Cannavaro wins Fifa player crown

Italy's World Cup-winning captain Fabio Cannavaro has been named Fifa World Player of the Year.

The award polls votes from national team coaches and captains and Cannavaro beat three-time winner Zinedine Zidane and reigning champion Ronaldinho.

Real Madrid central defender Cannavaro was crowned European Footballer of the Year in November.

"It's a great honour for me to be here because it has been an incredible season'" said Cannavaro.

He added, "The competition is scary, so strong. It's not usual for a defender to sit between Ronaldinho and Zidane.

"Of course it must be a great compliment for the coaches I've had this year.

"It also underscores the way I am playing - and look at the matches we are playing in the teams I've had, and at Real.

"I can't ask for anything else' with the World Cup and Golden Ball award - you can't do any better than that."

Brazil's Marta won the women's award ahead of Germany's Renate Lingor and Kristine Lilly of the USA.

Source: bbc.co.uk

ROONEY's fire and fitness mask a multitude of sins

A paper cup was blasted into the pitchside wall. The roof of the dugout reverberated to a slap of the hand. His boots were torn off and thrown at the grass. Imprecations were uttered. Wayne Rooney was in a strop.

But it was a rage of frustration, a young man's anger that he had been unable to finish the match and to complete the job he had started. "I asked him about it afterwards and he told me it was because he was disappointed," Sven-Goran Eriksson said, reflecting on his decision to remove the 20-year-old in the 69th minute. "But he played better than last time. He lasted longer, and he will get better and better. I took him off because I can't risk him getting injured."

Seldom was a truer word spoken by an England manager. The team's absolute reliance on Rooney's presence was emphasised last night by a first half in which they functioned properly for the first time in the tournament, despite starting the match with a stroke of wretched misfortune.

As he watched Michael Owen writhing on the touchline less than a minute into last night's match, Eriksson must have wondered what blows fate is reserving for the remainder of this chequered World Cup campaign. Deprived first of Owen, then of Rooney, and now of Owen once again, he found himself summarily thwarted in his desire to reassemble and road-test his most potent striking combination.

Poor Owen, who has spent the last six months struggling to recover from the broken foot he suffered on New Year's Eve. As he was strapped on to the stretcher last night, it looked very much as though his World Cup was in jeopardy. And given the scanty nature of the squad's striking resources, it seemed that the head coach would be needing to brace himself against another assault from his critics.

No squad is ever going to be improved by the removal of a fit and firing Owen, but for a while last night it looked as though this might be one of those occasions on which an accident steers a team towards the discovery of its true form and nature. Eriksson's players gave an instant and positive reaction to the setback, and none more obviously than Rooney. Making his first start for England since the friendly against Uruguay on March 1, he responded to the emergency created by his partner's early departure with a show of vigour that put the utmost pressure on Sweden's veteran centre-backs while working hard to dovetail with Peter Crouch, who was making an unexpectedly swift return as Owen's replacement.

Ninety minutes before the kick-off Rooney and Crouch had wandered on to the pitch among a small group of England players who watched the stadium's giant screens with interest as the early arrivals were treated to a film of the World Cup's greatest misses. Brazilians, Yugoslavs, Frenchmen and Russians were among those whose momentary embarrassments were captured on film for the instruction and amusement of future generations. Among them, indeed, was the great Paolo Rossi, the goalscoring inspiration of Italy's 1982 triumph, who was at that very moment hanging around behind the media area in the Stadion Köln, enjoying a crafty fag.

If you had to bet on an Englishman to match Rossi's impact in the present tournament, it would certainly be Rooney. During the subsequent warm-up he raced around with a zest that brought a smile to the face of David Beckham and launched himself into challenges with a vigour that would have chilled the blood of the FA's insurance underwriters.

Thrown into the fray after an hour against Trinidad & Tobago last Thursday, Rooney revved up the team's mental approach through his mere arrival on the pitch. His failure to beat Dwight Yorke in a straight sprint down the wing, however, prompted questions about his true fitness. Last night he seemed to dispel those doubts, filling the first half with runs of energetic directness and impressive power which seemed to lift the level of the whole team, certainly when compared with their performances against Paraguay and in the first, Rooney-less hour against the Caribbean islanders.

There had been a degree of anxiety that he might fall foul of last night's referee, Massimo Busacca. During the defeat in Belfast last September, the Swiss official booked Rooney for raising his arm to Keith Gillespie and could well have followed up that initial sanction with a second yellow card for various outbreaks of voluble dissent and general disorderliness. On their second meeting, however, Rooney kept his emotions under control, perhaps recognising that Owen's departure placed an extra weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

Only after his own exit did he allow the tensions of the night to surface. Until then he had led the attack with great verve, working hard to give depth and width to an attack that had seemed one-dimensional in his absence. To begin with it was Frank Lampard who most obviously benefited from Eriksson's change of formation and from Rooney's ability to knit together the forward and midfield lines. Making the most of the space vacated by the absent Steven Gerrard, Lampard came to the fore as he has not done for several matches in an England shirt.

And yet almost as soon as the second half began England's most damaging habit reasserted itself. As so often in tournament play, Eriksson's men proved unable to hang on to a hard-won lead. And having begun last night's match by suffering a grievous blow to their strike force, they ended it with their vaunted defence in total disarray. A team who were reputed to have enough highly qualified centre-backs to supply a whole World Cup group turned out to be horribly vulnerable to anything lofted into their goalmouth.

One step forward, one rather sizeable step back. But Rooney's parting show of spirit may yet turn out to have been the night's most significant gesture.

Source: The Guardian

Owen to miss rest of World Cup with knee injury

Michael Owen will miss the rest of the World Cup after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

The England striker was injured Tuesday in the second minute of his team's 2-2 draw with Sweden in Cologne. Owen had a scan on his knee Wednesday near England's team base in southern Germany and was to return home later in the day.

"Obviously it's a massive blow to suffer the injury -- and be out of the World Cup," Owen said in a statement. "As soon as it happened I knew I was in trouble. It was a
major disappointment to pick up the injury so early in the game."

Owen's right knee buckled after he played a pass. He rolled off the field and lay on the sideline clutching his leg while play continued. He was treated by doctors and then strapped to a stretcher and taken away.

The English Football Association said Owen's recovery would be handled by his English Premier League club Newcastle. Freddy Shepherd, the club's chairman, said Owen had ruptured the ligament, but it was "too early to say how long he will be out for, although it is a serious injury."

Players generally need 6-to-8 months to recover from a torn ACL.

"Everyone at the club will give Michael their full support and our concern now is to provide the best possible care for Michael and get him on the mend as quickly as possible," Shepherd told Newcastle's Web site.

Owen said he was "clearly sorry" to leave Germany, but was convinced England would be a success.

"I'll be following all the matches very closely and giving them my full support, hopefully all the way to Berlin," he said. "My main objective is now to get fit as quickly as possible for Newcastle United."

The 26-year-old Owen, who broke a bone in his right foot on Dec. 31, only returned last month. He had been replaced in both of England's World Cup games before Tuesday.

"Michael has had terrible luck with injuries since Christmas," England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said. "I feel very sorry for him to miss out on the rest of the World Cup --it's a blow to him and a big loss for the team.

"However, I am sure Michael will work very hard to get back as quickly as possible for Newcastle and England. He is a true professional and a very mentally strong person. I hope the team can now go on and achieve success in Germany for Michael."

Both England and Sweden have advanced to the second round from Group B.

"It's very disappointing for him and the team, as well," England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said. "Unbelievable. Just as he was getting fit, as well. It's just a very, very unfortunate incident."

Owen made his World Cup debut as an 18-year-old in 1998, scoring an incredible goal against Argentina. He's been a mainstay in England's attack ever since.

This year's World Cup is his fifth tournament for England, but Owen has had a disappointing past two years.

He moved from Liverpool to Real Madrid in 2004, but failed to break into the starting lineup. He moved back to England last season with Newcastle and made 10 starts for the club and one substitute appearance.

Owen's latest injury means Wayne Rooney's fitness has now become crucial for England.

The Manchester United striker started his first game since breaking his foot on April 29 and lasted 69 minutes.

Without Owen, England has only three strikers left: Rooney, Peter Crouch and 17-year-old Theo Walcott, who has only 25 minutes of international experience and has never played in the English Premier League for Arsenal.

"To lose a player of Michael's quality is bad for the team and it's bad for the squad," Robinson said. "The loss of a striker is going to hit any squad, but we've got Theo, we've got Stevie (Gerrard), who can play up there off the front two. We've got Wazza (Rooney) and Crouchy who are playing well at the moment. We should be all right."

England plays Ecuador in the second round in Stuttgart on Sunday.

Source: AP

TORRES comes of age in World Cup cauldron

High-flying Spaniard Fernando Torres is set to blow his way through Saudi Arabia's leaky defence boosting a World Cup goals tally that could in turn spark English Premiership interest in his talents.

The Spain striker, who sits one goal behind Germany's four-goal hero Miroslav Klose in the World Cup scoring table, may be relatively unknown outside the Primera Liga where he plays for Madrid's unfashionable Atletico.

However his World Cup performances for Spain - capping some blistering attacking displays with three goals in two games - could change his footballing horizons.

Torres has in the past been courted by some of England's biggest clubs and at only 22 years old, the player known as 'El Nino' (The Kid) is still a huge prospect.

Torres opened his account with a goal against Ukraine, and was on hand with two crucial goals to help Spain qualify for the second round in Stuttgart on Monday with a convincing 3-1 win over Tunisia.

