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Just a couple of hrs away from a historic event the most awaited and the most watched show. Things are moving faster than ever. India itself has a 30million population who will be glued to television and enjoy the Football World Cup 2006.
Japan faced a fresh injury scare as playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura left training early because of a painful left hamstring four days before their crucial World Cup opener against Australia.
The 27-year-old, whose pinpoint kicks and passes helped Celtic to the Scottish Premiership title, skipped a shooting session on Wednesday and left the ground with a thick bundle of ice strapped round his left thigh.
Australia winger Harry Kewell said he is determined to play a full part in his country’s World Cup campaign after coming through the 3-1 win over Liechtenstein unscathed.
The 27-year-old Kewell suffered a groin strain playing for Liverpool in the FA Cup Final four weeks ago and the injury placed a cloud over his participation here.
England striker Wayne Rooney has had a scan on his injured right foot to determine whether he plays any role in the World Cup, while Germany captain Michael Ballack has called for realism from home fans.
Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann says he can’t wait to finally make his World Cup debut against Costa Rica on Friday at the age of 36 and is unfazed by the possible hostile reception he could receive from the Munich crowd.
Czech international striker Milan Baros is doubtful to start in his country’s first World Cup match against the United States on June 12 because of a foot injury, team coach Karel Bruckner has said.
“Regarding Milan, we do not know. It is a rather disagreeable injury,” he said in Prague on Wednesday, referring to the injury to his plantar arch.
Brazil are better than ever as they bid to capture a sixth World Cup crown, according to skipper and birthday boy Cafu.
Brazil are out to capture a string of records here and their ageing captain has his sights, not just on a third winners medal to join Pele in the all-time champions’ pantheon, but an unprecedented fourth straight final appearance.
Chelsea wing Arjen Robben says he wants to prove Dutch national coach Marco van Basten right and show he is one of the great players of his era.
The 22-year-old said he felt in good form as he focuses on the Group C opener against defensively sound Serbia and Montenegro on Sunday in Leipzig in a group which also includes Argentina and Africa Nations Cup finalists Ivory Coast.
Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann claims the hosts are better equipped to win the World Cup than rivals England as they have vast experience of going all the way in previous tournaments.
Brazil midfielder Juninho believes he is ready to fill the huge World Cup void left in the world champions’ team by the injury-enforced absence of Edmilson.
“The coach will decide but I am ready and I want to help Brazil,” said the Lyon midfielder who has been tipped to take over from the Barcelona man who was ruled out of the tournament because of a ruptured knee.
Dawood 5:14 pm on June 9, 2006 Permalink |
Going early from office today to watch the opening
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