☆☆☆ FIFA World Cup 2014 ☆☆☆

[DieMannschaft]

Netherlands announce 23-man World Cup squad

By Miles Chambers
May 31, 2014 10:41:00 AM

Louis van Gaal did not spring any surprises with his selection for Brazil, with the experienced likes of Wesley Sniejder and Dirk Kuyt making the cut alongside a host of youngsters

Netherlands have announced their final 23-man squad which will go to the World Cup this summer, with few surprises from Louis van Gaal's selection.

Major names such as Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder, Nigel de Jong and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar star in the 2010 World Cup runners-up squad, who will look to make amends for their group stage Euro 2012 exit this summer.

Rafael van der Vaart is the most notable absentee but his omission was already confirmed after he picked up a calf injury in training with the Oranje set-up this week.

Jasper Cillessen, Michel Vorm and Tim Krul were chosen as the three goalkeepers by future Manchester United boss Van Gaal, who sent home uncapped PSV shot-stopper Jeroen Zoet.

Chelsea full-back Patrick van Aanholt and young Manchester City centre-back Karim Rekik, both of whom spent 2013-14 on loan in the Eredivisie, were also axed from the final Dutch squad.

Youthful forwards Jean-Paul Boetius and Quincy Promes - who have a cap each - will not be on the plane to Brazil, while uncapped midfielder Tonny Vilhena is the final name to be excluded from Van Gaal's final selection.

The squad chosen will aim to qualify from a tough group which contain world and European champions Spain, strong South Americans Chile and Asian-region qualifiers Australia.

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), Tim Krul (Newcastle United)

Defenders: Paul Verhaegh (Augsburg), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Terence Kongolo (Feyenoord), Daley Blind (Ajax)

Midfielders: Leroy Fer (Norwich City), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray)

Forwards: Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Memphis Depay (PSV)

 

[Lionel Messi]

Iniesta: Spain will be even stronger at the World Cup

May 31, 2014 12:14:00 AM

The Barcelona star netted in the 2-0 victory over Bolivia on Friday and says the squad are confident ahead of the tournament, a view echoed by Juan Mata

Andres Iniesta is confident Spain are looking good ahead of their quest to retain the World Cup in Brazil next month.

The Barcelona midfielder rounded off a 2-0 victory over Bolivia on Friday night after Fernando Torres had given La Roja the lead from the penalty spot.

Iniesta says he is confident Vicente del Bosque’s side will be even stronger by the time they kick-off their World Cup campaign against Netherlands on June 13.

“Whether the coach decides to go with those who played tonight or bring in others, the group will be even stronger,” Iniesta told AS.

“We trained well during the week, in every session, and played well today.”

The 30-year-old also revealed that he had to disappoint one of the match officials after he asked for a special memento after the match.

“We only have two shirts each and they were already assigned. They don’t usually ask me, but today one did,” Iniesta explained.

Juan Mata, who was replaced by Iniesta at half-time, spoke of Spain’s strength in depth, highlighting Del Bosque’s options in midfield.

“This team has players of all kinds,” said the Manchester United man.

“We have wide players like Jesus Navas or Gerard Deulofeu and then David Silva, Iniesta and me who like to play inside. That’s the beauty of the national team, it is a group which has so many options.”

 

[Lionel Messi]

'Ronaldo and Messi worse than Suarez'

By Miles Chambers
May 31, 2014 9:33:00 AM

Cristian Rodriguez insists that his Uruguay team-mate is unparalleled in modern football and thinks the Liverpool star's "rebel" attitude on the pitch is brilliant

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are not at the same level as Luis Suarez, according to loyal Uruguay team-mate Cristian Rodriguez.

The Liverpool striker underwent a knee operation earlier in May and is a doubt to be fit in time for the World Cup, which kicks off in under two weeks, although senior Uruguay figures insist he will play in the tournament.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi are widely considered to be the best players on the planet, but Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodriguez contests the status quo and claims Suarez is the cream of the crop.

"Suarez is the best player in the world," the Uruguayan, 28, told the Daily Mail. "And I’m not saying that because I’m Uruguayan and so is he.

"As far as I’m concerned Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are a notch or so below Suarez. He has demonstrated it for club and country. Messi and Ronaldo are not as good for their countries as for their clubs.

