World Cup 2002

[Antonioli]

helping Anders and TIME TO MAKE $$$ out.



Gp A:France,Uruguay,Denmark,Senegal

Gp B:Spain,Paraguay,S.Africa,Slovenia

Gp C:Brazil,Turkey,C.Rica,China

Gp Dortugal,Poland,S.Korea,USA

Gp E:Germany,Ireland,Cameroon,S.Arabia

Gp F:Argentina,England,Sweden,Nigeria

Gp G:Italy,Mexico,Croatia,Ecuador

Gp H:Russia,Japan,Belgium,Tunisia



time (GMT+8)

Round of 16

06/15 15.30 Match I:Winner Group E VS Runner-Up Group B
in S.Korea
06/15 20.30 Match J:Winner Group A VS Runner-Up Group F
in Japan
06/16 15.30 Match K:Winner Group F VS Runner-Up Group A
in Japan
06/16 20.30 Match L:Winner Group B VS Runner-Up Group E
in S.Korea
06/17 15.30 Match M:Winner Group G VS Runner-Up Group D
in S.Korea
06/17 20.30 Match N:Winner Group C VS Runner-Up Group H
in Japan
06/18 15.30 Match O:Winner Group H VS Runner-Up Group C
in Japan
06/18 20.30 Match P:Winner Group D VS Runner-Up Group G
in S.Korea



Q-Finals

06/21 15.30 QF I :Winner Game J VS Winner Game N
in Japan
06/21 20.30 QF II :Winner Game I VS Winner Game M
in S.Korea
06/22 15.30 QF III:Winner Game L VS Winner Game P
in S.Korea
06/22 20.30 QF IV :Winner Game K VS Winner Game O
in Japan




S-Finals

06/25 20.30 SF I :Winner QF II VS Winner QF III
in S.Korea
06/26 20.30 SF II:Winner QF I VS Winner QF IV
in Japan



Third Place

06/29 20.00 Loser SF I VS Loser SF II in S.Korea


Final

06/30 20.00 Winner SF I VS Winner SF II in Japan







early odds & time (GMT+8)



31/05 20.30 France-Senegal 0:11/4
01/06 15.30 Ireland-Cameroon 0:0
01/06 18.00 Uruguay-Denmark 0:0
01/06 20.30 Germany-S.Arabia 0:11/2
02/06 14.30 Argentina-Nigeria 0:3/4
02/06 18.30 England-Sweden 0:1/2
02/06 16.30 Paraguay-S.Africa 0:1/2
02/06 20.30 Spain-Slovenia 0:1
03/06 15.30 Croatia-Mexico 0:1/4
03/06 18.00 Brazil-Turkey 0:1
03/06 20.30 Italy-Ecuador 0:1
04/06 15.30 China-C.Rica 1/4:0
04/06 18.00 Japan-Belgium 0:0
04/06 20.30 S.Korea-Poland 0:0
05/06 15.30 Russia-Tunisia 0:1/2
05/06 18.00 USA-Portugal 1:0



05/06 20.30 Germany-Ireland 0:1/2
06/06 15.30 France-Uruguay 0:1
06/06 18.00 Cameroon-S.Arabia 0:3/4
06/06 20.30 Denmark-Senegal 0:1/4
07/06 15.30 Sweden-Nigeria 0:0
07/06 18.00 Spain-Paraguay 0:3/4
07/06 20.30 Argentina-England 0:1/4
08/06 15.30 S.Africa-Slovenia 0:0
08/06 18.00 Italy-Croatia 0:1/2
08/06 20.30 Brazil-China 0:11/2
09/06 15.30 Mexico-Ecuador 0:0
09/06 18.00 C.Rica-Turkey 1/2:0
09/06 20.30 Japan-Russia 0:0
10/06 15.30 S.Korea-USA 0:0
10/06 18.00 Tunisia-Belgium 3/4:0
10/06 20.30 Portugal-Poland 0:3/4




11/06 15.30 Senegal-Uruguay 1/2:0
11/06 15.30 Denmark-France 1:0
11/06 18.00 S.Arabia-Ireland 3/4:0
11/06 20.30 Cameroon-Germany 1/2:0
12/06 15.30 Nigeria-England 1/2:0
12/06 15.30 Sweden-Argentina 3/4:0
12/06 20.30 Slovenia-Paraguay 1/4:0
12/06 20.30 S.Africa-Spain 1:0
13/06 15.30 Turkey-China 0:3/4
13/06 15.30 C.Rica-Brazil 11/4:0
13/06 20.30 Ecuador-Croatia 1/4:0
13/06 20.30 Mexico-Italy 3/4:0
14/06 15.30 Belgium-Russia 0:0
14/06 15.30 Tunisia-Japan 3/4:0
14/06 20.30 Poland-USA 0:1/4
14/06 20.30 Portgual-S.Korea 0:3/4

 

[Antonioli]

France 1.40 5.50 (Pinnacle)
Uruguay 7.50 101.00
Denmark 9.00 (Pinnacle) 126.00
Senegal 23.00 251.00 (Pinnacle)


France are joint favourites with Argentina to win the World Cup, but they are not my first choice. They will have a strong side, rest assured of that. Today, one month ahead of the World Cup, only one big name is missing, Robert Pires. He has been sensational for Arsenal this season, so his absence will be felt, but still, injuries happen to all sides. Players like Henry, Trezeguet, Vieira, Zidane, Thuram, Lizarazu, Desailly and Silvestre make France a formidable side. Henry is not at his best at the moment, and I have seen Vieira better in the Arsenal shirt, but Trezeguet keeps on hitting the target for Juventus. A fit Zidane can still perform magic.

France were so lucky in the European Championships, first vs. Portugal, and then of course in the final vs. Italy. Toldo, the Italian keeper, made one mistake in that tournament, and it turned out to be the French 1-1 equaliser late in the game. To win the World Cup, you need a lot of luck, and the way I see it, France have no more luck to draw on! It would be childish of me to suggest that they will not advance to the next round, but I am only saying that France will not have it completely their own way, as I consider this Group A to be a very competitive group, with only strong footballing nations involved.

A disadvantage for France can be the fact they have only been playing friendlies for the last two years. France to win the Cup? Odds should be at least 10.00!


Uruguay finished fifth in the South American Group, and had to qualify by beating Australia in two legs. Still, I consider them a danger to any side. I saw them beating Brazil, 2-0, and they gave nothing away. Their defence was impeccable, but I have to admit that the match was played in Uruguay, and traditionally they often only come good in their home games.