While regularly criticised for missing goalscoring opportunities, he is regarded as a vital element in Aragones' attack.

His first goal against Tunisia on Monday came after he ran 50 yards on to a through ball down the left from Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas.

After rounding the last defender, the outside of Torres' right foot sent an exquisite angled shot past the hapless Tunisia keeper Ali Boumnijel and into the net from 18 yards.

In the absence of Spain's habitual penalty taker David Villa, who was substituted for strapping forward Joaquin in the 55th minute, Torres' second came from the penalty spot after he had been obstructed in the box.

"David (Villa) wasn't there to take it as he usually does, so it came down to me," said Torres, in the simplest of terms.

In their two matches so far Spain coach Luis Aragones has left Raul on the bench and substituted all of his leading forwards - bar one.

On Friday, Torres is again likely to start and finish a match which the already eliminated 'Sons of the Desert' will be hoping does not turn into a goals-fest in Spain's favour.

Aragones is not normally known for singing his players' praises, but when it comes to Torres, who scored seven goals for Spain in their qualifying campaign, he is prepared to make an exception.

"Fernando is an enormously strong player," said Aragones after the Tunisia game.

"He has great physical condition and boundless energy, although he still has some things to improve on."

Although one of the Liga's most feared strikers, Torres has probably suffered playing at Atletico - where Aragones made his name as a goalscoring midfielder before going on to coach at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

Atletico are usually left playing for honours in mid-table, meaning their profile in the Champions League is practically non-existent.

And given that a transfer to Real, or Barcelona would be practically impossible for Torres, the general feeling in Spain is that he will soon give in to the temptation and, like Luis Garcia or Cesc Fabregas, move to England.

Source: AFP

Ghana's ESSIEN brings two-way worries for US

Michael Essien is on the verge of leading World Cup stunner Ghana into the second round, the Chelsea midfielder having already convinced a worried US squad that he could destroy their Cup dreams.

A victory over the Americans here Thursday in a Group E showdown would send the World Cup debutantes into the round of 16, possibly against reigning champion Brazil.

"It would be hard, but we are prepared for it," Essien said. "We're not afraid to meet the Brazilians. We are ready to play anyone. First we have to deal with the USA. They play good football and they will be tough."

The 23-year-old star sparked Ghana past second-ranked Czech Republic 2-0 in the biggest Cup shocker so far, a landmark triumph for the Cup debutantes.

"It really shows what we are made of," Essien said. "The win was very important for Ghana and for African football."

A draw with the USA might be enough to send the Black Stars through, but with their destiny in their hands, Ghana players want to leave no doubts.

"We will go for a win against the US team," Essien said. "And our chances are good I think."

US coach Bruce Arena agrees, seeing the control of Essien as a central factor in a game the 2002 quarter-finalists must win for any hope to advance.

"Essien is one of the top players in this tournament. He not only organized their attack, he played well on defence," Arena said.

"He's a player who is brilliant. We can't let him do what he wants for 90 minutes or we're going to lose."

Chelsea paid 38 million Euros, the largest transfer fee for any African player, to bring Essien from French champion Lyon. Essien responded by helping Chelsea capture a second consecutive English Premiership crown.

Essien has the ability to orchestrate the backline and serve as the vital distributor on the attack, impressing US counterpart Landon Donovan.

"Essien is dynamic. He is the modern two-way player. He plays tough defence and he scores a lot of goals," Donovan said.

"He's going to hurt you if you're not aware of where he is all the time. So we're going to be aware."

While Ghana and the US squad have never played a full international, they did meet in the 1999 under-17 world consolation final. Defender coordinator Essien helped Ghana get the best of attacker Donovan's US side to finish third.

Asked if he recalled Essien from the match, Donovan admitted, "No, I don't. But you can say I did."

Donovan might soon remember Essien as the man who sparked a poor African nation's side to a World Cup dream triumph over a team from one of the wealthiest and most powerful places on the planet to doom their Cup hopes.

Just ask Czech goalkeeper Peter Cech, who saw his own country's title hopes imperiled by his Chelsea teammate.

"Essien showed what a great player he is," Cech said.

A repeat performance could leave audiences dancing in the streets of Ghana.

Source: AFP

RAUL once more the king of Spain

Spanish football icon Raul shook off a dose of the substitutes' blues to help relaunch Spain's World Cup campaign in a pulsating 3-1 win over Tunisia in Group H on Monday.

Raul came off the bench at the start of the second half to equalise Jawer Mnari's shock eighth-minute opener for Roger Lemerre's former African champions to settle the nerves of Luis Aragones and his players.

Atletico Madrid's Fernando Torres then struck the first of two goals after beating the Tunisian defence to a through ball from second half substitute Cesc Fabregas.
Torres, who also scored in Spain's 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine, finished Spain's top scorer on the night after he beat Tunisia keeper Ali Boumnijel from the penalty spot to take his World Cup tally to three goals.

However it was Raul's revival, after what has been an uncertain start to his third World Cup, that stole the show as Spain booked their second round ticket with a match to spare.

Torres admitted it was Raul's goal that was the catalyst for their fightback.

"For a long time nothing was going right for us up front but we were persistent," he said.

"I'm really happy I scored two goals, but Raul's goal was really important for our team. It kept us going."

Coming off a desperate season with Real Madrid due to a three-month injury layoff, Raul has looked down in the dumps ever since realising that his lack of match form would keep him down the Spain pecking order.

When he came on for the start of the second half he took some time to find his rhythm. But when he did he looked back to his old self, roaming the area looking for space and waiting to pounce on any loose balls.

In the 71st minute Raul found an opening when he held off his marker to pounce on a rebound in the area and beat keeper Ali Boumnijel from six yards out.

The goal took his record for Spain to 44 in 97 international appearances, but Raul was characteristically modest.

"It was very important for the team to get back on terms. It calmed us down and it says a lot for the team that we hung on in there and came back," he said.

It could however give Aragones a potential selection headache once the going gets tough in the second round after the final group match against Saudi Arabia on Friday. So far Aragones has favoured Liverpool's Luis Garcia playing behind Torres and on-form Valencia striker David Villa, who finished the Primera Liga's second top goalscorer behind Samuel Eto'o of Barcelona last season, in a promising 4-3-3.

However despite creating plenty of chances in the first half against the strudy north Africans, Tunisia's tough defensive tactics called for a change of plan. Aragones admitted that Raul had provided the perfect answer to Tunisia's physical presence at the back.

"We don't have big, two-metre tall players in our team - but we do have Raul, and he is able to react quickly," said Aragones, who also highlighted the sterling work of Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas.

"The way Cesc and Raul interpreted our kind of game worked perfectly. In the end we deserved to win."

Source: AFP

Mature TERRY ready to face challenge of his life

England's ambition at the World Cup is a mosaic of individual aspirations. This is a youngish squad yet its members have mostly been around long enough to experience the struggle of a career.

John Terry, captain of dominant Chelsea though he may be now, recalls how far he was from being equipped for the 2002 version of this tournament when he was 21. "It didn't even enter my head that I should be in the squad," he said. "I wasn't ready. When you look at Rio [Ferdinand] and Sol Campbell, they were different class. I wasn't near them. I feel ready now and it's time for me to prove myself."

Terry is right to suppose that he is still to demonstrate his worth fully. During Euro 2004, his sole tournament with England, they conceded four goals in the three matches he played. Though he was not particularly to blame, all their attacking prowess will be in vain this summer unless the defence functions much better.
He feels added experience and greater understanding will make a crucial difference this time. "You want to be the best," he said. "I'm improving and I'm trying to get there. When I train with Chelsea and England I don't just come away and get on the bus. I'm thinking about the work I've done and what I need to improve on."

There has been a certain amount on which to reflect lately. The cameras caught his amusement and bemusement when the 19-year-old Aaron Lennon beat him comprehensively in a practice session. At 25, Terry already has to wonder at youngsters such as the Spurs winger and, to an extent, Theo Walcott.

"It's frightening when you have players like that," he said. "They know no different. Give them the ball and they get at people. If they do come on they will do a lot of damage." Terry has to plan to keep England out of harm's way when they meet Paraguay at the start of Group B on Saturday.

The defender has spoken with his Chelsea team-mate Hernán Crespo, who has played for Argentina against Aníbal Ruiz's side. Owen Hargreaves has also been consulted for information on his fellow Bayern Munich player Roque Santa Cruz. Paraguay's other forward Haedo Valdez, now moving to Borussia Dortmund, is known to the England midfielder as well.

There is an element of studiousness to Terry that might not have been anticipated in so visceral a defender. "It's down to ourselves, apart from what Steve McClaren and the boss do, to find out information for ourselves," he said. In the qualifiers Paraguay beat Argentina so they should offer a serious measure by which to judge England.

Ruiz's team may take the pace out of the game and even resort to minor fouls. This has been billed as a World Cup of strict officiating and Peter Mikkelsen, the former referee and now a Fifa adviser, did state on his visit to the England camp that shirtpulling, for instance, might lead to a booking.

Terry has to avoid a caution and hope Paraguay are chastened by yellow cards. When Wayne Bridge caught him on the ankle in training on Tuesday, though, the defender's first thought was "I could be on the way home". No matter how difficult Paraguay turn out to be, Terry's sense of gratitude at being part of this World Cup should stay undiminished.

