World Cup Team and Player Features: Parreira out to bring WCup integrity to SAfrica
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The buildup is over. Africa's first World Cup arrives to the buzz of vuvuzelas, with the hope that Nelson Mandela will attend the opening ceremony and, oh yes, with some soccer.
Few nations face a bigger challenge than the host. Not only will South Africa try to keep up with all previous home teams and advance out of the first round, but it will attempt to raise the profile of soccer in this country.
Mexico will want to spoil the party when the teams meet Friday in the World Cup opener at Soccer City.
In a nation where most international team sports success has been in rugby union and cricket, South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is out to lift the image of the sport played by the vast majority of the population.
South Africa is on a 12-game unbeaten run in friendlies under the 1994 World Cup-winning coach for Brazil. He said Thursday his goal is to bring integrity to a team that lost eight out of nine games before he returned to the job a year ago; he was hired the first time in January 2007 and was in charge for 21 games until April 2008 before leaving because his wife was ill.
"We want to make this country proud and we are going to give hell to any team we play," Parreira said. "In this country, football has been sleeping for many years. Then suddenly there was a ray of hope with the good performance of the team, the good preparation, the World Cup coming here for the first time.
"If I am to do something for the team, it is to give them identity, a belief that South Africa plays with technique and skill. The players are encouraged to play and have fun, to do a few tricks and enjoy themselves, like we did with Brazil."
Parreira described the attack-minded Mexicans as "the most daring team at the World Cup," but he and captain Aaron Mokoena believe the hosts can win before taking on former champions Uruguay and France in other Group A games.
"We very badly need to win the game. The moment of truth has arrived," Mokoena said. "There's been a lot of talking. Now it's about getting on the field and making our country proud. That's what we are up for."
Parreira selected the same starting lineup that beat World Cup qualifier Denmark 1-0 in its last warmup game on Saturday.
"Tomorrow, as much as the pressure is big, it's a World Cup game — it's sort of a war," Parreira said. "Opening game is always a difficult game. There is a lot of pressure, the whole country is involved and you are playing under the eyes of millions of people around the world.
"I know it's not easy to enjoy the game when you play a team as good as Mexico. They are the most daring team in this World Cup, the way they approach the game."
The Mexicans are likely to field three forwards, including Carlos Vela and Guillermo Franco, who has recovered from a right foot injury. But Javier Hernandez, who has joined Manchester United, could be on the bench even though he has scored three times in four warmup games.
"We have spent 60 days together. We have our players from Europe come to the team now and we feel very confident that tomorrow is going to be a great day for Mexico," coach Javier Aguirre said. "I think it's going to be a beautiful game and a beautiful party."
Mexico has won eight of its last 12 games, losing twice, and Aguirre has lifted the confidence of a team that appeared demoralized under former coach Sven-Goran Eriksson amid fears it might not qualify.
"I don't know what Eriksson did, but what I do know was that the team was unmotivated," Aguirre said. "They lost their energy. There was a lot of quarreling in the Mexican nation and the leadership issue was hindering their play."
Mexico has only two quarterfinal appearances to show for 13 previous appearances, both as host.
"Now I see hunger," Aguirre said. "They want to write a chapter in history, right from the first day."
Mexico forward Blanco ready for another World Cup
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Mexico forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco, the oldest field player at the World Cup, still has the ability to add a spark of genius when he is in the game.
At 37, Blanco no longer has the speed he once used to leave defenders behind. He's packed on some weight. Nevertheless, he will try to help his country get past the quarterfinals, the farthest the team has reached at a World Cup.
Blanco wrote to his fans on his website that "I'm going for you" and that all the hard work Mexico has put in before the tournament will be reflected Friday in the opening match against South Africa at Soccer City.
There are only four players older than Blanco at the World Cup, all goalkeepers.
The forward, who has been without a club since playing for Mexican second division Veracruz last season, will be playing in his third World Cup after being part of the 1998 and 2002 tournaments.
