered their way to this one, with a rather up-and-downy qualifying campaign. Hence their interesting odds of 28/1 to win the thing on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).
World Cup Moment
Portugal came in third in the 1966 World Cup, in a fine tournament, which included a particularly bruising match against Brazil (below).

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Main Man
No doubt about it, Cristiano Ronaldo is the man whose form will make or break Portugal’s chances. After failing to bathe in the expected glory with Real Madrid this year, he will be all out to show people who the best in the world really is. You can get odds of him top scoring at around 20/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/). Here’s a funny pretend advert:

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Strengths and Weaknesses
On paper, Portugal look pretty strong, thanks to the likes of Ronaldo, Nani, Deco, Pepe, and Carvalho. But two factors could work against them - firstly, the lack of a recognised world class centre forward in their ranks. And secondly, that they happen to be in the Group of Death alongside Brazil and the Ivory Coast. It’s going to make for pretty tough going.
Current Number One in Portugal
Jay-Z with Alicia Keys, Empire State of Mind

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To show your support…
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Style up your hair, smear great big lugs of oil into your legs, then take in the game from the privacy of a luxury yacht. It’s a technique known as “Cristiano’s Way”. Here’s the above woman getting a Spanish grilling:

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Who’s better? Eusebio or Ronaldo?
Eusebio

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Ronaldo

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<noscript></noscript> The Spoiler Predicts: If they make it out of their group, they could be the surprise package of the tournament. If not, out in the first stage. A hunch suggests the latter.

Kaesra

06-03-2010, 07:53 PM

World Cup Profile: Ivory Coast

May 25th, 2010 ·

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 Beware the Drog
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Now for the Ivory Coast. Who are they? Can they win the World Cup? And is Didier Drogba feeling a bit cold in the above picture? Read on to find out…
Form Guide
After a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations, the Ivory Coast made up for it by breezing through the qualifiers to make it to just their second World Cup. Last time around they suffered from being in a strong group alongside Argentina and Holland. The good news is that this time they’ve got Brazil and Portugal. Oh no, hang on - that’s bad news isn’t it? Their odds of winning are 41/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).
World Cup Moment
There haven’t been many - three whole matches to be precise. They lost to Holland and Argentina, so here’s their sole World Cup victory to really get the juices flowing…

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Main Man
Didier Drogba isn’t just considered to be a great footballer (39/1 to top score on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/)), but he’s also something of a national treasure back in his homeland. His decision to donate all of his money from a Pepsi advert into building a hospital in his hometown of Abidjan was particularly well received. As are his dance skills (below).

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One to Watch
They’ve got some big names in the squad - the Toure brothers, Kalou, Zakora, Eboue - but the underground buzz surrounds a young man called Gervinho. He’s been dubbed “the African Messi”, and the below video might go some way to explaining how come…

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Strengths and Weaknesses
The spine of the team is pretty impressive, with Kolo and Yaya Toure, plus the aforementioned Drogba all capable of playing world class football. And they look pretty dangerous going forward. Unfortunately, they might come a cropper thanks to finding themselves in another deadly group at only their second World Cup. Could lack the necessary experience.
Ivory Coast Pop Star
Ladies and gentlemen, DJ Lewis!

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To show your support…
Well, you could start with a bit of pumping DJ Lewis (above) to get you in the mood. Then follow that with a few sweet brewskis and an Aloko. Oh, what’s that? You don’t know what an Aloko is? It’s an Ivorian snack of fried ripened banana, served with onions and chillies. Yum!
And now for a totally unrelated song about the Ivory Coast manager…

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The Spoiler Predicts: Everything depends on their opening match against Portugal. Win it, and they could build up a head of steam. Lose it and they’re out at the first hurdle. At a push, knock out stages.

Kaesra

06-03-2010, 07:56 PM

World Cup Profile: Mexico

May 26th, 2010 ·

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 Nice pennant!
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/mexico.jpg (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/mexico.jpg)
England fans had a 90 minute introduction to the Mexican team earlier in the week. They looked alright. But can they win the World Cup? Do they have any tricks up their sleeves? These are the questions. read on to find out.
Form Guide
After a stop-starty campaign, Mexico put in a pretty good show at the end, cruising in unbeaten in their last six qualifiers to make the World Cup. It’ll be their 14th time competing on the world stage, having made it as far as the quarter finals in 1970 and 1986. Conveniently, they were hosting the thing on both occasions. You will find their odds of winning at around 109/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).
World Cup Moment
They haven’t won the thing, but, as a nation, they put on a great World Cup in 1986. Here are just a few of the goals from that tournament…

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Fairly comfortable on the ball, the Mexicans tend to struggle in defence, hence it’ll be up to Barcelona’s Rafael Marquez - the team captain - to steady the ship at the back. As England found out in the recent friendly, their wing backs just love bombing forward a la Roberto Carlos.
One to Watch
All eyes will be on Javier Hernandez, the first Mexican ever to sign for Man United. Known affectionately as “Chicharito” - which means “little pea” in Spanish - he has already scored four international goals in just nine games, and you can get odds of him top scoring at around 229/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/). Here he is in action:

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Mexico’s old man at the front, Cuauhtemoc Blanco, is widely celebrated for creating a move known in the trade as “the Cauahtemina”. It involves gripping the ball between your ankles and gracelessly lunging over defenders, like a man with his feet tied together attempting to escape some thugs. Effective. But ugly.

