Chile best of the outsiders with golden boot wide open June 10, 2014 GROUP B is arguably more competitive than even England’s so-called group of death with Spain, Chile and Holland all classy teams on their day. CHILE play a fearless game and I expect them to be gung-ho no matter who they are playing. Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal is one of the most complete players in the [...]
Holland look poor value to progress June 10, 2014 I’M NOT in the camp that believes Spain are finished as a world force. There were signs in the Confederations Cup that they were faltering, but a team that hasn’t conceded a goal in a knock-out game since 2006 shouldn’t be dismissed lightly. They’ll have to overcome the old stat that no European side has [...]
France a fantastique bet to be top European team June 10, 2014 World Cup winners in 1998, France were then unceremoniously dumped out of the group stages in 2002, only to reach the final in 2006, followed by another damp squib exit in 2010. If patterns are anything to go by, 2014 could be a good year for France. Even beyond meaningless coincidence, there is plenty to [...]
Neighbours pose main threat to a home win June 10, 2014 ALL four previous World Cups in South America have been won by teams from the host continent, which goes some way to explaining why Brazil and Argentina are red-hot favourites. Spearheading the European challenge will be ever-improving Germany, while holders Spain, bidding to win an unprecedented fourth international tournament in a row, will also hope [...]
World cup predictions June 10, 2014 TREVOR STEVEN Former England international and City A.M. football columnist WINNERS Brazil RUNNERS-UP Argentina ENGLAND Quarter-finalists GOLDEN BOOT Fred (Brazil) ALAN SHEARER Ex-England captain and top scorer at Euro 96 WINNERS Brazil RUNNERS-UP Spain ENGLAND Quarter-finalists GOLDEN BOOT Neymar (Brazil) FRANK DALLERES City A.M. Sports Editor WINNERS Brazil RUNNERS-UP Spain ENGLAND Quarter-finalists GOLDEN BOOT Cristiano [...]
Sterling set to start after Welbeck is hit by injury June 10, 2014 WINGER Danny Welbeck last night emerged as a major doubt for England’s World Cup opener with Italy on Saturday, after limping out of yesterday’s training session clutching his thigh, leaving Raheem Sterling on standby to take his place. Welbeck earned his 24th England cap in Saturday’s goalless draw with Honduras and had been expected to [...]
World Cup in brief June 10, 2014 Scolari’s nephew dies in car crash THE NEPHEW of Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has been killed in a car accident, local police say. The former Chelsea boss took training as normal yesterday, but could miss today’s pre-match press conference in order to be with his family. Costa gives Spain fitness boost SPAIN striker Diego [...]
Blatter Told: It’s time to go June 10, 2014 FOOTBALL Association chairman Greg Dyke has led a wave of pressure discouraging president of governing body Fifa Sepp Blatter from standing for re-election next year. Dyke, together with governing body Uefa’s vice-president David Gill and Dutch FA president Michael van Praag all expressed concern at Blatter’s leadership. Blatter said earlier this week that allegations of [...]
British pair powerless to stop second round exits at Queen’s June 10, 2014 BRITISH No2 Dan Evans conceded he was powerless against the serve of 6ft 8in Kevin Anderson yesterday, after bowing out of the Aegon Championships at Queen’s Club in round two. Anderson, seeded seventh, won 94 per cent of first serve points and delivered 10 aces to win 6-2, 6-3 in just 65 minutes. Evans, who [...]
Saracens land tough Euro draw while Quins paired with Wasps June 10, 2014 HEINEKEN Cup runners-up Saracens have been drawn in a testing pool alongside last year’s runners-up Clermont Auvergne in the inaugural European Rugby Champions Cup. Sarries must also take on Irish heavyweights Munster and ever-improving Sale Sharks in Europe’s new premier club competition. Harlequins and London Wasps have been paired in pool two with Leinster and [...]