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Goldman sees Brazil beating Argentina in 2014 Cup final
By Elzio Barreto
HONG KONG Wed May 28, 2014 8:00am BST
A Goldman Sachs sign is seen over their kiosk on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, April 26, 2010. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid
(Reuters) - Rivals Brazil and Argentina are set to meet in the World Cup final in July, with the host country winning the title for a record sixth time, U.S. investment bank Goldman Sachs have predicted in a report.
Goldman sees a 48.5 percent probability that Brazil will win the July 13 final, with Argentina and Germany the next most likely teams to succeed with a 14.1 percent and 11.4 percent chance respectively.
The predictions were based on a statistical model that analysed about 14,000 competitive international matches since 1960.
"Of course, it is hardly surprising that the most successful team in football history is favoured to win a World Cup at home," the Goldman report, written by Chief Economist Jan Hatzius, Sven Jari Stehn and Donnie Millar, said.
"But the extent of the Brazilian advantage in our model is nevertheless striking."
South American teams have won all four previous World Cup tournaments held on the continent.
Goldman's predicted a 3-1 victory for Brazil would add to the decades of rivalry with neighbouring Argentina, who have won the World Cup twice previously.
Brazil are predicted to reach the final after overcoming the Netherlands, Uruguay and Germany in each of the knockout phases, while Argentina is forecast to beat Ecuador, Portugal and Spain.
Goldman's model though is not foolproof.
Using data ahead of the 2010 World Cup, it had predicted Brazil, with a 26.6 percent chance, would win in South Africa. They crashed out in the quarter-finals.
Eventual winners Spain, however, were second favourites with a 15.7 percent probability of winning.
Andres Iniesta's extra-time goal gave Vicente del Bosque's side a 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in the final and their first World Cup title.
(Reporting by Elzio Barreto; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
The rap icon heaped praise on the Seattle Sounders attacker while wishing Jurgen Klinsmann's men all the best ahead of this summer's World Cup in Brazil
Snoop Dogg has described United States ace Clint Dempsey as "the No.1 soccer player in the world".
The rap star took time out to wish Jurgen Klinsmann's men all the best in this summer's World Cup in Brazil but singled the squad's most famous hip hop fan out for special praise.
"Shout out to Clint Dempsey, the No.1 soccer player in the world, yes sir, and the whole US soccer team," Snoop Dogg said in a video posted on Instagram.
"Good luck in the World Cup - and bring it home."
The 31-year-old Dempsey showed off his rapping skills during an advertising campaign in the run-up to the 2006 World Cup.
Ozil: I want to become Germany legend at World Cup
By Liam Twomey
May 28, 2014 3:24:00 PM
The Arsenal star says he is motivated by the desire to emulate past greats such as Fritz Walter, Wolfgang Overath and Lothar Matthaus by winning the tournament
Mesut Ozil insists he wants to become a legend this summer by winning the World Cup with Germany.
Ozil heads into the tournament on the back of a season which saw him notch five goals and nine assists in 26 Premier League games for Arsenal, as well as winning the FA Cup to end the club's nine-year trophy drought.
But the 25-year-old has yet to taste success at senior international level, with Germany's last major triumph coming some 18 years ago at Euro 96 in England.
It is a long barren spell for a country which boasts three World Cup wins, and Ozil says he is driven by the desire to match the achievements of past greats such as Fritz Walter, Wolfgang Overath and Lothar Matthaus.
"Those three are legends in German football," he told Sport Bild. "They won so many titles and they represent an era. I admire what they achieved and I know they were the type of player I am.
"I see myself as a traditional playmaker. There won't be many of them at the World Cup. If I look at the other teams I might even be the last one.
"I would like to follow their example and become a legend, too. And whoever wants to be a legend has to win the cup. We travel to Brazil to make that dream come true.
"To be honest, and I am saying this now just for me personally: Everything other than the trophy would be a disappointment. If we look back to the Euros it has been two years since we lost an official match.
