Spain Coach Vicente Del Bosque Will Favour Fernando Torres Over Fernando Llorente

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has suggested he will ignore calls for Fernando Llorente to start ahead of Fernando Torres for their World Cup quarter-final.

Llorente's performance after coming on as a second half substitute for Torres in the narrow win over Portugal has lead to a swell of support for the Athletic Bilbao target man to be given a starting berth over his Liverpool counterpart but del Bosque insists he will not be swayed from showing full confidence in both strikers.

"It is impossible that there would be no debate in a championship like this, because we all have opinions and it is good that the manifest themselves. Our forward right now is Fernando [Torres]. He has played four games, plenty of minutes, and will play more, we are fully confident him, and we know that Fernando Llorente will bring us many things too," he told the assembled media.

"We must give the utmost confidence to both, and know that both are useful. The hardest thing is that those who get minutes, when they go out [on the pitch] they give their utmost. In that sense we are happy with those who have participated a little."

Luis Aragones Praises Spain Coach Vicente Del Bosque

Former Spain boss Luis Aragones has praised current coach Vicente del Bosque for not altering their style of play to counter the style of an opponent after they overcame Portugal to reach the World Cup quarter-final.

Aragones, who lead Spain to European Championship glory in 2008, has defended his stance that la Furia Roja did not play well in the group stages but acknowledged that they are gradually improving.

"I've told what I see as the truth. In the groups I said we did not have good games. The team had possession of the ball but did not make many chances," Aragones was quoted as saying by AS.

"They have gone from low to high. In the first three games they were a little slow, did not offer an acceptable pace of movement of the ball, but in the second half against Portugal we saw a Spain that moves the ball very well.

They controlled the game and the chances and therefore deserved to go through. But the way they play does not change for anyone. The coach has to take credit for not changing their style because of the opponent."

Eljero Elia’s “Playing against Maicon, that’s a dream"

“Playing against Maicon, that’s a dream. He’s the best right back in the world. I want to test my level. Do my tricks and see who’s the best. Man, I hope I can play some minutes…”

Team manager Van Marwijk is convinced that Holland could win the quarter finals against Brazil, coming Friday. “Of course! We can beat any nation. Which doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy or that we will be the favorites or anything. And that is nice, after four games against teams that are regarded to be less than us.”

Van Marwijk is impressed with Brazil though. “I think Brazil is even better than most people think. They still have their vintage skills and athletics but they now also have that defensive block of six before their goalie. And that goalie is one of the best of the world too! In the 1970s, they were less disciplined and they never had superior goalies. The English did. And the Russians and the Dutch… But South America has developed tremendously in terms of these particular skills and team discipline. These lads can control a game and they don’t give away a lot. And their strikers can all decide games. Brazil doesn’t hold any secrets for us, but neither do we for them.”

Eljero Elia’s eyes begin to glisten when we talk about the Brazil clash: “Playing against Maicon, that’s a dream. He’s the best right back in the world. I want to test my level. Do my tricks and see who’s the best. Man, I hope I can play some minutes…”

Wesley Sneijder shares the dressing room at Inter with Maicon and Julio Cesar. They had quite some talks in the run up to the World Cup. “We all knew that this clash was in the cards… When I talked to Julio Cesar about our options up front, their faces changed a bit. Believe me, they fear us.”

The coach looks forward to the game against the five-timed crowned world champs. “Well, playing them is going to be fantastic, but we don’t want to participate in that game, we want to win it. We came to win the World Cup, in that case you need to be able to beat Brazil.”

Van Marwijk only lost one international game out of 25. “I think you can say we have a good group. I know we can always do better but we haven’t do so bad at this World Cup. We won four games in a row. Against Slovakia, our final pass wasn’t to good otherwise we could have scored four times. We lack the frivolity of before the World Cup, that’s true, but that can come from nowhere against Brazil. They will allow for space and they do like to play, like us.”

Oranje’s boss is happy with Robben’s return. “Arjen demonstrated his value immediately. And that’s pretty tough for a player who was injured. I hope he can add some spice to our game against Brazil. And yes, Holland – Brazil are always happenings and entertaining, but I’m not here to entertain the world. I want to win. That’s the main thing for me.”

The media wanted to know about the situation with Van Persie and Sneijder. The two have a history and lip readers yesterday claimed that Van Persie challenged Van Marwijk to sub Sneijder. Van Marwijk: “That is not an issue anymore. I have dealt with that and we have drawn a thick line in the sand.”

“Why do you overlook Sneijder all the time, Bert? Overlook?! Get it, hahahahaa…..”

Van Marwijk claimed to not have heard what Van Persie said. “I didn’t process it. I was busy with the game. Normally a player doesn’t say a thing, and I was ready to thank him and move on from there. He did say something and I do remember asking him to repeat it, because of the vuvuzela’s. I haven’t heard him mentioning names. He was disappointed because he felt he could still do something. That’s fine. I didn’t care.”

