☆☆☆ FIFA World Cup 2014 ☆☆☆

[Lionel Messi]

Deschamps: Winning the World Cup would be a miracle

By John-Paul Tooth
May 27, 2014 4:02:00 PM

The France coach says he is staying realistic about his side's chances in Brazil and claims players are becoming more isolated due to the use of personal technology

Didier Deschamps says it would be a "miracle" if his France side were to win the World Cup in Brazil.

Les Blues did not make it out of the group stage in South Africa in 2010 and endured a similarly torrid time at the European Championship in 2012, which was marred by in-fighting within the camp.

France were forced to come from behind to beat Ukraine in their play-off match to reach this summer's finals and Deschamp admits he is being realistic about their chances of success.

"I'm going to Brazil with lots of ambition but I'm a realist, too," the 45-year-old told reporters.

"There are countries that are much better than us on paper. We can't hide from the truth. The only match that France won in the group stage of a World Cup in the last 12 years was against Togo in 2006.

"I can't talk about winning the World Cup.

"There are teams who are far ahead of us, including a team who won the last World Cup and the last two European Championships [Spain]. There are six or seven. To win it for us would be viewed as a miracle."

The former Olympique de Marseille and Juventus coach also criticised the way his players have become "isolated and selfish" due to the increased use of personal gadgets.

"Managing players is harder these days because of the arrival of new technology," said the 45-year-old.

"They are all using it in their spare time so they become more isolated and selfish.

"They share less, they talk less. They have apps, their phones and the internet but they are less used to talking to people.

"Nowadays you never see players playing cards. We used to sit around playing cards together all the time. But I can't fight that, I have to adapt and change.

"So I have to find new ways of getting people to interact, because it is still healthy to know whether the guy sitting next to you at dinner has a wife or kids or whatever."

The 1998 World Cup winner also explained France's decision to stage a warm-up game against Norway on Tuesday in preparation for this summer's tournament.

"Why did we choose Norway? First, because we need teams that are available," said Deschamps. "Norway were free and available. It is with great pleasure that we welcome them to the Stade de France.

"In their style of play, they are a European team. They don't practice a Scandinavian style of football, I mean they don't play a straight football with long balls.

"They play on the ground, they're a technical team so it's good for us to be tested against them."

 

[Lionel Messi]

Germany must take Grosskreutz to World Cup, says Beckenbauer

By Myfanwy Garman
May 27, 2014 3:40:00 PM

The Dortmund utility man caught the headlines for the wrong reasons recently but the 68-year-old insists he could be vital to Joachim Low's plans in Brazil

Franz Beckenbauer believes Kevin Grosskreutz is crucial to Germany's World Cup plans despite recent controversy surrounding the 25-year-old's behaviour.

The Borussia Dortmund man's place in Joachim Low's squad has been cast into doubt after he was caught urinating in a hotel lobby after a night out in the wake of his side's 2-0 defeat to Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal final on May 17.

Beckenbauer, however, believes the incident - which also saw the defender involved in a dispute with another hotel guest - should not detract from the defender's importance to the squad for this summer's finals.

"Of course Grosskreutz must go to the World Cup,” the 68-year-old told Bild. "Grosskreutz is the type of player that you can rely on as a coach.

“He always gives the maximum amount of effort and he is what we need in Brazil.

"Grosskreutz has of course done something that you do not do. One does not urinate in a hotel lobby. But, have we not all been there and done things that we have regretted afterwards?"

Germany coach Low must submit his final 23-man World Cup squad prior to June 2.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Torres: I never thought my Spain career was over

By Joe Wright
May 27, 2014 3:00:00 PM

The striker admits he has endured "a very strange year" at club level with Chelsea but is relishing being part of the national set-up ahead of their friendly with Bolivia

Fernando Torres insists he never believed his international career was over after being called up for the Spain squad for Friday's friendly with Bolivia.

The Chelsea striker managed 11 goals in all competitions in the 2013-14 campaign, but was largely restricted to a back-up role to Samuel Eto'o under boss Jose Mourinho.

Despite his domestic struggles, Torres was handed a place in Spain's set-up for their World Cup warm-up by Vicente del Bosque, who has opted to rest a number of regular stars who were involved in last weekend's Champions League final, including strikers Diego Costa and David Villa.

And Torres maintains he has the same desire as ever to compete on the international stage as he looks to secure a spot in the 23-man World Cup squad, due to be announced on Sunday.