Source: Kevin McCarra, The Guardian

LAMPARD wears weight of expectation lightly

If you were one of England's team of physios, you might try to talk Frank Lampard out of wearing the gigantic gold-encrusted watch that glittered from his left wrist when he turned up to meet the press in the garden cafe of a Baden-Baden hotel yesterday. Not only did it look heavy enough to pull his vertebrae out of alignment, its high bling quotient seemed an affront to a man who, having grown out of his phase of youthful indiscretions, otherwise radiates maturity and good sense.

Unfailingly polite and considerate, he was nevertheless quick to correct one journalist who prefaced a question about a 40-year record of disappointment in major tournaments with the casual suggestion that "England are the greatest nation in the world".

"I don't think anyone's got a divine right to win any tournament," Lampard replied. "And I don't know about England being the greatest nation in the world. I understand what you're saying, and with the top clubs and the top players we've got you'd hope to win more. But we can only look at ourselves. I've watched us lose World Cups in the past, and we've fallen short."

Omitted from Eriksson's squad four years ago, he went on holiday to the United States. The plan was to get away from the World Cup, but he found himself drawn to it. Watching the match against Argentina on television, however, he fell asleep and had to ring home for the result. Two years later he was acclaimed as the most effective performer in the Euro 2004 party, but not even the memory of three goals in four games could assuage the pain of elimination at the quarter-final stage.

"It was horrible on the pitch, it was horrible that evening with the families, and it was horrible the next morning, packing your bags to go home," he recollected yesterday. "I love all this - not just the games but the build-up and everything around it. It's where everyone wants to be. So when you're getting sent home, there's no worse feeling. And that's the kind of feeling that can drive you on to success."

Reluctant to go overboard in his predictions, he was none the less keen to promote a positive outlook. "I know that every time we sit down to talk about it we say the squad's stronger than it's ever been and that kind of thing, but I do feel an extra maturity about the team. Some of the players have an extra tournament behind them and they're now physically at their peak, and there's the mixture of the young players who've come in and are offering us that freshness and pace and an attitude that isn't fearful of anything because they've never been here before.

"We've got so many players who've played under high pressure and been successful, whether they're Liverpool players or Chelsea players or Manchester United or Arsenal players. People might say if we get to the semi-final that's a good achievement, but we've got top players and top personalities throughout the squad and we're putting pressure on ourselves to win it. We shouldn't come with any other attitude than that. And when you see players like John Terry, Steven Gerrard and Gary Neville, you're not talking about players who're in it for themselves. You're talking about players who're in it to back up their team-mates and go on and win the tournament."

Lampard will celebrate his 28th birthday on June 20, the night England play Sweden in Cologne in their final group match. His form for Chelsea this season has been subject to fluctuations, and a dip towards the end of the league campaign was mirrored in relatively quiet performances against Hungary and Jamaica, although he scored the opening goal, his 11th in 32 appearances, against the Caribbean team, having missed a penalty against the east Europeans.

"I think my own form is very good," he said yesterday. "The season before I was very consistent and I finished it on a big high that lasted a long time. I think once you've set yourself those levels, the moment they aren't as high everyone wants to jump in. But I'm big enough now not to get too upset."

A two-week holiday after another long season seems to have paid the expected dividends in terms of physical and mental recuperation. "I certainly enjoyed the break," he said. "It was good foresight by the manager to fight to get it for us. Now I feel very fresh and hungry to start the games. And I have no fear. I go into it feeling very confident and I want to be a massive player for England in this World Cup."

Source: Richard Williams - The Guardian

Captain BALLACK writes off Germany's chances of victory

On the eve of the World Cup Germany's captain Michael Ballack yesterday gave a remarkably bleak assessment of their prospects in the tournament, describing his team as "deficient". In an interview with the German newspaper Der Tages-spiegel Ballack admitted his side, who take on Costa Rica tomorrow in the opening match in Munich, lacked the experience of previous squads.

Ballack, who is almost certain to play tomorrow after being cleared by doctors to resume training after a calf strain, said: "In comparison with some of the big teams we have deficiencies. Perhaps I'm wrong. I very much hope I'm wrong."

The midfielder missed two training sessions this week, prompting fears that Germany would be without their talismanic captain tomorrow, but he said: "It's not so bad. I'm sure I can play against Costa Rica. It's a hangover of the game against Colombia. I noticed on Sunday evening that there was still a stubborn twinge in my calf. But I'm optimistic it can be completely treated."

However Ballack, who will move from Bayern Munich to Chelsea after the World Cup, was surprisingly pessimistic about Germany's chances of winning on home soil. He said: "We have a team that is still in development. We don't have the choice [of players] we had during the 1990 World Cup, or in my opinion we had during the 1996 European Championships. There were many, many more tested and experienced international players back then. That isn't the case with this team."

He continued: "The team lives from its enthusiasm and from its lack of anxiety. Of course it makes a few mistakes, too. That's why I'm going into the tournament with a bit of uncertainty." Ballack also admitted that Germany had played too few competitive games since Jürgen Klinsmann took over as coach two years ago. "We've had virtually only friendly matches," Ballack said. "The only tough test was during the Confederations' Cup. It was the only opportunity to measure ourselves in comparable conditions."

The mood in the German camp, now based at their headquarters in Berlin, appears to have lightened since the defeat of Colombia last weekend. But the Bayern midfielder yesterday conceded that the German squad still had problems, most notably with its defence. This was most recently exposed during Germany's friendly last week against Japan. At one point in the second half Germany were 2-0 down, recovering to draw 2-2. "Our results in the run-up to the World Cup show that this team wobbles. It isn't always stable," Ballack said.

Germany were not assuming easy victories in the group stage and would take their first-round opponents - Costa Rica, Poland and Ecuador - "very seriously", he said. German commentators, meanwhile, have been full of criticism of Klinsmann's attempts to transform Germany's playing style to the offensive rapid game now commonplace in the Premier League and elsewhere.

Ballack was cautiously supportive of Klinsmann's aims but warned yesterday that the team needed to avoid costly mistakes. He told Der Tagesspiegel: "Our weakness is when defending. In the past two years we have never really got it right. We want to play forward and quickly. That's right, fundamentally, but sometimes we play forward too quickly and lose the ball. We have to be clear that we can't just think about attacking."

Ballack said he had a good relationship with Klinsmann but admitted they had disagreed over the team's playing style - with the captain last week publicly criticising Germany's inadequate defence. "We exchange views about the team's latest condition and what sort of shape it's in, both mentally and physically," he said. "The trainer is the decisive figure and wants us to play offensively. He also knows my opinion, though."

Asked whether the current Germany squad was now "his" team, Ballack said. "What do you mean my team? I became captain of a very young team two years ago. I've given my best to bring it on. But it's been a hard piece of work."

Source: Luke Harding - The Guardian

CISSE out for France after breaking leg in friendly

Djibril Cissé's chances both of featuring in the World Cup finals and leaving Liverpool appeared to have been dashed last night when he was stretchered from the field with a suspected broken leg during France's final pre-tournament friendly against China in Saint-Etienne.

The 24-year-old striker was chasing the ball down the right flank only 10 minutes into the fixture when he was knocked off balance by a China defender and, as he fell, his right leg twisted under him and buckled above the ankle. He departed the turf in agony and was replaced by David Trezeguet, with the France medical team's initial assessment suggesting he had broken his right tibia.

Should scans on the injury confirm the worst today Cissé will definitely miss his country's campaign in Germany - they depart for Hanover this morning - and may also be denied an escape route from Anfield. The Marseille sporting director Pape Diouf was on Merseyside yesterday discussing a possible move for the former Auxerre striker, who joined Liverpool for a club-record £14.1m in 2004 but has been made aware of the FA Cup winners' willingness to sell him.
Marseille's insistence that they wished to take him initially on a long-term loan basis meant no agreement had been reached over his departure for Stade Vélodrome, and they are likely to drop their interest if he has suffered a long-term injury.

Cissé missed much of his first season at Anfield after suffering a double fracture of his left leg in falling awkwardly in a Premiership match at Blackburn Rovers in October 2004.

"It is bad but we cannot say very much right now," said France's coach Raymond Domenech. "He has gone to the hospital for tests and we are extremely worried. We all saw what happened and it is hugely disappointing. We will go and see Djibril first but there will be solutions available to us."

Domenech will consider calling up the Barcelona midfielder Ludovic Giuly, the Lyon striker Sidney Govou or Fenerbahce's Nicolas Anelka as a replacement for the tournament.

Source: Dominic Fifield, The Guardian

ROONEY is injury free

Sven-Goran Eriksson today insisted Wayne Rooney is "injury free" and now just needs to obtain match fitness before he plays in the World Cup. The England coach declared the final decision on when the Manchester United striker can play in Germany will be "Rooney's and mine" after the player's club stated that independent medical opinion pointed to him not being ready to play until after the group stage.

Rooney joined in training with the rest of the squad in Baden-Baden this morning after undergoing a scan on his broken metatarsal in Manchester yesterday. United said last night that the 20-year-old "will require very careful assessment in order to address his suitability" to play.

However, Eriksson said today: "The good news from yesterday evening and today is Rooney has no more injury. He is injury free and it is up to us now to get him match-fit and when we think he is match-fit I am prepared to take him to any specialist we or Manchester United want to take him to."

Eriksson read out a prepared statement at this morning's press conference and then refused to answer any more questions on the subject from the assembled media. He referred to the independent medical advice given by Angus Wallace, a professor of orthopaedic surgery at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre and a former chairman of the National Sports Medicine Institute, who was on hand at the Whalley Range clinic which Rooney visited yesterday.