Van Marwijk did care when the media jumped on it. “When I realized later that the media was trying to make it into something big, I did deal with it. I spoke to both players about it on the plane. It was me doing the talking, so to speak. I don’t mind if things happen. There’s 23 top players together for 4 weeks or more… Things will happen. Big deal. Normally, as a coach, you use that to your advantage. To create even more unity and if you don’t deal with it, it will smoulder and create havoc. So, I was clear with my message, they got the chance to say what they wanted to say and that’s it. I don’t have time to discuss a substitution from the past. I want to deal with the game against Brazil. Full stop.”

Van Marwijk didn’t want to say what he told the players. “Not relevant. Not for you anyway. It’s between me and them. And I don’t want to say anymore about this. It’s dealt with, over. Period.”

Interesting was, that when Van Persie number went up and he made his way to the by-line, Sneijder walked over to give the Arsenal man a supportive pat on the…eh….lower back muscle…

So, maybe the whole rift between him and Van Persie was not about who got subbed. But obviously, Bert wanted to bury this one quickly:

“Coach, do something about it! He harasses me! Everytime and again, he pinches me in the bum… I don’t want it. He has Yolanthe already, why can’t that be enough? I do not want to share a room with him anymore!!”

Teammates of old, Kaka and Luis Fabiano linking up perfectly at World Cup

JOHANNESBURG — A quick look. A pass. A goal. Another assist from Kaka and another goal by Luis Fabiano for Brazil.

The pair have been key for the five-time champions at the World Cup, teaming up perfectly just as they did when they played for Brazilian club Sao Paulo before becoming stars in Europe.

Luis Fabiano has scored three goals in four matches in South Africa, two of them after passes from Kaka. The two have been creating some of the most dangerous scoring chances for Brazil at the World Cup, leaving opponents humbled with their crafty moves.

"We have a perfect connection," Luis Fabiano said. "We understand each other. I just have to get in position and I know he will get the ball to me."

Kaka set up Luis Fabiano with a perfect through ball in Brazil's 3-1 win over Ivory Coast in the group stage, leaving the striker in front of the net for the team's first goal.

On Monday in the 3-0 win against Chile in the second round, Kaka one-touched a quick pass to Luis Fabiano inside the area and he rounded the goalkeeper before finding the open net for the team's second goal.

"We have a very good connection, especially because of the time we played together for Sao Paulo. One look is enough to know what we are going to do," Kaka said. "I hope to give him many more assists in the rest of the World Cup and that he ends up as the top scorer."

Kaka and Luis Fabiano played for Sao Paulo from 2001 to 2003, winning the 2001 Rio-Sao Paulo title and reaching the final stages of the Brazilian championship in 2002. Kaka left to AC Milan in 2003, while Luis Fabiano moved to FC Porto in 2004 and then to Sevilla in Spain a year later.

Luis Fabiano was the leading scorer in last year's Confederations Cup with five goals in five matches, including two in the final win over the United States.

This year he is trailing Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain, Spain's David Villa and Slovakia's Robert Vittek, who each have four goals.

"I'm trying to help Brazil win the title, that's what I want," said Luis Fabiano, whose other goal this year also was against Ivory Coast. "If in the end I'm also the top scorer, better."

Kaka arrived at the World Cup as Brazil's biggest star, but he struggled to stay in shape after a season plagued by injuries with Real Madrid. He is yet to score a goal, but said he is perfectly happy sticking with the playmaking role in South Africa.

"That's fine," Kaka said. "Of course everyone wants to score goals in a World Cup, but honestly, it's not something I worry too much about. I'm happy to keep helping my teammates score so Brazil can keep winning."

Kaka also had an assist in Elano's third goal against Ivory Coast.

But surprisingly, this year the playmaker has also been making headlines for his indiscipline. Kaka missed Brazil's match against Portugal in the group stage because of a late red card against Ivory Coast. He also received a yellow card on Monday against Chile, his third in three matches.

"I'll try to be more careful now," Kaka said. "I don't want to run the risk of missing a semifinal in the World Cup."

Brazil plays the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Friday in Port Elizabeth. Brazil was eliminated by France in the same stage four years ago in Germany.

Messi not a threat for Germany: Loew

Ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal clash against Argentina in Port Elizabeth, German coach Joachim Loew kicked off the mind games on Wednesday by saying that Lionel Messi is no big threat to his team.

Loew knows that Friday’s encounter will be a tough one, similar to what happened in 2006 in Germany when the hosts went on to win the match on penalties.

In the base camp here in Erasmia, which is on the outskirts of the South African capital Pretoria, Loew said that the team would "try collectively" to stop Messi.

"Other teams have done so, he hasn't scored any goals so far, but there are other players who we have to watch out for," Loew said.

Loew said a day's break has helped the squad and all the players are training except striker Cacau, who is doubtful for the match with a stomach muscle strain.