"I've never thought that I had played my last game. I am excited to come to the national team. I've been very happy here and I feel in good shape for the World Cup," he told a press conference on Tuesday.

"You always have doubts when you're away for a time. The other day, when the coach gave the list I was very excited waiting for my name. My dream is the same as when I made my debut. I was prepared to come or not to come, after a very strange year, in which I played little. But fortunately I am here and I will fight to be in the latest list."

Diego Costa's place is in doubt due to a persistent hamstring problem but Torres is confident the player himself will be able to make the call on whether he will be fit enough for the tournament.

"The player is the one who has to decide if he is in optimal condition for the World Cup," said the 30-year-old. "If the coach has called him up it is because he can give his best, there is no question from the medical services."

Torres also admits he is looking forward to facing Netherlands in their World Cup group after beating the Oranje in the final in 2010, but warns that Spain must not allow themselves to slip up in their opening game as they did against Switzerland four years ago.

"We like to play against them [Netherlands]. Netherlands and Chile are very complicated, Australia are also dangerous because they can be a surprise," he said.

"Netherlands are a great team, they will be looking forward to revenge and we don't want to make the mistakes of the previous World Cup against Switzerland.

"In my case it would be my third World Cup. In Germany [in 2006] we learned a lot and we used it in South Africa. We have to enjoy it, and the results will come."

Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu also earned a surprise spot for the Bolivia clash after impressing during a loan spell with Everton, but the 20-year-old says he is not allowing himself to be distracted with thoughts of making the World Cup party.

"I ended my season with Everton and I was on holiday. I received a call from Andoni [Zubizarreta] and he told me that I could come and I quickly began to train," he said.

"It has been great, I am very happy to be here with these players.

"I'm not thinking about Brazil, I have to enjoy this week and I want to learn from them and what has to happen will happen.

"[Jesus] Navas is injured but I don't want to think about Brazil. I repeat to myself that I want to learn.

"[England] has been a great experience [for me] as a person and as a player."

 

[Lionel Messi]

Scolari: Diego Costa is a powerful beast

May 27, 2014 9:27:00 AM

The Selecao boss still regrets the striker's decision to snub the country of his birth and believes his decision was motivated by opening up his club options in Europe

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has labelled Diego Costa a "powerful beast" and says he would definitely have named him in his World Cup squad had he not opted to play for Spain.

Costa played two friendlies for the country of his birth in March 2013, but after a drawn out saga opted to represent the reigning world and European champions instead.

"I was going to summon him for the World Cup," Scolari was quoted as saying by O Estado de Sao Paulo.

"Diego Costa would be with us. He could play as a seven, a nine, or even as an 11. I’d thought about playing him up front to run and smash through. He’s a powerful beast. He's strong as a bull.
"Was I wrong? I don't know, but he would be at the World Cup with Brazil. I talked to him twice about it.

"The problem is there were other interests behind it. With Diego Costa becoming a naturalised Spaniard, that opened up his options in Europe. There's a whole set of interests."

Costa has made one appearance for Spain, playing 90 minutes in their 1-0 win over Italy in March, but the striker's World Cup campaign ironically hangs in the balance due to a hamstring injury.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Spain's new call-up Deulofeu just happy to learn

MADRID Tue May 27, 2014 8:04pm BST

Spanish national soccer team player Gerard Deulofeu controls a ball during a training session in preparation for the 2014 World Cup at Soccer City sports camp in Las Rozas, near Madrid, May 26, 2014. REUTERS/Sergio Perez

(Reuters) - Forward Gerard Deulofeu is not thinking about going to the World Cup with Spain but wants to learn from his new team mates after a surprise call-up for Friday's warm-up match against Bolivia.

The 20-year-old spent an injury-disrupted season on loan at English Premier League team Everton last term before returning to parent club Barcelona and Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has included him in the squad for the game in Seville.

He has been brought in to cover for the injured Jesus Navas as the world and European champions warm up for the defence of their title at the finals, which start in Brazil next month.

Del Bosque has until June 2 to name his definitive list of 23 players for the finals.

"I'm not thinking about going to Brazil," Deulofeu told a news conference at Spain's training base outside Madrid on Tuesday. "I have to enjoy this week that's been given to me and learn from these great players," he added.

"After that we'll see what happens. Navas is injured and that puts me a bit closer to going, but I'm not thinking about that. There are very good players available and no one knows what will happen in the future.

