FIFA World Cup 2010

Brazil training, Johannesburg

Mourinho's in that curious camp - much like Simon Cowell, and Oprah - in which their knowledge (in the eyes of the general populace) seems to transcend what they're actually knowledgeable about. Therefore they become quasi-gurus about all manner of nonsense and are held in this mythical esteem... Beckham's another one, good footballer sure (but hardly 'great' - at least I don't think) but "mentor" to the England team - WTF???

I wouldn't mind so much if he were the only senior player in a young squad, but the majority of England's starting eleven have been around since the year dot, so I can't imagine inexperience being a problem. Hopefully, the clamour for Beckham to be involved is just a clever way for fans to keep their minds off more frightening thoughts, like - "we might have to play Upson or Carragher at the back", or "has Fabio remembered to pack Rooney's ritalin?"

Would just like to add that I'd love to see an Oprah-style chat show hosted by Jose!

I think the title will be for Argentina, Brazil, England or Spain. No chances for Italy, Germany, France this time.

I'd like Spain to win, but I am afraid we're gonna lose in the quarterfinals as always, even though we probably have the best squad of all.

If we don't win I'd like to see this man scoring 5 goals in the final and rising the trophy...

I am not used to see him wearing other colors than these...

And if Spain or Argentina can't make it, then it would be nice to see an African team winning, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire...

Ramos picks Brazil and England

Sergio Ramos has tried to ease the pressure on his Spain team-mates by dismissing the idea they should be considered favourites to lift the World Cup.

The European champions boast a formidable record in international football over the last three years and are widely favoured in South Africa.

But Ramos believes there are several teams who can challenge over the course of the next few weeks.

"Well, I think in these kinds of events you always have a surprise," the Real Madrid defender said at an event hosted by gaming site bwin.com.

"Obviously the favourites are Italy, Brazil, Portugal, Holland...in this year's tournament we will see so many good players which make the World Cup so interesting and exciting. So, we pass the status of being the favourite to the other teams.

"We do not like to be seen as favourites but of course we have a strong team and if we do the things well as we did in the European Cup, step by step and respecting every team, we will play an important role.

"I would be happy reaching the 11th of July, day of the final."

Ramos' Madrid team-mate Alvaro Arbeloa is likewise looking at others to carry the weight of expectation.

"Well, for me favourites are Brazil," he said. "They have a lot of experience, the team which won the most titles, they are a team which are always dangerous and to be considered. Furthermore everyone talks about us, Spain, but this in the end does not help. I think Spain and Brazil are the favourites.

"Italy are always very strong, although it does not look like this before the tournament. England with Capello are very good. Then teams like France, Germany and Portugal who have great individual players and, yes, Argentina, why not?

Fabregas "100 per cent" for World Cup

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is absolutely confident he will be fit to play for Spain at the World Cup.

The 22-year-old midfielder has been out of action since suffering a cracked bone in his fibula during the Champions League quarter-final first leg clash against Barcelona on 31 March and will not feature again for the Gunners this season.

Fabregas is set to visit a specialist in London next week, with the player expecting to then step up his rehabilitation work ahead of Spain's opening match in South Africa, against Switzerland at Durban on June 16.

Writing his captain's notes in the Arsenal match programme for the Barclays Premier League game against Manchester City, Fabregas said: "I am back in Spain at the moment, but will return to London for a specialist appointment and routine scan in the next few days.

"I will be at the last [Arsenal] game of the season, of course, because all the players will go on a lap of the pitch to thank the fans for their support again this season.

"After that, I will return to Spain for the rest of my rehabilitation, then get ready for the World Cup.

"In my mind, it is 100% that I will be over my injury in time for the World Cup

Fabregas "100 per cent" for World Cup

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is absolutely confident he will be fit to play for Spain at the World Cup.

The 22-year-old midfielder has been out of action since suffering a cracked bone in his fibula during the Champions League quarter-final first leg clash against Barcelona on 31 March and will not feature again for the Gunners this season.

Fabregas is set to visit a specialist in London next week, with the player expecting to then step up his rehabilitation work ahead of Spain's opening match in South Africa, against Switzerland at Durban on June 16.

Writing his captain's notes in the Arsenal match programme for the Barclays Premier League game against Manchester City, Fabregas said: "I am back in Spain at the moment, but will return to London for a specialist appointment and routine scan in the next few days.

"I will be at the last [Arsenal] game of the season, of course, because all the players will go on a lap of the pitch to thank the fans for their support again this season.

"After that, I will return to Spain for the rest of my rehabilitation, then get ready for the World Cup.

"In my mind, it is 100% that I will be over my injury in time for the World Cup

Iniesta Injury Scare For Spain..

The midfielder injured himself while playing for Spain in a friendly against Poland. He was substituted in the 39th minute of the game .

Medical reports will determine the nature of the injury to his thigh.

World Cup 2010

Wednesday 9th June 2010

Football News: Dunga

“Dunga: Julio Cesar will be fit”

Dunga is confident goalkeeper Julio Cesar will be fit in time for Brazil's World Cup opener with North Korea.

Julio Cesar sustained a lumbar strain during last Wednesday's warm-up triumph over Zimbabwe in Harare.

The Inter Milan goalkeeper missed yesterday's friendly against Tanzania in Dar-es-Salaam in order to continue treatment for his injury.

But Julio Cesar is set to return on Monday.

"Julio Cesar will recover for our first game," said Dunga.

"He is undergoing treatment and he is expected to train with the team this week."

Brazil are in Group G alongside Portugal, North Korea and the Ivory Coast.

RAGE NEWS

Fabio Capello snaps at nosy photographers during England training session

It’s turning out to be a rather angry World Cup

A couple of unfortunate paps were on the receiving end of one of Fabio Capello’s now infamous hissy fits this morning, after interrupting an England training session.

The Three Lions boss got involved in a stare-down with cameramen after England players were snapped through the windows of their Royal Bakofeng training complex apparently receiving injury treatment.

WAKA WAKA... this time for africa

IT SURE IS :hell yea!: !

Italy Arrive For 2010 FIFA World Cup

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Italy training, Centurion & Irene

Bafana Bafana (The Boys) Parade, Sandton

I'm so excited for tomorrow , if this hasn't got you excited already