Uruguay, however, have so many players in the European leagues, that this tradition is bound to be broken one of these days. Uruguayan key players that I think of are Paolo Montero, Dario Silva, Diego Forlan and Alvaro Recoba. I consider Recoba to be one of the best forwards in the world, at least one of the fastest.

Uruguay have the potential to go through to the next phase, but have to avoid the disciplinary problems that often "happen" to Uruguay, when they are playing abroad. One more thing, Recoba has to stay fit! 100/1 to win the World Cup sounds like a big price, you can not argue about that, but still, it is hard to imagine.


Denmark have an impressive qualification campaign behind them, unbeaten in all of their matches. Opponents were, among other nations, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria. I like Denmark as a footballing nation. They are used to playing at this level, and very seldom do they underachieve when it matters; in fact, on the contrary. We all know how important experience is, when it comes to World Cup or European Cup football.

Denmark's football is also often very attractive, with the Laudrup brothers as the deliverers in the previous World Cup. This time around, coach Morten Olsen is relying on names like Ebbe Sand, Thomas Gravesen, Thomas S?rensen, Jesper Gr?nkjaer, Jon Dahl Tomasson, Thomas Helveg and Martin J?rgensen, all famous names on the European football circuit. Denmark won the European Championships in Sweden some years ago, so they have shown us what they can do, and 126.00 is probably a big price, any day of the week. Worth remember is the fact that Denmark went to the quarter finals four years ago, losing a famous battle with Brazil, 2-3.

I can see the Danes winning this Group A. Pinnacle offer odds 9.00.


Senegal, or as they are called, the "Lions of Teranga", rely mainly on France based players. El Hadji Diouf (Lens), was named the African footballer of the year, and other famous names are Salif Diao (Sedan), key player Fadiga (Auxerre), Aliou Cisse and Tony Sylva.

I consider Senegal equal to Cameroon and Nigeria. This statement is not a remarkable statement at all, as they finished second in the Nations Cup in Mali, beaten on penalties in the final by Cameroon. In their World Cup qualification Group, Senegal won their group ahead of countries like Morocco, Egypt and Algeria. Their coach is a Frenchman, Bruno Metsu, and he has been given a great deal of credit for the upsurge of Senegal's football. His most important doing was probably the recruiting of all the France based players. Even a player such as the Arsenal midfielder Vieira was once considered for the Senegalese side.

Senegal at 23.00 to win the Group is a big price, mathematically at least. I should think that their lack of international experience will be a hindrance, but you never know.


As I stated earlier, I consider this Group to be a very competitive one, but Denmark and France are my favourites to advance to the next round.

 

[Antonioli]

Spain 1.50 (Pinnacle) 11.00 (Pinnacle)
Paraguay 5.00 51.00 (Pinnacle)
Slovenia 10.50 301.00
South Africa 13.00 (Pinnacle) 331.00

In my opinion the price on the Spanish Group win is acceptable, and I wonder how Spain are going to blow this excellent chance of winning Group B. Surely the other nations in this group are in a different, and inferior category than Spain? But, and it is a big BUT, Spain have an unbelievable poor record in European and World Championships. Would you, for example, believe that Spain have only won the opening match of a Championship once in eleven attempts? It is quite remarkable. All in all, Spain have played 40 Championship matches, and have only won 16 of them. However, awful statistics are there to be broken, and I give Spain my vote of confidence this time.

The Spanish coach, Camacho, has a totally pessimistic attitude, so obviously he has adopted this negative outlook, concerning Spanish chances in the competition, as a means to make, foremost the players, and also the Spanish media, relaxed. Still, when you look at all the great players in the squad from the Spanish top clubs, you can not but expect a successful World Cup campaign. Raul, Morientes, Diego Tristan, Valeron, Luis Enrique, Hierro... I could go on forever.

The outstanding Spanish league should have a positive bearing on the national side, and to win this group should be a formality for Spain, and then we will see how far they can advance. The trouble is, that you are not allowed any mistakes later on in the tournament, and Spain usually give a lousy performance every now and then. At least a quarter-final is on the cards for Spain!

Paraguay will have basically the same nucleus as in France 1998. The average age of their players is over 30, and only the Bayern Munich striker, Rocque Santa Cruz, is younger than 25.

Paraguay finished fourth in the South American group, drawing both of their games vs. Argentina. They lost their two last qualification games, and that proved too much for the Paraguayan football authorities, who sacked the popular coach, Markarian, and replaced him with the Italian, Cesare Maldini. Maldini hardly knows any Spanish, and there are already signs of rifts within the squad. There is at least one big ego in the team, namely the charismatic goalkeeper, Chilavert, other big names are the defensive duo, Ayala & Gamarra, the midfielders Acuna, Paredes & Quintana, and the two strikers Santa Cruz & Cardozo.

As I said, this squad took part in the Championships in France, and they were quite successful. They advanced to the second round, and lost to champions France, 0-1, on a golden goal. In one of their group matches, Paraguay drew 0-0 with Spain, and as things turned out, Paraguay and Nigeria advanced, not Spain.

I can not imagine that Paraguay are up to the standard that they were in France, and their preparation games have not indicated any significant qualities. OK, they have a great deal of experience, but I guess there is more to it.


We came to know about the new football nation Slovenia in Euro 2000, and especially the famous 3-3 draw with Yugoslavia. This is, of course, their first World Cup, but they were quite impressive during the qualification phase. Slovenia finished second to Russia, but were unbeaten in all of their 10 games, picking up 4 points vs. Russia. Despite these good results, Slovenia had to play two qualifiers against Romania. Much to my amazement, they knocked Romania out, and here they are, in their first World Cup.

Slovenia have a very shrewd coach in Katanec, and their big player is Zahovic. Unfortunately, however, Zahovic is injury prone, and also a trouble maker, changing clubs all of the time. Now he is playing for Benfica. Still, he has been excellent when playing for his country, and is almost a saint in Slovenia. Other known players are the two strikers, Cimirotic (Lecce) & Milan Osterc (Hapoel), and the Portsmouth midfielder Rudonja.

Slovenia suffered a really bad result some time ago, a 1-5 loss vs. Honduras, but since that game they have drawn with Croatia, and beaten Tunisia, 1-0. As I said, Slovenia were unbeaten in their two games vs. both Russia and Romania, and I find these results quite impressive. I give Slovenia the same chance as Paraguay to advance to the next round!