"Professor Wallace assured me this morning that he will be here when we think he is match fit," added Eriksson. "I'm prepared to listen to everyone and discuss with them about Wayne Rooney but the last say in this story is Rooney's and mine. I'm doing this in the best interests of Rooney, the England team and 40 million England fans. I'm responsible for it and I don't want any more discussions about Rooney until I tell you he is match fit. I don't want my players talking about Wayne Rooney's foot or injury and I hope you respect that."

It would appear the Swede is determined to field Rooney when he is considered to be fully fit despite another warning from United this morning, this time coming from Old Trafford director Sir Bobby Charlton, himself a World Cup winner with England in 1966.

What we don't want is for somebody to make a decision to play him when he's not fully fit," said Charlton. "That's dangerous for his future career, he's only a young boy."

Rooney broke his foot when playing for United against Chelsea on April 29 and his appearance in any of England's group games - they play Paraguay on Saturday, Trinidad
and Tobago next Thursday and Sweden on June 20 - would represent a remarkable recovery.

The second-round game, should England qualify, will be on June 24 or 25, depending on whether they win Group B or come second.

England captain David Beckham revealed Rooney had proved his fitness alongside the other members of the England squad. "He's done the fitness tests the way the other lads have done them. With him he will play when he is ready and that will be down to the management. It's nice now that all the squad are fit and back in training," said Beckham.

There were words of sympathy for Jermain Defoe, meanwhile, as Rooney's recovery means the Tottenham striker, who had been on stand-by, will have to leave the squad. "I think it's always hard when players have been in the squad all the way through," added Beckham. "Whether he stays with the team or goes on holiday Jermain is one of the best strikers in Europe. He's been top class so he will be sadly missed."

Steven Gerrard also welcomed the news on Rooney but sympathised with Defoe. "Jermain's been really professional," said the Liverpool captain. "Everyone knows he's a fantastic talent but unfortunately the manager can only pick 23 players. We've had good news on Wayne getting the all-clear after the scan but it's a shame because he's (Defoe) such a wonderful talent."

Source: Tom Lutz and agencies (Guardian)

Who's the greatest? RONALDINHO?

Can Ronaldinho, the smiling, mouth-full-of-teeth, feet-full-of-tricks Brazilian midfielder and goalscorer approach or even surpass the stature of Pele? Epoca, a Brazilian weekly magazine, asks that question in a recent cover story. The fact it even dares to raise the issue suggests how far Ronaldinho, 26, has come in a few years from humble beginnings at the Gremio soccer club in southern Brazil.

Without question, Ronaldinho is now the best-known, most-feared footballer around. When he gets the ball a hush descends. Anything can happen: an opponent left gaping; a defense-splitting pass of perfect weight and unlikely vision; a shot of outrageous precision. All executed with a playful whimsy, as if genius were the most natural thing in the world.

Ronaldinho has just helped his club, Barcelona, to its second consecutive Spanish League title, and to a European Champions League triumph over Arsenal. He was the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005, and also won the Golden Ball award for best European player last year. Recognition is coming thick and fast.

Still, the verdict in Brazil from six experts, including former World Cup stars Rivellino and Tostao, was: Ronaldinho's not there yet, not by some distance. In most areas of the game, and especially in shooting and heading, they gave Pele a clear advantage. The two players scored equal in dribbling, while Ronaldinho just edged Pele in control, and Pele was the narrow winner in passing. Overall, Pele got 465 points to Ronaldinho's 428.5. The beaming Barcelona boy, it seems, still has work to do.

Just how much is borne out by a few statistics. Pele scored 1,283 goals in 1,375 games, for an average of 0.93 per game. Ronaldinho is averaging just under half that. Pele won three World Cups (1958, 1962 and 1970); Ronaldinho has one to his name (2002). Pele won 11 league titles with Santos; Ronaldinho has three (one with Gremio, two with Barcelona).

The question of whether Pele can be equalled has come up before, of course. Maradona often seemed close, especially during Argentina's 1986 World Cup victory in Mexico.
Brazil's Zico (now managing Japan) was mentioned for a while in the same breath as the maestro. But the world's judgment in the end was: nope, not quite, nice try. Comparisons across the years, in any sport, are difficult. Is Roger Federer greater than Rod Laver or Bjorn Borg? How would Mike Tyson have fared in the ring against Joe Louis? And what about Michael Schumacher racing against another Brazilian, Emerson Fittipaldi? Go figure.

I think it's too early to rule out Ronaldinho's chances of equalling Pele. He has everything, starting with breathtaking skill and a good temperament. Or rather, almost everything: his heading stinks. He's the same age as Pele was in the 1966 World Cup. If Ronaldinho can lift Brazil to its sixth triumph in Germany and follow that, at the age of 30, with another inspired performance in South Africa in 2010, his claims to sit alongside Pele in the pantheon will become irrefutable. That's a lot of "ifs," I know, but no more than Ronaldinho has already overcome in his journey from a humble home in the southern city of Porto Alegre.

Source: Roger Cohen - IHT Blogs

Pires shuns future plans before Barca game

By Richard Clarke

Robert Pires will not let talk about his future interfere with preparations for the Champions League Final.

It is possible that Wednesday’s clash with Barcelona could be the 32-year-old’s last game in a six-year spell with Arsenal. He is out of contract in the summer and has been talking to other clubs for sometime, including vanquished Semi-Finalists Villarreal. For his part Arsène Wenger is hopeful Pires will stay.

"The situation is quite simple at the moment," said the French midfielder.

"We’ve got the Final coming up and we're going to focus on that and then afterwards I'll decide whether I’m going to stay or leave."

"At the moment I honestly don't know what I'm going to do. I can say that Arsenal has been a fantastic Club for me at every level and in every sense but I need to think as to whether I’m going to stay here or try going to another country."

"But I think at the moment we need to really concentrate on the Final and we need to be allowed to do that because we’re going to have to do absolutely everything we can to win the Final. My personal situation will come afterwards."

Pires feels Arsenal are coming good at the right time and, although he accepts few people thought they could reach the Paris showpiece, Wenger's men could just nick it.

"We’ve been on a very good run in both the League and the Champions League," said the former Marseille midfielder. "I think we’ve showed that no matter what happens we can recover from it.

"Obviously we've finished fourth in the Premiership. That was our objective because we've got into the Champions League for next year and I think we've surprised a lot of people and a lot of teams - Real Madrid, Juventus and Villarreal — in the competition this year.

"I don't think anyone expected us to make it to the Final but it often happens that a dark horse gets there. I think that if we carry on playing as well as we've been playing recently then we've got a really good chance."

(Arsenal.com)

JOHN OBI MIKEL thrives on centre stage

Mikel thrives on centre stage

Matt Spiroan, from Cairo

When John Obi Mikel was replaced in the second half of Nigeria's African Cup of Nations semi-final against the Ivory Coast the game seemed to be up for the Super Eagles. Trailing to Didier Drogba's goal, Nigeria looked devoid of ideas without their teenage prodigy and not even the introduction of Jay-Jay Okocha, so often a match-winner in the past, could raise their flagging spirits.

Mikel impact

That Nigeria are already relying so heavily on the SFK Lyn Oslo midfield player says much about the impact he has made in Egypt. Rarely can a player have been hyped up so much before even featuring at the highest level, but the elegant 18-year-old, who is the subject of a much-publicised tug-of-war between Manchester United FC and Chelsea FC, wasted little time in showing people what the fuss was about. Playing with remarkable poise for someone so young and displaying the vision of a genuine creator, Mikel lit up the tournament with his graceful displays and suggested he will be Nigeria's fulcrum for years to come. He made his mark within seven minutes of coming on against Zimbabwe, setting up the game's opening goal with a precise corner to Christian Obodo, then sealing victory by scoring with a firm right-footed strike.

(With Mikel coming through it seems Nigeria's future is in good hands: Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu)

Okocha praise

His decisive performance prompted a wave of compliments from the Nigerian camp, with Okocha describing him as "one of the best young players I have seen. Maybe even the best." Nwankwo Kanu, meanwhile, told uefa.com that Mikel's arrival had come at the right time for Nigeria. "He's an unusual talent because he has the ability to play a killer pass," Kanu said. "We've always had good creative players in the past, but neither myself, Jay-Jay nor Wilson Oruma will be around forever. With Mikel coming through it seems Nigeria's future is in good hands.”


Cool penalty

After his heroics against Zimbabwe, Mikel started Nigeria's next three games, creating another goal against Senegal, then picking up his second man-of-the-match award in the quarter-final against Tunisia during which he coolly converted his spot kick in the penalty shootout win. While scores of foreign journalists marvelled at Nigeria's latest find, those who have followed Mikel closely regarded his displays as a natural progression. "I've known him since he was a boy and I fully expected him to make a big impact," said Nigerian commentator Felix Okugbe. "With Jay-Jay arriving injured we knew he'd have an important role to play and he has proved he's the future of the national team."


'Comfortable background'

Against the Ivory Coast's burly midfield pair of Yaya Touré and Didier Zokora in the semi-final, Mikel's influence waned and as a result Nigeria struggled. Okugbe believes he must work on being more competitive, saying: "Most Nigerian players are street kids and they scrap for their lives. Mikel comes from a more comfortable background. He's very well behaved and his manners are immaculate, but sometimes he must be more forceful on the pitch."


