Messi fears England threat

Argentina forward Lionel Messi believes that England number among the leading contenders to lift the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Many people's favourites for the tournament, which starts 2 weeks today, are Spain and Brazil, but the 22-year-old puts Fabio Capello's side in the same category.

"I think that right now, the strongest sides going into the World Cup are Spain, England and Brazil," Messi told CNN International. "They had a strong, easy qualifying and are very tough."

Lionel Messi was a little more coy about his own side's chances. "Hopefully, it will be my World Cup, Argentina's World Cup and that we hit the ground running and play up to people's expectations and win the World Cup," he said.

More news at:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1220527/index.html#messi+fears+england+threat

2010 FIFA World Cup: Top 10 Forwards To Look Out For

Previously, I had listed the “World Cup Top scorer” and “The Top 15 Players Not Going To South Africa” which was a lot more easier job than ranking forwards.

It is also difficult to categorize wingers, and I have considered those wingers who play more like a forward with an eye for goal.

Selecting the top 2 forwards was a piece of cake but as the list progressed it got tougher and tougher to rank one above the other.

There are dissimilar genres of strikers, but the ultimate goal is to deposit the ball back in the net. We have all types of strikers on this list. Let's have a look at them.

10. Carloz Tevez

9. Luis Fabiano

8. Robin Van Persie

7. Arjen Robben

6. David Villa

5. Fernando Torres

4. Didier Drogba

3. Wayne Rooney

2. Cristiano Ronaldo

1. Lionel Messi

Honorable Mention - Samuel Eto

Samuel Eto'o was pretty close but he isn't the same player that he was once, and Cameroon are not going anywhere in the World Cup. So, he will not have much impact.

FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 Official Theme Song

2010 FIFA World Cup: Argentina's Lionel Messi 'Embarrassed' By Comparisons To Diego Maradona

Argentina star Lionel Messi has declared that he is embarrassed to be compared to FIFA World Cup winning legend and current coach Diego Maradona.

The Barcelona forward and current FIFA World Player of the Year is often judged against the abilities of the past master Maradona but Lionel Messi says he doesn't like the comparisons, labeling them an "offense" to 'El Pelusa'.

The talismanic 22-year-old also declared that he still has to prove himself at a FIFA finals to be considered amongst the greats.

"I do not like it. I am embarrassed that I get compared to Diego. It's an offense [to him]. To be the best player in the world I have to prove it at the World Cup," Lionel Messi is quoted as saying by Sport before adding that he is proud to represent the Albicelestes.

"I’m Argentine and I like to play for my country."

Argentina kick off their World Cup campaign vs. Nigeria on June 12.

2010 FIFA World Cup: The Top 15 Players Not Going To South Africa

The World Cup is a defining moment in a player's career and it is the ultimate footballing stage and each player has the chance to become famous or infamous.

However, every World Cup has a number of players who will miss this moment. A few of them are stars of past World Cups, others are established performers at top clubs, and some are hopeful youngsters.

Here is a look at the top 15 players who will not be traveling with their national team to South Africa.

Charlie Davies—USA

Francesco Totti—Italy

David Beckham—England

Juan Roman Riquelme—Argentina

Ronaldinho—Brazil

Patrick Viera—France

Esteban Cambiasso—Argentina

Samir Nasri—France

Pato—Brazil

Luca Toni—Italy

Javier Zanetti—Argentina

Ruud van Nistelrooy—Netherlands

Michael Ballack—Germany

Adriano—Brazil

Karim Benzema—France

Dunga : My Brazil are ready

BRAZIL arrived in South Africa this morning and coach Dunga declared: "We’re ready."

The Samba stars are among the favourites for this summer's FIFA World Cup.

And the 23-man squad flew in to Johannesburg, South Africa today ahead of the tournament.

Dunga's men posed for a team photo before they were greeted by Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Ireland climb Fifa rankings

Ireland have climbed 2 places on the Fifa World Rankings after last night’s 2-1 win against Paraguay in the RDS.

The win, Ireland’s first in 5 games, saw them rise to 41st place. Northern Ireland are also up 1 place to 56th while England remain 8th

The leader board is topped by Brazil in 1st and hotly tipped Spain in 2nd.

Ireland will get the chance to climb further up the ranks if they can secure their 2nd win in a week when they go up against Algeria in the RDS on Friday.

The win will have come as little consolation to the players but, many of whom are still struggling to get over the disappointment of failing to qualify.

“Everyone is just geared up to the World Cup and it is pretty hard to take at the moment with everything that's surrounding England,” said Preston’s Sean St Ledger. "Everyone is talking about it, and not to be part of it hurts."