South Africa, I do not fancy at all. They have looked poor lately. In the African Nations Cup they lost to Mali in the quarter-final, and after that debacle their coach was sacked. Sono is the name of the new coach.

South Africa have only beaten a European team once, namely the minnows, Malta. They have a similar awful record against South American teams. Lucas Radebe, their famous captain, has been injured this season, but there is still hope that the Leeds defender will be available in Japan. The same applies for the Charlton defender, Mark Fish. Another Charlton player, Shaun Bartlett, is also struggling with a niggling injury. Benni Mc Carthy, Quinton Fortune (MU) and Zuma, are probably the best South African players. Zuma plays for FC Copenhagen, and he is quite an attraction.

Recently, South Africa lost to Georgia, 1-4, with more or less their best side, although not the long-term injured English based defenders, and this poor showing only gives me more fuel. South Africa are destined to be the bottom side in this Group B!!

 

[Antonioli]

Brazil 1.36 (Ladbrokes) 7.00 (Pinnacle)
Turkey 6.00 (Pinnacle) 81.00 (WH)
Costa Rica 13.00 (WH) 401.00 (WH)
China 41.00 (Pinnacle) 751.00 (WH)


How Brazil have struggled these last two years, but now they are taking part in the World Cup once again, and I must say that they have found some weak opponents in this Group C. Brazil ought to cruise to the next round.

Brazil played a 1-1 draw away to Portugal a couple of weeks ago, and one could see obvious signs of improvement in their way of playing. They used a new formation, namely Ronaldo alone on top, and Rivaldo and Ronaldinho just behind, as some kind of attacking midfielders. These three great players together were named "The Triple R"!

The price on the Brazilian win for the World Cup is a bit strange, 6/1 (7.00)! All the bookies seem to agree. I could go along with that price if Brazil had been their usual selves these last years but, on the contrary, they have been a poor replica, losing to all and sundry.

How big are the chances that Ronaldo and Rivaldo will be fit for the World Cup? If Rivaldo returns to fitness, and if he finds his form again, and if Ronaldo's knees can take all of the games required, then I can foresee another Brazilian success story. A lot of IFs, in other words.

Reliable names in the starting line-up will be captain Emerson, Cafu and Roberto Carlos, and possibly Denilson. My conclusion is that, with the "Triple R" intact, Brazil will be up there among the best, otherwise they are bound to struggle.


Turkey will play their first World Cup for 48 years. I have seen Turkey lately, as they came second to Sweden in the qualifiers, and I must say that they have been rather poor. Same thing as in the Euro 2000. They played in the same group as Sweden, and I am convinced that they played the worst match of the tournament, a 0-0 draw with Sweden. It is strange, because many of their footballers play for Galatasaray, and this club has performed valiantly in Europe this season. Probably the weakness of the Turkish national side has something to do with the animosity between the different Turkish clubs, such as Besiktas, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. Coach Gumes insists that this will not be the case this time, but I wonder.

By the way, Turkey won their first friendly in five years the other week, a 2-0 win against Chile. Hakan Sukur and Ihlan Mansiz both found the net, and they will probably be the Turkish strike force. Unsal, Penbe, Ercan and Emre are probable midfielders, and likely defenders are Akyel, Alpay and Korkmaz. As I see it, Turkey could be the second team in this group, but I would not be surprised if they finished fourth either.


Costa Rica won their Central American group convincingly, and they are worth some respect these days. Guimares became the new Costa Rican coach in January 2001 and, since then, Costa Rica have a 11-6-2 record. OK, they are poor travellers, but they won a famous win away to Mexico. "The Ticos", as Costa Rica are called, advanced to the second round in Italy 1990, and from that squad the famous goal scorer, Medford, is still around. He was the man who scored the decisive 2-1 goal against Sweden, and he has also scored some other important goals for Costa Rica.

Paolo Wanchope (Man City) is probably the best player in the team, but he has been out injured for some months. According to the latest bulletins, he should be fit in time for the World Cup. Hopefully he will find his form as well. Wanchope will play upfront alongside the leading goalscorer, Fonseca, and in midfield Centeno is the key man. Reynaldo Parks is Costa Rica's captain and their best defender. The Ticos have a similar chance as Turkey and China to finish second after Brazil.


China will take part in their first World Cup, and who can tell how they will handle this massive tournament? They have an experienced coach, Bora Milutinovic, the same Bora that led Costa Rica to the second round in Italy 1990. He has a known record of getting his teams to the second round. I read somewhere, that he has managed this every time that he has been involved as a coach, some four or five times.

China have advanced by beating strange sides such as the Maldives and Cambodia, and in the second phase, nations such as UAE, Uzbekistan, Quatar and Oman. Hardly impressive opponents, but you cannot do more than win your matches, can you?

China drew 0-0 with South Korea in their latest preparation game, and the reviews from that game were rather favourable to China. They play very tight defensively, and they are very fast going forward, The South Korean coach, Hiddinjk, was very much impressed by the Chinese speed. Sun Jihai (Man City), and Fan Zhiyi are the most famous players in the Chinese squad, so far, I might add. I think that China will cause a few upsets, and a second place in this group is within their reach.

 

[Antonioli]

Portugal 1.57 (VC) 15.00
Poland 4.50 (Ladbrokes) 81.00 (WH)
South Korea 10.00 (Pinnacle) 201.00 (Pinnacle)
USA 14.00 (Centrebet) 301.00 (WH)


Portugal had a very successful Euro 2000 campaign, losing in the semi-final to France in an ill-tempered match, decided by a late penalty. Many of the Portugese players lost their cool, and they were severely punished afterwards. Portugal played some great football in that tournament, and especially one man, Luis Figo, who was outstanding. Expect more or less the same bunch of players to play in Japan.

The defenders Xavier, Jorge Costa and Couto, the midfielders Rui Costa, Concecaio and Joao Pinto, the two strikers Pauleta and Nuno Gomes, these are some of the well known Portugese aces. Sa Pinto and Sabrosa are out injured, and for the moment there are also some doubts concerning Rui Costa and Nuno Gomes. Both have been injured lately, but I read somewhere that Rui Costa will play for Milan vs. Lecce on Sunday (May 5th), but Nuno Gomes is not yet fit to play. Rui Costa has had a nightmare season, injured most of the time, and not very popular with the Milan fans when he actually did start a match every now and then. Luis Figo was on a rare high during the Euro 2000, and quite frankly he has been a shadow of himself in the Real Madrid shirt this season. I do not know if he is troubled by Zidane's presence, or what?