"Everyone loves him in the squad. He is a rebel on the pitch who fights for every ball but that is what we love about him in Uruguay. We hate to lose at anything, we want to win - so his will to win makes him a good Uruguayan."

Suarez enjoyed a bumper season with Liverpool in 2013-14, firing 31 goals to take them within touching distance of the Premier League title before dropped points in the final straight allowed Manchester City to triumph.

However, Ronaldo also put in a stunning season with Real Madrid as he scored a record number of goals in a single Champions League season to help the club win La Decima, with the Copa del Rey also in the Blancos bag.

Messi's campaign was muted, by comparison, as Barcelona finished 2013-14 with just the Supercopa to show for their efforts after failing to defeat Atletico Madrid in the final day of the season when a win would have given them La Liga.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Costa gamble another blow to credibility of Juventus and Serie A

By Stewart Weir
May 31, 2014 3:00:00 PM

Despite Fernando Llorente's wonderful debut season in Italy, he was overlooked for the Spain World Cup squad by Vicente del Bosque, losing out on a place to Diego Costa
Juventus may have swept aside all challengers in Serie A last season; they may have surpassed an unprecedented century of points; they may only have lost twice through the entire 38 match campaign; they may have won their third successive Scudetto.

But there appears to be at least two important decision makers in world football who are not impressed by those facts, or more accurately, the individuals who helped make them happen.

When Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella announced his squad for this summer's World Cup in Brazil, there were a few who were surprised, even angry, to see Carlos Tevez omitted from his final 23.

Tevez had been a leading player in Juve’s success, contributing 19 goals in the league. He was however, not a one-man show. For backing him, in terms of goals and assists, was Spanish striker Fernando Llorente, who had completed an impressive debut season in Italy by hitting the net 17 times.

If Sabella could overlook Tevez, surely Llorente’s efforts would be too much for del Bosque to ignore.

How wrong we were.

Like lightning striking twice, the coach who guided Spain to victory in the last World Cup and in Euro 2012 decided to follow Sabella’s lead by overlooking yet another of Turin’s best - a sizable jolt to those who believe the Italian league is one of the best around and have a similarly high opinion of Juventus.

Star names, national heroes and hugely talented individuals have missed past World Cups through injury, oversight and personal reasons, but for two players so key to one club’s enormous domestic success to be canned is almost unprecedented.

What makes Llorente’s plight all the more shocking is that Del Bosque has decided to go with a player who has been struggling with injury for the last few weeks, let alone being 100% match ready.

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa, Del Bosque’s preferred option above Llorente and Manchester City’s Alvaro Negredo, has been desperately trying to overcome an ongoing hamstring problem that first surfaced weeks ago. The injury even curtailed his contribution to his club’s La Liga decider against Barcelona two weeks ago and the Champion League final last week.

In Camp Nou, Costa was replaced after just 15 minutes. Then, in the meeting with city rivals Real, the Atletico marksman succumbed to the effects of the injury after just nine minutes of action.

Few gave the Brazil-born striker a hope of playing in Lisbon. After his early departure, many more have doubted his preparation and readiness for the demands of a World Cup finals tournament. But Del Bosque has decided to take the risk.

Given his CV, you have to believe del Bosque knows best. Or rather those who are advising him (from a medical background rather than dealers in potions akin to witch doctoring) do.

But taking Costa across the Atlantic has to be a major risk - possibly even more of a major folly seeing who Del Bosque overlooked and left back home, or on holiday.

Do Spain really need Costa that much? Does del Bosque? Who can say?

What is known is that the former Real Madrid coach is not the first international manager to turn up at football’s biggest show carrying damaged goods.

England took key contributors Kevin Keegan, David Beckham and Wayne Rooney respectively to the 1982, 2002 and 2006 World Cup final tournaments, all when carrying significant injuries and a doctor’s note for their managers expecting them to be healthy.

None were, which backfired badly on the incumbent coach at the time.

In winning in South Africa and a couple of European Championships, Del Bosque will have gambled a couple once or twice along the way - but maybe never to the extent he has with Costa.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Van Persie: I'd walk on fire for Van Gaal

By Chris Davie
May 31, 2014 6:13:00 PM

The striker admits that he owes his coach for making him captain of the Dutch national side and says that Netherlands will "do something special" at the World Cup

Robin van Persie says that he would "walk on fire" for Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal.