World Cup Top scorer

Ronaldo

Country: Brazil

Goals: 15 (4 goals during 1998 France World Cup, 8 in 2002 South Korea World Cup and 3 in 2006 World Cup, Germany. )

Ronaldo is nowhere near his old form and the once phenomenal player's career is limping towards retirement. Still, his unique record remains unbeaten! Germany's Miroslav Klose, the only player who has come close to breaking Ronaldo's record. With 10 goals to his name, let's see whether Miroslav Klose could make it this time.

Gerd Muller

Country: Germany

Goals: 14

This great German is one among the all-time best players in the world. Gerd Muller scored 10 goals at the 1970 Mexico World Cup. Gerd Muller remained on the top spot for long until Ronaldo eclipsed his record during the 2006 World Cup.

Just Fonataine

Country: France

Goals: 13

Just Fontaine is ranked 3rd among the World Cup top scorers, but his unique feat of 13 goals in a single World Cup tournament remains unbeaten even today.

Pele
Country: Brazil

Goals: 12

Regarded by many as the greatest footballer ever, legendary Brazilian Pele's World Cup score is 12. He was part of the Brazilian team during their 3 World Cup victories.

Juergan Klinsmann

Country: Germany

Goals: 11

This handsome German's 11 goals in World Cup include 5 in 1994 World Cup and 3 each in 1990 and 1998 World Cups. He is the 2nd German after Gerd Muller who crossed the 10 goals mark in World Cup history.

Gabriel Batistuta

Country: Argentina
Goals: 10

Fondly called Batigol, Gabriel Omar Batistuta is ranked 5th. Batti has 2 hat-tricks to his credit - against Greece in 1994 and against jamaica in 1998 - thus becoming the fourth player in history to have achieved this unique feat. The other members of the 10 goal league are Teofilo Cubillas, Miroslav Klose, Grzegorz Lato, Gary Lineker and Helmut Rahn.

Miroslav Klose

Country: Germany

Goals: 10
This German sensation scored a hat-trick against Saudi Arabia in the 2002 South Korea World Cup. He scored 5 goals in that World Cup, of which all were headers.


Roberto Baggio, Cristian Vieri and Paulo Rossi

Country: Italy

Goals: 9

The nine goals league is flooded with Azurri warriors - Roberto Baggio, Cristian Vieri and Paulo Rossi. Roberto Baggio is the only Italian player who has scored in 3 World Cups. His compatriot Cristian Vieri was the top scorer for Italy during the 1998 and 2002 World Cup. Paulo Rossi was the henchman who lead Italy to victory at the 1982 World Cup . Other players include: Ademir, Eusebio, Jairzinho,Rummenigge, Uwe Seeler and Vava.

Diego Maradona

Country: Argentina

Goals: 8

Surprisingly, Argentine legend Maradona's overall World Cup score is eight. This includes the controversial 'hand of God' of 1986 World Cup. His 2nd goal against England is considered the greatest goal in World Cup history. Other players include Rivaldo, Rudi Voller, Guillermo Stabile, Leonidas and Oscar Miguez.

Brazil and Spain Could Make FIFA World Cup a 2 Horse Race

Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho might have confirmed his status as the greatest thing since sliced bread but the argument over which is the best international football team in the world is just about to begin.

On the face of it there seem to be 2 outstanding teams in the world. The 2 teams, in fact, that head FIFA’s rankings – a rare moment of accuracy for a table that places Portugal in 3rd place ahead of world champions Italy even if Carlos Queiroz’s men had to scrape through to the finals via a playoff.

The nations in question – as if you couldn’t guess – are Brazil and Spain.

For more news visit:
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/05/25/brazil-and-spain-could-make-fifa-world-cup-a-two-horse-race/

2010 FIFA World Cup: Ten Simple Facts About The World Cup

It is a world of some called gods, kings and warriors...it's the world of football. A World Cup played in Africa will create new facts, new stories and new passions.

This tournament acclaimed by millions is filled of simple facts out and inside the field:

1: Brazil is the only South American team to win a World Cup in Europe, America and Asia.

2: Europeans haven't won a World Cup outside Europe.

3: For this occasion, all the champions are seeded in a group: Brazil, Italy, Germany, Argentina, France, England and Uruguay.

4: Only Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962) have won Two cups in a row.

5: Argentina, Uruguay, Italy, West Germany, England and France won a trophy as hosts. Brazil lost at home in 1950.

6: Two finals were decided in penalties: 1994 and 2006.

7: Three finals were decided in extra time: 1934, 1966 and 1978.

8: Morten Olsen is the only coach who is in charge of his National Team since the 2002 World Cup in Japan. He is the Danish head coach.