So, here we have Portugal with obvious doubts concerning their two key players, Rui Costa and Luis Figo. 15.00 on the Portugese World Cup win is a joke, compared to 126.00 on Denmark, for instance. I expect Portugal to advance to the next round, but they will not exactly ease through!


Poland were excellent in the qualification phase, and they were one of the first nations to qualify. They were in a class of their own in a group consisting of Ukraine, Norway, Belarus and Armenia. After some lean years, the Polish people were in the seventh heaven. The national side not only won their matches, but they played some great offensive football as well, with the ex-Nigerian Olisadebe scoring 8 goals in the qualifiers. Jerzy Dudek (Liverpool) is their great goalkeeper, the Schalke duo Hajto and Waldoch form their defensive wall, and in midfield players such as Swiercewski (Marseille), Kaluzny (Cottbus) and Kozminski. Olisadebe will most likely play with Kryszalowics (Eintr. Frankfurt) up front.

Unfortunately, the Polish side has hit a slump lately. No one really knows (hopefully the coach Jerzy Engel does), if the lousy results lately have to do with Engel's eagerness to experiment, or if the team has lost their touch completely. Losses vs. Japan and Romania have not exactly lightened up the football fans in Poland. I seem to remember that Romania fielded an A/B side in that game. Engel insists that Poland will be all right, and that the strength of the Polish sides has always been their team work, which will be demonstrated when Poland have a full squad. All according to Engel. I for one, expect more positive than negative contributions from Poland in the World Cup.


South Korea are co-hosting this World Cup together with Japan, and traditionally the host nations are quite successful. No wonder, they have all the time in the world to prepare for the Cup, and playing on known territory in front of your own people can never be disadvantage. South Korea hired their first ever non-Korean coach some 17 months ago, the respected Gus Hiddinjk, and I should think that he will be able to present the best South Korean team ever. Not that this statement means a lot, as South Korea have never won a single game during their previous four World Cups. Hiddinjk will use many of the South Korean players that took part in the Cup in France four years ago. One definite key player is the new striker from Anderlecht, Seol Ki-Hyeon. Their two latest preparation games have been against Costa Rica (2-0) and China (0-0). South Korea have one big ambition, namely to qualify to the next round. Will they do it? They have some chance of doing just that, but I must admit that I am on thin ice now. I have this thing with host nations. They come up with pleasant surprises every so often.


USA had no real chance to threaten Costa Rica in their qualifying group, and they finished six points behind the Ticos. This piece of information gives you an idea of the strength of the American team, or should I say lack of strength? 11 of the American squad play for European clubs, and 12 are in the American league. Well known "Europeans" are the two goalkeepers, Friedel and Keller, the Sunderland midfielder Claudio Reyna, the Everton reserve striker Joe Max Moore, Berhalter from Crystal Palace, and finally Earnie Stewart form Breda. The veteran Cobi Jones is still around, and the latest American young star is Clint Mathis, who has been a prolific scorer lately. What can we expect from this American side? Hard work, positive attitude, but not many points, that is the way I see it. USA as a footballing nation are not good enough.

 

[Antonioli]

Germany 1.80 (WH) 15.00 (Ladbrokes)
Cameroon 4.33 (Stanley) 67.00 (Pinnacle)
Eire 4.50 (WH) 81.00 (WH)
Saudi Arabia 25.00 (WH) 751.00 (WH)

After the shameful 1-5 loss at home to England, Germany have picked themselves up admirably and, in typically aggressive fashion, dismissed Ukraine in two play-off matches. Bayer Leverkusen (Champions League), and Borussia Dortmund (UEFA Cup) are in two European finals, and surely this cannot be a coincidence. German club football has obviously more than recovered, and I expect the national side to follow suit.

Are Germany top contenders for this World Cup? Probably not, but they will be hard to beat as usual. Michael Ballack, the Leverkusen midfielder, is the most important footballer in the German team. Oliver Kahn, Ziege, Hamann, Ramelow, W?rns and Bode are other key players. I have been impressed by Bernd Schneider lately, and I reckon that this Leverkusen player will be part of the German squad in Japan, hopefully also in the starting line-up. Mehmet Scholl (declined to play in WC) and Jens Nowotny (injured) are definitely out, and whether Sebastian Deisler will fit in time for the Cup, I guess nobody really knows. Fit, and in form, Deisler is a big asset for coach V?ller. However, good news for V?ller was Deisler's appearance as a substitute in the 79th minute of Leverkusen vs. Hertha game on May 4th.

Cameroon and Eire are tough opponents and, although I accept Germany as favourite in this Group, I am pretty convinced that it will be a close call. I guess they should advance to the next round, but I do not see them as "automatic" group winners.


I have a soft spot for Cameroon, ever since their successful World Cup campaign in 1990. They won their Group ahead of Argentina, Romania and Russia, and the price on Cameroon as group winners was 66/1! Those were the days! They were no good in France 1998, and in the Confederations Cup last year, they were a disaster. Cameroon were defeated by Japan and an alternative Brazilian side, and only managed a win against Canada. Their coach was sacked, and the German, Schafer, became the new Cameroon boss.

Scafer has changed things around, and all of a sudden Cameroon look good again. They won this year's Nations Cup in Mali, by defeating Senegal in the final (penalty shoot-out). They played a 2-2 draw with Argentina some weeks ago. Lauren (Arsenal), Vivien-Foe (Lyon), Mboma (Sunderland), Eto'o (Mallorca), their captain Rigobert Song, Tchato, Olembe and Lauren Etame Mayer are some of their best players. This Cameroon side is a talented bunch, but also with a strong physique. My conclusion is that Cameroon are dangerous to any side, but the hard part will probably be to advance from this difficult Group.


Eire have developed a very attractive habit lately. They very seldom lose a game! I read somewhere that the national team have only one defeat in their 20 latest matches. Their qualifying group looked tricky enough, with both Portugal and Holland involved, but Eire managed to finish second. They had 7-3-0, unbeaten in other words, and bye, bye Holland! Despite their excellent record, Eire had to knock out Iran.

During the Jackie Charlton regime, Eire were famous followers of the long ball game, but this is not the case any longer. Their coach, McCarthy, has made Eire play a passing game, and we are thankful for that. The Manchester United dynamo, Roy Keane, has to stay fit, as he is absolutely essential to the Irish. Other important Eire footballers are Robbie Keane, Kinsella, Holland, Kilbane, Kennedy, and my favourite, Damien Duff. Niall Quinn, the lanky Sunderland forward, is almost an icon to the Irish, but his fitness level these days is questionable.

