Koera Soccer Football National Team Road To Brazil / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

How they qualified
Before finally securing their eighth consecutive FIFA World Cup™ qualification, Korea Republic had twice seen their campaign in significant peril. Unlike Japan, who counted on the same starting XI and Australia, who used their core of experienced players throughout qualification, a proven and reliable starting line-up was elusive for Korea Republic throughout the qualifying competition.

With the squad changing constantly, an unprepared Taeguk Warrior side were stunned 2-1 by Lebanon in the third round’s penultimate match, which left their hopes hanging by a thread. The defeat cost Cho Kwangrae his job but under new boss Choi Kanghee, Korea Republic dispatched Kuwait 2-0 to progress at the West Asian’s expense.
The next round continued nearly in the same vein, with Choi’s side floundering with draws against Uzbekistan and Lebanon and a defeat to Iran. A 1-0 home win against Uzbekistan in the penultimate game saw their fortunes revived, but after losing the closing game to Iran by the identical scoreline, they had to wait until Uzbekistan’s 5-1 defeat of Qatar to confirm their direct qualification by edging the central Asians on goal difference.  

FIFA World Cup history
Despite being Asia’s most frequent visitors to world football’s showpiece event, Korea Republic had never won a match at the finals until they co-hosted Korea/Japan 2002. They got off to a winning start with victory over Poland before defeating Portugal to reach the second round for the first time. The Taeguk Warriors went on to reach the semi-finals at the expense of Italy and Spain, only to lose to Germany in the last four. In 2010, they made history again by reaching the knockout stage for the first time on foreign soil, before going down at the hands of Uruguay in the Round of 16.

The key players
The squad's make-up kept changing during the qualifying and under new coach Hong Myungbo, a new-look team has taken shape. A series of emerging stars, notably German-based Son Heungmin and Koo Jacheol, have graduated into the team's backbone force. Bolton Wanderers' Lee Chungyong is the new man wearing the captain's armband and home-based Kim Shinwook and Lee Keunho are proven goal-scorers.

Current coach: Hong Myungbo
Best performance in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan 2002 (Fourth place)
Former stars: Cha Bumkun, Hong Myungbo, Park Jisung

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Australia the first team to arrive in Brazil / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

Australia has become the first of the total 31 teams to land in Brazil for the FIFA World Cup 2014™. The Socceroos reached Brazilian soil on Wednesday 28 May at around 6pm local when they arrived at the Curitiba International Airport.
“We are the underdogs. It will be a good opportunity for the Australian team to surprise, so this is all very exciting. And being in the ‘soccer country’ is an extra motivation, of course”, said midfielder Tommy Oar before the team boarded another flight - to Vitoria, in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo, where Australia’s Team Base Camp is located.
“We’ve been training for the last few days and things have gone well. We still have some two more weeks to keep on training, so I think we will be well-prepared for the World Cup."
Playing their third consecutive FIFA World Cup, the Socceroos are part of Group B in Brazil alongside Chile – their first opponents on 13 June in Cuiaba – and 2010 finalists Spain and the Netherlands.

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Germany Squad Road to Brazil world Cup / Have a Fun Flag Wig!

 How they qualified
Germany topped Group C with an unbeaten record, sealing automatic qualification for the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ with nine victories from ten fixtures. Furthermore, coach Joachim Low’s charges hit 36 goals along the way, the most of any side in European zone qualifying. The three-time world champions’ eye-catching attacking displays have thrilled their fans and demonstrated why they are among the favourites to take the title in Brazil.

However, there is still plenty of room for improvement. The 4-4 draw with Sweden in Berlin is a painful memory, especially after Germany had led 4-0 lead. “We still have work to do before the World Cup,” commented Low. “I see two main areas to focus on: we need to stabilise both our defence and our play in the final third.”

FIFA World Cup finals history
Germany lie third in the all-time world football ranking with three FIFA World Cup triumphs, behind only Brazil on five and Italy on four. The 1954 team won the tournament in Switzerland as rank outsiders, in what became known as the Miracle of Berne. Franz Beckenbauer lifted the trophy on home soil in 1974, and Lothar Matthaus followed suit at Italy 1990.
The Germans have also finished runners-up four times, in 1966, 1982, 1986 and 2002, and came third on four occasions, in 1934 and 1970, and at the last two finals in 2006 and 2010. No other team has played more matches (99) or scored more goals (222) at the FIFA World Cup finals.

The key players
Keeper Manuel Neuer is the undisputed No1, while many experts believe he is the real deal, equipped not only to follow in the footsteps of Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann, but also to develop into one of the best in the world. Full-back Philipp Lahm and schemer Bastian Schweinsteiger earned their international spurs long ago: each has reached 100 caps but is still at their peak.

The next generation appears immensely promising too. Former Real Madrid starlet Mesut Ozil, who now laces his boots at Arsenal was just 21 when he thrilled the crowds at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is a gifted creative player with passing ability to match the best in the world. Up front, Thomas Muller won the adidas Golden Boot and was named Best Young Player at the 2010 finals, while youngsters Marco Reus, Andre Schurrle, Toni Kroos and Mario Gotze keep getting better and better .

Coach: Joachim Low
Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Switzerland 1954, Germany 1974, Italy 1990 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Australia 1981 (Winners)
Former stars: Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Müller, Lothar Matthaus

by FIFA / www.FlagWigs.com

Belgium Squad Brazil World Cup Group H / Have a Fun Flag Wig!

How they qualified
Having looked to be building towards something special for a number of years, Belgium finally made the breakthrough many expected, with a golden generation seemingly capable of challenging the best. Les Diables Rouges (Red Devils) proved that on the road to Brazil 2014, topping Group A ahead of the likes of Croatia, Serbia and Scotland after an almost faultless campaign. The Belgians only dropped points in an early draw against Croatia and a second stalemate in their final outing, when their finals place was already assured. They sealed their progress in their penultimate encounter, an excellent 2-1 victory in Zagreb that owed much to a double from Romelu Lukaku, one of several talents who have added a new dimension to their game since moving to the English Premier League.

FIFA World Cup finals history
Founding members of FIFA, Belgium have taken part in 11 FIFA World Cup™ final tournaments and were an ever-present force between 1982 and 2002. In 1998, the side coached by Georges Leekens in his first spell at the helm came third in their group and made an early exit, while in 2002 Robert Waseige’s men fell in the last 16 to eventual winners Brazil. Neither of those teams came anywhere close to matching the generation that sparkled during Mexico 1986, when they reached the semi-finals before succumbing to Argentina.