Asked if his team had prepared any strategy for Argentina, Loew said: "We won't need a note, we'll need a whole catalogue. Argentina have lot of strengths and it is not easy to recognise weaknesses. They are one of the big favourites, if not the favourite for the title. They have not only Messi but other players who can win games. But we in the coaching team think we have recognised some weaknesses, and of course Argentina are vulnerable."

In 2006, during the penalty shootout, German keeper Jens Lehmann pulled out a note from his socks that had details of Argentina's penalty takers and it helped Lehmann to save the strikes.

Loew was full of praise for Argentine coach Diego Maradona.

"He was a genius as a player, a phenomenon and the idol of millions of fans around the world. It is difficult to judge him as a coach, but I have only heard good things about him. The way the team has played has been impressive, and he has also managed to motivate them with a lot of pride," Loew said.

Messi eyes revenge against Germany

Four years ago, Lionel Messi was a promising young lad who sat on the bench throughout Argentina's ill-fated quarter-final clash against Germany.

This time round, he's the biggest footballing star on the planet. He is fully fit. And he smells blood.

'This time I have the chance to play ... and hopefully make things right,' Messi told the German Press Agency DPA.

In South Africa, Messi is at his best ever with Argentina. He gives the team balance and is the main engine of the Albiceleste's goal-scoring machine.

But he admits that beating Germany, possibly the most in-form European team at this World Cup, will not be easy.

'Germany has good players, especially up front. It's going to be tough,' Messi told DPA.

Asked whether he might score his first 2010 World Cup goal against Miroslav Klose and partners, Messi said: 'I'd love to!'

Messi is not one to be afraid of challenges. Last week, just days before turning 23 years old, coach Diego Maradona made him Argentina captain for the first time.

It was just another milestone in a stellar career that last year alone saw him win the Spanish league and the European Champions League with Barcelona. FIFA had no hesitation in electing him the world's best player of 2009.

Maradona, one of football's all-time greatest, has said it would be a 'sin' not to field Messi at the World Cup.

He is particularly impressed by the fact that his heir-apparent 'wants to play all the time. I love that.'

Messi's coach when he was still a kid playing for Newell's Old Boys in his hometown of Rosario says he's always been that way.

'It was impossible to make him stay on the bench for for five minutes,' Adrian Coria told DPA.

Four years ago, Germany needed a penalty shoot-out to overcome Argentina and make it to the semi-finals.

This time round, Messi's golden left-foot might resolve matters before extra time.

Germany have been warned.

Manchester City Agree Deal With Valencia For David Silva

Forward to sign five-year deal after World Cup...

Manchester City have confirmed that they have concluded an agreement with Valencia to sign Spain international David Silva.

The player is set to undergo a medical and complete his move to Eastlands after the World Cup.

The 24-year-old will then ink a four-year contract with the Premier League outfit, who are desperate to mount a challenge for at least a top four finish next season and probably the title itself.

“Firstly I would like to thank Valencia as a club and all of their loyal fans, and my team mates there and staff. I have enjoyed six years at Valencia, they discovered me as a footballer and they will always be a special club for me," said Silva, according to City's official website.

“The time is right for me to seek a new challenge, and I am thrilled about playing in England with Manchester City. I believe the Premier League is one of the best competitions in the world and I want to bring success to City and win trophies for them.

"I want to say that I always hoped to come to Manchester City and I am excited about my future there. They are a club with a great future with fantastic players.

"I want to be an important player in Manchester City’s history.

"There has been a lot of speculation about me in the British and Spanish media, and I need to fully concentrate on playing for Spain in the World Cup. That is why my advisors have been dealing with City for me so that I can have my attentions only on South Africa and playing well for my national team."

City manager Roberto Mancini echoed the player's delight, and was looking forward to working with the Spain star.

"I think that David Silva is one of the best midfielders in Europe, and I hope he will be a very important player for Manchester City," the Italian said.

"I am so pleased he is coming to us, I think he can make a big, big impact for Manchester City. In signing David, we are showing the World that we are bringing the best players here and that we hope to compete to win the Premier League. When players see what is happening at Manchester City and the ambition they are attracted to what we are building and want to be a part of it."

"I hope he does very well for Spain in the World Cup and then joins us for our pre-season, ready to compete in the Premier League. I am very excited about seeing him playing for Manchester City."

Netherlands Winger Eljero Elia Doesn't Fear Brazil Defender Maicon

Netherlands meet Brazil in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup on Friday.

Netherlands meet Brazil in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup on Friday and tricky attacker Eljero Elia is eagerly antipicating the match between Oranje and the Selecao, revealing that he's not afraid to lock horns with Brazil defender Maicon.

"Playing against Brazil at the World Cup is like a dream come true for me. That's something very special for a Dutchman of Surinamese descent like me," Elia was quoted as saying by Dutch sports magazine NUsport.

"The people in Surinam always support Brazil and Netherlands when a World Cup takes place. I'm sure that they will cheer for Oranje on Friday though due to the presence of some players with Surinamese roots, especially if one of us finds the net.