Eire are not good enough to win any titles, but they can make life difficult for any of the big footballing nations. To advance to the next round will not be easy, but definitely possible.


Saudi Arabia's World Cup campagn suffered a poor start, but after enrolling their old "new" coach Al-Johar, they have managed to reach their third consecutive World Cup. They were in all kinds of trouble, as they had to win vs. Thailand, and at the same time Iran had to be defeated by Bahrain. Both matches went the way they wanted.

The Asian player of the year, Nawaf Al Temyat, missed most ot the qualifying games, but he will make a welcome return in Japan. Their two latest preparation games were against Denmark (0-1) and Uruguay (3-2). Al-Dossary scored twice.

In France 1998 Saudi Arabia lost to France and Denmark, and drew with South Africa. In USA 1994 they even managed to advance to the second round. To pick up points in this very competitive group will not be easy for Saudi Arabia. They cannot be neglected, however, as there are no poor sides in the World Cup.

 

[TIME TO MAKE $$$]

Awesome information and very informative, thanks for your efforts.

TTM$

 

[Antonioli]

Argentina 1.75 (Interwetten) 5.50 (Sportingbet)
England 4.00 (Pinnacle) 18.00 (Pinnacle)
Sweden 8.00 (Interwetten) 81.00 (WH)
Nigeria 11.00 (Pinnacle) 101.00 (WH)
Argentina have been outstanding these last two years, and their 18 qualifying matches in the South American group resulted in 13 wins, 4 draws, and only one loss, a 1-3 defeat away to Brazil. Truly a magnificent World Cup campaign by the Argentines! I remember one match away to Chile, in particular. Argentina had so many first choices out injured in that game, and consequently I predicted a home win for Chile. I was embarrassed when I actually watched the match, as Argentina were in total control for the whole 90 minutes. OK, Chile are not exactly world leaders, but it was a massive demonstration by this A/B side. The result, a 2-0 win!

I do not think that Argentina are so dependent on certain individuals this time around, but I have to mention some of the world class players in the squad. Veron of course, Crespo, Kily Gonzales, Zanetti, Sorin, Ayala, Aimar, Samuel, Ortega, Claudio Lopez, Gustavo Lopez and Batistuta. My God, are they that many? Argentina played a friendly some weeks ago away to Germany. They came out winners, 1-0, and more or less outplayed the German side. We have to remember, however, that Germany only fielded 4-5 first choice players.

Coach Bielsa uses a 3-3-2-2 formation for his team, whatever that is worth. The only cloud on the Argentine sky at the moment is the contract problem troubling Bielsa, but I am sure that it will work out all right in the end. In my opinion, Veron has not been as prominent as expected in the Manchester United team, and we will see if he manages to find his old self playing for his nation. What more can I say? Yes, I know - the nation that manages to beat Argentina will have an excellent chance of winning the World Cup.


Over to Sven-G?ran Eriksson and his young English side. They might turn out to be the youngest side in the tournament, and whether or not this will backfire, I do not know. However, I do not think so, as you have to remember that both Michael Owen and David Beckham were very much involved in France four years ago. Stephen Gerrard and Ashley Cole, for instance, have played important international games for Liverpool and Arsenal many times by now. The only young and inexperienced players I can think of are Darius Vassell and Wayne Bridge. So, at the end of day, no need to worry about the young age of the English side.

My feeling about this English side is that they are at their best when they are underdogs, and can use their swift counter-attacks to perfection, as they showed us in the famous 5-1 win in Germany. Any side in the world with the ambition to go out and walk all over England, may be hurt badly. I can not think of any nation better adjusted to the "hitting on the break tactic" than England. I am not equally impressed by their play against inferior nations, demonstrated vs. Greece, Albania and Sweden. The latest bulletins assure us that Beckham will be ready to play sooner than expected. Hopefully for England, Gerrard and Owen stay fit!

The first match vs. Sweden is an absolute must win game for England. For some strange reason, England traditionally struggle against the Swedes, and quite frankly, I can not remember when they last defeated Sweden. I can not understand the reason for this. In Sweden, we have watched Premiership football every Saturday for some 30-40 years, maybe we have learnt a thing or two? Sweden, an inferior football nation to England, is a typical banana peel. I guess all Englishmen expect this opening match to be a formality, but coach Eriksson knows better. Personally, I think that England can go far in this World Cup, if they manage to advance from this group of death.


I totally agree with the Nigerian coach, when he was asked about Sweden. "They look so ordinary", was his statement. Sweden look well merited on paper with a 8-2-0 record from their qualifying group. The standard of play in that group was terrible, no wonder, as the other nations were Azerbadjan, Turkey, Moldavia, Slovakia and Macedonia. Sweden were also so poor in Euro 2000, and many of those players are still very much involved.

Everything is not hopeless for the Swedes, however, as they have a certain Fredde Ljungberg. The Arsenal player has almost single-handedly won some of the latest and ever-so important matches for Arsenal, by scoring decisive goals in each one of them. He has hit a form no one thought possible. If he can maintain this level in the World Cup, he can perhaps inspire the rest of the Swedish footballers.

One thing about Ljungberg. So far he has not looked comfortable playing for Sweden, he has other functions in Sweden than in Arsenal, and unfortunately his offensive qualities have been subdued. He has not scored a goal for his country for ages. There is no Bergkamp or Henry in Sweden, so no deep passes for Ljungberg. Other quality Swedish players are Henrik Larsson and Johan Mj?llby from Celtic, Patrick Andersson, Marcus Allb?ck and Anders Svensson. In my book, there is only fourth or third place available for Sweden in this group, but they might hurt England as usual.


Everything is the same with Nigeria. Federation officials are wrangling with potential squad members over player bonuses, the Nigerian coach Onigbinde is freezing out established players, and no one seems to know what will happen next. The latest problem is the fact that the Nigerian board wants to hire a foreign coach to help Onigbinde out, but he is of course not happy about it. The Leverkusen coach, Toppm?ller, has been contacted, and it looks like Onigbinde's wishes will be ignored.

The Super Eagles have, in their previous two World Cup appearances, made it past the first round, only then to have their hopes thwarted. Nigeria had a poor Nations Cup, and it was after that debacle that the 64-year old Onigbinde became their new boss. He is experimenting a great deal, and when I checked the Nigeria line up vs. Scotland a couple of weeks ago against the line up vs. Kenya a few days ago, only three of the Scotland players are involved. You get the feeling that Onigbinde prefers youth to experience, but who knows?