Buffon: Italy a level below World Cup favourites Brazil, Spain, Germany & Argentina
By Mark Doyle
May 28, 2014 3:34:00 PM
Cesare Prandelli's side reached the final of Euro 2012 but the Juventus goalkeeper thinks making the quarter-finals would be a good result for the Azzurri this summer
Gianluigi Buffon says that Italy are a level below World Cup favourites Brazil, Spain, Germany and Argentina.
Cesare Prandelli's men reached the final of Euro 2012 and cruised through their qualification group undefeated.
However, Buffon is not optimistic about Italy's chances of triumphing in Brazil this summer, not least because they could run into Spain - the side that routed them 4-0 in Kiev two years ago - in the quarter-finals.
"Our national team is reliable," the Juventus goalkeeper told reporters. "We win the games that we should win and sometimes we even manage to spring a surprise or two.
"We are a mature team. We have certainties but also some limitations.
"One must also recognise the strength of the opponents. We are one step below Brazil, Spain, Germany and Argentina.
"We want to do our best and not have any kind of regret.
"I'm not absolutely certain that can we reach the final but the quarter-finals onwards would be a good World Cup for us.
"[I say this] also because we could meet Spain in the quarters and there would be no shame in going out against them."
Four-time world champions Italy have been drawn in the same group as Uruguay, England and Costa Rica.
The Bayern Munich star says he is used to the role he is currently playing for Louis van Gaal thanks to the tactics he has been working under at club level in Germany
Arjen Robben has insisted that he is ready to cope with Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal's new 5-3-2 system as he became accustomed to a similar role at Bayern Munich.
With Kevin Strootman set to miss the World Cup, the former Bayern coach has been tinkering with his system to make the most of the talent available to him.
However, Robben is not concerned that he might be playing a different position.
"The way we're playing with the national team isn't new for me," he told Voetbal International.
"At Bayern, I've played in a system like this several times. This season I've played as a second striker, or behind the strikers.
"And when I play on the right wing, I'm allowed to go inside, of course. Eventually it depends on which situations you create on the pitch.
"We need to play the ball from the back in a way we reach the attackers. It would be perfect if we can create one-on-one situations."
U.S. men's national team coach Juergen Klinsmann instructs his players as they warm up before their international friendly soccer match against Ukraine in Larnaca, March 5, 2014. REUTERS/Yorgos Karahalis
(Reuters) - There may be a distinctly German flavour to the U.S. World Cup team but in their opening warm-up game, a 2-0 win over Azerbaijan, it was two Scandinavian-raised substitutes who made the difference.
German-born coach Juergen Klinsmann has five players on his squad who were born and raised in his homeland and all but one of them play in Germany's Bundesliga with three of them, defenders Timothy Chandler, Fabian Johnson and midfielder Jermaine Jones, expected to feature heavily in Brazil.
But after the United States struggled to break down a well-disciplined Azeri team on Tuesday, Klinsmann threw on midfielder Mix Diskerud and forward Aron Johannsson and they provided the late goals that secured the win.
"You always hope for them to recognise the moment and give you an extra spark and show what you are capable of doing," Klinsmann said of his substitutes.
"Mix comes in and fits in like he's been playing the whole game and also scores a goal."
Oslo-born midfielder Diskerud, who plays for Rosenborg in Norway, pounced to score from close range in the 75th minute and eight minutes later former Iceland youth international Johannsson headed in the second from a corner.
Diskerud, whose mother is American, has long been part of the U.S. set-up having played for the country at youth level but Johannsson, born in Alabama to Icelandic parents who left the United States when he was three-years-old, only chose Klinsmann's team last August.
Johannsson has been in prolific form for his Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, scoring 32 goals in 56 games in all competitions last season, and his capture was a major boost for Klinsmann whose first choice striker Jozy Altidore endured a miserable season in England scoring one goal for Sunderland.