The key players
On paper, Belgium can call upon an armada of stars, all plying their trade in Europe’s most prestigious championships. The depth of their talent pool is striking, with Nacer Chadli threatening to eclipse crowd favourite Eden Hazard before the latter has approached anything near his peak. Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois and Toby Alderweireld are the latest stars to emerge, while the likes of Vincent Kompany, Thomas Vermaelen, Axel Witsel, Marouane Fellaini and Steven Defour have already established themselves as senior figures.

Coach: Marc Wilmots
Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Mexico 1986 (Fourth place), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Antwerp 1920 (Winners)
Former stars: Enzo Scifo, Jean-Marie Pfaff, Marc Wilmots

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Russia National Football Soccer Team to Brazil Group H / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

How they qualified
Drawn alongside Portugal, Russia were not favourites to win Group F and earn direct passage to Brazil 2014. Expectations soon shifted after a perfect start to their campaign, as the Russians kicked off with wins over Northern Ireland and Israel. Having set the tone, Fabio Capello’s side then revealed their ambitions by beating the Portuguese in Moscow courtesy of a solitary Alexander Kerzhakov goal.
A narrow 1-0 defeat of Azerbaijan made it four wins out of four, at which point the Russians stumbled, losing to Portugal away and then going down unexpectedly to the Northern Irish in a fixture that had to be rescheduled due to bad weather. With the Portuguese breathing down their necks, Capello’s charges had no option but to react, which they did, sandwiching a home win over Israel with two defeats of Luxembourg. That run that left them needing only a draw away to the Azeris to book their return to the world finals, a result they duly secured.

FIFA World Cup finals history
Russia reached the quarter-finals at Sweden 1958, Chile 1962 and Mexico 1970. In the former two tournaments, they were eliminated by the hosts, while Uruguay were accountable for their exit after extra time in Mexico City. The Eastern Europeans went one better at England 1966, when, inspired by goalkeeper Lev Yashin and forward Igor Chislenko, they topped their group and edged a formidable Hungary, before losing 2-1 to both West Germany in the semis and Portugal in the play-off for third place.
First-phase elimination befell the Russians in the last two appearances at the FIFA World Cup, at USA 1994 and Korea/Japan 2002, though they made their mark in the States with a crushing 6-1 defeat of Cameroon, a match in which Oleg Salenko scored five goals en route to ending the tournament as joint leading marksman. Russia then failed to reach Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010, the second of those campaigns ending in frustration in the play-offs, where they were beaten by Slovenia.

The key players
This latest Russian side is built on solid defensive foundations. Goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev did not miss a single minute of the qualifying competition and conceded just five goals during the course of it, while Sergey Ignashevich marshalled the defence with aplomb. Yet Fabio Capello’s most prized assets can be found in what is a technically gifted and astute midfield unit, where Roman Shirokov and Victor Fayzulin have continued to hone the partnership they have forged at Zenit St Petersburg, scoring six goals between them in the qualifiers.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the team’s top scorer was Kerzhakov. Though not always a starter, the Zenit striker helped himself to five goals during the campaign, the most important of them being that winner against the Portuguese. A lethal finisher, the former Sevilla man could wreak havoc in Brazil.

Current coach: Fabio Capello
Best performance in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup England 1966 (Fourth place)
Former stars: Yashin, Eduard Streltsov, Oleg Blokhin 

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Argentina Squad Road to Brazil World Cup 2014 Group F / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

 How they qualified
After a 4-1 win against Chile to begin their FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign, Argentina then stumbled against Venezuela and drew 1-1 at home to Bolivia, which raised doubts as to whether coach Alejandro Sabella, who took over after Copa America 2011, was up to the task. La Albiceleste, however, got back on track with 2-1 win over Colombia in Barranquilla, which began Argentina's 14-match unbeaten run through the remainder of qualifying, where they finished atop the South American table. Argentina tallied 35 goals while only surrendering 15 on the way to winning the preliminary competition for the third time. The rest of South America could only chase Argentina throughout the final qualifying fixtures.

FIFA World Cup finals history
Argentina have contested four FIFA World Cup Finals in all, the first of them at the inaugural tournament, Uruguay 1930, when they went down 4-2 to the host nation. Respective contributions from Mario Kempes and Diego Maradona inspired them to the biggest prize in football on home soil in 1978 and again at Mexico 1986, while their last showpiece appearance came at Italy 1990, when they were denied by an Andreas Brehme penalty. Since then they have been unable to progress beyond the quarter-finals.

The key players
With the landmark achievement of claiming four consecutive FIFA Ballon d'Ors (2009-2012), Lionel Messi in the undisputed leader of the Argentina national team and a multiple-trophy winner with Barcelona. Breaking all kind of goal-records, La Pulga is now looking to achieve greatness with his country after failing, somewhat surprisingly, to find the back of the net at South Africa 2010. Supporting him will be an all-star cast featuring Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and Angel Di Maria, all of them on top of their game with some of Europe’s leading clubs.

Coach: Alejandro Sabella
Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Argentina 1978, Mexico 1986 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Japan 1979, Qatar 1995, Malaysia 1997, Argentina 2001, Netherlands 2005, Canada 2007 (Winners), FIFA Confederations Cup Saudi Arabia 1992 (Winners), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 (Winners)
Former stars: Daniel Passarella, Diego Maradona, Gabriel Batistuta, Mario Kempes

by FIFA / www.FlagWigs.com

France Soccer Football team road to Brazil Group E / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

How did they qualify?
Drawn into a group that contained not only world and European champions Spain but just five teams overall, France had precious little margin for error when their campaign kicked off. In the end, they made just one slip, losing at home to La Roja¬, but it was a defeat that cost them first place in the section. Didier Deschamps' side rarely sparkled during the group phase except for a fine performance on Spanish soil, where their efforts were finally rewarded with a last-gasp equaliser in a 1-1 draw. Ultimately they were destined for the play-offs, as they had been ahead of South Africa 2010, and their chances of reaching Brazil took a battering in Kiev, where Ukraine's superior desire and team spirit earned them a 2-0 advantage at the halfway stage in the tie. That left Les Bleus requiring a display of perfection in the second leg, but, with the Stade de France crowd in feverish mood, the 1998 FIFA World Cup™ winners turned things around with a 3-0 win that could prove a turning point for a side containing a number of exciting fresh talents. Mamadou Sakho, Raphael Varane and Paul Pogba are the standard-bearers of the new generation, while the gifted youngsters who led France to FIFA U-20 World Cup glory in 2013 stand waiting in the wings.