The 30-year-old will captain the Dutch national side at the World Cup this summer, while Van Gaal will leave Netherlands to take up his post as Manchester United manager after the tournament.

Van Persie has tipped the Oranje to "do something special" in Brazil and praised the coach's leadership.

"Van Gaal gave me all the confidence I can ask for. He made me the main striker, my favourite position, at last. He made me captain. I owe him something," Van Persie told The Blizzard.

"So I will be as sharp as a knife in Brazil. I will walk on fire for him if I have to – like the rest of the team.

"We have a lot of options. Our coach has a lot of choices over there. I think we are going to do something special."

Netherlands will face Chile, Australia and reigning champions Spain in Group B at the finals.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Robben: Van der Vaart is a huge loss for Netherlands

By Peter McVitie
May 31, 2014 7:19:00 PM

The Bayern Munich star feels the experience of the Hamburg player will be missed and says he is confident in Louis van Gaal's new 5-3-2 system

Arjen Robben says he is disappointed that Rafael van der Vaart is unavailable for Netherlands at this summer's World Cup.

The Hamburg star had to withdraw from Louis van Gaal's team because of a calf injury he picked up during a training session on Tuesday at Netherlands' camp in Portugal.

Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Van der Vaart were the only players who had represented the Oranje in each of the last five international tournaments.

Van Gaal announced his final 23-man squad for Brazil on Saturday, a team made up of a healthy mixture of youth and experience as they head into a group with Spain, Chile and Australia.

And Robben feels his former Real Madrid team-mate's absence is a big loss for the side.

"Yeah, I would have preferred that he had gone, with all his experience," he told NOS. "It will also be a huge disappointment for him.

"I have not spoken to him about it, that's a pity. With Wesley Sneijder now I'm the only player who is going into a sixth finals tournament.

"Experience is always good to have around, especially in a big tournament.

"But that's mainly mentally. Playing football is all about everyone playing the way we want to play. Do your job, it does not matter whether you're 22 or 32. You just have to do what is asked.

"I've noticed that some guys are in different stages of their careers and lives than me."

Van Gaal is implementing a 5-3-2 system into the Dutch squad for the finals instead of the usual 4-3-3, but Robben says he has a lot of confidence in the new formation.

"This system provides more stability and certainty. I really feel we're going in the right direction.

"This is an eager group."

 

[|Hulk|]

Maicon believes competition with Alves is good for Brazil

By Peter McVitie
May 31, 2014 8:19:00 PM

The Roma defender feels the national team can only benefit from his fight for a starting spot against the Barcelona full-back and feels preparations are going well

Brazil defender Maicon says his battle with Dani Alves for the right-back slot is beneficial to the national team heading into the World Cup.

The Roma full-back has enjoyed a bright season in the Italian capital, while Alves has continued to be a mainstay in the Barcelona team.

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has been alternating between the two in recent weeks and Maicon believes a tight competition between the two for the starting spot can only be a good thing for the tournament hosts.

"Myself and Dani look to give our best, but it is the team who gains from this," he told reporters.

"Having two good players for the position is positive. Whoever Felipao chooses will give his best to represent Brazil in the best possible manner.

"I have lived this World Cup moment from a fan perspective, when I didn’t play for Selecao, and was supporting the team instead. Now I have the bigger responsibility of representing them.

"The first week of preparation was excellent, we underwent tests as soon as we got here. Everyone has been working very hard throughout the week and that’s how you build a strong group for a competition like this.

"Everyone is in great shape. We are always aiming to work hard in every training session. Even in practices, as we had today, it’s extremely important to get well prepared for the World Cup."

Maicon says Brazil will not change their style heading into the summer showpiece and admits there is a lot of pressure on them, but feels the fact that no one in the current squad has won the World Cup before is a good thing.

He continued: "Look how wonderful this is. Everyone here doesn’t have this title and have this chance of winning it. One can make history with the Selecao shirt. The opportunity is there.

"The Brazilian supporters understood our style well during the Confederations Cup. I’m sure it won’t be different during the World Cup. Felipao will use the same style of play and I’m confident the final result will please everyone.

"I think, from the point when you put on this shirt, the pressure is there and with the media on the side of the pitch, it grows even bigger. Of course, we are trying to take this in a positive light because criticism can also be constructive."