'Complete midfielder'

The son of a former civil servant, Mikel was playing top-flight football for Plateau United aged 15 and, by 2003, was dazzling for his country at the Under-17 FIFA World Championship. After a brief spell in South Africa with Ajax Cape Town, Mikel gained global recognition last year by starring at the FIFA World Youth Championship where Nigeria were beaten 2-1 in the final by Argentina. Nigeria’s scorer that day was Chinedu Ogbuke, Mikel’s best friend and club-mate at Lyn. Ogbuke, himself a highly-rated striker, does not hesitate in tipping his pal for greatness. "He's already a wonderful player and I love playing in front of him because he can change a game at any moment," Ogbuke told uefa.com. "His passing is his greatest strength, but he's a complete midfielder because he knows when to hold the play up and when to change the pace, he works hard and he also scores goals."


'Strong character'

Unfortunately for Mikel events off the pitch have made more headlines than his performances in recent times, and, according to Ogbuke, confusion over his immediate future is weighing heavily on his young shoulders. "The problems between United and Chelsea have been getting him down but he's trying to keep a clear head," Ogbuke explained. "Playing so well in Egypt shows he has a strong character and I'm sure he'll succeed in England." Nigeria defender Joseph Yobo has also been impressed by Mikel’s mental strength, comparing the teenager to his former Everton FC team-mate Wayne Rooney. "There are similarities between the two because, like Rooney, Mikel has great self-confidence," Yobo said. "That's very important. Look at Wayne now, he's one of the best in the world." Given his recent displays, it may not be long before Mikel is in the same category.

©uefa.com 1998-2006. All rights reserved.

Togo's Adebayor takes flight

Standing an impressive 1.90 metres tall, Togo's Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor has been Arsene Wenger's choice for Arsenal's starter squad in many match.

Adebayor (21) has signed for Arsenal from AS Monaco on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee at January. He was the top scorer in the entire African Zone in the 2006 World Cup Qualifiers with 11 goals, helping Togo reach the World Cup Finals for the first time in the country's history.

Emmanuel has been a regular in the AS Monaco team over the past three seasons and was part of the squad which came runners-up in the 2004 UEFA Champions League. Before joining AS Monaco, Adebayor spent two seasons at French side Metz, where he made his first team debut for the club in Ligue 1 at the tender age of 17.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said: "Emmanuel Adebayor is a great addition to our squad. He has shown in his performances with Monaco and Togo that he will add great quality to our offensive game. He is tall, good in the air and makes good runs. We are looking forward to him joining the squad when he returns from the African Nations Cup."

Emmanuel Adebayor said: "This is a great day for me. I am joining Arsenal, one of Europe's leading teams, with a squad containing so many great players. I am looking forward to working very hard for the team and I hope I can give the Arsenal fans a lot of enjoyment in the future."

Born in 1984, Adebayor was spotted by a scout from FC Metz at the age of 15 playing for Togo at a tournament in Sweden. Since moving to France, he has not looked back. Making his professional debut aged barely 18, he played 10 games in his first season (scoring two goals) but was unable to prevent his formative club being relegated. As it turned out, Metz's relegation proved something of a godsend for the young Togolese, who took full advantage of this spell at a lower level to impose himself. In 34 matches played, he netted 13 times, making a name for himself in French football in the process.

His goals ensured Metz's return to the top flight, and he was lured to Monaco at the start of the 2003/04 season. Alongside the likes of Fernando Morientes, Dado Prso, and Ludovic Giuly, he continued his apprenticeship. As Monaco went head to head with Lyon for the French title, the youngster chipped in with eight goals for Didier Deschamp's charges.


Nonda the benchmark

The icing on the cake last season came in Monaco's fabulous Champions League campaign that was eventually ended by FC Porto in the final. The highlight for the young African was taking the field in the historic quarter-final second leg with Real Madrid. "It was absolutely amazing. Six years ago, when watching the World Cup Final on TV at home, I said to myself how unbelievable it would be to play against Zidane. But in football, anything really is possible. You just have to never give up and keep on working hard. When you believe in yourself, it always pays off in the end."

Blessed with lightning pace, excellent ball-shielding and dribbling skills, a highly developed sense of teamwork and all-important ruthlessness in front of goal, Adebayor has begun to look every inch the complete attacker this season. After 32 matches, he has already chalked up eight goals, including two in Europe. The ever-humble young man offers the following explanation for his successful development: "Shabani Nonda helped me a lot when I first came to Monaco. He’s like my big brother. When he was badly injured, he set me the goal of replacing him." A better role model would surely be hard to find.

*****


Emmanuel Adebayor - player factfile

Following the news that Emmanuel Adebayor has agreed to join Arsenal Football Club, we've put together a factfile on the young striker...

- Made his first team debut for Metz in French Ligue 1 at the age of 17.
- UEFA Champions League runner-up with AS Monaco in 2004.
- Togolese Footballer of the Year in 2004.
- Finished top scorer for the African Zone in the 2006 World Cup Qualifiers with 11 goals, helping Togo reach the Finals.
- Member of the Togo squad for the African Nations Cup in Egypt.
- Has already featured in this year's UEFA Champions League, playing for AS Monaco in the Third Qualifying Round against Real Betis.


PLAYER PROFILE

Full name: Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor
Nationality: Togolese
Born: 26th February 1984. Lome, Togo
Age: 21
Height/Weight: 190cm / 75kg
Previous Clubs: Metz
2001/02: 10 appearances (2 goals)
2002/03: 34 (13)

AS Monaco
2003/04: 31 (8)
2004/05: 34 (9)
2005/06: 18 (4)
Position: Forward
Transfer details: Long term contract, undisclosed fee
International Honours: Togo
2004 - Present: 13 appearances (11 goals)

(Source: FIFAworldcup.com & Arsenal.com)

Ramos' dream within reach

While Spain were battling it out at Korea/Japan 2002, a 16-year-old Spaniard by the name of Sergio Ramos was roaring them on from his home in distant Seville and longing for the day when he too would don the famous red jersey. Now, four years down the road, it looks as if the youngster's dream is about to come true.

Ramos' progress both at club and international level has been nothing short of meteoric. He made his Spanish league debut with Sevilla in February 2004 and then went on to play six more top-flight games that season. After another 31 appearances for the Andalusian club the following year, Real Madrid were sufficiently impressed to fork out an eye-watering €27million to take the gifted defender to the Bernabeu.

"Very few kids of my age have managed to do what I've done," says Ramos during an exclusive interview with FIFAworldcup.com. "It's true the only thing I have right now on my CV is the European U-19 Championship, but that's something I intend to address very soon," he adds with a smile. It seems that the number 19 has been an auspicious one for the young Sergio. It was at the UEFA European U-19 Championship in Switzerland that he won his first international tournament, helping Spain to victory over Turkey in the final. Then on 30 March 2005 - the player's 19th birthday - he made his debut for the senior side in their crunch FIFA World Cup™ qualifier in Belgrade against Serbia and Montenegro wearing, you guessed it, the No19 shirt.

"I was over the moon when (coach Luis) Aragones gave me my chance. Naturally, I chose that number because of my birthday. All in all, it was a very special day for me," he confesses, the emotions of the whole experience still fresh in his mind.

In December Aragones brought together 33 players whom he felt were candidates for a place in the Spain squad for Germany and Ramos was among them. "It was a group occasion and an opportunity for us all to meet and spend some quality time together. After lunch, the coach stressed that it was imperative we keep on working hard with such an important competition as the World Cup coming up. The final squad will be chosen from the 33 of us who were there."

The prospect of playing in his first FIFA World Cup at just 20 is the stuff of dreams for this born-and-bred Andalusian. Though he welcomes his coach's motivational words, Ramos says his own hunger is enough to make him strive during every game and training session for a place in Germany.

"That is one of the goals I've set myself, and it's a significant one for any footballer. I'll fight every day to achieve success with my team and to make it to the World Cup," he vows.

Ramos has played in the centre of defence, as a defensive midfielder and at right-back, but where does he feel most at home? "I've been asked that question many times but have never given a straight answer. That's because I believe versatility is a very important quality in a player. As long as the coach decides to play me from the start, I'm not too bothered about where I play."

He already knows Aragones would rather play him on the right, which would put him in direct conflict for a starting place with Real Madrid team-mate Michel Salgado. The choice would be youth versus experience, though interestingly both would be taking their FIFA World Cup bow.

"I think it's very important to have young players in the side, as they can bring something new to the table. That said, I also believe you need to strike a balance between new talent and old heads. In the latter group there are veterans like Raul, (Carles) Puyol, (Fernando) Morientes, guys with a wealth of experience in the national team who have an important role to play both on the field and in the dressing room," says Ramos.

Then there are the young guns. Despite his dramatic rise through the ranks, the defender has not forgotten his old colleagues from the youth sides, even going so far as to make a few recommendations to his boss: "There are many players making a strong case for inclusion. Yes, I know it's complicated, but Cesc Fabregas (at Arsenal) and Andres Iniesta (at Barcelona) are two players who are making the grade and would deserve it."

Ramos firmly believes in Spain's potential and says they have what it takes to make a big impression at the finals in Germany, especially after a relatively kind draw pitted them in Group H alongside Ukraine, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. In spite of that, Ramos is keeping his enthusiasm in check.

"Your first impression might be that it's an easy group, but you have to respect all the teams," he says. "They're where they are for a reason. We know they're all strong sides, even if they don't have the same reputation as some other countries and so we'll be going all out to try and beat them and get out of our group. Ukraine might turn out to be the key side in the group. We know they will be a strong proposition, and so we’ll be very wary of them."