FIFA World Cup history
France have always commanded respect on the global stage thanks to various legendary players and impressive performances dating back to 1930, but they made the leap to a whole new level in 1998. Whereas Platini, Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana and Co experienced agony at the semi-final stage in 1982 and 1986, the likes of Zinedine Zidane, Laurent Blanc and Didier Deschamps finally took Les Bleus all the way, lifting the Trophy on home soil. That was followed by a surprise group-stage exit four years later, but they came close to adding a second star to their shirts in 2006, only losing out on penalties to Italy in the Final. Without 'Zizou' in their ranks, France then made a forgettable tilt at South Africa 2010, disappointing their supporters both on and off the pitch.

The current crop
The French production line continues to turn out some of the most sought-after talents in the world game, but following in the footsteps of the 1998 world champions and 2006 runners-up has proved no easy task. Typically cited as among the favourites ahead of any major tournament, Les Bleus failed to win a single game at either UEFA EURO 2008 or the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and took a laborious route through to the quarter-finals at EURO 2012. The present generation will undoubtedly be anxious to draw a line under that recent tournament form when they touch down in Brazil.

The key players
France boast solidity and strength in depth at the back, with a pair of top-drawer goalkeepers in Hugo Lloris and Steve Mandanda and a rearguard bolstered by the European experience of Eric Abidal, Laurent Koscielny and Raphael Varane. Further forward, Franck Ribery can produce moments of magic, while Karim Benzema and Olivier Giroud both possess a keen eye for goal.

Coach: Didier Deschamps
Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup France 1998 (Winners), Men's Olympic Football Tournament Los Angeles 1984 (Winners), FIFA Confederations Cup Korea/Japan 2001, France 2003 (Winners), FIFA U-17 World Cup Trinidad and Tobago 2001 (Winners), and FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Rio de Janeiro 2005 (Winners)

Former stars: Just Fontaine, Michel Platini, Zinedine Zidane

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USA Squad to Brazil World Cup, Donovan is not in the list / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

Former captain Landon Donovan has been left out of USA's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™. The 32-year-old, the States' all-time leading scorer, had been hoping to play in his fourth World Cup but did not make the cut as Jurgen Klinsmann named his final 23-man squad for Brazil on Thursday.
Although Klinsmann had indicated that the former Everton loanee faced a fight for his place, the final decision comes as something as a surprise with Jozy Altidore, who had a poor season with Sunderland, preferred to the Los Angeles Galaxy stalwart. Donovan, who has 57 goals for the United States in 156 appearances, has now been placed on a standby list alongside the six other players cut from the initial 30-strong group.

"It's an exciting moment when you have narrowed the roster down as a coaching staff, and these 23 players that you've chosen can focus now purely on Brazil," Klinsmann said. "We can go into more specific things about technical approaches, and about the opponents.
"For the players, it's very important to know that they are now part of it and they can relax and know they are on the list going to Brazil and taking it from there. After almost ten days of work right now, we thought the point has come to make the decision."
Defenders Brad Evans, Clarence Goodson and Michael Parkhurst, midfielders Joe Corona and Maurice Edu, and forward Terrence Boyd were the other players cut.

USA Squad
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

Defenders: DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), John Brooks (Hertha Berlin), Geoff Cameron (Stoke City), Timmy Chandler (Nurnberg), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Fabian Johnson (Borussia Monchengladbach), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders)

Midfielders: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Alejandro Bedoya (Nantes), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Mix Diskerud (Rosenborg), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Jermaine Jones (Besiktas), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City)

Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Sunderland), Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders), Aron Johannsson (AZ Alkmaar), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes)


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Ecuador national football team road to Brazil World Cup / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

How they qualified
Ecuador were plagued by inconsistency during their qualifying campaign. While La Tricolor went undefeated at home, beating every opponent in Quito except Argentina, with whom they drew, the side was unable to reproduce that form on the road, failing to win at all and drawing just three times. Nevertheless, one such stalemate – against Uruguay in Montevideo – proved decisive as Ecuador finished level on points with La Celeste but grabbed the last automatic qualifying spot thanks to their superior goal difference (four compared to Uruguay’s zero).

With a team that was among the top four in the standings on 14 of the 16 matchdays and that had to overcome the tragic death of Cristian Benitez, coach Reinaldo Rueda became the third Colombian to guide Ecuador to FIFA World Cup™ qualification. 

FIFA World Cup finals history
While Ecuador failed to extricate themselves from a tough group at Korea/Japan 2002, their first-ever appearance at the final stages of a FIFA World Cup, the story was quite different at Germany 2006, where the South Americans got as far as the last 16, having surprisingly finished second in their pool behind the host nation. Unfortunately for the CONMEBOL representatives, England would prove a hurdle too far; the Three Lions triumphed 1-0 to move on to the quarter-finals.

The key players
Wingers Antonio Valencia and Christian Noboa, as well as forwards Felipe Caicedo and Jefferson Montero, represent an exciting new wave for Ecuadorian football, but they are also ably assisted by a handful of evergreen stalwarts with European experience, such as Edison Mendez, Walter Ayovi and Segundo Castillo.

Coach: Reinaldo Rueda
Best performance in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 (Round of 16)
Former stars: Ulises de la Cruz, Agustin Delgado, Jose Francisco Cevallos

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Coach of USA soccer team Klinsmann: Howard among top five keepers in world / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

 USA head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is still sizing up much of his FIFA World Cup™ talent, but he has no doubts about goalkeeper Tim Howard.
Klinsmann, overseeing a pre-World Cup training camp including 30 players at Stanford University in Palo Alto, said the veteran 'keeper, who plays for Everton in the English Premier League, is among the top five in the world.

"He, I think, was in the top three of the Premier League this year, and I look at him as the top five in the world," Klinsmann said in remarks posted on MLSSoccer.com.
Klinsmann said Howard was at a point in his career where he could stamp his mark on a World Cup.

"I think there is something special waiting for Tim (in Brazil), that he hopefully makes that his special moment," Klinsmann said.
In April the 35-year-old Howard inked a contract extension with Everton that will keep him at the Premier League club until 2018.