 

[|Hulk|]

Thiago, Van der Vaart, Valdes and the injured stars who will miss the World Cup

By Tony Mahoney
May 31, 2014 9:00:00 AM

Goal looks at the high-profile players who will be absent from this summer's tournament after losing their battle with fitness

A host of big names will miss the World Cup after succumbing to injury in the weeks leading up to the tournament.

Croatia's Niko Kranjcar paid the price for his exertions in QPR's Championship play-off final victory over Derby as he picked up a hamstring injury which will leave him on the treatment table for much of the summer.

Netherlands have been hit the hardest of all the teams in Brazil, with Rafael van der Vaart ruled out with a calf injury and joining Paris Saint-Germain right-back Gregory van der Wiel and Roma's Kevin Strootman (both knee) on the sidelines.

Victor Valdes tore his anterior cruciate ligament in what proved to be his last game for Barcelona against Celta Vigo in March and Spain will also be without Thiago Alcantara after the Bayern Munich man underwent surgery on a knee ligament problem.

England have already been robbed of the services of Arsenal winger Theo Walcott. The fleet-footed wideman ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during an FA Cup clash with Tottenham in January, and will not be on the plane to South America.

Two other players who had high hopes of being named in Roy Hodgson's squad, Tottenham pair Kyle Walker and Andros Townsend, will spend the summer recovering from pelvic and ankle injuries respectively.

France have been spared injuries to their main men, but back-up goalkeeper Steve Mandanda suffered a crack in his first cervical verterbra (neck) during Marseille's clash with Guingamp, which rules him out.

Injury woes | Falcao is another big name who has succumbed to knee problems this season

Colombia superstar Radamel Falcao seems unlikely to be fit in time for the World Cup after tearing his ACL during Monaco's Coupe de France encounter against Chasselay at the end of January.

The 28-year-old has been named in his nation's squad regardless, but faces an uphill struggle despite being ahead of schedule in his recovery.

Germany duo Holger Badstuber and Ilkay Gundogan will play no part in this summer's tournament. Bayern defender Badstuber has been out with a cruciate ligament injury since November 2012 and it is still not clear when he will return.

Dortmund star Gundogan has made just one Bundesliga appearance this season due to a back complaint and his comeback is also clouded by uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Portugal will have to make do without teenage starlet Bruma. The Galatasaray livewire suffered an ACL injury in January and will be out for at least six months. Benfica defender Silvio broke his leg in the Europa League clash with AZ in April and will not be on the plane to Brazil.

Japan captain Makoto Hasebe underwent a second operation on his knee in February and is yet to complete his recovery, but such is his importance to the national side, coach Alberto Zaccheroni has named him in his 23-man squad.

Elsewhere, Jurgen Klinsmann saw midfielder Stuart Holden ruled out with a fourth serious knee problem, which will keep him out of action for between six and nine months.

 

[|Hulk|]

Montolivo blow is tough to deal with, admits Prandelli

By Joe Wright
Jun 1, 2014 12:40:00 AM

The Italy boss says he will take time to assess the squad on Sunday before finalising his World Cup party after the AC Milan man and Alberto Aquilani suffered injuries

Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli admits the team is reeling from the injury suffered by Riccardo Montolivo against Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

The AC Milan captain was stretchered off after just eight minutes with what was later confirmed as a broken leg, ruling him out of the World Cup, while his replacement Alberto Aquilani also picked up a knock.

Prandelli says the squad have been left hurt by the incidents at Craven Cottage, where the game finished 0-0, and suggested he could wait until Monday's deadline before finalising his 23-man party for Brazil

"Unfortunately this match was marked by injuries," he was quoted as saying by La Repubblica after the match.

"We were playing pretty well at the beginning of the game, but when two team-mates suffer injuries, it is difficult to speak about patterns of play.

"We will recover and do our assessments before deciding. Maybe we should speed up at bit more when the situation is in our favour, but at the moment we're all stunned and it is hard to absorb.

"On Sunday morning we will go to Florence to do our testing and then decide whether to give you the list immediately or take another day."

Italy play their final World Cup warm-up match against Luxembourg in Verona on Wednesday.

 

[|Hulk|]

Luis Montes out of World Cup after double leg fracture

By Seth Vertelney
May 31, 2014 11:11:00 PM

The Leon midfielder had grown into a key player for Mexico, but Miguel Herrera's side will have to do without him in Brazil after he suffered the injury against Ecuador

Mexico’s World Cup hopes were dealt a blow when Luis Montes was stretchered off with a broken right leg against Ecuador.

