2010 FIFA World Cup - South Africa

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Robben set to miss Dutch opener

JOHANNESBURG - Netherlands winger Arjen Robben is making progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury but is not expected to feature for the Dutch in their opening World Cup match against Denmark on June 14, coach Bert van Marwijk said.

In a statement the Dutch football association (KNVB) on Tuesday said that after deliberation between the medical staff, Robben and physiotherapist Dick van Toorn, the winger might travel to South Africa this weekend to join the squad.

"I don't expect him to be ready for Denmark," Van Marwijk told a news conference on Tuesday.
"Since the Champions League final (May 22) he has joined two and a half training sessions, one full and played one half so we have to be patient with him.

"Our goal is to get him ready so that he can be valuable for us further on in the tournament."
Robben sustained a hairline crack in his left hamstring during the final minutes of the 6-1 thrashing of Hungary in which he scored twice on Saturday.

source: fourfourtwo.com

[Jantehshiznit]

Ranking all 32 World Cup squads

That said, here's our rundown of the teams which clinched their place in soccer's greatest showcase.

Yahoo! Sports' World Cup power rankings

1. Brazil – Dunga's squad is packed with quality but, thanks to a tough draw, faces a rocky road to the final.

2. Spain – The Spanish are hungrily chasing another tournament title after a magnificent Euro 2008 victory.

3. Argentina – A sketchy qualifying campaign is now long forgotten with Lionel Messi and other stars in superb form.

4. England – Fabio Capello's hard-line regime has reaped rewards. Wayne Rooney's health is a huge plus too, but captain Rio Ferdinand is out injured.

5. Netherlands – The Dutch head into another big tournament with an awesome squad, but will they lose their nerve again?

6. Germany – The Germans have the experience and organization to cope with the loss of Michael Ballack.

7. Italy – The Azzurri probably won't repeat as champions, yet a favorable draw could take them far.

8. Cameroon – Boosted by plenty of discipline and a determination to become the first African semifinalist.

9. Portugal – It's a squad beset by problems, but the brilliance of Cristiano Ronaldo can't be discounted.

10. France – Coach Raymond Domenech is a dead man walking, and the team might not last long either.

11. Denmark – The Danes enjoyed an excellent qualifying campaign, but can they deliver on the big stage?

12. Serbia – Interesting team that divides opinion … the Serbs could crash early or go deep.

13. United States – With no megastars but lots of courage, the Americans are focused on getting out of Group C.

14. Australia – Fiery and determined, the Socceroos could spring some shocks in Group D.

15. Ivory Coast – Didier Drogba's broken arm is a devastating blow to the side's chances of emerging from the Group of Death.

16. Chile – A welcome return to the World Cup after 12 years, thanks to some outstanding qualifying performances.

17. Paraguay – Took a worrying dip toward the end of qualifying but still well-drilled and heavy-scoring.

18. South Africa – The most derided host team in history might not be as bad as everyone expects. Bafana Bafana must maximize their home advantage.

19. Ghana – Would have been ranked far higher if its talisman, Michael Essien, hadn't been ruled out with a knee injury.

20. Mexico – El Tri got their act together under Javier Aguirre, but serious questions about their consistency remain.

21. Greece – No longer just a defensive wall, the Greeks scored 20 goals in 10 games during European qualifiers.

22. Slovakia – This rugged side, lit up by Marek Hamsik's style and craft, could spring some shocks.

23. Switzerland – The Swiss possess a strong backline and a competent midfield, but their weak mentality could be exposed.

24. Slovenia – Banking on a rock-solid defense that has let in just six goals in its past 12 competitive games.

25. Uruguay – Did well to reach the finals but is some ways behind South America's other World Cup representatives.

26. Nigeria – Decent and competitive but lacking the explosiveness of other African nations.

27. Japan – Their speedy strikers could make life interesting. The defense, though, is lightweight and leaky.

28. South Korea – Lacks the firepower to mount any kind of realistic challenge.

29. Honduras – Enterprising and entertaining side will find its Group H opponents too hot to handle.

30. New Zealand – Fast-improving side should avoid embarrassment but not much more.

31. Algeria – Survived an emotional playoff against Egypt but not really of World Cup standard.

32. North Korea – The weakest team + the toughest group = an early exit.


Source: Yahoo Sports!

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brazil over spain? tsk tsk..

[EvenStar]

brazil over spain? tsk tsk..

Argentina vs Spain,finals.....Argentina will when it because of Messi.hehehe opinion lang ni.

[EvenStar]

daghanang out oi because of injuries:

last casualty is Nani and i hope iniesta will be alright but doubtful sa opening game nila.

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mao sayang kau nani, maayo ra ba unta kau iya form sa ECL. tsk tsk..bye bye na pod sila ronaldo ani..

sus maayo jud unta argentina masud sa finals, mao na lang jud ni kuwang ni messi ma prove niya iya doubters na cge ingon lackluster daw iya mga performances for his country..

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haha lingawa..

Maradona takes light, yet stinging approach to training - Dirty Tackle - World SoccerBlog - Yahoo! Sports

[lestat1116]

mao ni ako bet first round
group a - france
group b - argentina
group c - england
group d - germany
group e - japan
group f - italy
group g - BRAZIL
group h - spain

[EvenStar]

mao sayang kau nani, maayo ra ba unta kau iya form sa ECL. tsk tsk..bye bye na pod sila ronaldo ani..

sus maayo jud unta argentina masud sa finals, mao na lang jud ni kuwang ni messi ma prove niya iya doubters na cge ingon lackluster daw iya mga performances for his country..

brad,so far sa chatroom nga about sa WC ang pinaka healthy nga squad is Argentina.halos tanan nila na players are 100% or no injuries at all....plus Messi is on his prime.

injured si Robben sa Oranje which is very disappointing.i want him to be fit.he carried Bayern to the CL finals,now iya nasad unta ni nga time to shine sa world cup.he is still young but injury prone.

[EvenStar]

tomorrows sked friday: So Af vs Mexico @ 10:00 pm phil time

South Africa - star players: Steven Pienaar FC Everton

Mexico - star players: Rafa Marquez FC Barca,Gio Dos Santos Galatasaray Istanbul,Carlos Vela Arsenal London,Ricardo Osorio VFB Stuttgart
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France vs Uruguay @ 2:30 am phil time

France with Ribery,Anelka,Henry,Cisse,Abidal,Malouda,Evra,Clic hy,etc...power house pod ni sila.

Uruguay - Diego Forlan - Atletico Madrid