Howard will be playing in his third World Cup. He served as back-up to Kasey Keller at the 2006 World Cup and was the starting 'keeper in 2010 in South Africa. The United States are drawn in Group G along with Ghana, who reached the quarter-finals in the 2010 edition, UEFA EURO 2012 semi-finalists Portugal and one of the favourites for the trophy, Germany. They will kick off their campaign on 16 June against Ghana.

Prior to departing for Brazil, the team will play three warm-up friendlies, taking on Azerbaijan on 27 May at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, Turkey on 1 June in Harrison, New Jersey, and Nigeria in Jacksonville, Florida, on 7 June.

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Italy football team Road to Brazil Group D / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

 How they qualified
Often below par during qualifying before raising their game at final tournaments, Italy went about things differently for once by taking imperious control of Group B in the European Zone. Their task appeared potentially tricky when they were drawn alongside Denmark, the Czech Republic and Bulgaria, but La Nazionale surged through unbeaten and booked their ticket to Brazil with time to spare, meaning they will head to the finals confident that their internal revolution has been a success. After all, Cesare Prandelli seems to have consigned catenaccio to the past. "It's now obvious that you can't get results without playing attractive football," explained the coach when he first took over. Since then he has led the side to the UEFA EURO 2012 showpiece and a 14^th consecutive FIFA World Cup™ finals berth – all while remaining faithful to an attacking style of play.

FIFA World Cup finals history
With four world titles to their name (1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006) and two runners-up slots (1970 and 1994), Italy lie second only to Brazil on the all-time FIFA World Cup honours board. La Squadra Azzurra are also the only team along with the Brazilians to have won the competition twice in a row. Their 4-3 semi-final defeat of West Germany at Mexico 1970 is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular matches in the history of the tournament.

The key players
Captain and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is the only survivor from their 2006 triumph in Germany along with Andrea Pirlo, while a host of youngsters have broken into the team, such as central defender Andrea Ranocchia and midfielder Marco Verratti. Up front, the transition from old to new has been even more dramatic thanks to the emergence of Stephan El Shaarawy and Giuseppe Rossi's return to the fore. Also with a vital role to play are the maverick duo of Mario Balotelli and Pablo Osvaldo.

Coach: Cesare Prandelli
Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Italy 1934, France 1938, Spain 1982 and Germany 2006 (Winners), Men's Olympic Football Tournament Berlin 1936 (Winners)
Former stars: Dino Zoff, Paolo Maldini, Silvio Piola

Holland Netherlands Road to Brasil / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

 

 How they qualified
The Netherlands positively cruised into the finals of Brazil 2014, coming through as Europe's the joint-top point scorers - alongside Germany - on 28, with their 2-2 draw against Estonia the only minor blemish on a near-faultless campaign. At times they were absolutely purring, in no game more so than their 8-1 defeat of Hungary, while Germany were the only side on the continent to score more goals than their 34.
They registered comfortable wins over their three main Group D rivals - Turkey, Hungary and Romania - in their opening four games to see them shoot clear of the competition, with only a spectacular collapse looking able to deny them an automatic spot. That never came and a, somewhat nervy, 2-0 win over Andorra saw them, alongside Italy, become the first Europeans to seal their place in Brazil. They finished nine points ahead of Romania, a gap only matched by neighbours Belgium.

FIFA World Cup finals history
With legendary coach Rinus Michels pulling the strings from the bench, Johan Cruyff, Johan Neeskens and Co won their way through to the Final in 1974, only to lose out to the hosts. Four years on, their revolutionary Total Football again took them to the showpiece, but history repeated itself as they suffered another defeat to the host nation, succumbing 3-1 in Buenos Aires. The Oranje then experienced Final heartbreak for a third time in Johannesburg, coming within four minutes of taking Spain to penalties before Andres Iniesta crushed their dreams.

The key players
Robin van Persie's blossoming into one of the finest strikers in the world has been a huge boon to the Dutch, with the Manchester United marksman topping the goal-scoring charts with 11 goals. He was able assisted in that department though by the likes of Jermaine Lens - who has progressed into a key part of the Oranje outfit - and Rafael van der Vaart. Arjen Robben continues to be a menace on the wing, while formerly promising youngsters such as Kevin Strootman and Daryl Janmaat are now key components of the side.

Coach: Louis Van Gaal
Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Germany 1974, Argentina 1978, South Africa 2010 (Runners-up), FIFA Futsal World Cup Netherlands 1989 (Runners-up), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament London 1908, Stockholm 1912, Antwerp 1920 (Third place), FIFA U-17 World Cup Peru 2005 (Third place)

Former stars: Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten, Dennis Bergkamp

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Bento names his 23 to Brazil for Portugal Football Team / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo headlines Portugal's 23-man squad named on Monday for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ with veteran striker Ricardo Quaresma overlooked.

Coach Paulo Bento slimmed down the original 30-man squad named last Tuesday with FC Porto's Quaresma, 30, who had been expected to make his return to the national side, failing to make the cut. Also dropped were Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes, defenders Antunes and Rolando, midfielders Andre Gomes and Joao Mario and striker Ivan Cavaleiro.

All those named have already played for Portugal with the least experienced being Braga striker Rafa, who has just one cap, followed by Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho and Benfica defender Andre Almeida, who have two each.

Portugal have been drawn in Group G at the World Cup and will face Germany on 15 June in Salvador, USA a week later in Manaus and then Ghana on 26 June in Brasilia. Portugal will face Mexico in a friendly on 6 June at Gillette Stadium, home of the NFL's New England Patriots in Foxboro, Massachusetts. They will take on Ireland on 10 June at MetLife Stadium - home of the Jets and the New York Giants.

Portugal squad
Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio (Sporting), Beto (Sevilla/ESP), Eduardo (Braga)

Defenders: Andre Almeida (Benfica), Bruno Alves (Fenerbahce/TUR), Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid/ESP), Joao Pereira (Valencia/ESP), Neto (Zenit St. Petersburg/RUS), Pepe (Real Madrid/ESP), Ricardo Costa (Valencia/ESP)

Midfielders: Joao Moutinho (Monaco/FRA), Miguel Veloso (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Raul Meireles (Fenerbahce/TUR), Ruben Amorim (Benfica), William Carvalho (Sporting)

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid/ESP), Eder (Braga), Helder Postiga (Lazio/ITA), Hugo Almeida (Besiktas/TUR), Nani (Manchester United/ENG), Rafa (Braga), Varela (FC Porto), Vieirinha (Wolfsburg/GER)

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England national team squad to Brazil World Cup Group D / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

How they qualified 
England finished top of European Group H to reach the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ after securing victory on the final matchday against Poland, banishing the demons of four decades earlier when a draw against the same opponents saw the Three Lions miss out on the 1974 tournament. 