The Mexican federation's media officials confirmed Montes was taken to Memorial Hospital in Arlington, Texas following a collision with Segundo Castillo.

Both players went into the challenge, and replays showed Montes suffering a gruesome injury. After being down on the field for several minutes, he was stretchered off, with several of his teammates appearing to be in tears on the pitch.

The 28-year-old was later confirmed to have suffered a fracture to his leg and will therefore miss the finals in Brazil. Castillo was also taken to the hospital for evaluation on a right knee injury.

Rafa Marquez, the captain, was also taken to hospital during the match after taking a heavy knock to his toe.

Montes, 28, was expected to be a key player for El Tri in Brazil. He has 12 caps and three goals with the Mexico senior team to date.

 

[|Hulk|]

Germany injects youth into its FIFA World Cup squad

30/05 22:42 CET

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Germany is looking to end its 18-year title drought in a major competition by injecting a strong dose of youth into its 2014 World Cup squad.

Coach Joachim Loew has drafted Schalke 04 teenagers Leon Goretzka and Max Meyer into the provisional 30-man squad, alongside Borussia Dortmund’s Erik Durm, Shkodran Mustafi of Sampdoria and Freiburg’s Matthias Ginter.

Loew followed a similar pattern in the 2010 competition. What was then the country’s youngest World Cup squad in 76 years went on to finish third in the tournament.

Although Lars Bender has been ruled out through a thigh injury, Germany has cover in almost every position. The welcome return from injury of Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira will boost an already strong midfield, while Julian Draxler has been pitted “one to watch”.

Despite a traditionally strong defence, Germany has cracked of late, conceding seven goals in two qualifiers against Sweden.

Germany will play in Group G in June’s competition, along with Ghana, Portugal and the United States. Loew’s side is expected to progress to the semi finals, if not further.

 

[|Hulk|]

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[|Hulk|]

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[DieMannschaft]

Akaminko ruled out of World Cup with ankle injury

By Kent Mensah
Jun 1, 2014 9:21:00 AM

The defender was aided off the field in Saturday's friendly and will undergo surgery on his ankle that will keep him out for three months

Ghana centre-back Jerry Akaminko will miss the World Cup after suffering an ankle injury in the friendly against Netherlands on Saturday.

The 26-year-old was taken off during his side's 1-0 defeat in Rotterdam and will undergo surgery that will keep him out of action for about three months.

The Eskisehirspor player landed awkwardly on an ankle after an aerial challenge and could not continue the game in the dying embers of the match against Louis van Gaal's side.

Ghana team doctor Adam Baba confirmed that Akaminko will miss the finals in Brazil.

"X-rays have revealed that there is a fracture to the left ankle joint, that is the fracture of the fibula bone. What will have to be done is surgery," Dr Baba told the Ghana FA's website.

"If surgery is done depending on his rehabilitation we will give him at least three months to be able to fully recuperate from the injury and start playing."

Coach Kwesi Appiah is expected to name his final 23-man squad on June 2.

 

[DieMannschaft]

Ghana announce final World Cup squad

By Kent Mensah
Jun 1, 2014 1:12:00 PM

Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan and Kwadwo Asamoah are all included in the final squad as the Black Stars look to improve on their 2010 quarter final exit

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has revealed his 23-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil.

Appiah's squad includes 16 World Cup debutants with captain Asamoah Gyan and Sulley Muntari appearing in a third-consecutive finals while Jonathan Mensah, Michael Essien, Kwadwo Asamoah, Andre Ayew and Kevin-Prince Boateng all prepare for their second outing at the tournament.

The 53-year-old has dropped the injured Jerry Akaminko, Jeffrey Schlupp and David Accam as the remaining squad will be heading to Miami for the final phase of preparations as the Black Stars face off with South Korea on June 9.

Akaminko picked up an ankle injury in Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Netherlands and will undergo surgery that will keep him out of action for about three months.

The 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists have been paired in Group G with USA, Germany and Portugal.