"I'm really looking forward to the match and I will do my utmost if the coach decides to give me the nod. I'm full of confidence and I feel like I have a chance to make the starting XI.

"I don't care that I will possibly face Maicon. I'm in great form at the moment and I don't fear him. I'll just play my own game and we'll see how that turns out. The crowd want me to make individual actions and I'm ready to give them what they want."

Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger Slams Past And Present Argentina Teams

The Bayern Munich midfielder is furious at supposed Argentine manipulation of the match officials, and still hasn't forgotten the unsavoury incidents of 2006.

Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has raised the temperature ahead of Saturday's clash against an in-form Argentina, claiming that the Albiceleste try to influence referees when they play.

"When one sees Argentina's games and the way in which they try to influence the referees... It is a lack of respect, but this is what the Argentines are like," the Bayern Munich man asserted in Wednesday's press conference.

"We have to be ready for it, I just hope the referee has a good day."

And Schweinsteiger also criticised the conduct of the famously passionate Seleccion travelling support, suggesting they ruined games for other, better-behaved fans.

"We have already seen how the Argentine fans sit together in spite of the fact that those are not their proper seats, and they stop other spectators with the correct tickets from enjoying the game," argued the player, who is a team-mate of Argentine centre-back Martin Demichelis in Germany.

There is already a certain rivalry between the two sides, who met at the same stage four years ago in Germany. That time it was the Europeans who came out on top, beating Jose Pekerman's side on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The game finished in shame after punches were traded between the two sides; and Schweinsteiger still bitterly remembers how Argentina sullied the memory of that victory for the Germans.

"My memory of the shootout is there, but what remains is what happened at the end, what the Argentines did is deeply ingrained in my mind."

FIFA Begin Investigation Into Australia World Cup 2022 Bid After Bribery Claim

FIFA has begun an investigation into the Australia World Cup 2022 bid after allegations of bribery emerged.
Newspaper the Sydney Morning Herald had reported that offers of jewellry had been made to the wives of the football governing body's voters and an executive committee member was offered an all-expenses trip.

FIFA has reacted quickly to the news and a spokesman confirmed "it is looking into this matter." The Australian team has denied any improper behaviour and stated they stayed within the ethics rules laid down by the organisation.

FIFA says World Cup bidders can give gifts of "symbolic or incidental value and that exclude any influence on a decision in relation to the bidding process." The ruling executive will choose the 2018 and 2022 World Cup hosts in December, where Australia will hope to fight of competiton from countries including Qatar, the USA and South Korea.

Germany Star Thomas Mueller Points Finger At 'Alpha Males' In England Squad For Embarrassing Showing In South Africa

Germany World Cup 2010 hero Thomas Mueller has slammed the "alpha males" in the England squad that undermined the team's bid for glory.

Muller, 20, grabbed a brace in last weekend's 4-1 second round victory after Fabio Capello's side went into the match as favourites. The Bayern Munich star is just one of a group of starlets - including Mesut Oezil, Sami Khedira and Manuel Neuer - who overshadowed the experienced performers in the Three Lions' ranks.

Speaking to the press in the build-up to the quarter-final clash with Argentina, Muller believed that too many egos and not enough will to win contrived to send England home.

"England have so many top stars in their squad, they'll always be a part and parcel of the international football scene," Mueller noted.

"There are so many alpha males in the squad and it is difficult to have so many alpha males and roll in the same direction but you don't only need chiefs, you also need Indians, those willing to do hard work - that maybe a problem with England that players aren't mentally prepared to go that extra mile for their team."

Capello has since hinted he will bring in a raft of youngsters to shake-up his underperforming squad, a move Mueller backed.

"I don't know how many youngsters England have got to put through but if there are any they will certainly raise the standard of the team," he said.

"You need to have a team that plays as a team and maybe younger players are more subservient and they do what they are required to do."

Brazilian Press Tear Into Argentine 'Disconcentration'

Various news sources criticise the lax regime promoted by the Albiceleste management, claiming that Second Round hero Tevez spent all the next day sleeping off a hangover.

Although both Brazil and Argentina must overcome two extremely difficult rivals in order to secure what would be a dream final for the rival nations, in Brazil at least the battle is beginning now.

The Globo media network fired the first shots this week by accusing the Argentine team, led by eccentric coach Diego Maradona, of being too relaxed and lax during preparations in South Africa.

Website Globoesporte led the charge against the Albiceleste by labelling their Pretoria base a "disconcentration"- concentration is the preferred term in both Spanish and Portuguese for a training camp. The site contrasted the appearance of a jubilant Carlos Tevez in an interview decked in Argentina colours and blowing a Vuvuzela with the austere, controlled approach imposed by Brazil coach Dunga on his players.

The website also criticised the fact that Argentine players could do whatever they want with their free time, and pointed out that players including Lionel Messi and Martin Palermo left the base altogether in order to stay at their families' accommodation.