The road to Brazil 2014 was not as smooth as their campaign to reach South Africa, where they won nine of their ten matches on the way to the 2010 finals. Even though Roy Hodgson guided his side to an undefeated campaign, automatic qualification evaded England until the final match at Wembley. Two draws against closest rivals Ukraine, as well as stalemates in Warsaw and Podogorica, left England fans nervous until captain Steven Gerrard put the home match against Poland beyond doubt with a late goal to double his side's advantage and seal qualification.

FIFA World Cup finals history
England have appeared at 13 editions of the FIFA World Cup, including seven of the last eight. They were below-par at South Africa in 2010, narrowly qualifying from their group with a victory in the final match against Slovenia, before being outclassed 4-1 by Joachim Low’s Germany at the Round of 16 stage. The Three Lions have been FIFA World Cup winners once, in 1966 when they were hosts, but have since suffered a succession of early exits. Sir Bobby Robson came closest to matching the achievements of Sir Alf Ramsey’s ‘Wingless Wonders’, guiding England to the semi-finals at Italy 1990 only to be knocked out on penalties by Germany. 

The key players
Wayne Rooney remains England’s greatest talent and his seven goals in six World Cup qualifying starts underlined his importance to Roy Hodgson's side. In midfield, Gerrard and Frank Lampard provide experience and creativity while young guns Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andros Townsend highlight the Three Lions' attacking flair for the future. Danny Welbeck came into his own during qualification, scoring four goals on the way to the finals, while Daniel Sturridge's emergence as one of the English Premier League's top forwards can only bolster Roy Hodgson's attacking options for Brazil.

Coach: Roy Hodgson
Best performance in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup England 1966 (Winners)
Former stars: Sir Bobby Charlton, Peter Shilton, Gary Lineker

Iran road to Brazil World Cup 2014 / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

How they qualified
Under former Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz’s watch, Iran opened the preliminary competition brightly, scoring five unanswered goals past Maldives to progress. And Team Melli were met with little challenge in the next phase, maintaining their undefeated run as they finished section winners with three wins and three draws.
However, despite logging an average of nearly three goals per match in the previous round,the fourth round proved to be more difficult for the strongly favoured Iranians. They found the net just twice in the opening five matches during which they lost twice and drew once to see their campaign in jeopardy. With so much at stake, Queiroz’s side rose to the occasion to see off both Qatar and Lebanon, before overcoming hosts Korea Republic 1-0 in the round’s final match to seal their return to the FIFA World Cup.

FIFA World Cup finals history
Despite their presence within Asia, Iran have so far been unable to progress beyond the group phase at the FIFA World Cup. They finished their debut campaign with a point, courtesy of a 1-1 draw against Scotland. But their first win came in the second appearance when a golden generation, boasting the likes of Ali Daei, Karim Bagheri and Mehdi Mahdavikia, came up with a memorable 2-1 defeat of USA. Their last participation at Germany 2006 saw them head home with a point after a 1-1 draw against debutants Angola.

The key players
Filling the void left by Mahdavikia is captain Javad Nekounam, who has quickly established his place as the team's talisman. Aside from providing leadership, the skipper provides creativity alongside former Osasuna team-mate Masoud Shojaei. Belgium-based striker Reza Ghoochannejhad stands out among the emerging generation, while Fulham man Ashkan Dejagah shores up the midfield alongside Andranik Teymourian.

Coach: Carlos Queiroz
Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup Argentina 1978, France 1998, Germany 2006 (Group stages), Men's Olympic Football Tournament Montreal 1976 (Quarter-finals)

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Sakho: France can surprise people. Road to Brazil / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

Sakho: France can surprise people

Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho insists France have put their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ problems behind them and head to Brazil looking to prove a point to their critics.
The tournament in South Africa was a disaster for the French as the players refused to train after coach Raymond Domenech's row with Nicolas Anelka saw the striker expelled from the squad. France came home in disgrace after failing to make it past the group stage four years after reaching the final.

Issues within the France set-up were raised again this week when Manchester City's Samir Nasri - who was not selected for South Africa - was left out of France's World Cup squad with coach Didier Deschamps suggesting he can be disruptive.
Sakho, who was not involved in 2010 but has become an integral part of the national side and scored twice to give them victory in their World Cup play-off against Ukraine, wants only to look ahead.

"I can't talk about South Africa and I prefer not to talk about it as I wasn't there," he told Press Association Sport. "I was on holiday at the time and have no idea what happened. In terms of looking forward, what I can say of France's chances at the World Cup is that we have a squad of quality players. Look at the type of clubs these players play for, they are top clubs in Europe: Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United, Juventus, Arsenal."

France struggled through qualifying and only just squeezed through that play-off with Ukraine but Sakho said that did not mean they should be underestimated.
"What I like about football and what really pleases me is the unexpected, when things happen that you don't think can happen. I would like to think we have players who can achieve things at a World Cup.

"No one thought we were going to turn around the result against Ukraine in the play-offs (trailing 2-0 from the first leg) but we managed to do that, which delighted the people of France and was a real surprise.

"It is a case of going there (to Brazil) with a quality squad and seeing how far we get. People are not expecting us to do well so maybe it is a case of reversing that."

Liverpool future
Sakho has had a mixed start to his career in England having joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain last summer in a £17m deal.
However, manager Brendan Rodgers sees a long future at the heart of the Reds' defence for the 24-year-old, who has been compared to France greats Lilian Thuram and Marcel Desailly. The centre-back, however, wants to carve out his own reputation.
"From an early age I drew inspiration from Thuram, Desailly, defenders like myself. More recently it was (Didier) Drogba. Although he is a striker I have been really impressed with his career path in terms of where he came from and how hard he fought to get where he is.
"I was lucky enough to become a professional footballer at a very young age so throughout my career I have always tried to speak with players I know who are more experienced to draw positives and learn from them.

"But what I would like people to remember me for is being Mamadou Sakho. Although I have drawn inspiration from these players I am not trying to copy and I have my own style of play. Off the field I am a laid-back guy, who is cool and calm, but I have this war-like fighting spirit on the field and if you seek out that character you will find it. That fighting spirit is not that far away but if you don't seek it out I'm laid back."

