8 days to go
Capello to stay with England
ENGLAND coach Fabio Capello has signed an amended contract, committing him to the job until Euro 2012. The amendment removes a clause allowing the 63-year-old to leave after the World Cup, and ends Inter Milan’s hopes of naming Capello as their new coach.
“I am very happy about this and would like to thank the Football Association for its continued support and assurances about my future,” he said. “I always wanted to stay until the end of my contract.”
Cesar injured as Brazil win
BRAZIL goalkeeper Julio Cesar was taken off injured in the first half of their comfortable 3-0 victory over Zimbabwe yesterday in a World Cup warm-up match.
Cesar had been called into action to deny a double chance for Zimbabwe captain and striker Benjani Mwaruwari and Ovidy Karuru. Soon after that he indicated his discomfort and was replaced by Heurelho Gomes. Brazil doctor Jose Luis Runco said the Inter Milan player, rated one of the worlds top goalkeepers, had been taken off as a precaution after hurting his back but would have to be examined.
Goals from Michel Bastos, his first for Brazil, Robinho and Elano gave Brazil coach Dunga something to smile about during a match played in a festive atmosphere.
Lippi may take 24th man
ITALY may take midfielder Andrea Cossu to the World Cup as a 24th man if Mauro Camoranesi’s knee injury does not improve, coach Marcello Lippi said yesterday.
Camoranesi was included on Tuesday in the 23-man squad but can be replaced before the first match of the tournament.
“I could take a 24th player to South Africa. In the next few days we will see how Camoranesi is,” Lippi said.
Italy face Mexico today in the first of two friendlies before meeting Paraguay in their Group F opener in Cape Town on June 14th.
World Cup ball defended
THE man behind the World Cup ball yesterday defended it against mounting criticism. England goalkeeper David James is among the players to have hit out at the Adidas Jabulani, describing it as “dreadful” and “horrible”.
Dr Andy Harland, who developed the ball at Loughborough University’s Sports Technology Institute, said much of the criticism was due to the unfamiliar effects arising from teams playing at altitude as part of their pre-World Cup training.
“Teams have gone to altitude and you’ve seen comments come out in those circumstances,” he said. “We’ve said all along it would affect the ball, but it should be said whichever ball you play with at altitude is going to be affected.”
Cannavaro signs for UAE team
ITALYS World Cup captain Fabio Cannavaro has signed a two-year deal with Al Ahli, the United Arab Emirates champions said yesterday. The 36-year-old defender, who has 132 caps, will move from Juventus to Dubai after the World Cup.
Chairman Abdullah Al Naboodah said: “We have signed a contract with 2006 World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro for two years.”Although his experience will be valued by his new club, as a player in Serie A this season he has been a shadow of the centre back who was the bedrock of Italys 2006 World Cup triumph.
Pitt joins US bid to host finals
THE United States’ bid to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup added some Hollywood glamour yesterday as actor Brad Pitt joined the bid committee’s board of directors.
“Soccer is a truly global sport and the opportunity to join the effort to have the US host the world’s greatest sporting event again is a great honour,” said Pitt.They are competing with Australia, England, Russia, Holland-Belgium, and Portugal-Spain in bidding for either the 2018 or 2022 tournament. Japan, Qatar and South Korea have submitted separate bids for 2022.