The striker will have to fight his way into the starting line-up for Brazil but his ability in front of goal could prove to be too good to ignore for Klinsmann whose team face a tough Group G against Ghana, Portugal and Germany.
Certainly the confident header from a Brad Davis corner will give the U.S coach some food for thought.
"I asked the assistant coach (Andreas Herzog) where I should be in the offensive quarter and he told me just go in there and find the space and make a goal and that is exactly what happened," said Johannsson.
Diskerud, who operates as an attacking midfielder, could find himself used mainly as an impact substitute and given his childhood hero was former Norway and Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, who made a habit of coming off the bench to score crucial goals, he seems comfortable with that role.
"You see where there's room and the runs that are being made. When you get in you want to be able to do something about it. Growing up, my idol was Solskjaer. I saw him play a lot coming off the bench. A role like that is fun to do,” he said.
Klinsmann was forced to withdraw Clint Dempsey just before kick-off with a groin injury but the coach said he expected the forward to be fit for Sunday’s friendly against Turkey in New Jersey.
(Reporting By Simon Evans in Miami; Editing by Frank Pingue)
Wenger put England before Arsenal, says grateful Wilshere
Thu May 29, 2014 3:32am BST
Arsenal's Jack Wilshere smiles as he arrives for a team training session at their training ground in London Colney, north of London, England February 18, 2014. REUTERS/Eddie Keogh
(Reuters) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger dissuaded Jack Wilshere from rushing his comeback from injury to ensure he would be fit and ready for the World Cup campaign, the England midfielder has said.
The injury-prone 22-year-old, who broke his foot in March, said he had been desperate to get back to first team soccer, fearing that if he was not playing England manager Roy Hodgson might not include him in the party for Brazil.
"I was panicking a bit about the squad, I wanted to be in it," Wilshere told the Guardian.
"I thought I was ready but he said: 'No, you're not. You need to train alone if you are to have a good World Cup. You need a good fitness base and to be right in every aspect.'
"That is what I am now."
Wilshere only managed two more matches for Arsenal after breaking the bone in his foot playing against Denmark in March, a match that marked only his 15th appearance for England over the four years since he made his debut as an 18 year old.
His frequent injuries have led some critics to wonder whether he will ever fulfil the potential he showed as a teenager, a question mark Wilshere is convinced he can remove if given a chance in Brazil.
"I think a good World Cup can erase a lot of doubts," Wilshere added.
"It is about the team and, if the side has a good World Cup, you are going to look good as a player.
"It's up to the manager if I play but I'd like to think if I'm on the pitch I'll have a successful World Cup - having an impact, playing well and keeping the ball.
"If someone had told me four years ago I would be going to a World Cup now, I would have been happy with 15 caps and this chance.
"To have played only that number of games is disappointing but I have to look to the future and hopefully I can contribute."
With both his appearances for Arsenal since the injury coming as a substitute - including a cameo in the FA Cup final win over Hull - Wilshere knows he has his work cut out to prove to Hodgson that he is match fit before England's opener against Italy in Manaus on June 14.
"I just wanted to be here," he said.
"I would have been devastated to have missed out and I knew the work I had to put in. If I got here, I could prove to the manager I'm ready."
(Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Greg Stutchbury)
The Chilean miners who survived trapped underground longer than anyone else before have a message for their country's World Cup team: don't fear the "group of death."
Chile has a strong squad, but in the first round it faces defending champion Spain and 2010 finalist Netherlands, as well as Australia. Just advancing out of Group B will be seen as a major success.
But for the miners who were trapped deep underground for 69 days in 2010: "Nothing is impossible for a Chilean." That's the title of their new stirring television ad.
In the ad, the men return to the mouth of the mine that nearly became their rocky grave. There, miner Mario Sepulveda gives a moving speech telling Chile's team to courageously fight against all odds, remembering how the miners overcame death itself.
Then, the miners collect sand from the Atacama desert in jars that they hope to send to the team to be poured wherever they play. In the end, the group breaks into a chant of "Chi! Chi! Chi! Le! Le! Le!" - for the country's name.