9: Holland almost won the World Cup in 1978 but they didn't have their superstar Johan Cruijff. He stayed in Europe after being threatened by terrorists.

10: Diego Maradona failed while playing in Spain but after leaving Barcelona he won the World Cup in Mexico, while Lionel Messi is amazing in Spain but he can't win the major trophy of football...could he win the World Cup in South Africa?

2010 FIFA World Cup: German manager Joachim Low has publicly pegged 23-year-old Stuttgart midfielder Sami Khedira as the 1st choice to replace the injured Michael Ballack in the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Joachim Low insisted that he will not be changing his team's system or style of play between now and the World Cup and that he expects Sami Khedira to step in without missing a beat.

"He has a great deal of potential and is a player who has already been given a lot of responsibility at Stuttgart. He also shows that he has matured.'' Joachim Low has told reporters.

For more news visit:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/396210-2010-fifa-world-cup-low-endorses-khedira-to-fill-ballacks-boots

2010 FIFA World Cup: Aussies edge New Zealand

2010 FIFA World Cup: Substitute Brett Holman struck with the last kick of the game to give Australia an undeserved 2-1 victory in their FIFA World Cup farewell friendly Vs. New Zealand at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Brett Holman has been criticized for his lack of goals in national team colours in the past, but did his chances of booking his place on the plane to South Africa no harm when he serenely converted after Carl Valeri's clever lob in the 3rd minute of added time. It was just the 26-year-old AZ Alkmaar forward's 2nd goal in 30 international appearances and capped an otherwise forgettable display from the hosts - albeit in their 1st warm-up ahead of the finals.

New Zealand had gone ahead credit to Chris Killen's close-range strike after 16 minutes. It took a debut goal from young midfielder Dario Vidosic to bring Australia level after 57 minutes before Brett Holman clinched the win late on.

For more news visit:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1216845/index.html#aussies+edge+new+zealand

2010 FIFA World Cup: Stars to watch out for

Come June 11, 2010, and the world will observe the greatest sporting action in the world - the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The joy and animosity among fans will be back!

It will be a fight among various countries to stamp their supremacy and soccer aficionados will flock the grounds to root for their favourite stars.

With the countdown to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa having already begun, we take a look at the star campaigners who will enthrall many with their mesmerizing skills:

Linonel Messi, Argentina

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portuguese

Wayne Rooney, England

Didier Drogba, Ivory Coast

Kaka, Brazil

Fernando Torres, Spain

Franck Ribery, France

Samuel Eto'o, Cameroon

Miroslav Klose, Germany

Gianluigi Buffon, Italy

Monday May 24th Friendlies Schedule: FIFA World Cup Warmup Begins

Once the Champions League final is done and dusted tomorrow, that’s pretty well it for big time domestic football.

Whoever is holding the big-eared trophy on Saturday night will be celebrated on Sunday, but once Monday comes it’s all about FIFA World Cup build up again.

Not least because that’s when the proper FIFA World Cup warm up games begin.

On Monday 24th May we have got the following games to look forward to:

Australia v. New Zealand

Japan v. South Korea

Portugal v. Cape Verde Islands

Argentina v. Canada

England v. Mexico

Spain look to future with World Cup 23

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said it was a case of "having to think with our heads" after he unveiled his 23-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

With numerous members of the victorious UEFA EURO 2008-winning selection missing out, the 59-year-old former Real Madrid CF manager admitted he had "one eye on the future" by including the likes of uncapped FC Barcelona midfielder Pedro Rodríguez and Athletic Club's Javi Martínez.

"[Those we’re taking] have had an excellent season but it's obviously hurt not to be able to take others," Vicente Del Bosque said. "I know it's a pain for them not to be going to the World Cup." Pedro's Barcelona team-mate Víctor Valdés also received his 1st international call-up having recently won his 3rd Ricardo Zamora trophy, presented to the Spanish Liga's most frugal goalkeeper.

Spain squad

Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid CF), Pepe Reina (Liverpool FC), Víctor Valdés (FC Barcelona).

Defenders: Raúl Albiol (Real Madrid CF), Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid CF), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal CF), Carlos Marchena (Valencia CF), Gerard Piqué (FC Barcelona), Carles Puyol (FC Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid CF).

Midfielders: Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid CF), Sergio Busquets (FC Barcelona), Cesc Fàbregas (Arsenal FC), Andrés Iniesta (FC Barcelona), Javi Martínez (Athletic Club), David Silva (Valencia CF), Xavi Hernández (FC Barcelona).

Forwards: Jesús Navas (Sevilla FC), Juan Mata (Valencia CF), Pedro Rodríguez (FC Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Club), Fernando Torres (Liverpool FC), David Villa (Valencia CF).