"I've been given a chance with the Spanish national team and I expect to take advantage of it."

Deulofeu, a Spain Under-21 international who has yet to play for the senior side, made 29 appearances for Everton last season, scoring four goals.

He said he had learned a lot at Everton but was happy to return to Barca, where he was a member of the Catalan club's academy.

GOOD EXPERIENCE

"It was a good experience (in England)," he said. "I learned a lot, both as a footballer and a person. I had some bad luck with injuries that kept me out for two months.

"I think I could have given more of myself but I'm happy to come home - that was my objective. Now it's time to work for Barca."

Deulofeu was joined at Tuesday's news conference by striker Fernando Torres, who at the age of 30 is hoping for a chance to represent Spain at a third World Cup finals after Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010.

Torres, who faces stiff competition from the likes of Diego Costa - if he recovers from injury - Fernando Llorente, David Villa and Alvaro Negredo, said he had lost none of his desire to play for Spain and was in good shape after a "very strange" season with Chelsea.

"I am always excited to play for the national team," he told reporters. "I have been happy here and, what's more, I am feeling in good form for a World Cup.

"My excitement is the same as when I made my debut (in September 2003).

"I was prepared to come or not to come after a very strange year when I did not play much.

"I knew my chances were not as good but thankfully I am here, and I will fight to be in the final squad."

(Reporting by Iain Rogers, editing by Neville Dalton)

 

[Lionel Messi]

Van Basten: Netherlands misbehaved in 2006 & 2010

By Stefan Coerts
May 27, 2014 7:56:00 AM

The AC Milan legend believes the Dutch football philosophy is the complete opposite of what they showed at the last two World Cups

Former Netherlands coach Marco van Basten has criticised the national side for their aggressive approach at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups.

Holland crashed out of the tournament in Germany after a violent game against Portugal, which saw the referee show 16 yellow and four red cards, while they also made the headlines for all the wrong reasons after the lost final against Spain four years ago.

"I really do not know why they behaved so on both the occasions," Van Basten was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

"Yes, it is normal to be passionate about winning the World Cup. But that should not indulge you to go this far.

"The Dutch football philosophy is completely different from what was seen in Germany and South Africa."

Nevertheless, the former AC Milan striker, who managed Oranje between 2004 and 2006, stressed that referee Valentin Ivanov played a big role in the so-called Battle of Nuremberg eight years ago.

"That was a horrible match against Portugal. I said after the match and I still believe that the referee Ivanov was not up to the mark on that day.

"Yes, the footballers were going after each other and if he was stricter from the word go, it could have been avoided.

"However, the players too, have to take their share of the blame."

 

[Lionel Messi]

Scotland warned of fixing threat to Nigeria friendly

Tue May 27, 2014 9:06pm BST

(Reuters) - Britain's National Crime Agency has contacted the Scottish FA (SFA) about a possible plot to fix Wednesday's international friendly between Scotland and Nigeria in London, an SFA spokesman said in statement.

"We are liaising with the relevant authorities and preparing for the match as normal," the spokesman added on Tuesday, confirming that officers had been in touch with the SFA regarding a match-fixing threat.

The SFA added that there was no specific intelligence, however, and the National Crime Agency, which specialises in investigating organised crime, had no comment.

The match at Fulham's Craven Cottage ground is a World Cup warm-up for Nigeria before they head off to the finals in Brazil which kick off on June 12.

Leading bookmakers are routinely on alert for unusual betting patterns but were not aware of any specific threat.

The alert came on the day Europe's anti-crime agency Europol signed an agreement with governing body UEFA to deal with match-fixing in European soccer.

However, the organisation's director Rob Wainwright said the issue was not a major problem in Europe.

FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce was quoted by Sky Sports as saying: "Match-fixing is a cancer within our game that has got to be driven out. If these accusations are true, the people involved should be banned for life and sent to prison."

FIFA's head of security Ralf Mutschke told The Daily Telegraph that soccer's world governing body had to presume the World Cup would be a target.

"We are trying to protect the World Cup from fixing and we have set up a pretty wide range of measures to do so," he said.

Nigeria, who also have warm-up matches scheduled against Greece and the United States next month, start their World Cup campaign against Iran in Curitiba on June 16.