Blanco was not chosen for Ricardo La Volpe's squad for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Both men feuded since they shared the dressing room with the America club in Mexico.
He has also played for Necaxa and the Chicago Fire, where it appeared his career would end. But he came out of a five-month retirement and was recalled to the national team after good performances in the United States.
Blanco played an important role in the qualifiers for Mexico, but he has been on bench in recent matches, while showing flashes of his old self.
In a friendly against Italy last week, Blanco's 30-yard cross found Alberto Medina, who scored in Mexico's 2-1 victory.
"On the pitch, we are 11 against 11 and we are going to win," he said. "We are only thinking of that."
-- Carlos Rodriguez
South Africa names unchanged side for WCup opener
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira announced the same team for the World Cup opening game against Mexico as it used to beat Denmark 1-0 in its final warmup game.
Parreira told media on the eve of the match Thursday he had no reason to change the lineup and that the players already knew who would start.
Defender Matthew Booth will be on the bench and Lucas Thwala at left back, with Tsepo Masilela missing out on starting the first World Cup game to be staged in Africa.
The lone striker in front of a five-man midfield will be Katlego Mphela, who scored against Denmark at Atteridgeville near Pretoria on Saturday as South Africa stretched its unbeaten run to 12 games.
After facing Mexico, South Africa meets Uruguay and France in Group A.
Also Friday
Uruguay, France have point to prove at World Cup
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Uruguay and France each have a lot to prove in their opening Group A game at the World Cup on Friday.
Although they have won three World Cups between them — Uruguay in 1930 and '50, France in '98 — both are a shadow of their former selves.
"Tomorrow will be the moment of truth," France captain Patrice Evra said Thursday. "The French team has something to play for. We really believe in ourselves."
The French are predictably embroiled in tournament turmoil and look ill equipped to reach the final like it did four years ago under Zinedine Zidane's leadership, while Uruguay hasn't advanced past the round of 16 since reaching the semifinals 40 years ago.
"Our aim is to win the match, but it's not because we want to be vindicated historically or recover what's been missing all these years," Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said Thursday. "The way to do this is to play very well, defend well and when we have the ball to use it smartly."
France has been coming under fire back home from its fans, politicians and media, and coach Raymond Domenech thinks this has stung the team's pride. So much so that he feels he won't even need to give them a team talk before the match.
"They are determined, ready, even a bit aggressive and angry," Domenech said. "I'm not even sure I will give one tomorrow ... I don't know if it's necessary to keep repeating what they need to do and how to do it."
Evra will captain France in a competitive match for the first time since taking over the captaincy recently, with former leader Thierry Henry likely to be on the bench.
Although few believe in the French, Evra is defiantly talking the team's chances up.
"If we don't go all the way in this World Cup, you can say this team had a good spirit but it was rubbish," he said. "That's what I feel. I feel the lads are united and together and want to do something, but for ourselves."
Both teams reached the tournament in South Africa in identical circumstances, scraping through their playoffs 2-1 on aggregate after difficult qualifying campaigns that offered little reassurance to either coach.
Prestige and previous titles aside, there is little to suggest either France or Uruguay have what it takes to dominate a group which also includes host South Africa and Mexico.
France's training facilities and lodgings in the quiet town of Knysna are perfect, but coach Raymond Domenech's team is taking flak from all angles back home, with angry politicians, former players and grumpy fans lining up to predict the worst.
That was also the case two years ago — when France went out of the European Championship without winning a game — and in 2006, when Domenech's team was lambasted before it had kicked a ball at the World Cup in Germany.
But the vitriol has a far nastier edge than before, especially toward Domenech, who is cutting an increasingly aloof and distant figure amid rumors that unrest is rife in the squad.
William Gallas, who has decided not to speak to the media for the duration of the tournament, reportedly resents Evra being given the captaincy instead of him.