Sakho could find himself a key player for Liverpool next season, but for now, his focus will be to make his nation proud at Brazil 2014.

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Croatia's preliminary 30-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

 Niko Kovac has named Croatia's preliminary 30-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.
Kovac is set to trim seven players from the list after a friendly with Mali on 31 May.
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric and Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic are the star names and will be hoping to make their mark against hosts Brazil, Mexico and Cameroon in Group A.
Croatia squad
Goalkeepers: Stipe Pletikosa (Rostov), Danijel Subasic (Monaco), Oliver Zelenika (Locomotive)
Defenders: Dario Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Dejan Lovren (Southampton), Vedran Corluka (Lokomotiv Moscow), Gordon Schildenfeld (Panathinaikos), Danijel Pranjic (Panathinaikos), Ivan Strinic (Dnipro), Domagoj Vida (Dynamo Kiev), Sime Vrsaljko (Genoa) Igor Bubnjic (Udinese)
Midfielders: Luka Modric (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitic (Sevilla), Niko Kranjcar (QPR), Ognjen Vukojevic (Dynamo Kiev), Ivan Perisic (Wolfsburg), Mateo Kovacic (Internazionale), Milan Badelj (HSV), Ivo Ilicevic (HSV), Marcelo Brozovic (Dinamo Zagreb), Ivan Mocinic (HNK Rijeka), Mario Pasalic (Hajduk Split), Sammir (Getafe)
Forwards: Mario Mandzukic (Bayern Munich), Ivica Olic (Wolfsburg), Eduardo da Silva (Shakhtar Donetsk), Nikica Jelavic (Hull City), Ante Rebic (Fiorentina), Duje Cop (Dinamo Zagreb)

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Holland coach Van Gaal finalized 30 squad football player to Brazil world cup / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal unveiled his provisional 30-man FIFA World Cup™ squad, with Paris Saint-Germain right-back Gregory Van der Wiel a notable absentee.
Van Gaal has decided against taking a risk with a player who has been suffering with tendinitis in recent weeks. The absence of the 26-year-old means only eight members of the 30-man squad featured at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, when the Netherlands lost to Spain in the final.
Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and defenders John Heitinga and Joris Mathijsen are also missing but Wesley Sneijder is there, despite Van Gaal recently expressing doubts as to the condition of the Galatasaray playmaker.
Seven of the 30-man list come from Dutch championship runners-up Feyenoord.
The Netherlands will come up against reigning world champions Spain, Chile and Australia in Group B in Brazil and will face Spain in their opening game in Salvador on 13 June.

Netherlands squad

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle United/ENG), Michel Vorm (Swansea City/ENG), Jeroen Zoet (PSV Eindhoven)
Defenders: Patrick van Aanholt (Vitesse Arnhem), Daley Blind (Ajax), Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi (all Feyenoord), Karim Rekik (PSV Eindhoven), Joël Veltman (Ajax), Paul Verhaegh (Augsburg/GER), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa/ENG), Stefan De Vrij (Feyenoord)
Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Leroy Fer (Norwich City/ENG), Jonathan De Guzman (Swansea City/ENG), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan/ITA), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray/TUR), Tonny Vilhena (Feyenoord), Rafael van der Vaart (Hamburg/GER), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven)
Forwards: Jean-Paul Boëtius (Feyenoord), Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04/GER), Dirk Kuijt (Fenerbahce/TUR), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev/UKR), Robin van Persie (Manchester United/ENG), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich/GER), Quincy Promes (FC Twente)

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Costa Rica finalized squad to Brazil World Cup / have a Fun Flag Wig !

Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto has named a 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup™ finals in Brazil, with three names to be cut before the competition.
The Colombian has chosen 11 Europe-based players, led by Fulham midfielder Bryan Ruiz, who is on loan at PSV Eindhoven, and Olympiacos striker Joel Campbell.
Costa Rica will face England, Italy and Uruguay in Group D, with their first match against the South Americans in Fortaleza on 14 June.
Hansell Arauz, Esteban Alvarado, Ariel Rodriguez and Jairo Arrieta were named as reserves to complete the 30 names required by FIFA and will not take part of the training camp.
Costa Rica will play Japan on 2 June and Republic of Ireland four days later, both games in the United States.
Costa Rica squad
Goalkeepers: Goalkeepers: Keilor Navas (Levante), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense), Daniel Cambronero (Herediano)
Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Columbus Crew), Michael Umana (Saprissa), Oscar Duarte (Brugge), Waylon Francis (Columbus Crew), Heiner Mora (Saprissa), Junior Diaz (Mainz), Christian Gamboa (Rosenborg), Roy Miller (Red Bull New York), Kendall Waston (Saprissa)
Midfielders: Celso Borges (AIK), Christian Bolanos (Copenhaguen), Oscar Esteban Granados (Herediano), Michael Barrantes (Aalesund), Yeltsin Tejeda (Saprissa), Diego Calvo (Valerenga), Jose Miguel Cubero (Herediano), Carlos Hernandez (Wellingtong Phoenix)
Forwards: Alvaro Saborio (Real Salt Lake), Bryan Ruiz (PSV Eindhoven), Joel Campbell (Olympiacos), Randall Brenes (Cartagines), Marco Urena (Kuban Krasnodar)
 coach Jorge Luis Pinto has named a 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup™ finals in Brazil, with three names to be cut before the competition.
The Colombian has chosen 11 Europe-based players, led by Fulham midfielder Bryan Ruiz, who is on loan at PSV Eindhoven, and Olympiacos striker Joel Campbell.
Costa Rica will face England, Italy and Uruguay in Group D, with their first match against the South Americans in Fortaleza on 14 June.
Hansell Arauz, Esteban Alvarado, Ariel Rodriguez and Jairo Arrieta were named as reserves to complete the 30 names required by FIFA and will not take part of the training camp.
Costa Rica will play Japan on 2 June and Republic of Ireland four days later, both games in the United States.
Costa Rica squad
Goalkeepers: Goalkeepers: Keilor Navas (Levante), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense), Daniel Cambronero (Herediano)
Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Alajuelense), Giancarlo Gonzalez (Columbus Crew), Michael Umana (Saprissa), Oscar Duarte (Brugge), Waylon Francis (Columbus Crew), Heiner Mora (Saprissa), Junior Diaz (Mainz), Christian Gamboa (Rosenborg), Roy Miller (Red Bull New York), Kendall Waston (Saprissa)
Midfielders: Celso Borges (AIK), Christian Bolanos (Copenhaguen), Oscar Esteban Granados (Herediano), Michael Barrantes (Aalesund), Yeltsin Tejeda (Saprissa), Diego Calvo (Valerenga), Jose Miguel Cubero (Herediano), Carlos Hernandez (Wellingtong Phoenix)
Forwards: Alvaro Saborio (Real Salt Lake), Bryan Ruiz (PSV Eindhoven), Joel Campbell (Olympiacos), Randall Brenes (Cartagines), Marco Urena (Kuban Krasnodar)