(Reporting by Neville Dalton, editing by Alan Baldwin)

 

[Lionel Messi]

Two injured in accident at Germany's training camp

May 27, 2014 4:44:00 PM

Two members of the public were hospitalised after being hit by a car during the filming of a promotional video in a closed section of road

Two people were injured at Germany’s pre-World Cup training camp on Tuesday after an accident during the filming of a television commercial.

The incident occurred as Pascal Wehrlein, a driver for Mercedes in the DTM motor racing series, hit two members of the public who had strayed on to a closed road during a promotional shoot.

Police described the pair as being "severely injured" and both were taken to hospital.

Reports suggest Schalke and Germany defender Benedikt Howedes was in the car at the time of the accident but walked away unharmed.

A statement from Mercedes, who are the main sponsor of the German national side, read: "During our visit to the training camp of Germany's national team there was an accident with DTM race driver Pascal Wehrlein injuring two people on a closed road. The people were on the track unexpectedly.

"We cannot say anything about the severity of their injuries but both people were taken care of by doctors. Pascal Wehrlein was not injured.

"We regret the accident and send our best wishes to the victims.

"Of course, we will help the authorities in investigating the accident."

 

[Lionel Messi]

Injured Bale withdraws from Wales squad

By Alex Fisher
May 27, 2014 2:17:00 PM

The forward, who scored against Atletico Madrid on Saturday as Real Madrid won the Champions League final, has been struggling with a muscular concern for a "few weeks"

Gareth Bale has withdrawn from the Wales squad to face the Netherlands next month due to a muscle injury.

Bale, who scored in Real Madrid's Champions League final win over Atletico Madrid on Saturday, was named in Chris Coleman's 23-man squad for the friendly in Amsterdam on June 4 but has now been forced to pull out.

The 24-year-old has been carrying a leg injury for a "few weeks" according to the Welsh Football Association, and will be rested to ensure he does to make the injury worse.

"Gareth Bale has withdrawn from the Welsh squad to travel to Amsterdam to face the Netherlands in a friendly international next week," the FAW confirmed on Tuesday.

"Bale has been troubled with a leg muscle injury for a few weeks.

"His place in the squad will be taken by Fulham's George Williams."

 

[Lionel Messi]

Brazil have the world's best defence - Carlos Alberto Parreira

By Joe Wright
May 26, 2014 10:12:00 PM

The 71-year-old believes the Selecao boast the finest backline at the World Cup but insists his side must earn their tag as favourites for glory this summer

Brazil technical director Carlos Alberto Parreira believes the World Cup hosts boast the strongest defence in the tournament as they prepare for next month's opening encounter.

With David Luiz poised to complete a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain for just under €50 million, and with captain Thiago Silva having joined the French champions from Milan for €42m in 2012, the Selecao possess the most expensive central-defensive pairing in the competition this summer.

And with Real Madrid's Champions League final goalscorer Marcelo set to link up with the squad shortly, Carlos Alberto is confident that the defensive strength of Luiz Felipe Scolari's side will shine through.

"He [Marcelo] will get here by lunchtime tomorrow, that is something decided by the player himself," he told reporters on Monday.

"We trust these players. Just take a look at the team: we have the best and most expensive central defence in the world, Maxwell is here, great players, great strikers."

The 1994 World Cup-winning coach accepts Brazil are favourites this summer but insists the players must earn the right to be considered the strongest side and has warned of the extensive scouting assessments of their opponents this summer.

"We are not obliged to win, but we are favourites," he said. "At the 2002 World Cup, 90 per cent of the people would bet on Argentina or France, who didn’t make it past the group stage. This [favourites tag] isn't a game-changer. You have to get on the pitch and show you're worthy of it.

"We won't be surprised. We have two scouts, and people helping us to know about the other teams. Every team has been studied, not only our group opponents, but a total of 16 teams. You don't have to worry, we won't be surprised in that sense."

Brazil have not hosted international football's greatest tournament since their shock defeat to Uruguay in 1950 and Carlos Alberto insists the current team is determined to make amends for the infamous Maracanazo.

"It's different than anything we've participated in before," he said of this summer's showpiece. "Now we're at home, and we have to try and rescue that identity here.

"We already lost one and don't want to lose another. Definitely, the Selecao will get a lot of love from the fans, they will be our 12th player, as important as they were during the Confederations Cup [in 2013]."

Meanwhile, Scolari's assistant Flavio Murtosa is confident Neymar will be fully fit for the opening clash with Croatia and says the squad is prepared for their assault on the trophy.