Spain's best ever finish at a FIFA World Cup was fourth, back in Brazil in 1950. Since then they have seen their repeated attempts to emulate that feat founder at the quarter-final stage, and sometimes even earlier. So just how far can they go this time round? "Hopefully all the way to the final," says Ramos.

"We've got a great squad this year, so we're hoping for a great World Cup.

At the very least, we hope to break the curse of the quarter-finals."

Given that almost everything else he has longed for has come true, perhaps that wish will too.

(by FIFAworldcup.com)

Owen bids to repair damage from Sven gaffe

Instead the England striker finds himself attempting to repair a fracture in his relationship with Newcastle's fans caused by Sven-Goran Eriksson's ill-considered suggestion that he is unhappy at Newcastle and only joined the Magpies for the money.

Eriksson's claim was made during an indiscreet discussion with an under-cover reporter posing as a sheikh claiming to be interested in taking over Aston Villa and installing the England manager as boss of the Midlands club.

Along with a description of Rio Ferdinand as "lazy", it was the comments about Owen which were most embarassing for Eriksson because they appeared to confirm an impression that was already firmly implanted in the minds of many Newcastle fans.

Owen, who has just had the cast on his broken foot removed, insisted however that he was happy on Tyneside following his 16-million-pound move from Real Madrid in August.

"I'm enjoying my time here," the 26-year-old claimed. "I enjoyed it out in Madrid, but there is nothing quite like being in the English Premier League and I've not been disappointed since I've been here."

Former Liverpool striker Owen angered Newcastle fans when he voiced frustration over his latest injury in terms of England's World Cup plans without mentioning the club's prospects for the rest of the season.

In an attempt to repair the damage caused by that oversight and Eriksson's ill-judged remarks, Owen said he had been touched by the reception he has had from the Magpies' faithful.

"You always want to repay them for the support they've given you in producing good performances on the pitch. When I'm fit I'm sure I will do that."

Owen had surgery on his foot on January 3 and is not expected to resume playing until mid-March at the earliest.

"I've had the stitches out, the cast is off, and it's all go now," he reported. "I'm not sure about time limits but I'm certainly looking forward to pulling on a black and white shirt again.

"I'm looking at my next targets now. The next one is getting on the bike, then the treadmill, running, and then kicking the ball again.

"As much as it still seems a few weeks away, I'm looking forward to it already. I can see light at the end of the tunnel.

"Thankfully I am going to be back for a decent part of the season and hopefully back into a team playing well. I'm excited about coming back already."

(Source: AFP)

JI-SUNG PARK, profile

Ji-sung Park, or "Ji" as he is called by his United team-mates, is a skilful and energetic player, who can play on the left, on the right, or in the centre of midfield.

His potential to make the leap from Asia to Europe was spotted by Guus Hiddink, who coached Park in the national team before and during the 2002 World Cup.

Later that year, after Korea's phenomenal run to the semi finals, Park followed Hiddink to PSV.

Although he gained widespread recognition in 2005 after scoring against AC Milan in the Champions League semi-finals, Park had been gradually building a reputation at PSV as one of the most highly-regarded young midfielders in Europe.

He began his career with Japanese side Kyoto Purple Sanga in 2000. A regular in the South Korean national side from a young age, he played in all of his country's seven matches in a sensational run to the semi finals of the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.

He moved to PSV on 21 December 2002, but played only a fleeting part as the Dutch side claimed the Eredivisie that year.

Two years later, fully adapted to European football, he was an integral component of Hiddink's side that clinched Holland's League and Cup Double in 2005.

Sir Alex Ferguson's network of scouts have closely followed Park's development since his relocation to Europe. The United boss had the midfielder watched more than 20 times before finally signing him. The Reds made their move just as a host of other clubs, including Chelsea and a number of Italian sides, declared their interest.

Adapting to the English Premiership is Park's biggest test, but he has impressed everybody at the club so far. His pedigree on the European stage, however, is already proven. He played 23 games in the Champions League, scoring twice, for PSV. Remarkably, he had notched over 50 international caps by his 24th birthday.

United announced they had agreed an undisclosed fee for Park, believed to be around £4million, on 22 June 2005. Due to a delay in obtaining a work permit, the South Korean international had to wait until 8 July before he could complete his move to Old Trafford.

***

• Born: 25 February 1981, Seoul, South Korea
• Signed: 8 July 2005, from PSV Eindhoven
• Fee: £4million
• Other Previous Clubs: Kyoto Purple Sanga
• Debut: 9 August 2005 v Debrecen (H) Champions League
• International Team: South Korea

(Source: www.manutd.com)

Argentina in thrall to Messi

Lionel Messi became the toast of Argentina when, just days after his 18th birthday, he inspired his country's U-20 side to a fifth world title with a series of masterful displays at the FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005. Such was the impression made by the prodigious midfielder that in addition to taking home a gold medal he also picked up the adidas Golden Shoe award as top scorer, and the adidas Golden Ball as best player.

"Although he's already a great player, Lionel needs to take things slowly. What he did in this tournament was fantastic, but in order to keep developing his game and improving, he needs to continue along the same lines," said his Argentina coach Francisco Ferraro. 'Messimania' has also broken out back in Argentina with many supporters and analysts already comparing him to the young Diego Maradona.

Indeed 'El Diego' himself was so taken with the youngster's mercurial displays that he personally phoned to offer his congratulations and encouragement. "The truth is that it feels wonderful when the greatest players in the world speak well of you. It gives you an incentive to keep learning and keep working hard," the player told FIFAworldcup.com.

With his extraordinary vision and impressive technical skills, Messi strides about midfield like it is his natural habitat, engineering openings where none appear to exist. Endowed with an explosive turn of pace and a majestic dribble, he is a constant threat to opposing defences, who seem incapable of containing him.

But the left-footed Messi is a lot more than just an orchestrator of play and a neat passer; he has also got a keen eye for goal. His six-goal tally in the Netherlands, in particular the exquisite strike that opened the scoring in the semi-final against Brazil, have marked him out as a formidable goal-scorer in his own right.

History-makerMessi was only 13 when his family moved from Argentina to Spain to escape the economic crisis then ravaging the South American country. After settling in Barcelona, the talented youngster was invited to trials at the Camp Nou, where the youth coach Carles Rexach immediately spotted a star in the making. "I snapped him up there and then. In fact, as a symbolic gesture, I got him to sign for FC Barcelona on the back of a serviette," Rexach later recalled.

Gallery However, at only 1.40m, the diminutive Messi was extremely small and slight for his age, and so the club also undertook to take care of the medical treatment needed to stimulate the player's dormant growth hormones. Three years on, the Argentine made his debut in the Spanish top flight at the age of 16, and then on 1 May 2005 he became the youngest league scorer in Barcelona's history when he got on the score sheet against Albacete at just 17 years, ten months and seven days. Officials at the Spanish Football Federation were not slow either when it came to recognising Messi's huge potential, offering him the chance to represent his adopted country at youth level. However, the player's Argentine roots ran deep and he politely declined in the hope that one day he would get his chance with the Albiceleste.

His faith was rewarded when he was called into Argentina's U-20 squad for the regional qualifiers for Netherlands 2005 in Colombia last January. It was there that South America got its first glimpse of Messi's formidable repertoire as he marked himself out as one of the continent's most talented young players. The Rosario-born starlet then followed that up in the Netherlands with a series of magnificent displays that saw him quickly become the talk of the tournament. Such was the level of interest in the player that the ever-vigilant Barcelona travelled to the Low Countries with an improved contract and revised buy-out clause.

Impressive statsNow tipping the scales at 65 kilos and 1.70m, Messi's vital statistics are almost as impressive as his footballing ones. He grabbed six goals in eight games in the qualifiers, a haul that saw him finish as second highest scorer behind Colombia's much-vaunted marksman Hugo Rodallega.

Then in the Netherlands, the teen sensation came into his own, scoring six times in seven games as well as laying on two wonderful assists. All told, his goal tally accounted for half of Argentina's total, and every one of them was crucial. His feat is even more impressive when you consider that he started on the bench for Argentina's opening game against the United States – coincidentally the only match they lost in the entire competition.

So integral was Messi to the youth team's success that he become an instant hero to the Argentine public, many of whom are now calling on national coach Jose Pekerman to consider their footballing gem for future assignments with the senior side. When the possibility of such a call-up was mentioned to the shy and self-effacing midfielder, his swift reply was: "It's still much too early for that."

His U-20 coach Ferraro said: "He needs to continue with what he's been doing until now, which is why it's vital that he has a safe environment in which he can develop. He's fortunate to have all his family around him, and all of us, of course. We'll do whatever we can to help in his development. If Jose Pekerman were to call him up to the senior squad, then that would be great for him. He'd see how things are done at that level and learn so much more." Of course, his new status as one of the finest young player of his generation brings with it ever more media attention – something the player has yet to fully come to terms with. Asked recently how he was handling being constantly in the spotlight, the player answered: "I'm trying to deal with it as calmly as I can, although all I really want to do is to get out on the pitch and play football."

DIDIER DROGBA Profiles

After a gentle-paced start to his career in France, Didier hit full sprint after his move to the big time at Marseille where his stunning form and goalscoring helped his club to the 2004 UEFA Cup Final and himself to the France Footballer of the Year Award.