2010 FIFA World Cup : Nike World Cup Ad Exclusive

2010 FIFA World Cup : FOOTBALL'S biggest stars have been given a glimpse into their futures — with Nike's stunning new TV advert.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Didier Drogba and ... er... Homer Simpson all play a part in the 3-minute film, which was made by Hollywood director and producer Alejandro G Inarritu.

It’ll be shown on TV for the 1st time across 32 countries during Saturday's Champions League final between Inter and Bayern Munich.

Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2980694/Nike-World-Cup-ad-exclusive.html

FIFA World Cup 2010: Argentina Squad - Diego Milito Makes It Into Maradona’s Final 23-Man Squad

According to the Argentinian news agency Telam, Maradona has settled on his final 23-man squad for this summer's 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa and the biggest surprise came with the inclusion of Inter Milan forward Diego Milito.

Argentina's 23-man World Cup squad in full

Goalkeepers -

Sergio Romero AZ Alkmaar (NED)
Mariano Andújar Catania (ITA)
Diego Pozo Colon

Defenders -

Nicolás Otamendi Velez Sarsfield
Gabriel Heinze Marseille (FRA)
Martín Demichelis Bayern Munich (GER)
Walter Samuel Inter (ITA)
Ariel Garcé Colón
Nicolás Burdisso Roma (ITA)
Clemente Rodríguez Estudiantes

Midfielders -

Juan Sebastian Verón Estudiantes
Javier Mascherano Liverpool (ENG)
Jonás Gutiérrez Newcastle (ENG)
Ángel Di María Benfica (POR)
Maximiliano Rodríguez Liverpool (ENG)
Javier Pastore Palermo (ITA)
Mario Bolatti Fiorentina (TA)

Forwards -

Lionel Messi Barcelona (ESP)
Gonzalo Higuaín Real Madrid (ESP)
Carlos Tévez Manchester City (ENG)
Sergio Agüerio Atlético Madrid (ESP)
Diego Milito Inter (ITA)
Martín Palermo Boca Juniors

Kaka will be fit for 2010 FIFA World Cup

Brazilian genius Kaka has insisted he will be 100% fit for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, despite recent concerns over form and fitness for his club and after missing last Sunday's match for his club side Real Madrid.

"I am going to be evaluated, they will see my condition and that I won't have any problems," said the 28-year-old.

"I’ll be 100% by the World Cup," the player added.

The 28-year-old athlete will be assessed by his former club Sao Paolo and after that he is expected to meet up with his Brazil team-mates at a training camp in Curitiba, Brazil.

"It was a very difficult season which I had, but we’ve examples of players who were not in good form before the World Cup and ended up doing well, so I am not worried," he said.

Brazil are in Group G along with North Korea, Ivory Coast and Portugal.

2010 FIFA World Cup : Prize money and club payments

The total prize money on offer for the tournament was confirmed by FIFA as $420 million, a 60 % increase on the 2006 tournament Before the tournament, each participating team would receive $1 million, for preparation costs. Once at the tournament, teams exiting at the group stage would receive $8 million. Thereafter, the prize money would be distributed as follows:

• $9 million - Round of 16

• $18 million - Quarter-finals

• $20 million - Semi-finals

• $24 million - Runners up

• $30 million - Winners

In a first for the World Cup, there would also be payments made by FIFA to the domestic clubs of the players representing their national teams at the tournament. This would see a total of €26 million being paid to domestic clubs, amounting to just over €1,000 per player per day.

This was the result of an agreement reached in 2008 between FIFA and European clubs to disband the G-14 and drop their claims for compensation dating back to 2005 over the financial cost of injuries sustained to their players while on international duty, such as that from Belgian club Charleroi S.C. for injury to Morroco's Abdelmajid Oulmers in a friendly game in 2004, and from English club Newcastle United for an injury to England's Michael Owen in the 2006 World Cup.

Michael Ballack Out of 2010 FIFA World Cup Due to Injury

Germany Captain Michael Ballack will not be participating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa because of an ankle injury.

Michael Ballack, 33, tore ligaments in his right ankle during Chelsea’s FA Cup final against Portsmouth. The injury was caused by a poorly timed Portsmouth’s Kevin-Prince Boateng tackle.

Michael Ballack currently has a cast on the foot and will not be able to train for a minimum of 8 weeks, according to the German soccer federation.

Although he is expected to make a full recovery, the injury still couldn’t have come at a worse time for the German.

Michael Ballack told German Television, “It's very disappointing, but I have to accept it, its football and you’ve to live with it. ... I am angry, clearly.”

