THE BIG PICTURE North Korea were widely expected to be the whipping boys of Group G, the footballing Davids surrounded by not one or two but three Goliaths. But they showed in the first match with Brazil that they could be just a little trickier to break down than we all thought. Then there was the second half against Portugal, when the Korean side completely fell apart and allowed in six goals in rapid succession
Original post:
Preview: North Korea vs. Ivory Coast
 CBC.ca |
Ivory Coast draw with Paraguay in pre-World Cup warm-up
BBC Sport Ivory Coast drew 2-2 with Paraguay in their only pre-World Cup friendly before coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has to name his squad. The Elephants went two-nil … Ivory Coast World Cup soccer fans: Drogba leads Elephants' World Cup charge World Cup 2010: Ivory Coast Boss Sven-Goran Eriksson: We Have A Good Chance To … Sven-Goran Eriksson confident of Ivory Coast chances at World Cup |
Here is the original post:
Ivory Coast draw with Paraguay in pre-World Cup warm-up – BBC Sport
Uncapped Players Included in Spain’s 23-Man Squad
Most of Spain’s roster for the 2010 World Cup is unchanged from their Euro 2008 squad with Cesc Fabregas and David Villa being the standouts. But Spain manager Vicente del Bosque included a few surprises, Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes and teammate Pedro joined Javi Martinez as players earning their first cap for the national team.
Pedro has been dominant for Barcelona this season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions with Vales earning the number three keeper spot because of his steady play for the La Liga Champions. Ferando Torres was also included despite being sidelined with injury. The Liverpool striker is at risk to miss Spain’s first group match June 16 versus Switzerland.
Eissen Still Uncertain Over Finals Fate
Micahel Essien will know in the next few days whether or not he will be able to play in the World Cup. The Chelsea midfielder is conisdered by many as the most valuable asset for the Ghanian team. Essien injured his knee during the African Cup of Nations in January and has not seen the pitch for club or country since.
Essien admits that even if his knee ehals in time for the finals match fitness is a concern. “I have to keep working hard to be fit,” Essien said. “Once I am fit I hope to feature in at least one trial match before the World Cup starts. I haven’t played since January so I will need games before the real thing starts.”
Errikson To Meet Players For First Time
Reactions were mixed when former-England manage ??Sven-Goran Eriksson was appointed manager of the Ivory Coast following the firing of Vahid Halilhodzic. But the Elephants are about to finally work with their new manager as players arrive for camp.
“The press and people in Ivory Coast expected in the past more than what the team has delivered, so the pressure is on the team and we have to handle that,” Eriksson said. Only 13 players are in camp now, the majority being defenders and goalkeepers, with the other 17 arriving Monday. Eriksson must cut his roster down to the final 23 by June 1 to comply with FIFA regulations.
Additional Articles
Random musings of football players (Dirty Tackle)
What to do if you’re trying to make last-minute accommodations (Goal.com)
What are you going to buy for for the World Cup? (World Cup Blog)
Related posts:
Read more from the original source:
World Cup Daily Ticker: May 20