French sports daily L'Equipe even speculated this week that midfielder Yoann Gourcuff is so unpopular within the squad that senior players have demanded that Domenech pick Arsenal's Abou Diaby to play instead of him on Friday.
Recent French results have done little to improve the mood, particularly last Friday's 1-0 defeat to China. In its other two warmup games, France conceded sloppy early goals against Costa Rica and Tunisia.
"France is a team with very good players, especially in attack," Tabarez said. "They had difficulties against teams that had very good defenders. They had to go on the offensive, and struggled. On the other hand, they never threw in the towel and that proves they will be a tough opponent."
None of those teams had anything remotely like the strikers Uruguay boasts in Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, who scored 77 goals between them for their clubs this season.
Tabarez confirmed both strikers in a starting 11 released late Wednesday. Defender Mauricio Victorino and midfielder Egidio Arevalo were the only surprises, while the lineup suggested that Uruguay could switch between a five-man defense and an aggressive three-man backline with attacking wing backs.
"It depends on the circumstances," Tabarez said. "We have prepared the team to play against an opponent that might field lots of attackers."
Forlan scored 28 goals for Atletico Madrid this season — including both goals to help the Spanish team win the Europa League final against Fulham — and Suarez scored an incredible 49 goals in 48 games for Ajax, including six hat tricks.
France is expected to line up in an attacking 4-3-3 formation, but the newly formed central defensive partnership of William Gallas and Eric Abidal is a potential weak point Uruguay's strikers could exploit.
Curiously, France and Uruguay had the same results when they both reached the World Cup in unconvincing fashion.
France won 1-0 in Ireland and drew 1-1 at home, while Oscar Tabarez's Uruguay team won 1-0 in Costa Rica and was held 1-1 in Montevideo.
After Friday's game, host South Africa will play Uruguay on Wednesday, while France plays Mexico the next day.
-- Jerome Pugmire
Domenech in a realm all his own at news conference
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — France coach Raymond Domenech has already had his first vintage performance at the World Cup in South Africa — if only in a news conference at the Green Point Stadium.
Discussing a range of issues from frogs in hot water to the color of the pitch, Domenech once more confounded, and dumbfounded, about 100 journalists on the eve of France's World Cup match against Uruguay.
"Hello everyone, we're ready to listen because we're hungry ... you too, I hope," he said in the opening salvo to his first World Cup news conference, hoping to hit his Gallic critics where it hurts most — right in their gourmand stomachs.
He caught the assembled media cold, quickly adding: "No questions? Well, this is perfect."
Not quite. The show went on.
He then checked his cell phone for the first few minutes, looking up from time to time to answer questions as if they were an amusing distraction. His critics were already less than impressed about having so few opportunities to question him on his tactics and team preparations.
And when a serious question was posed about a decision not to train at the Green Point stadium on the eve of the big game, a prerogative few coaches would want to give up, he was clear.
"It is pitch measuring, about 105 meters on 68 meters, the grass is green. The lines are all in the same place," he said. "For me a football pitch is a green rectangle where you have 11 players against 11 players, whether in Hong Kong or any other place."
Tough to argue with that one. Though the swirling winds coming off the nearby Atlantic that the stadium is bordering could indicate that some practice on long-range passing would help.
Amazingly, after all these years of sparring with the media, there still was one question that caught Domenech off guard.
"I read one interview about you that said that if you put one frog into warm water, you can stand a long time. I am wondering how about temperature now? Are you ready for the coming pressure," one journalist, unbound by French convention, asked.
Stunned silence followed before Domenech asked for a repeat of the question. Then he picked up on the line of questioning.
"Ah, that's true. I did say such garbage ... but in a particular context," he explained, prompting laughter.
How long could he take the heat from the media? "Little by little, pressure can rise and there is a limit to the pressure. I checked my pressure threshold and it lasts till July 12." That's the morning after the World Cup final, when Domenech's reign as French coach ends.