"The medical department will determine the state of every player," he said. "Neymar will have full conditions to train with the rest of the team, I believe. The fact that he already played 30 minutes against Atletico Madrid shows that he's recovered already.

"This group knows it's a difficult cup, but they have conditions to win it, and we'll work for that to happen."

 

[Lionel Messi]

Brazil must avoid Spain, says Pele

By Enis Koylu
May 26, 2014 11:29:00 PM

The Selecao legend is eager to avoid a match-up with the European champions at this summer's World Cup and is concerned about his country's attack

Brazil legend Pele is eager for his country to avoid facing Spain at this summer's World Cup on home soil.

Vicente del Bosque's side enter the tournament as the reigning champions and have won back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012.

The Selecao overcame Spain 3-0 in last summer's Confederations Cup but the 73-year-old is still wary of the world champions and has grave concerns about Brazil's front line.

"The most important thing for Brazil is that they don't meet Spain," he told GQ.

"They're a fantastic team to watch, are very organised and don't have a weak point. The only good thing about Spain from our perspective is that they play a clean game.

"They like to play and allow the other side to play and that's important for a team like Brazil. Spain are a side who play modern football.

"The Spanish have the same way of finding space and playing the ball.

"In the run up to World Cups, Brazil had had an attack which was the best in the world, although there were always comments that the defence wasn't was as good.

"This year, however, we have a team that who are very good from the middle of the pitch backwards but we need to sort out our front line."

Pele also admitted that he would have preferred Spain international Thiago Alcantara - born to Brazilian parents - to have chosen to represent Luiz Felipe Scolari's side.

"He would have been particularly good for us. I would have liked to have him in my team," Pele added.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Uruguay: We don't know when Suarez will return

Nicholas McGee
May 26, 2014 11:59:00 PM

The South American side's doctor is unsure when the Liverpool man will be fit for action while coach Oscar Tabarez is refusing to risk the striker

Uruguay doctor Alberto Pan is refusing to give any potential return dates for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.

The former Ajax man's participation at this summer's World Cup is in doubt after he underwent surgery last week to correct a minor knee problem.

Pan says the 27-year-old is progressing well and could still travel to Brazil but is still unsure over when he will be fit for action.

"The core of the concept of his return was expressed in the initial statement made in the immediate post-operative period and we can happily say that Luis' participation in the World Cup is not ruled out," he told reporters.

"It is very risky to give exact dates. We cannot have absolute certainty or clear numbers but the postoperative period has been very good.

"Luis is not ruled out of the World Cup, but you cannot talk about specific times. Luis is very positive, I never heard a negative expression, and he says it is better every day.

"Today Suarez is pain-free and is working on fitness and supporting essentials."

Coach Oscar Tabarez, meanwhile, is adamant that he will not take any risks over his star player's health.

"What happens with Luis will depend on the evolution of his knee," Tabarez said.

"We have no doubt about his enthusiasm and condition but our main concern is the health of the player."

 

[Lionel Messi]

Argentina boss Sabella: Everyone is behind Messi

By Mark Doyle
May 27, 2014 11:28:00 PM

The Albiceleste boss has voiced his support for the Barcelona attacker, who has been criticised for his form and on-field demeanour in recent months

Alejandro Sabella says that everyone within his Argentina squad is fully behind captain Lionel Messi.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner racked up 41 goals in just 46 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona last season yet his form and attitude were the subject of much scrutiny throughout the 2013-14 season, with former Blaugrana assistant coach Angel Cappa claiming that the 26-year-old had lost his passion for football.

Sabella, though, insists that neither he nor his players have any doubts over Messi's commitment to their particular cause.

"The leader is the captain and that is Messi," the Argentina boss told reporters. "Everyone is behind him. He is our flag.

Argentina received a favourable draw for Brazil 2014, having come out in Group F alongside Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria.

Sabella is refusing to talk about the Albiceleste going all the way but he is confident of reaching the semi-finals.

"I don't promise the cup," he stated. "We are thinking of finishing in the top four. And we want more than that.

"We have to do better than the last World Cups."

Argentina have reached the quarter-finals at the past two World Cups, while the last of their two titles came in 1986.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Giroud: I'm available if needed at World Cup

By Enis Koylu
May 28, 2014 12:42:00 AM

The Arsenal ace is confident that he will get an opportunity to shine in Brazil this summer, after netting a double in a warm-up game in Paris on Monday night

France striker Olivier Giroud believes he will have an important role to play at the World Cup after scoring twice in their 4-0 win over Norway.