"My message to our Chile team is that we're going to win. They have the talent and a whole country behind them and they must battle until the end," Sepulveda, the public face of the miners, told The Associated Press. "There are harder things in life and you can conquer them. Chile will not only pass to the second round, but it will surprise everyone."
Australia first team to arrive in Brazil for World Cup
SAO PAULO Thu May 29, 2014 2:17am BST
The Australian team stand together before the start of their international friendly soccer match against South Africa at Stadium Australia in Sydney May 26, 2014 file photo. REUTERS/David Gray
(Reuters) - Australia became the first of the 31 foreign countries to arrive in Brazil for the World Cup on Wednesday.
The Socceroos arrived in the southern city of Curitiba before transferring to another flight to Vitoria, where they will be based. The Australians are in the tough Group B alongside World and European champions Spain, Chile, and the Netherlands, finalists four years ago in South Africa.
"We are the underdogs," midfielder Tommy Oar said in a FIFA statement. "It will be a good opportunity for the Australian team to surprise, so this is all very exciting.
"And being in the 'soccer country' is an extra motivation, of course."
The tournament kicks off on June 12 when Brazil play Croatia in Sao Paulo while Australia' first game is against Chile on June 13 in Cuiaba.
(Writing by Andrew Downie; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)
The Argentina star admits he is desperate to win the World Cup to emulate the former Napoli ace and says "the people will decide" who the best player in the world is
Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi admits he has always been jealous of Diego Maradona, Pele and Franz Beckenbauer due to their success on the international stage.
Messi has frequently been compared with compatriot Maradona following his exploits as a No.10 at club level, which have seen him claim the Ballon d'Or four times, more than 21 senior titles and a myriad of goalscoring records.
However, the 26-year-old concedes there is one glaring omission from his trophy cabinet as he prepares to lead Argentina to the World Cup finals in Brazil next month.
"I was jealous. It was healthy jealousy. I wanted to trade places with them," he told ESPN when asked how he felt watching Maradona, Pele and Beckenbauer lift the prestigious trophy. "And no matter how much I ask, they can't fully explain how it feels to win a World Cup.
"I want to be world champion but not to change the perception of others towards me, or to achieve greatness like they say, but to reach the goal with my national team and to add a World Cup to my list of titles.
"I've grown a lot [since the 2006 and 2010 tournaments]. Lots of things have happened to me, good and bad, which helped me grow as a person and a professional."
Messi went on to state that his desire to constantly improve is one of his strongest characteristics and says he will allow the global fans of the game to make up their own mind over whether he is the world's best player.
"I am my own number one critic," he said. "I always want to be better, to do more, to be my own top critic and accept the good and the bad.
"The only thing that matters is playing. I have enjoyed it since I was a small boy. I still try to do that every time I go out onto the pitch.
"I always say that, when it's no longer enjoyable or fun to play, then I won't do it anymore. I do it because I love it and that's all I care about.
"I think there are a lot of great players. Neymar, [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi, Cristiano [Ronaldo], [Franck] Ribery, [Arjen] Robben... I can name a lot of good players.
The striker was substituted early on in the Champions League final after suffering a torn hamstring but the Spain boss has revealed he is progressing well in training
Spain star Diego Costa is recovering well from injury and could still make the World Cup, national team coach Vicente del Bosque has said.
The Atletico Madrid forward tore his hamstring in his side's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, which has resulted in Del Bosque delaying finalising his 23-man squad - and he may even wait until the Fifa deadline on June 2.
Del Bosque had earlier conceded he "wasn't sure" whether the 25-year-old would be fit for Brazil but he has now revealed both the striker and Jesus Navas are showing encouraging signs in their efforts to return to fitness.
"It looks promising. On Friday they will have a scan. If it's good, we will make a decision on Saturday morning," he told a press conference on Friday.
Costa was the subject of much controversy when he opted to play for Spain rather than Brazil back in March.