His coaching career has been littered with oddities.
He shocked and upset French fans when he asked his girlfriend to marry him live on television moments after the final Euro 2008 group game ended in a defeat to Italy. He apologized the next day for what he called an error of communication.
"I only have one plan, that is to marry Estelle (Denis)," Domenech said live on television after the 2-0 loss to Italy. "So I'm asking her for real today."
The wave of criticism that statement provoked forced Domenech to issue an apology.
"Forgive me for having a trace of humanity at a time when I should have stayed cold, professional. Behind my coach's shell I had a hope, I wanted to tell the people I love that I love them," Domenech said the next day. "For a moment I wasn't a robot, sorry about that."
Four years ago, when he led the French from seemingly nowhere to the World Cup final, he was ridiculed for his aversion to players born under the Scorpio star sign, including such experienced players as Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires.
Esoteric maybe, but smart for sure. His management of stars like Zinedine Zidane has proven as much.
And cunning too. When he faced an Irish question whether France deserved to be in the World Cup after Thierry Henry's famous handball against Ireland got them through in qualifying, he looked dumbfounded.
"Sometimes, I don't understand English," he replied, underscoring his talent as an amateur theater actor.
In the end, it all comes down to the same truth. "It's better to win than to lose."
-- Raf Casert
Attacking Uruguay must also defend vs. France
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Uruguay takes on France in the teams' World Cup opener on Friday seeking to show that it has discovered how to make the most of strikers Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez without exposing its porous defense.
Uruguay beat Costa Rica in a playoff to qualify for the tournament in South Africa but let in 12 goals in winning just one of eight matches against automatic qualifiers Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Argentina.
It appeared to have addressed the problem with resounding warmup wins over Switzerland and Israel but a tougher test will come in Cape Town against a French side that was runner-up in 2006 and boasts attackers Nicolas Anelka, Florent Malouda and Franck Ribery.
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez knows that few are expecting much from his side.
"Why would we be the favorites after being inconsistent in qualifying?" Tabarez said. "We want to be seen as favorites, but we need to show why on the field."
Tabarez surprisingly announced his starting lineup late Wednesday, with defender Mauricio Victorino and midfielder Egidio Arevalo the only changes from the side that thumped Israel 4-1 last month.
The 27-year-old Arevalo replaces Walter Gargano, who seemed to have clinched a place in central midfield after a strong season with Italian club Napoli. Victorino, also 27, replaces Andres Scotti, who is seven years his senior.
The lineup allows Uruguay to shift between three and five players in defense against France, depending on the flow of the match. Arevalo joins Uruguay's rugged captain Diego Lugano and Diego Godin across the back, and they can be joined by wing backs Maxi and Alvaro Pereira who are as comfortable in defense as in midfield.
"You have to keep in mind the strength of the rival, which is the starting point for all one can do defensively," Tabarez said in an interview with internet magazine Ovacion Digital. "We also have to put them under pressure when we have the ball."
It's a strikingly different look to a year ago, when Uruguay was battered 4-0 in a home qualifier against Brazil and seemed doubtful to make it to South Africa.
Goalkeeper Sebastian Viera has since been replaced by Lazio's Fernando Muslera. Talented Juventus defender Martin Caceres is now on the bench after a series of injuries and the midfield has been revamped to include Victorino and Ignacio Gonzalez alongside the defensive Diego Lopez.
Tabarez will be hoping that there's enough defensive strength in the team to ward off France's attack, while still providing quality service to Uruguay's two stars, Forlan and Suarez, who hit 77 goals between them in club competitions this year.
Uruguay, unlike most other World Cup participants, has only played the one warmup against Israel in the buildup to the tournament.
But it also beat Switzerland 3-1 in the Alpine country in March, a match that could augur well for Friday night's opener.
With the weather similarly cool and the opponent also a European World Cup qualifier, Uruguay comfortably controlled the ball in the midfield and rarely looked threatened.