Michael Ballack has previously scored 42 goals in 98 appearances for the Germans. His injury will also force Coach Joachim Loew to make dramatic changes to his lineup.

FIFA World Cup 2010: France Squad To Be Trimmed To 24 By Monday - Report

The untidy saga of the naming of France’s FIFA World Cup squad is set to take another step closer to completion on Monday, when coach Raymond Domenech is set to trim a provisional panel of 30 down to 24.

Raymond Domenech was expected to name a definitive list of 23 names last Tuesday evening, but he sidestepped expectations by changing his mind and naming a provisional panel of 30 at the last minute, giving him further time to ruminate. 6 days later, he is set to cut 6 men from his list, according to the AFP news agency.

Apparently, Raymond Domenech wants to take 24 players to Tignes, where les Bleus will undergo a training camp, but there is still significant doubt over the fitness of Arsenal centre-back William Gallas, so the additional player to the 23-man panel FIFA rules allow for the World Cup.

France are meant to stay at L'Ecrin du Val Claret, where they camped before the 2006 World Cup finals, in which they were defeated by Italy in the final on penalty kicks. Superstition has drawn Raymond Domenech back to the venue, though the coach must hope this rather shambolic week is not repeated over the course of the next 2 months.

FIFA World Cup awards - Golden Shoe

The Golden Shoe Award goes to the top goalscorer of the FIFA World Cup.

The award was introduced at the 1930 World Cup. The 1994 World Cup in the United States was the first time that Silver and Bronze boots awards were added to reward the second and third top scorers in the tournament.[3] Since 1994, if there is more than one player with the same amount of goals, the tie-breaker goes to the player who has contributed the most assists (with the FIFA Technical Study Group deciding whether an assist is to be counted as such). If there is still more than one player, the tie-breaker goes to the player who has played the least amount of time.

2006

* Miroslav KLOSE (GER) GF 5, ASS 1, MinP 587 * Hernan CRESPO (ARG) GF 3, ASS 1, MinP 308 * RONALDO (BRA) GF 3, ASS 1, MinP 411

2002

* RONALDO (BRA) GF 8, ASS 0, MinP 548 * Miroslav KLOSE (GER) GF 5, ASS 1, MinP 561, RIVALDO (BRA) GF 5, ASS 1, MinP 610

1998

* Davor SUKER (CRO) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 630 * Gabriel BATISTUTA (ARG) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 428, Christian VIERI (ITA) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 300

1994

* Oleg SALENKO (RUS) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 180, Hristo STOICHKOV (BUL) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 480 * Kennet ANDERSSON (SWE) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 480, ROMÁRIO (Romário de Souza Faria) (BRA) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 660
1990

* Salvatore SCHILLACI (ITA) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 480 * Tomas SKUHRAVY (CZE) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 450 * Roger MILLA (CMR)

1986

* Gary LINEKER (ENG) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 360 * Emilio BUTRAGUENO (ESP) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 390, CARECA (BRA) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 480, Diego MARADONA (ARG) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 630

1982

* Paolo ROSSI (ITA) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 496 * Karl-Heinz RUMMENIGGE (GER) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 270 * ZICO (BRA) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 360

1978

* Mario KEMPES (ARG) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 660 * Teofilo CUBILLAS (PER) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 540, Rob RENSENBRINK (NED) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 660

1974

* Grzegorz LATO (POL) GF 7, ASS 0, MinP 630 * Johan NEESKENS (NED) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 450, Andrzej SZARMACH (POL) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 90

1970
* Gerd MUELLER (GER) GF 10, ASS 0, MinP 600 * JAIRZINHO (BRA) GF 7, ASS 0, MinP 450 * Teofilo CUBILLAS (PER) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 360

1966

* EUSEBIO (Eusebio da Silva Ferreira) (POR) GF 9, ASS 0, MinP 540 * Helmut HALLER (GER) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 480 * Franz BECKENBAUER (GER) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 570, Ferenc BENE (HUN) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 360, Geoff HURST (ENG) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 300, Valeriy PORKUYAN (URS) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 270

1962

* Florian ALBERT (HUN) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 270, Valentin IVANOV (URS) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 360, Drazen JERKOVIC (YUG) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 540, Leonel SANCHEZ (CHI) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 540, VAVA (BRA) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 540, GARRINCHA (BRA) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 533

1958

* Just FONTAINE (FRA) GF 13, ASS 0, MinP 540 * PELÉ (Edson Arantes do Nascimento) (BRA) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 360, Helmut RAHN (GER) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 540