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is expected to be Didier Deschamps' first-choice forward in Brazil but was rested for the Stade de France friendly on account of his exploits in Saturday's Champions League final.

Giroud shone in his absence and feels that every single member of the France squad will have a role to play in Brazil.

"At the World Cup, everyone will be needed," the Arsenal attacker is quoted as saying by L'Equipe.

"When I am called upon, I try to make the most of my chance and do the job.

"It's always good to win, including in friendlies. It's good for morale. Tonight, I really want to highlight the team effort. It was really good. Still, we'll stay measured, we still have to pass tests."

France's World Cup campaign kicks off with a game against Honduras on June 15, before they clash with Switzerland and Ecaudor.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Spain still hungry for success, says Iniesta

By Stefan Coerts
May 28, 2014 9:30:00 AM

The 2010 World Cup hero is confident that the reigning champions will play a big role at this summer's tournament again

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has insisted that Spain are still hungry for success as they prepare for the 2014 World Cup.

Vicente del Bosque's men will be looking to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend their world title and Iniesta is confident Spain have what it takes to go far at this summer's tournament in Brazil.

"We’ll be on a different stage, it’s a different moment but what hasn’t changed is our determination to do things well," Iniesta told reporters.

"We’ve got an extra, additional responsibility this time – we’re the defending champions; we’ll be going to Brazil hoping to play an important role.

"We’ve got a great side to be able to do that and like before, we’ll be taking it one step at a time."

Spain meet Netherlands, Chile and Australia in Group B at this summer's finals.

Their tournament kicks off against the Dutch on June 13 in Salvador.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Di Maria: Anything other than winning the World Cup a failure for Argentina

By Stefan Coerts
May 28, 2014 12:20:00 PM

The Champions League winner is full of ambition ahead of this summer's showpiece and is ready to give his all for the team

Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria has stressed that anything other than winning the World Cup this summer will be considered a failure for Argentina.

The South Americans were last crowned world champions in 1986 when they beat West Germany 3-2 in the final and Di Maria is determined to give their fans a reason to cheer again at this summer's tournament in Brazil.

"If we don't win the World Cup, it will be a failure," the Madrid star told Radio La Red. "This is the reality. The entire world will consider it to be a failure if we don't win the World Cup.

"It will be seven incredibly difficult games. We will have to give our all and do whatever it takes to realise our dream.

"We will have to give it our all and be willing to die on the pitch in order to reach the final and be crowned champions."

Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals at their last two attempts.

Alejandro Sabella's men will have to deal with Nigeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran in the group stages this summer.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Wilshere expects to be fit for World Cup

By Nicholas McGee
May 28, 2014 12:01:00 PM

The Arsenal star has made just two substitute appearances since fracturing his foot against Denmark in March but is confident of being ready to face Italy in Brazil

England midfielder Jack Wilshere expects to be match fit for the World Cup despite not having started a game since March.

The 22-year-old fractured his foot during the Three Lions' 1-0 friendly win over Denmark in March and has been restricted to just two substitute appearances so far since his return.

England face friendlies with Peru, Honduras and Ecuador prior to the World Cup, games that Wilshere is keen to use as exercises to help him return to full fitness.

"I'm not match fit. The only way you get match fit is by playing matches," he told The Sun. "So I'm as fit as I can be without playing matches.

"I've done as much as I can, now I just need a few games. It's a different kind of fitness - it comes back quickly.

"If I play in a few of the friendlies, I'll definitely be match fit."

Included in the 23-man squad for the tournament despite his injury concerns, Wilshere is delighted to have been given a show of faith by manager Roy Hodgson.

"I was nervous. I would have been devastated if I hadn't gone but it's a great feeling," he enthused.

"I wasn't fit towards the end of the season so it was a bit touch and go. I think the boss at England knew that but he had been speaking to Arsene Wenger and he came to the decision that I should go. I'm delighted."

 

[Lionel Messi]

Van der Vaart ruled out of World Cup

May 28, 2014 10:26:00 AM

The Hamburg midfielder has picked up an injury and will not be fit in time for this summer's tournament in Brazil

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal will have to make do without the services of Rafael van der Vaart at the 2014 World Cup due to a calf injury.

Van der Vaart picked up the knock during Tuesday's training session at Netherlands' camp in Portugal and he has now been ruled out of the finals as a result.