The full squad:

Goalkeepers:Fatau Dauda (Orlando Pirates), Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset), Stephen Adams (Aduana Stars)

Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Platanias), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege/Porto), Harrison Afful (Esperance), John Boye (Rennes), Jonathan Mensah (Evian), Rashid Sumalia (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Midfielders: Michael Essien (AC Milan), Sulley Muntari (AC Milan), Rabiu Mohammed (Kuban Krasnodar), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus), Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (Udinese), Afriyie Acquah (Parma), Christian Atsu (Vitesse), Albert Adomah (Middlesbrough), Andre Ayew (Marseille), Mubarak Wakaso (Rubin Kazan)

Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Schalke 04), Abdul Majeed Waris (Valenciennes), Jordan Ayew (Sochaux)

 

[DieMannschaft]

Verratti passes World Cup audition and will be vital in absence of Montolivo

May 31, 2014 10:26:00 PM

This was widely seen as the PSG midfielder's last chance to impress before the final 23 is named and his display should have convinced Prandelli to take him to Brazil

COMMENT
By Peter Staunton at Craven Cottage

When one door closes, another opens. That is the message to be taken by Italy following this penultimate World Cup tune-up against Ireland. Riccardo Montolivo, captain for the night and trusted lieutenant of Cesare Prandelli, lasted only eight minutes of this entertaining 0-0 draw before a heavy challenge by Alex Pearce left his World Cup dreams shattered. Alberto Aquilani didn't fare much better but his subsequent substitution - by way of concussion - was precautionary.

Instead, Montolivo's injury will push Marco Verratti up the pecking order and will help subtract a few digits from that 30 he is currently sporting on his back. The PSG man, highly regarded though he is, was no sure bet to go to Brazil with the Azzurri but Montolivo's injury may well have painted Prandelli into a corner. What might have been seen a luxury will now be considered a necessity. Italy are light on numbers as a result of the AC Milan man's injury and Verratti proved himself to be the ideal understudy for Andrea Pirlo.

Prandelli has been unusually reluctant to use the 21-year-old but his performance against Ireland was probably as well as he has played for the senior side. There were occasions on which he and his midfield colleagues, including the vastly more experienced Claudio Marchisio and Thiago Motta, were overrun by a wholly-committed Irish team and in those moments Verratti could not stem the tide. Motta, and Gabriel Paletta, were guilty of surrendering possession in dangerous areas at the start of the second half and had Shane Long been more clinical then Ireland would have taken the lead.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD? Verratti stands over the stricken Montolivo


Jeff Hendrick and David Meyler in particular demonstrated that the lithe midfielder has plenty of growing to do with their steaming charges past him towards goal. Nonetheless, with the ball at his feet or with a team-mate looking for an out-ball, Verratti was unsurpassed in blue. He is calm in possession; he never fails to trust his technique to conjure a method of escape from a tight spot. The Ireland midfield and defence, in the first half in particular, was well organised and so chances for the Italians were tough to come by. But it was Verratti who sought the runs of Ciro Immobile over the top.

On the subject of the soon-to-be Borussia Dortmund forward, he must learn to vary his game before the World Cup kicks off if he is to stand any chance of dislodging Mario Balotelli from the starting line-up. On this evidence, he is a long way away. Too often, Immobile was content to have the ball played over the heads of the Irish defence and test himself in a foot race against the centre-backs and the goalkeeper. It did not come off. He did have the ball in the net at one stage before his early departure but he was flagged offside following Matteo Darmian's cross-cum-shot. With Giuseppe Rossi dropping into the gaps behind the front line, Italy need more intelligent movement and better options to make the ball stick.

If this encounter can be seen as a sparring match for the England game in Manaus on June 14 then Italy will have learned plenty. Ireland play a style under Martin O'Neill which is not a million miles from that of Roy Hodgson and Prandelli will be concerned at the incursions made up the flanks by the Irish. That said, Darmian gave as good as he got. Seamus Coleman and even Stephen Ward left their midfield markers trailing to double up on the Italian defence and put balls into the box. If Ireland had more capable finishers then it might not have been scoreless.

Issues at centre-back for the Azzurri, too, are unresolved. Paletta was ill at ease at times, giving up needless chances with lax play, while Leonardo Bonucci was given an uncomfortable physical examination by the bullish Shane Long. Prandelli will be glad to have Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli to call upon because the jury is still out on the Argentine-born Parma man. Daniele De Rossi was sprung into action too to allow the coach to flirt with a three-man backline with Ignazio Abate at right wing-back.