Jay Jay Okocha, Victor Agali, Kanu, Babayaro, Christopher Kanu, Taribo West, Ogbeche will most certainly go to Japan, and of course Aghahowa, the player who performs the somersaults after scoring. Oliseh and Finidi George will not be included, according to the latest reports. My conclusion about Nigeria? Anything, good or bad, might happen when they are around.

 

[Antonioli]

Italy 1.45 (Interwetten) 7.00 (SportingOdds)
Croatia 6.25 (Centrebet) 81.00 (WH)
Ecuador 13.00 (Pinnacle) 126.00 (WH)
Mexico 11.00 (Pinnacle) 151.00 (WH)

Italy are my favourites for the World Cup title. They have always been difficult to defeat, as their defence is traditionally impeccable. You take their tight defence for granted, but in my opinion they also have some of the leading strikers in the world at the moment. I am of course thinking of Christian Vieri, who is such a power house in the penalty area. It has been a joy to see him in the Inter shirt this season, scoring so many important goals. I can not think of a better forward in the world than a fit Vieri, he is a centre forward of the old school, big and strong, and nasty.

I also suggest that Montella is one the hottest strikers around, and I back him to get his international breakthrough in this tournament. He has been terrific for Roma lately, scoring some wonderful goals, and together with Vieri, what a strike force! Hopefully coach Trappatoni will be thinking along the same lines, and will pick Montella instead of del Piero or Inzaghi.

Italy were some minutes from the Euro 2000 title two years ago, and their defence will probably look the same. Nesta in the middle, and Cannavaro & Maldini on the flanks. Italy usually employ a 3-4-1-2 formation, with playmaker Totti in a free role behind the two strikers. Toldo was the best goalkeeper in the Euro 2000, with only one mistake, and unfortunately led to France's equaliser. Today he is number two, as Trappatoni prefers Buffon.

The Azurri have only one defeat in their 16 latest matches, a home loss to Argentina. The price on the Italian group win offered by Interwetten (1.45) is a decent price. I can not see any threat to Italy from the other, rather lacklustre, nations. Italy are known to be slow starters, that is a fact, but to win this group, Italy do not need to hit top form. How about picking Montella as winner of the Golden Boot? I am sure that the price must be attractive enough.


Croatia were the surprise package four years ago in their first ever World Cup. They finished third after some amazing matches. Will they be able to achieve a similar result again? I say, an absolute, no!

After the World Cup four years ago, Croatia had a lean period, with only 3 wins in 15 matches, but they have managed a positive comeback. Paired with among others, Scotland and Belgium, Croatia went through their qualification games unbeaten. They rely on basically the same players as four years ago, with 9 of the 11 presumable starters over 30 years old. This is my main objection, that most of the Croatian players have passed their prime, and I do not think that Boksic, Suker, Prosinecky, Jarni, Stanic and so on, have so much to offer on this level.

There are some young players in the team, the Liverpool reserve Biscan, the Verona player Seric, and Vranjes from Bayer Leverkusen. The Croatian defence is quite good, namely Tudor, R. Kovac and Simic, but who will score the goals? I do not see any threatening strikers, possibly Vugrinec, from Lecce.

Croatia may have an advantage vs. the two South American teams, as the coach Jozic has been coach in South America for some years. The second place in the group is within reach for Croatia, but I would not be a surprised man if they failed altogether.


Ecuador are in for their first World Cup ever. Their coach, Dario Gomez, will use the same players that took Ecuador through the qualification games. Ecuador finished second in the South American group, with a 9-4-5 record, but you have to remember that the basis of their success is, of course, the advantage of playing home games high in the Andes. Surely, they are bound to struggle in this tournament.

Delgado scored nine goals in the qualification matches, and was bought by Southampton. Unfortunately, he has been out injured for almost the whole season, but he should be fit for the Cup. Ivan Kaviedes, ex-Celta Vigo and ex-Porto, is another respectable Ecuador footballer. Charle Tenorio has scored a couple of goals lately in friendlies.

I checked some of the preparation games, 1-0 vs. Turkey, 2-0 vs Bulgaria, 0-0 with South Africa, 1-2 vs. a Brazilian club and 1-0 vs. an Ecuador club, Barcelona. They do not exactly look for the toughest opponents!

Ecuador will be using home-based players with the exception of the defender from Hibernian, Ulises de la Cruz, Delgado and Kaviedes. Cleber Chala was once a Southampton player, but I guess he has returned home.

Ecuador will have to try and get something from the encounters with Mexico and Croatia, and why not? Those two are no world beaters!


Mexico are once again in the World Cup, and by now they have an impressive number of World Cup tournament appearances. Last year, they looked out of the World Cup altogether. They suffered six consecutive defeats, before a new coach, Javier Aguirre, took over. They managed to climb the table again, and here they are again in the Cup.

Mexico have played 20 matches under Aguirre, and have a 12-3-5 record. They also rely mainly on home-based players, with only three squad members playing in Europe. Palencia (Espanyol), Blanco (Valladolid), and Rafael Marquez (Monaco), are the three Europeans.

Luis Hernandez scored four goals in the last World Cup, and he has finally been accepted by Aguirre. Albert Garcia Aspe is the Mexican midfield general. Claudio Suarez, leading Mexican defender, will probably not recover in time.

Mexico have lost to both USA and Yugoslavia in preparation matches, but managed a 1-0 win against Bulgaria. Mexico managed to advance to the second round four years ago, and I guess it could happen again, although I have to admit that I am not impressed by their side. For me Mexico, Croatia and Ecuador have similar capacities.

 

[Antonioli]

Russia 3.00 (Ladbrokes) 67.00 (WH)
Japan 3.40 (Pinnacle) 81.00 (Pinnacle)
Belgium 3.40 (Sportingbet) 126.00 (WH)
Tunisia 10.00 (Pinnacle) 501.00 (Centrebet)

Russia are one of the potential dark horses in the World Cup. They should advance to the next round, and then, anything might happen. I do not think that any nation relishes meeting this talented Russian side.

Russia won their qualifying group ahead of Slovenia. Their defence was impeccable, only conceding a total of five goals altogether, but they had clear problems in finding the net. 18 goals in 10 games says it all. Beschastnykh scored 7 of the 18 goals.