He made two friendly appearances for the Selecao in 2013 before making his international debut for Del Bosque's men against Italy.
Costa will not feature for Spain in friday's friendly with Bolivia, meaning Fernando Torres is in line to stake his claim for a World Cup spot.
The Real Madrid left-back believes the reigning world and European champions remain the favourites to lift the World Cup
Brazil defender Marcelo says Spain are still the best national side in the world as they bid to retain their World Cup crown.
The Selecao beat Vicente del Bosque's men 3-0 in the final of the Confederations Cup last summer, with many onlookers pointing to that result as the start of a power shift in the international game.
Spain defended their European Championship crown in 2012 having lifted the World Cup two years previously and Marcelo says they remain the standard bearers on the international stage.
He told reporters: "I think Spain are the best team in the world right now. I don't think that has changed because we won the Confederations Cup. They respected us before and they still do now."
Marcelo was left out of Brazil's World Cup 2010 squad and as a result is refusing to take his place in the starting line-up for granted under Luis Felipe Scolari this time around.
He added: "I certainly don't think of myself as the owner of the No.6 shirt.
"I've been working since I was 17, when I started playing for Fluminense, which helped me a lot, I grew a lot there and even more at Real Madrid.
"In my head I always had the idea of giving my best and playing for the Selecao. Unfortunately I didn't make it to 2010, but my hopes were never dead and today, thanks to God, I have the chance of being in a World Cup."
The 26-year-old enjoyed a morale-boosting end to his club season with Madrid after scoring in extra-time in the final of the Champions League after coming on as a second half substitute in the 4-1 win.
The 29-year-old has linked up with his international team-mates ahead of their friendly against Greece on Saturday, but was unable to train because of a muscle injury
Cristiano Ronaldo has been hit by a thigh problem as Portugal continue their preparations for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.
The 29-year-old overcame a hamstring complaint to play in Real Madrid's Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid, but linked up with his international team-mates on Thursday carrying a fresh injury.
The forward was one of five players named on Portugal's official website that were forced to remain on the sidelines - four of whom were nursing thigh injuries.
A brief statement said Ronaldo was suffering from "myalgia (pain) in the posterior region of his left thigh" and underwent specific rehabilitation work at the team hotel.
He was joined there by Raul Meireles, Hugo Almeida, Rubon Amorim and Joao Moutinho, as Portugal prepare for their latest pre-World Cup friendly against Greece on Saturday.
None of these players are believed to be serious doubts for the tournament, though there will be concerns over Ronaldo given the Seleccao's reliance on the forward during qualification.
The reigning Ballon d'Or winner scored a hat-trick in the second-leg of their World Cup play-off with Sweden to almost single-handedly fire Paulo Bento's men to Brazil.
Portugal will need him at his brilliant best if they are to advance from a tough group containing Germany, USA and Ghana.
Their World Cup campaign kicks off with a clash against Germany on June 16.
The Liverpool keeper says his country are looking no further than qualifying for the second round of this summer's tournament, despite being tipped as potential winners
Belgium goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has played down his side's chances of winning the World Cup, claiming his team-mates are focused purely on advancing from Group H.
Marc Wilmot's men have been drawn alongside Russia, South Korea and Algeria and have been tipped as potential winners of the competition following the emergence of a star-studded squad.
The likes of captain Vincent Kompany and forwards Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku form the spine of the side, but Mignolet, who is set to be understudy to Thibaut Courtois, told FIFA.com he is remaining cautious.
"The first objective was to qualify," the 26-year-old, who has earned 15 international caps since making his debut against Austria in 2011, told reporters.
"It's been a long time since that happened and we're delighted to be making the trip to Brazil.
"Our next goal is to make the second round. After that, we'll just have to wait and see."
Mignolet, who narrowly missed out on the Premier League title with Liverpool this season, added: "On a personal note, it's a childhood dream come true to be taking part in an event like this."