The onslaught against Dieguito and his relaxed approach stemmed from an interview held by Jornal Nacional on Monday with the coach's own cousin, Antonio.

There, a laughing Antonio informed the Brazilian newspaper that Tevez had spent the entire day in bed, sleeping off a hangover brought on by celebrating the victory over Mexico.

Antonio also laid down his own challenge to the Brazilian public, stating good-naturedly: "We are euphoric, happy and with great hopes of arriving at the final to take on Brazil."

Gary Neville Blasts FA And Insists England Players Are To Blame For Poor World Cup, Not Fabio Capello

Manchester United defender Gary Neville has pointed the finger of blame at the players for England's woeful underperformance at the World Cup.

The veteran right-back also thinks that the FA should be held to account for the manner in which they have handled the whole situation, and is outraged by the way in which they seem to have pandered to public opinion.

"England are out of the World Cup and, surprise, surprise, we are talking about sacking the manager," Neville told The Times.

"If that was a reaction I expected from some fans and pundits, I was disappointed - although not exactly shocked - to hear wavering coming out of the FA.

"Two weeks to decide Fabio Capello's future, says Adrian Bevington, the Club England managing director.

"This is the same Club England (whatever that is) that trumpeted so proudly 28 days ago that it had taken the release clause out of the manager's contract.

"One minute these guys are talking about Capello as world-class, now they need a fortnight to decide if he is the man for them after all.

"What are they waiting for - to see what's in the newspapers? Where is the backbone? Now you can understand why I have had my arguments with the FA down the years."

Blaming the manager for the team's failings is also a convenient whitewash for the dismal performances of some big name players for the Three Lions.

"It (the FA) has to stick by Capello. I do not agree with all his decisions, from squad selection to formation, but nor do I buy the idea that he merits the sack," Neville added.

"It is easy for Alan Shearer to say the players haven't performed for him, but is that all one man's fault? I'd put three of Germany's four goals down to individuals.

"Whatever anyone says about systems - and I was surprised Capello didn't try 4-5-1 - these were errors from experienced players."

Neville also pinpoints a lack of top class English players in the Premier League as a problem, and asserts that the strong Champions League performance of English teams in recent seasons has created a falsely high assesment of how good domestic players actually are.

"We have to question how good we truly are," he stated.

"Better than we performed in this World Cup, for sure, but have we overestimated our strengths on the basis of our strong record in the Champions League? Possibly.

"The success of Manchester United and Chelsea cannot be a reliable guide to the merits of the England team, given the number of top-class players from overseas."

Ashley Cole Hates England. And All Its People.

“I hate England and the f***ing people!”
One of the few – very few – bright spots of England’s miserable World Cup campaign was the form of Ashley Cole. The England left back had a decent World Cup 2010, and has avoided most of the criticism directed at the team by, well, everyone who saw the team play in South Africa. But a story in The Sun yesterday has ruined all that.

Apparently, before the World Cup, Cole updated his status on his Blackberry (supposed to be visible to only a closed network of people) to read: “I hate England and the f***ing people!” Nice one Ashley Cole. Because now they probably feel the same way.

The Sun did allow Cole to comment on his status update, explaining that “I always try my hardest for England and Chelsea but the intrusion and pressure I feel is making my life hell.” Which would be a good excuse if Cole didn’t attract said attention by doing things like cheating on his super-hot ex-wife and sending out status updates about how he hates England all its people.

FIFA World Cup 2010 Quarter Finals: Brazil v Netherlands Preview

The Netherlands play Brazil in the quarter final of the FIFA World Cup on 2 July 2010 in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

Brazil have been growing in strength with every game, and given how strong they were to start with that must be causing worries for all the other teams left in the tournament, including their next opponents the Netherlands, who they face in the quarter final on Friday 2 July 2010 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Brazil So Far in the FIFA World Cup

Chile have already shown this year they are a good side, but Brazil brushed them aside in the Round of 16. Even while the score remained goalless, the Chileans never really looked a threat and when Brazil hit two in three minutes just before half time, the game was all but over.

Juan scored the first of those followed by Luis Fabiano, and on the hour mark Robinho added a third to put to rest any lingering doubts that Chile could rescue something from the game.

Gone from the Brazil side was the nervousness that characterised the 2-1 win over North Korea in the opening game and back was the skill and passion seen in the 3-1 win over Côte d’Ivoire. The dull goalless draw with Portugal had been put behind them.

Netherlands So Far in the FIFA World Cup

The Dutch were in total control of their Round of 16 match from the eighteenth minute when Arjen Robben slotted the ball home. They frustrated the Slovakians for most of the match until just after the hour mark when Marik Hamsik and Robert Vittek both missed good chances for Slovakia. The game was put beyond doubt though with just over five minutes to go thanks to a goal from Wesley Sneijder. Slovakia did pull one back from the penalty spot, but as it was the last kick of the match it mattered not at all.