1954

* Sandor KOCSIS (HUN) GF 11, ASS 0, MinP 480 * Sepp HUEGI (SUI) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 270, Max MORLOCK (GER) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 450, Erich PROBST (AUT) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 450

1950

* ADEMIR (BRA) GF 9, ASS 0, MinP 540 * Estanislao BASORA (ESP) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 540, Oscar MIGUEZ (URU) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 360
1938

* LEONIDAS (BRA) GF 7, ASS 0, MinP 420 * Gyula ZSENGELLER (HUN) GF 6, ASS 0, MinP 360 * Silvio PIOLA (ITA) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 390, Gyorgy SAROSI (HUN) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 360

1934

* Oldrich NEJEDLY (TCH) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 390 * Edmund CONEN (GER) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 360, Angelo SCHIAVIO (ITA) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 420

1930
* Guillermo STABILE (ARG) GF 8, ASS 0, MinP 360 * Pedro CEA (URU) GF 5, ASS 0, MinP 360 * Bert PATENAUDE (USA) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 270, Guillermo SUBIABRE (CHI) GF 4, ASS 0, MinP 270

2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa: Dimitar Berbatov Retires From International Play

Dimitar Berbatov announced his retirement from International Football today. The Manchester United striker failed to help Bulgaria qualify for 2010 FIFA world cup and feels it's the right thing to do.

The 29-year-old athlete has 77 caps for his country with 48 goals to his name making him the top goal scorer for Bulgaria.

Dimitar Berbatov was the captain of the national team and says: "I came to the decision that as of now I’ve retired from the national team. It wasn't a decision I took lightly and I have reconsidered several times."

Berbatov Berbatov will now focus on his club football, with recent speculation regarding his stay at OldTrafford, many feel it's time he part ways with United after deteriorating to impress.

Bulgaria will play World Cup host South Africa in a friendly match at the recently built Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. The stadium which seats 94 000, will host the World Cup opening and final game.

North Korea call up 3 foreign-based stars

North Korea named 3 players who earn their living in lucrative foreign leagues to their 23-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals on Thursday.

Midfielder An Yong-hak, who plays for Omiya Ardija in Japan's J-League, and strike duo Hong Yong-jo (Rostov of Russia) and Jong Tae-se (Kawasaki Frontale of the J-League) were called-up by North Korea coach Kim Jong-Hun.

North Korea, who reached the quarter-finals of the 1966 World Cup in England, are in Group G in the finals in South Africa alongside 5-time champions Brazil, Ivory Coast, and Portugal.

The North's squad also includes 3 members of their national Under-19 set-up Kim Kum-il (April 25), Ri Kwang-hyok (Kyonggongop) and Ri Chol-myong (Pyongyang City).

North Korea are now training in Switzerland and will tackle fellow finalists Paraguay in a warm-up in Geneva on Sunday. They are also scheduled to meet Greece and Nigeria in their Group B matches.

North Korea's 23-man World Cup squad announced on Thursday:

Goalkeepers: Ri Myong-Guk (Pyongyang City), Kim Myong-Gil (Amrokgang), Kim Myon-Won (Amrokgang)

Defenders: Cha Jong-Hyok (Amrokgang), Nam Song-Chol (April 25), Pak Chol-Jin (Amrokgang), Pak Nam-Chol (Amrokgang), Ri Jun-Il (Sobaeksu), Ri Kwang-Chon (April 25), Ri Kwang-Hyok (Kyonggongop)

Midfielders: Ahn Young-Hak (Omiya Ardija/JPN), Ji Yun-Nam (April 25), Kim Kyong-Il (Rimyongsu), Kim Yong-Jun (Chengdu), Mun In-Guk (April 25), Pak Nam-Chol (April 25), Pak Sung-Hyok (Sobaeksu), Ri Chol-Myong (Pyongyang City)

Forwards: An Chol-Hyok (Rimyongsu), Choe Kum-Chol (Rimyongsu), Hong Yong-Jo (FC Rostov/RUS), Jong Tae-Se (Kawasaki Frontale/JPN), Kim Kum-Il (April 25)

2010 FIFA World Cup: France squad named by Raymond Domenech

Coach Raymond Domenech named the 30 man preliminary squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

Raymond Domenech will not give hopes for World Cup trip for 2 big European football stars, to Manchester City player Patrick Vieira and Real Madrid star Karim Benzema.

France will face South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay in Group A. Les Bleus will play their 1st game in Cape Town on 11 June.

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

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

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

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

2010 FIFA World Cup: Argentina Name Provisional 30 Man Squad

Argentina - Inter Milan pair Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso will not feature at the 2010 FIFA World Cup after they were left out of coach Diego Maradona's provisional 30-man squad on Wednesday.