And sprinting plays a big part in the big man's armoury; his pace allied to strength making Didier the type of forward not seen at Stamford Bridge for a long, long time. He also possesses aerial power in front of goal that at times borders on awesome.

Signed for Chelsea in the summer of 2004, Didier's transfer fee makes him the second most expensive striker in British football history, only surpassed by the money paid by Man United for Wayne Rooney.

The man who has spearhead the Ivory Coast to a first World Cup Finals moved from Africa to live in France as a young child and played his early junior football at right-back. He dabbled with various small clubs and even turned down the chance of a trial at Paris Saint-Germain, preferring to learn his trade before attempting the big time.

He did that at Second Division Le Mans before moving up a division to Guingamp whom injury had prevented him joining some years earlier. It was during this spell in Brittany that Didier first came to the attention of Jose Mourinho but after scoring 17 goals in 2002/3 and becoming an international, he had moved out of Porto's price range. Olympique Marseille swooped and they did not regret their move.

Two seasons ago, Didier's second at l'OM, he netted 18 times in 35 league games and six times in the UEFA Cup including braces against Liverpool and Newcastle. FIFA recognised the achievements with a nomination for World Player of the Year.

A groin operation forced him out for most of October and November of his first season at Chelsea and it took some time for him to reach full power again. But Didier scored in the Carling Cup Final and the man asked to fill the central position in the front three netted ten times in the Championship winning campaign and 16 times in all competitions.

Player Info:
Number: 15
Date of Birth: 11 Mar 1978
Career Signed in Chelsea: 20 Jul 2004
Previous clubs: Le Mans, Guingamp, Marseille

(Chelsea site)

THIERRY HENRY We Are Learning the Hard Way

Thierry Henry believes Arsenal are paying a heavy price for their mistakes this season.
The captain was disconsolate as he spoke after Tuesday’s heartbreaking exit from the Carling Cup at the hands of Wigan. Arsenal were on the cusp of another trip to Cardiff before Jason Roberts profited on hesitancy in the home defence to fire in from close range.

“I think that is a reflection of our season right there,” said Henry. “It is difficult to take. I know they had a lot of opportunities to score but we had a lot of opportunities.

“On the other side it difficult with the goal we conceded. We conceded the same goal at Everton when maybe we were not playing that great but it looked like we were going to get back to a good position.

“It was a long ball not really looking for anyone. It would have been sweeter if they had scored with one of their better chances.

“When you play like we did — desire, commitment and creating chances — there is nothing to say about it. I thought we played tremendously at times.

“But at the moment we are making mistakes we cannot afford. We are learning the hard way and it is a bit difficult to swallow.

“We can’t always rely on good football sometimes we need to come out with the win. They did something that we did not do. We did not score at their ground and they did. They kept on believing and got their reward.”

Henry is set to miss Saturday’s trip to Bolton in the FA Cup Fourth Round. Arsenal have already lost at the Reebok Stadium this season in the Premiership, the Frenchman believes it is imperative to get some consistency back on their travels.

“For us it is really important to get points away from home,” he said. “As you saw [on Tuesday] we can play great football but we need to get back on track away from home and make sure we can grab that fourth place in the Premiership.”

(Richard Clarke, Arsenal.com 25 January 2006)

WAYNE ROONEY Biography

Birthdate: 24 Oct 1985
Birthplace: Croxteth, Liverpool
Position: Striker
Appearances: 271
Goals: 122
Joined United: 31 Aug 2004
United Debut: 28 Sept 2004 v Fenerbahce (H)
International: England




Wayne Mark Rooney was born on October 24th, 1985 at Croxteth, Liverpool. He is the first child of parents of Irish descent Thomas Wayne and Jeanette Marie Rooney.

Wayne Rooney burst onto the Old Trafford stage in September 2004, netting an unforgettable hat-trick against Fenerbahce on his debut।

He'd arrived from Everton, his boyhood club, a few weeks earlier, becoming the world's most expensive teenager in the process.

But it wasn't his performances for the Toffees that had sparked United's interest, mind you. Staff at Carrington knew about Wayne from a much, much earlier age.

"Our U-9 side played Everton's boys one day and they absolutely hammered us," now-Academy manager Paul McGuinness remembers. "Rooney scored a few

[six, actually], but there was one that stood out. It was basically the classic overhead kick, the perfect bicycle kick, which for a kid of eight or nine years old was really something special."

Given that, perhaps his performance on his United debut wasn't that surprising after all! Indeed, it merely hinted at what was to follow. By the end of the 2004/05 campaign Rooney had amassed 17 goals in 43 appearances and was rightly named PFA Young Player of the Year.

Rooney’s second season at Old Trafford again saw him take huge strides. He ended the season with 19 goals in 48 matches and was voted both Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year by fans and PFA Young Player of the year (again) by his fellow professionals.

The young striker openly aims to better his goal tally each season and, despite a difficult World Cup with England in 2006, Rooney went on to net 23 times for United as the Reds lifted the Carling Cup and a first English title in three years.

Cristiano Ronaldo stole all the headlines in 2007/08, but Rooney chipped in with another 18 goals, a tally that included three league braces and four goals in Europe. His exciting strike partnership with 19-goal Carlos Tevez

was one of the key factors in the Reds' Premier League and Champions League double triumph and cemented his iconic status at Old Trafford.

But it's not just Wayne's goals that have endeared him to the United faithful. A tireless worker, Rooney always gives 100 per cent and can't stand losing. They're traits that have, from time to time, landed him in hot water but Reds fans recognise the odd over-zealous challenge or act of petulance is merely a by-product of Rooney's immense passion and will to win.

The striker's ability to adapt is an attribute often overlooked. Although most at home leading the line or playing just behind a main striker, Rooney has delivered sparkling displays from out wide on numerous occasions. With pace to burn and an eye for a long, raking pass, Rooney's just as effective creating chances as he is taking them.

That said, goals are Rooney's bread and butter and not even the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov at Old Trafford in September 2008 could diminish Rooney's potency. Indeed, the pair forged a strong partnership up front and, in January 2009, Wayne embarked on a scoring run that saw him net in five consecutive league games.

A month earlier, he stole the

show in Japan as United lifted the FIFA Club World Cup, thanks to Rooney's goal in the final and a brace off the bench in the semi.

There was more success to follow in 2008/09 as the England striker picked up his third league winners' medal with the Reds in May. Sadly, however, Rooney and United couldn't add another European title as Barcelona ran out victorious in the Champions League final in Rome.

The striker began the 2009/10 campaign in fine fettle, netting in the Reds' opening two games against Chelsea, in the Community Shield, and Birmingham City in the league.

Another energetic display from Rooney followed in the 5-0 thrashing of Wigan at the DW Stadium on 22 August during which he fired his 100th and 101st goals for the Reds.*

RONALDINH0 Best of the Best

"I still have a video of my father, which I watch before every game I play for Brazil. It gives me strength, makes me determined." -Ronaldinho

Ronaldo de Assis Moreira -- or Ronaldinho Gaucho to nickname-happy Brazilians -- was born on March 21, 1980 in the southern city of Porto Alegre. Like most Brazilian soccer prodigies, he came from a poor family and was raised in the heart of the dirt road-laced settlements known as favelas.

But his family loved the sport and found joy in playing it. Ronaldinho's father, Joao da Silva Moreira, played in an amateur club when he wasn't working as a welder or guarding the Gremio soccer stadium. Even though it was Ronaldinho's older brother Roberto who was a rising star in the Gremio club, Joao saw in young Ronaldinho a true champion. The way the boy dribbled a ball around the furniture at home was unbelievable.

Sadly, Joao would never get to see Ronaldinho shine on the world stage. When Ronaldinho was only eight, Joao drowned in a swimming pool.

Roberto's own dreams were shattered along with his knee; relegated to a substitute player, he nonetheless had a fruitful career playing in Switzerland, Japan and Mexico. This gave him the experience necessary to manage his little brother's soccer career.

Hardly out of Gremio's boot camp, Ronaldinho was a key player in Brazil's victory in the Under-17 World Championship in 1997. And he scored 15 goals in 14 matches for Gremio, making the chiefs of the national squad salivate along with the Europeans teams. PSV Eindhoven offered Gremio about 7 million euros for Ronaldinho. The club promptly turned down the chump change.

Enter Wanderley Luxemburgo, the head coach of the national team going to the 1999 Copa America in Paraguay. Coming in at the end of a match against Venezuela, Ronaldinho scored a goal so perfect, it belonged in the Louvre. The following day, the Brazilian press was comparing him to the legendary Pele.

A few months passed and Europe was starting to realize Ronaldinho's value. Leeds offered the staggering sum of close to 75 million euros -- about $96 million -- but Gremio refused, keeping the star for the 2000 season.

But Ronaldinho was hungry for the bigger pitches, and eventually found himself in the starting team of Paris Saint-Germain and in the hearts of French fans. Many say his seasons there were lukewarm, with a low goal count (eight in 27 matches in his second year).

2002 was the year of the "Ro"s. In the World Cup co-hosted by Korea and Japan, it was the deadly trio of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos that made nations shiver. But it was Ronaldinho who really blew the world away in a spectacular free kick against England. The curve of the ball seemed to defy physics and glided past David Seaman's fingers. Ronaldinho's art helped capture Brazil's world victory. Ronaldinho has scored 27 goals in 57 games for the five-time world champion team.