Lately, Russia have played some friendlies, a 0-2 defeat away to Eire was acceptable, but the 1-2 loss away to minnows Estonia was hard to digest for the Russian football lovers. The Russian coach, Romantsev, who is also the Spartak Moscow boss, assures everyone that there is no need to worry. "We always have problems in friendlies nowadays", is his verdict.

Then, it was time for another friendly, away to the World Champions, France, and the Russians deserved their 0-0 draw. Nigmatullin, their Verona goalkeeper was outstanding, and it was good news for Romantsev, as Nigmatullin has been below par for some time. The Celta Vigo duo, Karpin and Mostovoi, Smertin from Bordeaux, and Khochlov from Real Sociedad, are important players in the Russian team, as are the Spartak Moscow captain Titov, and the Russian skipper Onopko. There is a new young Russian player, Ismailov, who can turn out to be a sensation in Japan. There is talk about a 10 million pound tag on him. Once again, I have respect for this Russian side. Watch out!


The co-host nation, Japan, should also advance to the next round. Their present coach, the Frenchman Troussier, took over after the World Cup in France 1998. (By the way, in France, Japan lost to Argentina, 0-1, Croatia, 0-1 and Jamaica 1-2). With Troussier in charge, Japan won the Asian Cup 2000, and reached the Confederations Cup final the following year. They lost to France in the final, 0-1.

Japan have played quite a few preparation matches lately, and they are unbeaten in seven games. A 2-0 win against Poland, and a 1-0 win vs. Slovakia are some of the results. I mention the Slovakia match because their group colleagues, Belgium, also met Slovakia some weeks ago. Belgium drew 1-1, but they must be considered lucky, as Slovakia were the better side. When Japan defeated Slovakia, Japan dominated for long spells.

The most respected Japanese players are the Parma midfielder Nakata, Shinji Ono from Fejenoord, and Inamoto, a reserve in Arsenal. Nakamura is a midfielder set for a move to Real Madrid next season. I keep on repeating myself, to be a host nation in the World Cup is a major advantage, and I expect Japan to make a good impression, good enough to advance to the next round.


Belgium come to Japan with a rather limited side, that is the way I see it. They look like Sweden, minus Fredde Ljungberg, if you get the picture. Marc Wilmots is the obvious team leader, Anderlecht contribute with deBoeck, Baseggio and Vanderhaege. Branco Strupar, Bart Goor and Johan Walem are other probable regulars. Unfortunately, the Celtic hard man Joos Valgaeren is out of the Cup. Emile Mpenza, their best forward, has been injured, but is on his way back.

In France four years ago, Belgium drew their three matches with Holland, Mexico and South Korea. Two years ago Belgium were co-hosts of the Euro 2000. They played in the same group as Sweden, and despite the home advantage, showed no great football at all. Lately Belgium have played a couple of friendlies, 2-3 away to Greece, and the 1-1 draw with Slovakia. I expect Belgium to only play three matches in this World Cup.


Tunisia took part in the World Cup four years ago in France. They lost to England and Colombia, but managed a 1-1 draw with Romania. That goal against Romania was their only goal, and goalscoring seems to be the Tunisian headache. They have yet to score a goal this season! They had a terrible Nations Cup, which resulted in the resignation of their coach Henri Michel. He had only been in charge for some five months, and before him, two different coaches had left the post. Now they have joint coaches, Souyah and Laabidi. Scoring problems? 0-0 vs. Zambia, 0-1 vs. Slovenia, 0-0 vs. Norway, 0-0 vs. South Korea. Not exactly impressive results.

Tunisia will have the core of the side that featured in France. Trabelsi is a defender from Ajax, Adel Sellimi, Freiburg is probably their most prominent squad member. Good news for Tunisia is the return of their young key striker, Ali Zitouni, who has returned from a long injury spell. Hopefully he will be the one who finds the net for Tunisia, playing alongside Sellimi and Beya. Their goalkeeper, El Ouaer, has retired from the squad with a back problem, and the Bastia goalkeeper, Bouminjel, will come into the side.

To play some neat football without scoring is one thing, but to find the net is something else, is it not? Tunisia obviously belong to the first category. They are bound to struggle.

 

[nostromo]

this reminds me, I have been talking to a friend about this the other day -

Russia/Belgium/Japan for group winners is free cash with all three available at +200 and above.
I know this might seem as dumb as Martingale in bases but the fair price for Tunisia should be 30/1 or more.

 

[Antonioli]

Sven gets tough, Beckham will travel

Sven gets tough, Beckham will travel

England coach Sven Goran Eriksson last night celebrated his first World Cup victory by persuading Manchester United to release the injured David Beckham and Nicky Butt to join a training camp in Dubai on Monday.

Despite intense objections from United and their manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, England captain Beckham and Butt will be on the plane with the rest of Eriksson's 23-man squad.

Ferguson wanted his players in Manchester so that United's own medical staff could treat Beckham's broken foot and Butt's damaged knee ligaments for a further week before releasing them to join up with the England party in Korea.

But a day of frantic bargaining between Eriksson, FA chief executive Adam Crozier and his United counterpart Peter Kenyon ended late yesterday with victory for Soho Square.

The FA played down talk of confrontation but Eriksson will see the result as a victory for the national cause and common sense.

An FA statement said: 'There has been no dispute between Manchester United and the FA over the travel arrangements to Dubai for David Beckham and Nicky Butt. Both the FA and the club have been working together in the best interests of the players and the national team.

'David and Nicky will be travelling with England to Dubai on Monday. The England medical staff will be implementing a fitness programme devised by their colleagues at Manchester United aimed at enabling a speedy return to fitness for both.

'England coach Sven Goran Eriksson and FA chief executive Adam Crozier are immensely grateful for the efforts of the Manchester United medical staff.'

One concession that England have made recently was to delay the Dubai departure by a day so the squad - and coach - could attend the Beck-hams' ?300,000 World Cup party at their Hertfordshire home tomorrow.

With the start of the tournament fewer than three weeks away, Eriksson is keen to have all his players together to encourage unity and maximise the acclimatisation period.

Beckham and Butt both hope to be fit for England's opener against Sweden on June 2. Beckham is also expected to sign a new four-year contract before United's final game of the season at home to Charlton.

Beckham's ?90,000-a-week deal was awaiting his signature last night after a week of scrutiny by lawyers representing both United and the 27-year-old's agents at SFX.