The Netherlands were the first team to qualify for the Round of 16 when they won their first two matches. Adding a third win gave them a 100 per cent record and made the Dutch team one to watch for the rest of the tournament.

Netherlands beat Denmark 2-0 and Japan 1-0 before the final group game against Cameroon, a bit of an anticlimax as Netherlands were already through and Cameroon already out. It ended 2-1 to the Dutch.

Oscar Tabarez Announces Uruguay Team To Face Ghana

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez has once more decided to announce his team early in anticipation of the Celeste clash against Ghana on Friday.

There will be two changes for the Uruguayans from the team which squeaked through 2-1 against South Korea on Saturday.

'The Maestro' announced the team in his press conference at the team's Kimberley base on Wednesday. The early selection follows a pattern established since the early days of this tournament; in Tabarez's own words carried out to stop tiresome press speculation over whom would appear for the Celeste.

In defence Mauricio Victorino will stand in for centre-back Diego Godin. In fact the highly impressive Godin is a doubt for the rest of the tournament after suffering a pulled muscle in the Second Round.

The other change on the other hand is an unforced switch; Universidad de Chile midfielder Alvaro Fernandez will come in for Porto's Alvaro Pereira after Pereira failed to impress in the previous match.

The team in full will be (4-3-1-2):

Muslera, Maxi Pereira, Lugano, Victorino, Fucile; Alvaro Fernández, Diego Pérez, Arévalo Ríos; Diego Forlán; Cavani and Luis Suárez.

World Cup 2010: Brazil Midfielder Elano Ruled Out Of Quarter-Final Clash With The Netherlands

Brazil midfielder Elano's nagging ankle injury has ruled him out of the heavyweight World Cup 2010 quarter-final clash with Netherlands.

Elano, 29, picked up the knock in a crunching tackle in the 3-1 group stage victory against the Ivory Coast. The former Manchester City star has been sidelined since, and the Selecao's team doctor has refused to set a return date.

Speaking to reporters, Jose Luiz Runco said: "He can walk and run without changing direction, the problem is the impact, when he puts weight on it.

"The bone is swollen inside, hence the name.

"He could be better in a few days, a week or a month. We still hope he can play next week but I can't say that categorically. He is working intensely so we have to see if nature can give a helping hand."

World Cup 2010: Brazil's Kaka Welcomes Real Madrid Arrival Of His Argentinian Angel Di Maria

Brazil and Real Madrid star Kaka has welcomed new Galactico Angel di Maria to the Spanish club.

The multi-lingual playmaker, who impressed at Milan before being lured to Madrid in the summer of 2009, is currently a World Cup rival of Di Maria in South Africa, with Brazil and Argentina two of the favourites to meet in the final on July 11.

But with 22-year-old Di Maria set to arrive at the Bernabeu after the tournament the Brazilian chose to praise the new signing at a press conference in the Selecao's World Cup base.

"Di Maria is a fantastic player, with dizzying skill down the wings and with great control of the ball. He has already demonstrated it in Argentina and he is doing it now in the World Cup," the player announced to reporters.

The confirmation of this signing could prove to have an unforeseen downside for Kaka's Brazil team-mates. An undoubted talent, di Maria has been embroiled in speculation and doubt throughout the World Cup about a possible move to the Merengues; a fact attributed by many Argentine commentators as the reason why he is yet to set the tournament on fire.

With the move now signed and confirmed, it is possible the world could see the real 'Fideo' come to the fore in the final leg of the tournament.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has reiterated warnings to the French government from Jerome Valcke

The secretary general, that it must tread very carefully in its dealings with the French Football Federation (FFF).

French president Nicolas Sarkozy has indicated his government will investigate the national team's humiliating performance in South Africa, but Blatter said that raised the risk of the team being suspended from global tournaments if Sarkozy meddles in the running of the national soccer federation.

The FFF "can really rely on FIFA in case of political interference, even if it is at the presidential level," Blatter said. "France made an affaire d'etat of football, but football remains in the hands of the federation."

FIFA's rules specifically prohibit governments from involvement with the running of national federations and it has the power to suspend any federation where there is evidence of such interference.

Blatter also told reporters he regretted the resignation of Jean-Pierre Escalettes as FFF president, adding France's status in world football would not prevent FIFA stepping in. "Definitely, I can tell you that political interference will be dealt with by FIFA notwithstanding what kind of interference and what is the size of the country."

FIFA has punished federations before. Greece were European champions when they were suspended for several days in 2006; Iraq served a suspension in 2008; and Ethiopia were kicked out of their qualifying group for the 2010 World Cup.

Van Persie causes rift in Dutch camp after Sneijder slur

The Netherlands ease past Slovakia 2-1 to set-up a quarter final showdown against Brazil.