But a conflict with PSG coach Luis Fernandez apparently led Ronaldinho to look elsewhere. He eyed the colossal Manchester United, who was looking for a new hotshot to replace David Beckham. But it was Barcelona that won him in July 2003, offering about 27 million euros (approximately $31 million) for a five-year contract. Ronaldinho followed in the footsteps of other Brazilian greats who climbed to glory in Camp Nou, like Evaristo de Macedo, Ronaldo, Romario, and Rivaldo.

Welcomed as a star, Ronaldinho didn't disappoint. In his first season, he took Barca to second place in the Spanish league. Graceful and swift, he marvels fans as he "sambas" past every defender and launches the ball into the net. He did this 22 times in his first season.

In fact, he was so refined that majority of team coaches and national team captains voted him the FIFA World Footballer of the Year in 2004, beating out Thierry Henry of Arsenal and Andrei Shevchenko of AC Milan, and in 2005, beating out Frank Lampard of Chelsea. Like his heroes before him, Ronaldinho took the prize while playing for Barca. He recently signed an improvement contract, increasing his buy-out clause to a reputed 150 million euros. The boy will no doubt break more records.

Ronaldinho lives in Barcelona, and when asked if he has a girlfriend during a press conference, he took out a soccer ball and said, "This is her."

What else do you need to know?

(AskMen.com)

THE RISE OF THE OTHER RONALDO

Imagine being a full-back confronting Manchester United and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo in full stride - the ball is at his feet, except you can't keep track of it as he drags his legs and steps over it two, three, four times and all the while you are scrambling backwards, trying to maintain concentration. Ronaldo is most certainly a Player to Watch - but only if you can keep your eyes on him for long enough. If such a hypothetical scenario had been played out in reality, at least you would have been in good company because Ronaldo has been tormenting the world's finest full-backs over the course of the past few years. Manchester United broke the world record transfer fee for a teenager when they paid Sporting Lisbon £12.24m for the youngster in August 2003 - handing the then 18-year-old a five-year deal. United, who had just sold David Beckham to Real Madrid, needed a new star on the right flank to somehow plug the gap left by the England captain.

Their attention was first drawn to the pacy winger during a pre-season match held in the Portuguese capital. It seemed they had found exactly what they were looking for when they came up against Ronaldo playing for Sporting Lisbon that night. The United players might have been momentarily alarmed to see the name Ronaldo on the Sporting team sheet, but if anyone had explained that this was, in fact, a kid from Madeira who was allegedly named in honour of the former American president Ronald Reagan, their initial concerns would likely have been eased.

United lost the game 3-1 but were left mesmerised by the trickery, pace and dribbling skills of Ronaldo, a player that Sporting had signed up as far back as 1997 from Nacional and blooded in their first team in the 2002/03 campaign. The visitors talked about him non-stop and were so impressed that on the plane back to England they personally urged Sir Alex Ferguson to sign up Ronaldo immediately. Unknown to them, their manager had been keeping tabs on Sporting's pearl for months and as other clubs started to show an interest, Ferguson made his move for what he described as "one of the most exciting young players I've ever seen". When his record signing was announced, Ronaldo was thrilled to be given the number seven shirt worn by the departed Beckham. Curiously, seven is also the number worn by Ronaldo's idol Luis Figo and, a week after joining United, he made his full debut for Portugal alongside his mentor Figo against Kazakhstan.

Ronaldo's performance in his first game for United against Bolton Wanderers earned him rave reviews and Sir Alex, delighted to see his new signing slot into Beckham's position so well, proclaimed: "It looks like the fans have a new hero." Yet his first season at United was not all plain sailing and after showing initial promise he eventually attracted criticism for what some saw as an over-elaborate step-over dribbling action and a mystifying failure to deliver the final, killer cross.

Ronaldo, as he himself always stresses, is quick to learn and he has worked hard on that part of his game, though his manager is keen to protect his investment and has opted to let the player rest in Portugal for the past two winters. As Sir Alex explained during Ronaldo's first season: "He is only 18 and we have to be careful how we use him." The Scot's wisdom shone through in the 2004 FA Cup Final when a refreshed Ronaldo produced a devastating man-of-the-match performance against Millwall at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, scoring a header as the Red Devils prevailed 3-0 to claim their tenth cup. He took that outstanding form into UEFA EURO 2004 with Portugal, where he was instrumental in his team's memorable run all the way to the final, although disappointment lay in store as Greece pulled off a fairytale victory. Ronaldo capped a hectic summer by taking part in the Olympic Games football tournament, but Portugal failed to make an impression in Athens.

A return to the FA Cup Final a year later ended in disappointment as United were pipped to the trophy, on penalties, by Arsenal. But the Mancunians were impressed with Ronaldo's progress over the previous 12 months and offered him an improved contract. In the summer of 2005 he agreed an extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2010.

Having been short-listed for the FIFA World Player of the Year accolade for two years running, Ronaldo received special recognition by fans worldwide who voted him their Young Player of the Year at the FIFPro awards in 2005. However, the season building up to the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ started in difficult circumstances for Ronaldo when his father was taken seriously ill and he died just a day before Portugal's qualifying match away to Russia in September. Ronaldo bravely played on to honour his dad in Moscow and helped Portugal towards the finals as they secured a 0-0 draw, with coach Luiz Felipe Scolari paying special tribute to his courage afterwards.

Ronaldo went on to guide Portugal to the top of their qualifying group for Germany 2006 and now with his first finals ahead of him, perhaps this could be the time when Madeira's golden boy starts to outshine his Brazilian namesake. But the teenager is not getting carried away just yet, saying modestly: "My only concern is to be at my best and win titles with United." (FIFAworldcup.com)

PRODIGY ROONEY GROWING UP

In the fast-track world of Wayne Rooney, the Player to Watch tag could be considered a good three years too late. All eyes have been on the young Manchester United and England striker ever since 17 August 2002 when he made his debut for his boyhood club, Everton. Indeed his first senior goal of any description, in an Everton pre-season friendly against Austrian minnows SC Bruck earlier that summer, prompted an excited stadium announcer to declare: "The third Everton goal is scored by Wayne Rooney, who many believe will be England's next Alan Shearer!" But where Shearer was 21 when he made his England debut, Rooney – who today celebrates his 20th birthday – has already become his country's key player.

His first goal in the English Premiership, a spectacular last-minute strike that ended then champions Arsenal's 30-match unbeaten run in October 2002, signalled that with Rooney anything is possible. Just as defenders bounce off his stocky boxer's frame, so Rooney sends records tumbling. He beat James Prinsep's 124-year record as England's youngest player when he made his debut against Australia on 12 February 2003 aged 17 years and 111 days. Seven months later, he became England's youngest ever scorer when – aged 17 years and 317 days – he struck the opening goal in a UEFA European Championship qualifying win away to FYR Macedonia.

It was, of course, at the European Championship in Portugal the following summer that the world at large woke up to the sheer scale of Rooney's talents. Playing without fear, he struck plenty of it into opposition defences with his thrilling runs from deep, scoring four goals as England defeated Switzerland and Croatia to reach the quarter-finals. The 18-year-old was making international football look like child's play.

There followed a £27million move to Manchester United and a remarkable debut hat-trick against Fenerbahce in October last year, since when Rooney, whom his peers voted Young Player of the Year in the spring, has swiftly become Mr Indispensable at Old Trafford. The same, of course, applies with England. Michael Owen recently described Rooney's game as "running at people, playing in that hole, shooting from distance, passing the ball, bits of skill". Just about everything, in other words.

He excelled in central defence in a Young v Old match during one England practice session this month and even enjoys trying his luck in goal on the training ground. In the words of England legend Sir Bobby Charlton to FIFAworldcup.com: "He has a marvellous appetite for the game."
The question then as Rooney steps out of his teens is just how good he can become. Sir Alex Ferguson said on signing him for United that Rooney was "the best young player this country has seen in 30 years" but while his ability is not in doubt, the youngster's temperament has been. In the 2003/04 season at Everton he picked up more bookings than goals, and twice in the last 12 months has lost his cool completely on England duty.

England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson substituted Rooney before half-time against Spain last November to spare him what appeared an inevitable dismissal. A second red-mist moment came during the defeat by Northern Ireland in September when, after collecting a yellow card, Rooney – seemingly frustrated at being played out on the left flank - swore at his captain David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand before disappearing into his shell in the second half. Rooney was sent off later in September playing for Manchester United against Villarreal for his sarcastic applause of referee Kim Milton Nielsen, yet while there is an undoubted edge to his game, it must also be acknowledged he is still growing up.

Sir Bobby Charlton, who as a director at Old Trafford has watched Rooney closely over the past 12 months, believes he will learn from his mistakes. "He's got a reputation for being a bit of a hothead but he is not," he told FIFAworldcup.com at the English National Football Museum's annual Hall of Fame dinner last week. "He learns and he'll learn very quickly and all the things that people say about him and the problems he has with referees they'll not last very long. He's a smart lad and he loves playing football so he'll not jeopardise that by being sent off. He'll realise. But he has a marvellous appetite for the game, loves playing and wants to win and you can't complain about that."

Rooney has only scored one of his ten goals for England since EURO 2004 – and that in August's 4-1 friendly loss to Denmark – but he is the man their opponents will fear most at the FIFA World Cup™ finals. Sir Bobby is not surprised by his importance to Eriksson's side. "He's a great player and they won't be denied, great players." Such praise from one of the game's greats strengthens the conviction that Rooney really will be one of the players to watch in Germany next summer. (FIFAworldcup.com)