Belgium continue preparations for the World Cup with friendlies against Sweden and Tunisia before facing Algeria in their opening group game on June 17.
The Bayern Munich keeper took part in a running session on Thursday but is unlikely to be risked for Sunday's friendly against Cameroon
Manuel Neuer has handed Germany a boost after returning to training on Thursday.
The Bayern Munich keeper hurt his right shoulder in his side's 2-0 DFB Pokal final win over Borussia Dortmund on May 17 and there were concerns he could be a doubt ahead of the World Cup.
Team manager Oliver Bierhoff said on Wednesday that Germany would be adopting a cautious approach to his reintroduction, but Bayern have now confirmed that he has resumed preparations for Brazil.
The 28-year-old took part in a running session with his team-mates, but is not likely to be in contention for Sunday's friendly against Cameroon.
Neuer's club team-mate Philipp Lahm also returned to training this week following a foot injury, while Bastian Schweinsteiger stepped up his comeback from a tendon problem.
Germany have been drawn in Group G for the World Cup alongside Portugal, Ghana and United States.
Joachim Low's side face Ghana in their Group G opener at Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza on June 21.
Khedira: I will be ready for Germany's World Cup opener
By Stefan Coerts
May 29, 2014 11:33:00 AM
The midfielder is optimistic that he will be at 100 per cent by the time the tournament gets under way and believes goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will also be in peak condition
Sami Khedira has vowed to be fully fit for Germany's World Cup opener against Portugal on June 16.
The 27-year-old recently returned to match action after a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to a knee injury and played 59 minutes in his club's 4-1 Champions League final win over Atletico Madrid.
"I am fit, but there are still a few things that I have to work on," Khedira said at a press conference. I will have to take things one step at a time, though.
"My objective was to make the World Cup and things have been going very well. I think that I will be in peak condition again by June 16.
"You should always listen to your body, but I'm not holding back in training. I am doing additional exercises next to squad training to be prepared as well as possible.
"It was a long and hard road to get back. I worked very hard to make the World Cup."
The midfielder then went on to discuss Manuel Neuer's fitness and made it clear Germany are confident the Bayern Munich goalkeeper will also be ready for the game against Portugal.
"We are all convinced Neuer will be top fit in time for the World Cup," the defensive midfielder stated. "He is absolutely determined to make it.
"He is an amazing goalkeeper and was voted best of the world for a good reason. He will be at his best when we meet Portugal."
Germany also meet Ghana and USA in the group stages this summer.
Xavi: Let's not forget 'boring' Spain thrashed Italy
By Stefan Coerts
May 29, 2014 11:11:00 AM
The midfielder is unperturbed by negative comments about his country's style of play and believes Vicente del Bosque's men have learned from last year's Confederations Cup
Xavi has brushed off criticism of Spain's style of play ahead of their World Cup title defence.
Vicente del Bosque's men received their fair share of barbs after Euro 2012 for their methodical style of play, but Xavi feels their comprehensive 4-0 victory over Italy in the final proved La Roja can be as entertaining as they are effective.
Consequently, the midfielder does not pay any heed to those who have an issue with Spain's considered approach to the game.
"It's true that we were criticised for being boring at Euro 2012, yet that 'boring' team beat Italy 4-0 in the final," Xavi told the Times of India.
"Italians are always better defensively. Yet we could beat them with a handsome margin. So, we are not at all worried with what people opine."
Spain were hammered 3-0 by Brazil in the final of the 2013 Confederations Cup, but Xavi feels last year's experience will actually help them this summer.
"We were beaten by a rejuvenated Brazil, playing in their backyard," the Barcelona playmaker admitted. "We were tired but I do not like to find excuses. We were beaten fair and square.
"We tried to analyse our performances after that and believe we played quite well in the remaining qualifiers of the World Cup.
"What I feel is, playing in Brazil exactly one year earlier will be of immense help for all of us. We are familiar to the conditions.
"We played five matches under variable climatic conditions. We'll have to play under almost similar conditions this time. It should help us play better."