The unusually united atmosphere prevailing over a Dutch World Cup finals camp threatens to come apart at the seams ahead of the quarter-final with Brazil after an outburst by Robin van Persie to coach Bert van Maarwijk when he was replaced in Monday's 2-1 win over Slovakia.

Journalists from Dutch TV station NOS said it was clear from lip reading van Persie that the Arsenal star had said to van Marwijk - after flashing him a dirty look - 'It is not me that should be substituted but Wesley Sneijder', when he was taken off after another insipid individual performance with 10 minutes remaining.

"False!" retorted van Persie. "I didn't say any name in particular."

Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain Prioritizing Team Success Over Golden Boot

Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain has insisted he is not thinking about collecting the Golden Boot at the World Cup as he feels that accolade would mean nothing without team glory.

As his team prepares for Saturday's quarter-final against Germany, Higuain has declared that representing his country at the World Cup is a priceless experience as he eyes a lap of honour at the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg on July 11.

The Real Madrid star is currently tied as joint top goalscorer alongside David Villa of Spain and Robert Vittek of Slovakia who will play no further part in the tournament having been eliminated against Netherlands last time out.

"I do not think about it. The truth is that being among the top scorers at the World Cup is a satisfaction, but that does not help if we do not reach our goals. And my goal is to have my team-mates on a lap of honor after the final," he was quoted as saying by AS.

"I'm living a dream, which I have had since childhood, the dream I grew up with when I wanted to be a football player. Representing my country in a World Cup is priceless. And having my family around makes it special.

"I know I'm here because of the effort, my work at the club, and because I was always sure that if kept chasing my dream, I was going to achieve it."

Devastated' Portugal Captain Cristiano Ronaldo Explains 'Innocent' Comments About Carlos Queiroz

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has explained his post-match criticism of coach Carlos Queiroz, after Spain dumped his side out of the World Cup.

The Real Madrid star has insisted that his comments after the defeat were misconstrued and insisted that there is nothing more to it.

"When I said to ask the coach it was simply because Carlos Queiroz was at a press conference and journalists could hear his explanations and because I did not feel in the right condition to explain what happened," he is quoted as saying by Marca before adding that he is devastated by Portugal's exit from the tournament.

"I never thought that these simple and innocent words could cause so much controversy. So I ask you not to look for ghosts where none exist. There is no case whatsoever.

"I am suffering and I have the right to suffer alone. I am devastated, completely devastated, frustrated and with unimaginable sadness."

World Cup 2010: Xavi Believes Portugal Win Was Spain's Best Performance At Finals

Spain midfield lynchpin Xavi has praised the European champions efforts against Portugal, labeling the 1-0 win as their best performance of the World Cup so far.

The Barcelona midfield maestro stressed the importance of the first goal and said that credit must go to Spain's defense for keeping Cristiano Ronaldo quiet throughout the round of 16 tie in Cape Town.

"We have played an intelligent game. We've been great on defense. It was a great Spain in the second half. We have been at a very good level, our best match," he noted afterward before the assembled media.

"The key was to score first. Portugal lives on how their defense plays. We countered their counter-attack well, except for one chance to Simao. Eduardo, their goalkeeper, has been phenomenal and that's why we failed to score more goals. He even saved El Guaje's first shot for the goal.

"We had control of the game, completely and based on a solid defense. We have done a fantastic job. It's a credit to our defense that a man like Ronaldo disappeared from the game."

Bert van Marwijk Prevents Robin van Persie From Confirming Dutch Stereotype

I am not happy with Netherlands forward Robin van Persie right now. But very happy with Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk.

Robin van Persie was subbed out in the 80th minute of the Netherlands 2-1 win over Slovakia on Monday, and did not take kindly to leaving the field. There are even reports (via lipreaders) that van Persie complained that Wesley Sneijer and not himself should have been taken off. Which is dangerously close to the start of a squad rift. That’s the same Wesley Sneijder who scored four minutes after van Persie left the field by the way.

Spotting a stereotype about to be reinforced, coach Bert van Marwijk stepped in to end the drama:

“I will never accept anything that could upset the next match,” Van Marwijk told Dutch national broadcaster NOS.
“I spoke to Robin and he is supposed to have said something about Wesley. I’ve spoken to Wesley and after that I called the team together … told them what I think and then drew a line under it.”
…
“I’ve always said I don’t mind if something happens — that can make you stronger — but I don’t like to leave problems dangling,” he said. “It’s over. For everybody.”

I hope van Marwijk’s right. Because because many of the stereotypes on this list have been disproved at World Cup 2010 (Germany have looked more inspired than efficient, for example) but also because I want to see the strongest Dutch team possible take on Brazil this Friday.

World Cup 2010: Rumors Surface Of Unrest In The Argentina CampWorld Cup 2010: Rumors Surface Of Unrest In The Argentina Camp

An Argentine newspaper reports that several high-profile players in the Albiceleste squad are frustrated with their limited playing time.

They have been one of the most impressive teams of the World Cup so far, winning fans with attractive football and an excellent squad spirit instilled by coach Diego Maradona.