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Cameroon final squad to Brazil World Cup 2014 / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

Cameroon coach Volker Finke unveiled his preliminary 28-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ starting on 12 June.
Cameroon are competing in their seventh World Cup finals, but are underdogs in a Group A that includes hosts Brazil, Croatia and Mexico.
Only two of Finke's squad play in their domestic championship - goalkeeper Loic Feudjou and defender Cedric Djeugoue - with the remainder in European and Turkish clubs.
Finke will have to reduce the squad to 23 for the finals themselves.
Cameroon squad
Goalkeepers:  Charles Itandje (Konyaspor/TUR), Ndy Assembe (Guingamp/FRA), Sammy Ndjock (Fetihespor/TUR), Loic Feudjou (Coton Sport)
Defenders: Allan Nyom (Granada/ESP), Dany Nounkeu (Besiktas/TUR), Cedric Djeugoue (Coton Sport), Aurelien Chedjou (Galatasaray/TUR), Nicolas Nkoulou (Marseille/FRA), Armel Kana-Biyik (Rennes/FRA), Henri Bedimo (Lyon/FRA), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (QPR/ENG), Gaetang Bong (Olympiakos/GRE)
Midfielders: Eyong Enoh (Antalyaspor/TUR), Jean II Makoun (Rennes/FRA), Joel Matip (Schalke 04/GER), Stephane Mbia (Sevilla/ESP), Landry Nguemo (Bordeaux/FRA), Alexandre Song (Barcelona/ESP), Cedric Loe (Osasuna/ESP), Edgar Sally (Lens/FRA)
Forwards: Samuel Eto'o (Chelsea/ENG), Eric Choupo Moting (Mainz/GER), Benjamin Moukandjo (Nancy/FRA), Vincent Aboubakar (Lorient/FRA), Achille Webo (Fenerbahce/TUR), Mohamadou Idrissou (Kaiserslautern/GER), Fabrice Olinga (Zulte-Waregem/BEL) 

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How they qualified
Spain will head to Brazil as defending champions. Remaining loyal to the style and players that have allowed them to dominate the global and European scenes over the last five years, La Roja won the only qualification pool (aside from the South American group) to contain two world champions. In what was the smallest section in Europe with only five teams, the Spanish led the way from France thanks to a record of six wins and two draws, conceded to the French and Finland. In topping the group they let in a mere three goals, fewer than any other side in the European preliminaries. At the other end of the pitch, however, Spain enjoyed one of their less prolific campaigns, scoring only 14 times.
FIFA World Cup finals history
Prior to lifting the coveted Trophy in South Africa, so frequent were their exits at the last eight of the finals that Spain were said to be suffering from a ‘quarter-final jinx’. Brazil 2014 will be La Selección's tenth consecutive world finals appearance, and 14th in all, with their best performance before last year’s success coming at Brazil 1950. Having topped their first-round section, Spain went straight into the decisive four-team final group stage – where they finished fourth behind Uruguay, Brazil and Sweden.
The key players
Though there is no doubt that Spain’s embarrassment of midfield riches, featuring the likes of Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Xabi Alonso, has been integral to their major trophy triumphs, La Selección are strong across the board.
The men in red have a phalanx of very reliable keepers to call on, headed by Iker Casillas, while Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique have consolidated their positions as the leaders of a defence in which left-back Jordi Alba has gone from strength to strength. Ramos and Alba are also a threat in the opposing box, and in recent times have made goalscoring contributions that have been almost as decisive as those of the front men.
With both David Villa and Fernando Torres struggling to find their touch, Pedro has distinguished himself as an attacking spearhead, ably supported by Cesc Fabregas, while Alvaro Negredo has begun to stake a compelling claim of his own for the striking role.
Coach: Vicente del Bosque
Best performances in a FIFA competition: FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 (Winners), FIFA U-20 World Cup Nigeria 1999 (Winners), Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Barcelona 1992 (Winners)
Former stars: Luis Suarez, Emilio Butragueno, Fernando Hierr

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Shearer: Take Lambert to Brazil / Have a Fun Flag Wig!

Rickie Lambert should be on the FIFA World Cup™ plane to Brazil to give England an edge from the penalty spot and also provide a Plan B in support of Wayne Rooney, according to former captain Alan Shearer.
Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson is set to name his squad for the finals on Monday following the end to the English Premier League season. Although Rooney will miss the chance to come up against Southampton forward Lambert at St. Mary's on Sunday because of a minor groin problem, the Manchester United striker is expected to once again lead England's attack on the big stage this summer.
Just who will offer support remains to be seen - with the likes of United team-mate Danny Welbeck and Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge also in the frame, while West Ham frontman Andy Carroll could offer another choice as would Jermain Defoe, now playing in Major Soccer League with Toronto.
However, Shearer - who spearheaded a formidable front partnership with Teddy Sheringham in the run to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 1996 and also played at the 1998 World Cup - believes Lambert would provide a cool head were the dreaded penalty shoot-out to stand in the way of England's progress once more this summer.
"One of the reasons I would take Rickie Lambert is for that eventuality - how important have penalties been for England at major tournaments in the last 25 years?" Shearer said, who will be in Brazil as part of the BBC's World Cup coverage.
"Lambert's record from penalties for Southampton is amazing, but I would take him to Brazil on merit for his overall contribution. To have him on your team, knowing that if it goes to a shoot-out he is a virtual banker, is a great feeling for a coach.
"In open play, if we are struggling to score, he is a great option to have - he came on and scored with his first touch in international football against Scotland at Wembley, and that is a decent knack to have. My four picks as forwards would be Rooney, Sturridge, Welbeck and Lambert.
"You don't need to play for one of the top four to get a game for England now - look at all the Southampton players who are in contention."
Shearer believes deploying someone like Saints playmaker Adam Lallana behind Sturridge would offer Rooney the chance to shine in his prefered deeper central role and finally make a mark on the World Cup.