Beckham said: 'The fans kept me at the club. I'd hate them to think they were losing me, because I'd hope I've got a special relationship with them.

'I've day-dreamed on occasions about what it would be like to play in Italy or Spain.

'The football challenge would appeal to me in some ways but I have weighed all that against what I would be leaving behind, and the upheaval involved for my family.

'This is an important time for my career and my family life. I believe I'm approaching my peak. It is important for me to have the continuity and consistency I've enjoyed since I joined United at 14.

'I've grown up here as a footballer. I've developed a close bond with the players who came through the junior ranks with me. That would be hard to replace.

'The same applies to the fans. When I pull on a United shirt and step into the Old Trafford tunnel, I still get a buzz which is impossible to describe.'

If Beckham signs by 3pm today it will at least bring a disappointing United season to a conclusion with something to celebrate.

However, team-mate Juan Sebastian Veron will not be at Old Trafford today and it would appear that his ongoing Achilles problem may yet jeopardise his World Cup chances.

Veron flew to Rome on Thursday to join an Argentina training camp, ironically at the Formello training ground of his beloved former club Lazio.

He said last night: 'It has not been a very good season, either for the team or for myself, but you don't always achieve what you want straightaway. I am still content to be in England.'

 

[Antonioli]

Sven's chosen ones

Sven's chosen ones

After attending a Variety Club lunch in London's Park Lane yesterday, Sven Goran Eriksson spent the rest of the afternoon discussing the 23 varieties of English talent he will take to the World Cup.

In the end, it was a victory for caution over the cavalier, a selection that confirmed Eriksson's preference for a pragmatic approach to all things football.

The decision to name Martin Keown ahead of Liverpool's Danny Murphy, who will be kept on standby for as long as David Beckham and Nicky Butt need to recover from injury, was in keeping with what Eriksson insisted was a simple philosophy.

The Swede wants two players for every defensive position and in Arsenal's Double-winning veteran, he has his fourth centre half.

In Wes Brown he actually has a fifth, but what emerged when he spoke about the squad at the Cafe Royal was a desire to use the talented Manchester United defender as a right back in Japan.

While Leeds United's Danny Mills is the player who appears there more regularly at club level, Eriksson has long admired Brown and it now seems likely he will figure in the back four when England meet Sweden on June 2.

The team should be: David Seaman; Brown, Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, Ashley Cole; Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Paul Scholes, Kieron Dyer; Emile Heskey, Michael Owen.

Keown nevertheless remains the surprise inclusion in an otherwise predictable squad, not least because it might have been more prudent to take eight, rather than seven, midfielders.

It will be some time before Beckham kicks a ball with his broken left foot, while Butt has been ruled out for two weeks with a knee ligament problem and both Gerrard and Dyer are alarmingly fragile individuals.

Not until today, after consulting Manchester United's medical staff, will Eriksson even decide if Beckham and Butt will fly with the squad to Dubai on Monday. The alternative would see them continue their treatment at United and head east later.

England's defenders are a far sturdier breed and for that reason the decision to take eight of them and only seven midfielders could be something the Swede lives to regret.

'I don't know if it was the right thing to do,' said Eriksson with a shrug of the shoulders. 'We will not know until after the World Cup.'

For a player who never kicked a ball after going to the last World Cup and has continued to play second fiddle to Tony Adams at Highbury this season, booking a seat on the plane to Japan represents quite an achievement for Keown.

He was a last-minute replacement for the friendly international with Paraguay a few weeks ago, but recent form and a proven pedigree have carried him ahead of his younger rivals.

Eriksson said: 'I can't remember when I first saw Martin Keown play. Perhaps it was when I was managing at Benfica. He was always there, always blocking shots and he's no different today.

Keown was outstanding against United at Old Trafford on Wednesday night and for a moment yesterday, it even appeared Eriksson was encouraging him to employ the same heavy-handed tactics he had shown in shoving Paul Scholes across the pitch.

'Keown is special.' said Eriksson. 'He is a very, very good defender, a marker. He can take out an opponent if you need him to do that during a game. (Cue laughter).

'I don't mean kicking. I mean marking.'

Eriksson had not finally decided on his 23 until 9.30 in the morning.

He said: 'We thought about it some more yesterday. Then after the two games last night, Tord Grip and I talked before meeting at the office this morning.

'It was difficult. Very difficult. Telling players who have done well for us that they will not be going to the World Cup is an aspect of the job I could live without. I feel sorry for the players who have been left out, sorry for people like Andy Cole and Phil Neville.'

Eriksson confirmed that he travelled to Anfield on Wednesday to watch Blackburn's Matt Jansen.

'Yes, I did,' he said. 'But not only Jansen. I looked at a lot of players.'

Among them were Liverpool's Jamie Carragher and Murphy and, while it would appear Jansen failed to impress Eriksson, Carragher was being given serious consideration before it transpired that an injured knee would require surgery.

'Sadly,' said Eriksson. 'Carragher was out before I could select the squad, as was Gary Neville.'

This is the first England squad since 1995 that has not included a member of the Neville family. Gary misses out because of a broken foot. Phil is once again nursing a broken heart.

Phil, the younger of the brothers, was dropped in a flood of tears by Glenn Hoddle just before the last World Cup. Even though he has played or been named among the substitutes in every one of Eriksson's 13 internationals, he has not made the final cut this time either. 'As I said,' sighed Eriksson. 'It was difficult. I can name only 23.'

Eriksson believes he has got it right, though. 'I think it is a good squad,' he said. 'And if we can survive the first three games, you never know what can happen.'

He will look to his senior players - the likes of Keown, Sheringham and Southgate - for support in guiding England along.

'I have a few players who are over 30 and they will be like the fathers of the squad,' he said. 'Teddy Sheringham has been to a World Cup before. I have not. His experience will be useful.'

His choices made, all that was left was the subject of the Beckham party at the England captain's Hertfordshire mansion on Sunday.

'I will be going,' said Eriksson. 'But I don't know what to wear.'

That is one decision that will cause England's players rather less anxiety.

Full squad

Goalkeepers: David Seaman, Nigel Martyn, David James

Defenders: Rio Ferdinand, Ashley Cole, Sol Campbell, Gareth Southgate, Danny Mills, Wes Brown, Wayne Bridge, Martin Keown

Midfielders: Owen Hargreaves, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt, David Beckham, Kieron Dyer, Steven Gerrard, Joe Cole

Forwards: Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen, Emile Heskey, Teddy Sheringham, Darius Vassell



Standby: Danny Murphy