2010 FIFA World Cup: Stars set to light up South Africa

2010 FIFA World Cup: Every great meal relies as much on the appreciation of its guests as on the generosity of its host. In four days’ time, the world will take its seat in Johannesburg, South Africa for football’s greatest banquet, the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010, and it takes a mere glance at the menu on offer to whet the appetite for what is to come.

The tournament will be a showcase for the world’s finest talents, and from amongst the 32 teams and 736 players registered, there is something to cater for everyone’s palate.

For more news visit:

http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=1230169/index.html#stars+light+south+africa

2010 FIFA World Cup: US will target Wayne Rooney in FIFA World Cup match

2010 FIFA World Cup: American footballer Jay DeMerit has warned England that the American side will go on the field with all guns blazing against star striker Wayne Rooney in the FIFA World Cup.

American defender Jay DeMerit said the US team believes it has a good shot at defeating England on June 12.

“The advantage we’ve is that we’ve played against most of the England guys before many times, so there is no intimidation factor,” The Mirror quoted ex-Watford man Jay DeMerit, who starred in USA’s 3-1 warm-up win vs. Australia at the weekend, as saying.

For more news visit:

http://www.dnaindia.com/sport/report_us-will-target-wayne-rooney-in-fifa-world-cup-match_1393032

2010 FIFA World Cup: Top 10 Teams That Didn't Qualify

Theoretically, the FIFA World Cup is meant to bring together the world's top teams. But, there always seems to be some of Mother Earth's best that end up missing the party, though many don't care as long as the major powers are present.

For some, it is an indictment on the tournament's qualifying process. Others blame the teams themselves.

Whether you believe certain regions get too many or too few World Cup spots, that there needs to be more intercontinental qualifiers, that a few teams just had a run of bad luck, or that they just plain choked, the fact of the matter is that those contending for international football's top prize aren't necessarily the world's top 32 teams.

Here is a look at the best teams kicking back on couches instead of kicking footballs this summer.

10. Gabon

9. Czech Republic

8. Norway

7. Sweden

6. Ukraine

5. Ireland

4. Turkey

3. Egypt

2. Russia

1. Croatia

2010 FIFA World Cup: England Squad Assigns Numbers, David James Gets No.1

With much speculation surrounding who will be the England No. 1 at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, come England's opening encounter with the US in Rustenburg on 12th June, Fabio Capello might have given his hand away when the squad numbers were announced.

Goalkeepers:

1 D James, 12 R Green, 23 J Hart.

Defenders:

2 G Johnson, 3 A Cole, 5 R Ferdinand, 6 J Terry, 13 S Warnock, 15 M Upson, 18 J Carragher, 20 L King.

Midfielders:

4 S Gerrard, 7 A Lennon, 8 F Lampard, 11 J Cole, 14 G Barry, 16 J Milner, 17 S Wright-Phillips, 22 M Carrick.

Forwards:

9 P Crouch, 10 W Rooney, 19 J Defoe, 21 E Heskey.

2010 FIFA World Cup: Gareth Barry Is England's Key To Winning the Title

The reason that England manager Fabio Capello decided to hand an injured Gareth Barry a ticket to South Africa 2010, may be deeper than the obvious.

Although the Manchester City midfielder is recovering gradually, he will miss England’s opening group stage game against the United States on Saturday 12 June in Rustenburg.

Capello's decision to take an injured player, who will only be fit to play from England’s 2nd group stage game onwards, is surely an indication of the importance the Italian places on Gareth Barry, and the role he will play in the team.

For more news visit:

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/400212-gareth-barry-englands-key-to-winning-the-2010-world-cup

England arrives for the FIFA World Cup

The 2010 FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee South Africa (OC) would like to welcome the national team of England, who arrived in the country this morning (3rd June) for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“It’s a great privilege to be able to welcome England to our shores. England are one of the teams with a great FIFA World Cup tradition, with fanatical support wherever they play and at the World Cup in particular. Tickets for England matches have proved to be very popular and the Three Lions’ participation in the tournament is sure to add a great deal to the character of the event,” said Chief Executive Officer of the OC, Dr Danny Jordaan.

“I am very pleased to be here and my team is happy to finally be in South Africa. I hope this World Cup in South Africa is good for this country and of course for England. We now have to concentrate on the tournament and prepare well for the event,” said England coach, Mr. Fabio Capello, on his arrival at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport this morning.

England will open their 2010 World Cup campaign at Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium against the United States on 12th June, before making the trip to Cape Town to face Algeria on 18 June and their final Group Match will be against Slovenia in Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth on 23 June.

Bafana cut Benni McCarthy, name final 23

South Africa's all-time leading scorer Benni McCarthy has been left out of their squad for the forthcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The West Ham United striker, 32, has struggled for fitness in recent months and has been criticized for being overweight.

Benni McCarthy was one of 5 players cut from a 28-man training squad, with goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez, defenders Bryce Moon and Innocent Mdledle, and midfielder Franklin Cale also omitted.

Bafana Bafana will play against France, Uruguay and Mexico in Group A.

South Africa squad

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Moeneeb Josephs, Shu-Aib Walters

Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa, Matthew Booth, Lucas Thwala, Aaron Mokoena, Bongani Khumalo, Siyabonga Sangweni, Tsepo Masilela, Anele Ngcongca, Lucas Thwala

Midfielders: Steven Pienaar, Teko Modise, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Thanduyise Khuboni, Kagisho Dikgaco, Macbeth Sibaya, Surprise Moriri

Forwards: Katlego Mphela, Bernard Parker, Siyabonga Nomvete.