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Mexico proved against England that they are pretty decent at keeping hold of the ball, and they look particularly good blazing forward down the wings. Unfortunately, as previously mentioned, they look weak at the back, and with France and Uruguay to contend with, they could come unstuck.
Legendary Mexican Rock Music
Santana, Soul Sacrifice

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<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8JryQXilMj4&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="480" height="385"></object> To show your support…
If you’re considering a gentle afternoon spent watching the Mexicans going hard at it, perhaps partake in one of their tasty national beers, like a nice cold bottle of Sol. But, if it’s a real head-rush that you’re after, grab a bottle of Tequila, and don’t stop going until you’ve devoured the wiggly worm swimming around at the bottom. Students in Bristol in the 1990s used to swear that it made you have some kind of zany psychedlic freak out.
Most blatant use of sex to sell football…
A generous fan unleashes her breasts at a local football match. Cue much applauding, and men going “phwoar!”.

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<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vODx6zs2CKg&hl=en_GB&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xe1600f&color2=0xfebd01" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="480" height="385"></object> The Spoiler Predicts: They’ve made the last 16 in the four previous World Cups. They could well do it again. But no further.

Kaesra

06-03-2010, 07:59 PM

World Cup Profile: Serbia

May 27th, 2010 ·

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/themes/cutline-3-column-split-11/images/hr_tag_sep2.gif

 Serbia, with Rod Stewart
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/serbia.jpg (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/serbia.jpg)
Hands up who wants to find out about Serbia. Good, that’s everyone then. Read on to find out everything that you need to know…
Form Guide
This will be the first year that Serbia enters a World Cup as just plain old Serbia. Last time they were shackled by Montenegro, and before that they were more commonly known as Yugoslavia. Hence, all there is to really go on is the qualifying campaign, in which they managed to win their group, even though it included those football tough guys, France and Romania. Not bad going. Their odds of winning are around 74/1 on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/).
Main Man
Strong at the back, and with a few decent attacking options, the Serbs will be counting on Inter’s Dejan Stankovic to control the game from the midfield with some of his wonderful trademark passes. He is affectionately known to some as “Deki”, apparently.
One to Watch
Liverpool fans will be particularly keen to see Milan Jovanovic, who has apparently signed for the club already. He looked magnificent in the qualifiers, he’s known as the “Serbian Snake” for some reason, and he is now valued at around 250/1 to top score on Betfair (http://soccer.betfair.com/). Here’s a video of his skills:

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Strengths and Weaknesses
Serbia are defensively tough, thanks mainly to the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Branislav Ivanovic at the back. And with Stankovic, Milos Krasic, and the aforementioned Jovanovic, they’re not bad going forward either. But, unfortunately, they lack a striker of real pedigree, so might well struggle for goals.
Hottest Local Fan
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ana.jpg (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ana.jpg)
Tennis fans will recognise this lady - she’s Ana Ivanovic, of whom The Spoiler once said this:
“… this lady knows how to work her cranium too, having made it all the way through normal education and into university.“
Good for her. She also knows very little about football, but as the below clip proves, she’s learning…

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Number One in Serbia
Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, I Learned the Hard Way

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To show your support…
Grab yourself a nice fruit brandy - or “rakija” if you want to get all Serbian about it - a plate of kavurma - or “lamb intestines” if you want to get all English about it - then get royally sozzled as per every match.
The Spoiler Predicts: They’re in a tough group, with Germany, Ghana and Australia. Sadly, they probably won’t make it through.

Kaesra

06-03-2010, 08:02 PM

All ten bar staff at Manchester pub legally change their name to “Wayne Rooney”

June 2nd, 2010 · No Comments (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2010/06/02/all-ten-bar-staff-at-manchester-pub-legally-change-their-name-to-wayne-rooney#comments)

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/themes/cutline-3-column-split-11/images/hr_tag_sep2.gif  Roon Army out in force this summer

http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/roonies.jpg (http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/roonies.jpg)
Apart from the odd England tribute song, World Cup wackiness has been noticeably thin on the ground this year. However, yesterday brought news the nation’s ever-dependable bar staff are leading a late charge with some moniker-related hijinks.
Chris Hilditch, landlord of the Shakespeare Inn in Manchester, has convinced all of his bar staff to have their names changed to ‘Wayne Rooney’ by signing a legally binding deed poll. Being the boss, and probably having always wanted an lusty, exotic-sounding name, he’s opted for ‘Fabio Capello’:
Staff and the customers are all football mad at the pub and we just thought it would be wacky idea to name ourselves after the best player in the team and the manager.

The only trouble is when all the punters are chanting: Rooney, Rooney in the pub during a match, bar staff will be thinking the customers are talking to them. It might get a little confusing.
Hmm, more ‘unbearable’ than ‘confusing’, we would’ve thought. Even the owners of the pub chain are getting involved, with Managing Director Andy Wilkinson picking the short straw and changing his name to ‘Sepp Blatter’.
Wilkinson/Blatter is planning to roll out the idea at all ten of his branches. So if you work for a Clover Taverns pub, now might be a good time to hand in your notice.
[via Off the Post (http://www.offthepost.info/2010/06/bar-staff-change-their-names-to-wayne-rooney/#more-8244)]

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A really really good chance is bullocks ;), however it is manchester and most people there support either city or united so they are chanceless and poor decision makers anyway ;) :D