Spain meet Netherlands, Chile and Australia in Group B this summer.
Brendan Rodgers' men lit up the Premier League last season with their attractive, attacking football - traits the Manchester United icon hopes to see during the World Cup
Paul Scholes believes England should adopt an approach similar to that of Liverpool, and go on the offensive at the World Cup.
Brendan Rodgers' side lit up the Premier League last season with their attacking displays, scoring 101 goals with a breathtaking brand of football.
Their performances have been rewarded with five call-ups to Roy Hodgson's squad for the finals in Brazil, with Glen Johnson, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge all included in the party of 23.
And Scholes, who played 66 times for England, scoring 14 goals, urged Hodgson to copy Liverpool's expansive style of play when the World Cup campaign gets underway in just over two weeks' time.
"It would be refreshing for England to adopt Liverpool’s attacking mentality in Brazil," he wrote in a blog for Paddy Power.
"Really go for it. That means certainly four, and possibly five, Liverpool players in the England starting XI against Italy on June 14.
"South Africa in 2010 was so negative with boring draws. Nothing seemed to happen. England fans, and myself as an England fan, would rather three-all games than dull, nil-nil draws.
"I'd love to see Roy be brave enough to play like Liverpool [or Man United teams of the past].
"The reports I'm hearing now from the international set-up are very positive and while I still doubt Roy Hodgson will start with such an attacking Liverpool-style approach, I'd love to see it.
"Much has been said already about the Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge partnership for the club, but Steven Gerrard, Sturridge and Raheem Sterling can offer a huge goal threat playing together for England."
The 48-year-old has questioned why the coach has named just two out and out strikers in his squad for Brazil
Olaf Thon has criticised Germany boss Joachim Low for failing to name Pierre-Michel Lasogga in his World Cup squad and accused the coach of leaving himself short of options in attack.
Low opted to name just two out and out strikers for this summer's tournament in Brazil, with Miroslav Klose and Kevin Volland expected to shoulder the goalscoring burden.
Lukas Podolski could also operate in a central berth, but Thon believes Low's decision could prove costly and says he should have taken one of the Bundesliga's most prolific players.
The former Germany international told Goal: "We could be better positioned. One has to ask why he has not taken Max Kruse? For me there is no clear statement.
"We have left ourselves thin. Only Miroslav Klose and Kevin Volland are strikers. Steffan Kiessling or the stronger Lasogga could have gone.
"He has almost single-handedly kept Hamburg in the league. Every national team needs a war machine like him in a tournament."
Germany face a tough task to emerge from Group G after they were pitted alongside Portugal, Ghana and the USA.
Santa Cruz on target as Cameroon suffer warm-up defeat
Thu May 29, 2014 8:45pm BST
Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz and Cameroon's Eyong Enoh (L) fight for the ball during their friendly soccer match in the Austrian city of Kufstein May 29, 2014. REUTERS/Dominic Ebenbichler
(Reuters) - Stalwart striker Roque Santa Cruz scored the winner as Paraguay beat World Cup qualifiers Cameroon 2-1 in a friendly in Kufstein, Austria, on Thursday.
Paraguay, who have missed out on Brazil after playing at the previous four World Cup tournaments, went ahead with Oscar Romero's first goal for his country in the fifth minute.
Former Bayern Munich, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City striker Santa Cruz put the South Americans further ahead when he tapped in from close range in the 68th minute, the 32-year-old's 29th international goal. Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting pulled one back for the Indomitable Lions with 15 minutes left and Mohamadou Idrissou wasted a chance to equalise when his 87th-minute penalty was saved by Paraguay's substitute goalkeeper Victor Centurion.
There was a minor pitch invasion at the end as fans ran on to the field to take photographs with the players. Cameroon, who beat Macedonia 2-0 on Monday and meet Germany on Sunday, face Croatia, Mexico and Brazil at the World Cup.
(Reporting by Brian Homewood; editing by Martyn Herman)