-- Bradley S. Klapper
Elsewhere
Gilberto Silva: I'm still good enough for Brazil
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Gilberto Silva has arrived at his third World Cup trying to prove he can still be useful for Brazil.
The 33-year-old defensive midfielder is one of Brazil's most experienced players, but remains one of the most criticized by the fans and local media.
Although Gilberto Silva has been important for Brazil recently, many still think the Panathinaikos player is past his prime and should've given way to younger players on Dunga's squad for the tournament.
"I've been heavily criticized at times, it's true," Gilberto Silva said. "But to be honest, It doesn't make me mad. It actually gives me motivation. The motivation I have now comes from this criticism against me."
Gilberto Silva's success with the Brazilian team is unquestionable. Besides winning the 2002 World Cup, he also helped Brazil win the 2005 and 2009 Confederations Cups, and the 2007 Copa America, when he was the team's captain. In the warmup match against Tanzania on Monday he played his 93rd game Brazil, surpassing all-time great Pele.
But he remains one of the least talked about players on the squad, even when the team is missing several stars, as it is now.
Gilberto Silva complains that many fans and parts of the local media usually categorize him as "old" instead of "experienced," something he doesn't see used to describe many other top international players.
"When they talk about (Sebastian) Veron, they say how much his experience will help Argentina," he said. "That's not the case for me."
Having enjoyed the glory of 2002 and disappointment of 2006, Gilberto Silva feels he can help Brazil's newcomers. Coach Dunga left many stars off the team and picked several lesser-known players who have shown their full commitment to the national squad.
"I have no doubt that my experience in these past World Cups will help," Gilberto Silva said. "I already know how it is and I can pass what I have learned to the other players. The motivation I have for this competition is the same. It's like I'm playing in my first World Cup."
Gilberto Silva started every match when Brazil won the title in 2002 in South Korea and Japan, with performances that brought a contract with Arsenal and established him as one of the top defensive midfielders in the world.
He left Arsenal in 2008, unhappy because coach Arsene Wenger didn't appoint him permanent captain after striker Thierry Henry left for Barcelona.
Dunga asked Gilberto Silva to be Brazil's captain ahead of the 2010 World Cup, but the midfielder didn't think it would be fair to former leader Lucio. Gilberto Silva was only appointed captain at the 2007 Copa America because Lucio didn't play.
"I had gone through a difficult experience myself with Arsenal, and I told that to Dunga," Gilberto Silva said. "Lucio is the captain."
Lucio and Gilberto Silva each arrive at the World Cup with 93 matches with Brazil, by far the most among all 23 players on the squad in South Africa.
The elegant midfielder is not known for his scoring and says he doesn't try to move forward too much to keep from "getting in the strikers' way." But he wouldn't mind finding the net at the World Cup, especially after surpassing Pele's mark with the national team.
"Unfortunately, I don't play in the same position that Pele used to play," Gilberto Silva said. "But maybe I'll have a chance to score one of those nice goals he used to score all the time. Who knows?"
-- Tales Azzoni
Daniel Alves: Messi lacks support with Argentina
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Daniel Alves believes Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi doesn't play as well for Argentina as he does with the Spanish club because of the difference in quality of players.
The Brazil right back said Thursday that the Argentine star struggles with his national team because he doesn't receive the same support that he gets at his club.
"I think that the reason Messi has difficulties with Argentina is because there is no comparison between Barcelona and Argentina," Daniel Alves said. "With all respect to the players in Argentina, there is no comparison between the two. At Barcelona, he has players of his level. There is no comparison between the players in Argentina and the players in Barcelona."
Messi arrives at the World Cup as one of the tournament's biggest stars after winning FIFA's player of the year award last year, but his performances with Argentina have drawn a lot of criticism because he usually fails to play at his Barcelona level.