But recent reports from the Argentina camp suggest several players are unhappy with their lack of first team action and how they have been handled by the eccentric trainer.

Clarin asserted on Monday that senior players Juan Sebastian Veron, Jonas Gutierrez and Walter Samuel are unsettled in the squad, having started the tournament in the first XI and for various reasons seeing themselves recently on the bench.

Veron and Samuel both suffered injuries in the group stages, but believe themselves to be 100% fit and are allegedly frustrated that 'El Pelusa' does not share their opinion.

Gutierrez meanwhile is said to be angered that he started the tournament playing out of position at right back, and after a pair of less than convincing performances there has been taken out of the side and left on the bench.

The Argentine newspaper does admit that none of the players involved have stated publicly their frustrations. Maradona however was moved to comment on the allegations of unrest shortly before the victory over Mexico, telling the press: "little niggling things are happening, which we are trying to resolve within the group."

After the Mexico game however, Diego denied any question of conflicts, insisting that the team was still together.

"My relationship with the boys is excellent. I left out some heavyweights, but out of respect to their team-mates, the coach and the shirt they have to be ready to play. This way when I turn and ask them to get on the field, they are ready to help the team. We came here to leave our skin in order to win the cup."

Del Bosque wants to make history

Vicente del Bosque has warned Spain's rivals that his side are determined to "make history"

David Villa's goal was enough to knock Portugal out in Cape Town and ensure that Spain progress to a quarter-final meeting with Paraguay which they are heavy favourites to win.

Prior to the start of the tournament, Del Bosque's side were widely tipped to add to their Euro 2008 success by triumphing in South Africa, but their campaign began with a shock defeat at the hands of Switzerland.

However, having responded by securing consecutive victories against Honduras, Chile and now Portugal, Del Bosque is insistent that belief has returned to his talented squad, even if he is keen to ensure Spain remain focused on beating Paraguay.

"We want to make history," Del Bosque said. "The players are motivated. It's a long tournament and we are able to do it.

"We are mistaken if we believe that we are already in the semis. We will not win without resolve and concentration."

Spain took the lead on 63 minutes when Villa collected a sumptuous flick from Xavi and finished past Eduardo at the second attempt. The goal came only four minutes after the disappointing Fernando Torres was replaced by Fernando Llorente, and Del Bosque had words of praise for the Atletico Bilbao striker.

Del Bosque said of Llorente's performance: "He's done a great job. The credit belongs to the players, who have proved what they have inside."

Goalscorer Villa is anticipating a trickier test when Spain face a Paraguay side that defeated Japan on penalties to make their own piece of World Cup history.

"We know what has occurred in previous matches, like against Switzerland. Paraguay will be tougher than Portugal because the side has reached the quarter-finals for the first time," Villa told AS.

"I am very happy for the win, although we suffered a lot. We deserved to win, so I believe the result is fair. They finished really well and individually have two excellent central defenders, but luckily, we were able to take one of our chances.

"My aim is to keep scoring like this, especially in the big matches, so we can advance through the tournament.

Latest Pictures: Spain vs Portugal

MATCH SUMMARY: Spain vs Portugal

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: David Villa - In a game where Spain were again unable to quite hit the heights they are capable of, they required another goal from their predatory forward who claimed his fourth of the tournament to settle this second-round tie and move level with Robert Vittek and Gonzalo Higuain at the top of the goalscoring charts. Villa was a constant menace, as ever, and continues to demonstrate why he is the most feared striker in South Africa.

Spain verdict: Vicente del Bosque's side did not have to be at their best to progress on Tuesday night but in Villa they have a striker capable of settling any game. Midfield conductors Xavi and Andres Iniesta still have room for improvement, though the former's backheel to assist Villa was sublime, and the suspicion remains that Spain still have more in reserve. As they approach a quarter-final with Paraguay, Spain must consider whether dropping Torres will help bring the best out of the reigning European champions.

Portugal verdict: Outside of a 7-0 hammering of North Korea, Portugal did not score a goal in this World Cup and that is a damning statistic. Carlos Queiroz may have promised to attack Spain prior to kick-off but a performance full of endeavour did not materialise and Portugal's malaise was embodied by the frustrated figure of Ronaldo, who did little to justify his lofty reputation. Queiroz's side struggled with their shape in the latter stages and depart the World Cup full of regret having proved less than the sum of their talented parts.

Could do better: Fernando Torres - While his team-mate Villa moved to the top of the World Cup goalscoring charts with his fourth of the tournament, El Nino once again looked a little boy lost. His struggles at this World Cup are of real concern, and having not scored in qualifying he once again lived up to the tag of 'Spain's Emile Heskey' given him by the Guardian's Sid Lowe. Who would have thought Torres would fulfil the role of non-scoring striker, and a troubled one at that?

Stat attack: Xabi Alonso was the first Spanish player to be booked at this year's World Cup finals.