The 31-year-old was widely expected to make Holland's final 23-man squad for the tournament in Brazil, but his physical problems will now prevent him from making it to the third World Cup of his career after previously featuring in 2006 and 2010.

Van der Vaart was the most experienced player in Oranje's squad, having made 109 appearances for the national side since making his debut under Van Gaal back in 2001.

The Hamburg star's withdrawals is yet another blow for the 2010 World Cup runners-up after the previously confirmed absence of Kevin Strootman and Gregory van der Wiel due to injury, too.

The midfielder will likely be replaced by either PSV skipper Georginio Wijnaldum or Feyenoord youngster Tonny Vilhena.

Netherlands meet Spain, Australia and Chile in Group B this summer.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Only Germany can challenge Brazil, says Beckenbauer

By Stefan Coerts
May 28, 2014 8:06:00 AM

The former Germany international sees the hosts as the team to beat this summer, but feels the Nationalelf can cause them problems

Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer believes that Joachim Low's men are the only team capable of challenging Brazil for the World Cup this summer.

The hosts are one of the favourites after impressing at last year's Confederations Cup - beating world champions Spain 3-0 in the final - but Beckenbauer has insisted Germany will prove to be real challengers for the tournament, too.

"I have seen Brazil play devastatingly well during the Confederations Cup. And they will be doing the same during the World Cup as well. Brazil can truly be challenged only by the Germans," Beckenbauer told the Times of India.

"However, I know that the teams that have won the Confederations Cup have never won the World Cup in the same year. So, in that respect, they have some problems. Otherwise, they will start as clear favourites.

"History of the World Cup says that Brazil are the most successful team, winning the cup five times. We are close second since we have reached more number of semi-finals.

"We have really a good side with [Bastian] Schweinsteiger, [Manuel] Neuer, [Mario] Gotze, [Marco] Reus, [Mesut] Ozil. Almost all of these young footballers are product of our academies and that has really helped the side to excel."

Germany meet Portugal, Ghana and USA in the group stages.

 

[Lionel Messi]

Germany's Schweinsteiger, Khedira back in training

ST MARTIN Italy Wed May 28, 2014 12:53pm BST

German national soccer player Mesut Oezil (L) Bastian Schweinsteiger and Matthias Ginter (R) warm -p during a training session in St. Martin, northern Italy, May 28, 2014.. REUTERS/Ina Fassbender

(Reuters) - Germany's hopes of having a fully fit squad at next month's World Cup in Brazil received a boost on Wednesday when holding midfielders Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira trained with the team for the first time.

Bayern Munich's Schweinsteiger has endured an injury-hit season, with an inflamed knee the latest setback to keep him out of action in recent weeks.

Khedira, who formed a solid midfield partnership with Schweinsteiger at Euro 2012 and the previous World Cup for Germany, has only recently returned to action after a six-month layoff due to a torn cruciate ligament in his knee last year.

He has played only a handful of games since his recovery, including starting for Real Madrid's victorious Champions League side last week in the win over local rivals Atletico, and only joined his Germany team mates on Monday evening.

"You have to let this (Champions League) win sink in a bit and I tried to enjoy it. But now I have a different aim for which I prepared for these last six months and now I am here," Khedira told reporters after his first training session.

Both players appeared to be moving freely on the pitch on a sunny day in the Italian Alps, the site of Germany's pre-tournament training camp.

"It is difficult to estimate in percentages but I am fit," said Khedira. "There are some details I need to continue working on but that was clear from the start. It was always going to be a long process but my aim was always to be fit for the World Cup."

"It is extremely important that I train with the team and I also do extra training. Things are looking up and I will be fully fit by June. We want to be world champions and will do everything to achieve it."

It was not all good news for coach Joachim Loew, however, with captain Philipp Lahm completing just a light training run on Wednesday while injured defender Marcel Schmelzer also worked out alone.

Keeper Manuel Neuer has been ruled out for at least a few more days and will not train at all in Italy as he recovers from a shoulder injury, with team officials insisting his participation at the finals was not in doubt.

"I am certain he will be on the pitch by June 16 (for Germany's opening game against Portugal) even if he does not play until then. He is so professional and has such abilities that he will prepare himself to be fit by then," Khedira said.

Germany, who will also face Ghana and the United States in Group G, play warm-up games against Cameroon on June 1 and Armenia on June 6 before departing for Brazil.

(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by John O'Brien and Ken Ferris)