Daniel Alves said Messi's starring role with the Argentina team doesn't allow him to share the responsibility like he does at Barcelona.
"Messi is young," Daniel Alves said. "He has to carry the nation on his back and it's a big responsibility."
Daniel Alves said Messi has never personally said anything about his Argentine teammates or shown any discontent about his play with the national team.
"He is too good of a person," Daniel Alves said. "He never complains of anything."
Besides Messi and Daniel Alves, Barcelona has other 11 players at the World Cup, the most of any teams along with Chelsea. Messi is the only Argentine from the Spanish club.
"I hope he can have a great World Cup," Daniel Alves said. "Just not when he faces Brazil, of course."
Daniel Alves also said he will be supporting Mexico in the World Cup opener on Friday.
"I have friends in the Mexican team, so I hope they come out victorious," he said. "I hope it's a great opening match."
Mexico defender Rafael Marquez also plays for Barcelona with Daniel Alves.
Daniel Alves will be a reserve to Inter Milan right back Maicon when Brazil begins its quest for a sixth world title in South Africa. Brazil will debut against North Korea on Tuesday, then will face the Ivory Coast on June 20 and close play in Group G against Portugal on June 25.
Daniel Alves said he doesn't feel frustrated by his secondary role with Brazil despite being considered one of the best in the world in his position.
"I don't feel like a reserve," he said. "It's a dream to be at a World Cup for the first time and I'm happy to be here. It's not important whether I'm a starter or not. Being in this group makes me happy."
Daniel Alves also has a chance to play as a midfielder, replacing either Elano or Felipe Melo alongside Kaka. Coach Dunga has tried the alternative setup several times, including at last year's Confederations Cup when Daniel Alves scored a late free-kick winner in the semifinal against South Africa. He also played in the final, helping Brazil rally to beat the United States 3-2.
"I'm not in position to choose," Daniel Alves said. "I play at right back at Barcelona but here I'm available to play in any position, even as a goalkeeper if needed. I'll try to do my best. I have to adapt to what the coach wants me to do."
-- Tales Azzoni
Julio Cesar practicing normally again after injury
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar began practicing normally again on Thursday, indicating he is over a back injury and ready for the World Cup.
Julio Cesar had not trained at full strength since getting hurt in a warmup game against Zimbabwe on June 2, when he fell awkwardly while trying to reach for a ball and was substituted midway through the first half.
The goalkeeper had been limited in practice since, and only returned to the goal Thursday to participate in all drills without any apparent problems. He made several tough saves and looked in top form.
Brazil's doctors said he will be fit for Brazil's opener against North Korea on June 15, and his teammates are not concerned either.
"He practiced normally with the rest of the players, everything was normal," Brazil reserve right back Daniel Alves said. "I don't think there will be any problems for him to be playing in the opener."
Although doctors had been downplaying the lower back injury, it kept Julio Cesar even from traveling to the team's warmup against Tanzania on Monday, and he had been undergoing intensive physiotherapy treatment after missing practice for two straight days.
Brazil's morning practice was entirely closed to the press, but a few images made by local media showed Julio Cesar at times putting his hands in his lower back in apparent pain.
"Julio Cesar is one of the best in the world, but we don't have to be worried because we have two other great goalkeepers in our group," Daniel Alves said. "Both Gomes and Doni are excellent professionals and can replace Julio at the same level if needed."
The match against Tanzania marked the first time Julio Cesar missed an international game in two years. He had played 26 consecutive matches for Brazil.
The goalkeeper is coming off his best season with Inter Milan, helping the Italian club win the Champions League, the Italian league and the Italian Cup.
Dunga used the closed session to work on the positioning of the defense, with the starters playing against the second-stringers. The afternoon practice was more focused on physical conditioning and tactical drills.
It was the last time Brazil practiced twice in a day before the opener, and Dunga said the team will be reducing the number of practices gradually as the tournament approaches.