There is no surprise in some of the big name inclusions, however, as Lionel Messi of Barcelona, and Carlos Tevez of Manchester City are among those European based players who'll be on the plane to South Africa.

Diego Maradona has selected a squad with its weight forwards, though, as he named 7 centre forwards in this provisional lineup.

Argentina have until 1 June to name their final 23 man squad for the tournament, in which they face Greece, Nigeria and South Korea in the tricky Group B.

Argentina 30 man squad:

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

Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Juan Manuel Insaurralde (Newell’s Old Boys), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Sebastian Blanco (Lanus), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Jesus Datolo (Olympiacos), Jose Sosa (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Juan Mercier (Argentinos Juniors), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Javier Pastore (Palermo)

Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli).

FIFA World Cup 2010: Brazil Coach Dunga Justifies Final Squad

Brazil national team coach Dunga announced the 23 players squad that will defend the colors of Brazil in their search for title in the 2010 FIFA World. The announcement was made in a press conference in Rio de Janeiro ,Brazil in a room full of journalists from all types of media outlets who were hoping for surprises that didn't appear.

The 2010 Team

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Doni (Roma), Gomes (Tottenham Hostpur)

Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Dani Alves (Barcelona), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Michel Bastos (Lyon) Lucio (Inter Milan), Luisão (Benfica), Juan (Roma), Thiago Silva (Milan)

Midfielders: Felipe Melo (Juventus), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josué (Wolfsburg), Kaká (Real Madrid), Kleberson (Flamengo), Elano (Galatassaray), Ramires (Benfica), Julio Baptista (Roma)

Forwards: Robinho (Santos), Luis Fabiano (Sevilla), Nilmar (Villareal), Grafitte (Wolfsburg)

Chelsea 8 - 0 Wigan

Chelsea recaptured the Premier League title in emphatic fashion as Wigan Athletic were thrashed at Stamford Bridge.

Carlo Ancelotti's side needed victory to end Manchester United's 3-season reign as champions - and once Nicolas Anelka gave them the lead after only 6 minutes there was never any doubt they would reclaim the crown.

Chelsea were then able to put the gloss on their triumph with one more dazzling display of attacking football that ensured Carlo Ancelotti's first season in England ended with the biggest domestic prize in his grasp.

After putting 7 past Sunderland, Aston Villa and Stoke City in a season that has seen them score more than a century of goals in the league, they renowned by going one better against Roberto Martinez's hopelessly outclassed side.

The whipping win is the biggest in their 105-year history and also saw them break the record for the most league goals in a Premier League season with 103.

The previous best was 97 by the Manchester United scored in 1999/2000 season.

Wigan's cause wasn’t helped by the first-half dismissal of defender Gary Caldwell. He was sent off for a foul on Frank Lampard that led to the England midfield man effectively wrapping up the title from the spot before half-time.

The 2nd half was exhibition stuff with Salomon Kalou and Anelka on target again before Didier Drogba added the Golden Boot to Chelsea's title with a rapid-fire hat-trick to take his total to 29 in the league this term. Ashley Cole's crisp strike for number 8 on the stroke of full-time provided a fitting finale.

Chelsea's celebrations were suitably flamboyant - a reflection of their delight at ending the Old Trafford spell of supremacy in league combat.

It also marked a personal victory for Italian Ancelotti, brought to Stamford Bridge by owner Roman Abramovich to redefine the style of Chelsea's team and put them back among the major trophies.

Chelsea's feat in becoming the 1st top-flight team to score 100 goals in the league since Spurs in 1963 was a reflection of the attacking intent Ancelotti has brought, especially on home country.

The ghost of Jose Mourinho, who won the league in 2005 and 2006 to end a 50-year barren spell, may not be banished wholly, but Ancelotti has made an indelible mark.

He was loudly acclaimed by Chelsea's fans throughout the 2nd half - and let his normally impassive mask slip as he responded with a fierce clenched-fist salute to an ecstatic Stamford Bridge.

And Ancelotti can now set his sights on history as Chelsea go in search of their 1st league and FA Cup double when they face Portsmouth at Wembley next Saturday.

For now, however, the Premier League title will do for starters and the respect for Ancelotti was obvious in the way his players and staff raced to hug him at the final whistle.

Chelsea's early nerves - if indeed there were any - were settled as Anelka put them on the way to the title after only 6 minutes.

Wigan failed to clear Drogba's free-kick and when Florent Malouda, from a suspiciously offside position, chested the ball into Anelka's path he drilled a finish past Mike Pollitt at his near post.

Despite Wigan enjoying plenty of possession as well as territory without posing any serious threat to Petr Cech's goal, Chelsea scored the 2nd goal that sealed their title win 13 minutes before half-time.

