World Cup news updates
World Cup news updates
Posted: 2010-06-11 11:13
Denmark coach Morten Olsen is back on his feet after being out sick for two days with a virus.
Olsen led the team's practice yesterday in Knysna, but cancelled a news conference because he still hasn't fully recovered from his illness, team spokesman Lars Berendt said.
The 60-year-old Olsen stayed in bed since skipping practice Tuesday, and temporarily left assistant coach Peter Bonde in charge of the team.
Denmark faces the Netherlands in the opening match of Group E on Monday.
Swiss skipper still under treatment
Switzerland's team doctor says captain Alex Frei is undergoing "intensive" treatment for an ankle injury and it's unclear whether he'll recover in time for next week's World Cup match against Spain.
Frei sprained his right ankle during the team's final preparations before flying to South Africa.
Team doctor Cuno Wetzel told reporters yesterday that the Swiss medical team is treating Frei with medications and physiotherapy, but it's too early to say how soon the 30-year-old striker can play.
Frei is a key player in the Swiss team, which is in Group H with Spain, Chile and Honduras.
North Korea want revenge
North Korea's An Yong Hak knows exactly what he wants from his team's upcoming World Cup match with Portugal.
"Revenge. We'll try to get revenge for 1966," the lanky midfielder said with a grin, speaking to reporters before a training session yesterday at Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa.
The North Koreans have been waiting four decades to avenge the loss that ended their fairytale run at the World Cup in England.
Back then, North Korea defied expectations by beating defending champions Italy 1-0 to become the first team from Asia to advance to the quarterfinals. There were three quick goals but then the Portuguese, led by Eusebio, regained their bearings and came back to win 5-3.
Qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since that loss, North Korea is keen for a different outcome when the two teams meet again on June 21. First, though, there's Brazil to contend with at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on June 15.
Notoriously reclusive North Korea has been under scrutiny for
Milner in race against time
England's James Milner is in a race against time to prove his fitness before the Three Lions opening World Cup group match against the United States tomorrow.
Fabio Capello had appeared set to start with Milner, but the midfielder's chances were rated 60/40 against last night as he struggled with the effects of a stomach bug that has prevented him from training for the past three days.
It is also understood the 24-year-old has lost several kilos in weight.
If Milner is not fully fit, as appears likely - although he should train today - the England manager will turn to Joe Cole on the left of a four-man midfield with Steven Gerrard in the holding role, partnering Frank Lampard in the centre.
Capello has used Milner as an understudy in central midfield of late, but it is understood that he always intended to play him on the left as Gerrard's replacement, as he covers for Gareth Barry.
Cole is regarded as an important impact player from the bench.
It is likely that Capello will select Aaron Lennon ahead of Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right flank, although he may be concerned at Lennon's lack of defensive discipline in tracking back, especially with the US using Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey as wide players.
Madiba gets jersey from Ronaldo
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo and coach Carlos Queiroz have given former President Nelson Mandela a jersey with his name on the front and No. 91, his age, on the back.
The Portuguese Football Federation said the two met Madiba at his home following "a personal invitation".
Yesterday, the Nelson Mandela Foundation said it had been "inundated with requests for meetings, and it will be impossible for Mr. Mandela to accede to even a small fraction of these."
"Mr. Mandela's diary will remain closed for the duration of the World Cup," the foundation said, while adding the former president "remains in good health."
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