All in all this will have given Prandelli plenty of food for thought. One thing should be clear in his mind, however, and that is that Verratti is worthy of his call-up. As an out-and-out replacement for Montolivo, he is unsuitable for that duty but in the searing heat, he can do enough to grant Pirlo a break without dropping Italian quality on the ball.

 

[DieMannschaft]

Rossi: Italy saddened by Montolivo blow

By Peter McVitie
Jun 1, 2014 9:50:00 AM

The Fiorentina striker is looking to prove his fitness as he tries to secure a spot in Cesare Prandelli's 23 man squad and as happy to play in the majority of Saturday's friendly

Giuseepe Rossi has expressed his regret at the injury suffered by Riccardo Montolivo during Italy's clash with Ireland on Saturday.

Montolivo suffered a fracture of his tibia and will miss this month's World Cup in Brazil.

And the Fiorentina forward says Montolivo's injury has been a blow.

"On the pitch the injury didn’t seem that serious," Rossi told reporters. "Obviously we are all sad, no one wanted to see a great player like Riccardo leave the field like that."

Rossi has been unsure of a place in the national team having spent a large spell of the campaign out with a cruciate ligament injury.

However, as he nears full fitness, the 27-year-old put in a bright performance as he played for the majority of his country's 0-0 draw with Ireland on Saturday and the forward spoke of his delight in getting the chance under Prandelli.

"I’m fine, we were a little tired because of the work we’ve done at Coverciano but I’m happy. I played 70 minutes at a high level and there are still two weeks left so we’ll see.

"When you play as a second forward you need to try to get in the spaces between the midfield and the attack. That was my role."

The former Villarreal star was asked for his opinion on his fellow strikers, as he discussed the possibility of a front two of Mario Balotelli and Ciro Immobile or himself and Antonio Cassno.

"Ciro likes to attack the spaces and Mario is more physical.

"Me and Cassano as a pair? First I want to get into the 23!"

 

[DieMannschaft]

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[DieMannschaft]

Navas wishes Spain good luck after losing out on World Cup spot

Jun 1, 2014 11:21:00 AM

The Manchester City player and the Real Madrid defender didn't make the final cut for the tournament in Brazil but wished their team-mates the best of luck

Jesus Navas and Daniel Carvajal wished their Spain team-mates good luck in the World Cup as they reacted to their omission from Vicente del Bosque's 23-man squad for the tournament.

Navas missed out on a spot in the squad with the coach concerned about his fitness after he recovered from an ankle injury.

The 28-year-old last played in the Premier League in April, but said he was happy to have been able to stake his claim.

"I'm proud to have recovered in time and to have fought for a spot in Brazil," Navas wrote on Twitter.

"I wish my team-mates and the boss luck in retaining the title."

Real Madrid defender Carvajal was another to be cut from the star-studded 30-man squad as Spain aim for a fourth straight major tournament win.

The 22-year-old tweeted: "It's a shame I didn't get into the final list, but I'm so proud to have been close. Best of luck to Spain."

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke was delighted to have been selected for his first World Cup after a good campaign for the La Liga champions.

"So happy to be picked for Brazil! I'm very keen to help the team at my first World Cup."

 

[DieMannschaft]

Every team is stronger with Ronaldo, admits Bento

By Matthew Scott
Jun 1, 2014 11:43:00 AM

The 44-year-old recognises the need for other members of his team to step up in the Madrid man's absence, but hopes they won't need to

Portugal coach Paulo Bento has no issue relying on Cristiano Ronaldo after his side slumped to a scrappy goalless draw with Greece on Saturday.

The Portuguese captain was hampered by thigh injuries towards the the end of the season with Real Madrid and is yet to train fully after reporting for international duty.

And while Bento recognises the need for his side to step up if Ronaldo is not fit, he will happily lean on the 2013 Ballon d'Or winner if need be.

"Whoever we have in the team, we'll have to compete," he told reporters. "The national team, Real Madrid or Manchester United were always stronger when they had a player with Cristiano Ronaldo's ability.

"If teams that train every day together depend on him, why should we be afraid of saying he has an enormous influence on our team?

"But we can't lose the capacity of working when he's not available for selection."

Ronaldo was crucial to his country reaching the finals, scoring eight goals in qualification and netting four in their play-off win over Sweden.

Portugal been drawn against Germany, Ghana and USA in Group G for the showpiece in Brazil.