Lampard raced on to Drogba's flick and was hauled down by Caldwell as he closed in on goal. The Wigan defender was shown the red card by the match referee Martin Atkinson and Lampard scored from the spot with his customary expertise.

As Stamford Bridge celebrated there was one unlikely dissenter in the shape of Drogba, who appeared miserable that he had not been allowed to take the penalty as he battled with Manchester United's Rooney for the Golden Boot.

It was a huge over-reaction from the fabulously gifted, but on this evidence high-maintenance, striker - with Lampard rightly reasoning the title still needed to be won and came before personal honours.

Chelsea emerged early for the 2nd half and went into a team huddle, before putting their stamp on the title in superb style.

Kalou banished any lingering doubts that this would not be a day of festivity for the west Londoners when he exchanged passes with Lampard before beating Pollitt. And 2 minutes later Anelka started to put the gloss on one more goal glut with a perfect right-foot volley from Branislav Ivanovic's cross.

It was the signal for Ancelotti to send on Joe Cole for what could have been his final Stamford Bridge appearance as a Chelsea player, with a new contract still unsigned.

No team has been as ruthless as the Blues at punishing stricken opponents, and they set about putting Wigan to the sword as the home fans revelled in the slaughter.

Drogba at last got the goal he so clearly craved when he headed Chelsea's 5th from Lampard's cross - their 100th league goal this season.

The Ivorian striker was at it again for number 6 after 68 minutes when he lastly got to take a penalty after Mario Melchiot fouled Ashley Cole. Lampard stood to one side as Drogba scored via a post - followed by elaborate celebrations that even involved a touchline hug for Ancelotti.

And they made it another 7-goal show with 10 minutes left as Drogba turned home from close range after Mike Pollitt could only parry Joe Cole's shot.

If the game required the perfect finish, Ashley Cole provided it with a low finish past the shell-shocked Pollitt - before joyous scenes engulfed Stamford Bridge at the final whistle.

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Germany announces provisional squad for 2010 FIFA World Cup

Germany, one of Ghana’s Black Stars opponents at the 2010 FIFA World Cup have announced their provisional 27-man squad for the tournament.

Head Coach Joachim Loew named his squad on May 6 in Frankfurt with Hamburg defender Dennis Aogo and Bayern Munich youngster Holger Badstuber as the surprise names in the team whilst striker Kevin Kuranyi was left out.

The 2 uncapped players were included in the provisional squad after impressing with their respective clubs this season.

And Information gathered by GNA Sports indicates that 19-year old midfielder Toni Kroos, the Golden Ball winner at the FIFA U-17 Championship held in Korea in the year 2007 has also been included in the squad.

Only 8 members of the provisional team were part of the squad that played at the 2006 World Cup on home soil.

The invited players include Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin fc), Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Miroslav Klose (bayern munich fc), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen fc), Lukas Podolski (Cologne fc), Marcell Jansen (Hamburg fc) and Michael Ballack (Chelsea fc) the only foreign based player.

Die Mannschaft as the Germans are nicknamed will play warm-up games vs. Malta in Aachen on may 13, Hungary in Budapest on May 29 and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Frankfurt on June 3.

Joachim Loew will name is his final 23-man squad on June 1.

The Germans will open their campaign against Australia on June 13 in Durban, play Serbia 6 days later in Port Elizabeth before winding up the Group stage vs. Ghana’s Black Stars on June 23 in Johannesburg.

Germany are 3 times winners of the Mundial in 1954, 1974 and 1990.

FULL SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Hans-Jorg Butt (bayern munich fc), Manuel Neuer (schalke 04 fc), Tim Wiese (werder bremen fc)

Defenders: Per Mertesacker (werder bremen fc), Heiko Westermann (schalke 04 fc), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich fc), Jerome Boateng (Hamburg fc), Andreas Beck (Hoffenheim fc), Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Serdar Tasci (stuttgart fc), Marcell Jansen (Hamburg fc), Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich fc), Dennis Aogo (Hamburg fc).

Midfielders: Michael Ballack (Chelsea/ENG), Sami Khedira (Stuggart), Piotr Trochowski (Hamburg fc), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen fc), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich fc), Christian Trasch (stuttgart fc), Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen fc), Toni Kroos (bayer leverkusen fc).

Forwards: Lukas Podolski (Cologne fc), Miroslav Klose (bayern munich fc), Stefan Kiessling (bayer leverkusen fc), Cacau (stuttgart fc), Thomas Muller (bayern munich fc), Mario Gomez (bayern munich fc).

2010 FIFA World Cup Venues