"It is a gap in the story of his career which he would like to fill, but he probably hasn't yet gone to a World Cup in the best of fitness and you can't argue with his record at international level overall," Shearer said, who scored 30 goals in 63 England caps.
"Wayne has got 38 goals for England, he is only 11 short of Bobby Charlton's record, and I think he will go on to break it. But he needs to go out and have a big tournament with England, and if he does that, he will be the key to us having a successful World Cup. When Rooney plays well, England play well.
"I am a fan of Rooney, I think he ticks all the boxes as a player, but for him to be put in the same bracket as Messi or Ronaldo, he needs to have a great tournament in Brazil - although having said that, Messi has yet to set the place on fire at a World Cup as well."
Shearer believes a sense of realism might actually allow England to play with a freedom when for once the expectations of a nation will not weigh heavy on the "Golden Generation".
"I am sick of us coming away from a World Cup, after so many of our players have had great seasons for their clubs, wondering why England have not done themselves justice," he said. "This time, I don't think many people expect us to do well, and that might work in our favour. I just wish an England side could come home from a big tournament and say, truthfully, they gave every last drop.
"It would be great to see (Raheem) Sterling or Lallana have a great World Cup, something where we could see we are on the right track, people at home will accept that."

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Aboubakar: Cameroon can spring a surprise / Have a Fun Flag Wig !

 

“When I started out with the national team, Samuel Eto’o came up to me and said: ‘You know, little guy, never judge strikers by goals alone’. I often think about what he said then, and it’s pushed me to work hard and excel myself.”

The words are those of Cameroon front man Vincent Aboubakar, in conversation withFIFA.com. The forward was only 18 when he received that nugget of advice, and would shortly afterwards find his name on the 23-man list announced by then Indomitable Lions coach Paul Le Guen for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. 

The Yaounde-born Aboubakar went on to make two promising appearances as a substitute in a tournament that ended all too early for the African side, who were beaten in all three of their group matches.

Much has changed for the striker in the four years since then. No sooner was South Africa 2010 over than he left for France to join Valenciennes, where he stayed for three years before switching to Lorient. The move to Brittany has paid off, with Aboubakar helping himself to 16 goals so far this season, a tally bettered only by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in France and more than the Cameroonian managed overall in the three years he spent at his previous club.

“Lorient play an expressive and very attacking style of football, with a 4-4-2 formation,” he explained. “I’m very lucky to be playing my football here, though I’ve also worked hard to make things happen.”

Though grateful for the role that Valenciennes played in his emergence in Ligue 1, Aboubakar was low on confidence when he finished his stint there. Released at the end of his contract, he was given another chance to shine in France by Lorient boss Christian Gourcuff.

“I have a lot of respect for him,” he said of his current coach. “He gave me some great advice when I arrived. He really picked me up and boosted my confidence at what was a difficult time for me. I owe him an awful lot, and the team too.”

Brazil-bound?The Lorient goal-getter has hit form at just the right time, with the Cameroon squad for Brazil 2014 to be announced shortly. Aboubakar hopes to be named in it, but is well aware that the Indomitable Lions face anything but an easy task in the world finals, not with the host nation, Croatia and Mexico providing the opposition in Group A.

“The World Cup is a very tough competition and we need to put the disappointment of 2010 behind us,” he said. “I know we’re in an extremely difficult group once again but I think that Cameroon can pull off a little bit of a surprise. As long as we fight for the jersey, I’m sure God will help us.” 

Should he be given the opportunity to tread the big stage for a second time at the age of only 22, Aboubakar will look to draw on the experience of his mentor Eto’o, as he explained:

“I’ve played along Samuel Eto’o many times and he’s a great striker, a leader who lifts the team and sets an example for the younger players to follow. He’s a role model for me, as is Roger Milla, a larger-than-life character whom I’ve been lucky enough to meet and for whom I have the greatest respect. They are examples for Cameroon and Africa as a whole, both as footballers and people.”

That admiration for two of the greats of Cameroonian football past and present has not stopped the Lorient man from setting his own sights and wanting to build a lofty reputation of his own.

“It’s not easy but you expect that. It’s a mental challenge as much as anything,” he said, assessing what he needs to do to make his name. “When you’re a striker, you have to try and come to terms with the mental side of things, raise your game and show what you are capable of.”

Who knows, if he maintains his current trajectory, it could well be Aboubakar who succeeds the great Eto’o as Cameroon’s dispenser of goalscoring wisdom.

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Neymar excited as World Cup debut looms / Have a Fun Flag Wig!

Barcelona and Brazil superstar Neymar said he was looking forward to the realization of a childhood dream on Wednesday after being confirmed in his country's FIFA World Cup™ squad.
The 22-year-old, who helped propel A Seleção to last year's FIFA Confederations Cup, will be playing in his first World Cup and said he could already taste the excitement.
"This is the realization of a dream I have had since I was a child," Neymar said on social media after Luis Felipe Scolari named him in his 23-man squad.
"I don't doubt this is one of the happiest days of my life. I've always been chasing my dreams and this was always one of my main ones - not just to represent my family but ALL BRAZIL.
"I thank God for this opportunity, this gift," said the youngster, who joined Barcelona from Pele's old side Santos last year but who has had a mixed time of it to date at the Nou Camp. I am emotional, anxious, nervous, just waiting for the day to arrive," he said.
Centre forward Fred, who dovetailed to great effect with Neymar a year ago to win the Confederations Cup dress rehearsal, said he also couldn't wait to get stuck into Brazil's rivals, starting with Croatia on 12 June.
"It's up to me and my team-mates to wear our hearts on our sleeves and give (fans) the happiness which has been on hold for 64 years," said Fred, referring to Brazil's lost trophy match of 1950 in Rio when they lost to Uruguay.
"I feel sure we can recreate the atmosphere and bond with the fans which we created during the Confederations Cup," added the Fluminense favourite.
"That sixth title will come," promised the 30-year-old, who scored one goal at the 2006 World Cup in Germany but missed the cut for the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
Chelsea defender David Luiz said: "To live this moment is something you can't put into words. I want to thank God, my family and friends. I will do all I can to honour my countrymen."
Club-mates Ramires and Willian were also overjoyed at being selected for the adventure. "I don't have words to describe this moment," said Ramires. "I am just overjoyed and proud to be in the Brazil squad. I'll do my best - let's go and get that title!"
Willian said: "Today, I've received the best news of my life. I get the opportunity to play a World Cup, a dream I've had since I was a kid."

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