The World Cup begins Friday with South Africa facing Mexico at Soccer City stadium, but Brazil won't make its Group G debut until Tuesday. The five-time champion then will face the Ivory Coast on June 20 and Portugal on June 25.
With five days left until the first match, the Brazilians are just now starting to find out more about the North Koreans.
"We have watched some of their friendlies and we know a lot more now than we did before," Brazil midfielder Elano said.
Brazil is trying to win its sixth world title. It lost to France in the quarterfinals of the 2006 tournament in Germany.
-- Tales Azzoni
Winning or losing, Dunga always on the defensive
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — There are times that "Grumpy" would be more appropriate than "Dopey" for Brazil coach Dunga.
Dunga was nicknamed after the dwarf in "Snow White" because his uncle didn't think he would grow very tall. But his moody tenure as Brazil's coach sometimes makes him more like the less-friendly Disney character.
Dunga arrived at the World Cup on the defensive, bristling at questions thrown at him by the hundreds of journalists in Brazil's training camp in South Africa.
"There are 300 journalists here hoping that we lose just so they can say later that they were right," Dunga said in one of his first press conferences in South Africa.
A former defensive midfielder known for his toughness on and off the field, Dunga was heavily criticized by fans and local media when he was appointed to lead Brazil after the 2006 World Cup despite never coaching at any level before. Many said Dunga was just a temporary choice until a better coach could be signed.
The criticism continued even after victories, and the straightforward Dunga never tried to hide that he was not happy with it.
"Don't think I have anything against journalists," he said. "Anyone can ask whatever they want, but they have to be prepared because I have the right to say whatever I want too. It's my temper, for good or for bad. I will say what I think."
Many were concerned at Dunga's defensive emphasis, even as the team achieved significant results, including the 2007 Copa America and the 2009 Confederations Cup titles.
Those achievements gained won over many supporters in Brazil, but there were still some who continued to doubt him, especially after he omitted from his World Cup squad stars such as Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Adriano.
"I have to deal with that, even when we win," Dunga said. "If it isn't about the players I pick, it's because I don't know how to speak Portuguese correctly. And if it isn't that, then it's about my clothing or something else. Sometimes they even attack my family to see if they can get to me, but it's going to be hard."
Dunga insists he is not concerned with his image in Brazil.
"I can't worry about what people are talking about," Dunga said. "I have to focus on my work. Everything I'm doing it is for the good of the national team. What matters is if I can make a decision and be able to sleep with it at night."
Dunga's image problems emerged in his playing days.
His name has been always associated with the lackluster Brazilian team that fell to Argentina in the round of 16 of the 1990 World Cup in Italy — a period which became negatively known as the "Dunga Era."
And even after Dunga captained Brazil to the 1994 World Cup title in the United States, many complained that that team was defensive and boring. Dunga and the team led by coach Carlos Alberto Parreira were constantly criticized, and when Dunga lifted the trophy, he let out an expletive that marked his career as much as his performances on the field.
"What Dunga has achieved with the national team cannot be questioned," veteran Brazil midfielder Gilberto Silva said Wednesday. "We have his trust and we are behind him."
Dunga played in three World Cups with Brazil and helped the team win the 1989 and 1997 Copa Americas, as well as the 1997 Confederations Cup. He played for Brazilian club Internacional and later with Fiorentina and Stuttgart.
Dunga's personification of hard work was one of the main reasons the Brazilian soccer confederation hired him instead of other already established coaches.
The 46-year-old Dunga knows, however, that no matter what he has achieved with Brazil so far, a failure at the World Cup will be blamed upon him.
"We understand that the only thing that counts now is the World Cup," Dunga said.
-- Tales Azzoni
Spain's confidence rubs off on coach Del Bosque
MADRID (AP) — The confidence gained from winning a European championship still runs through Spain's players as they head to the World Cup. Such conviction has rubbed off on coach Vicente del Bosque.
As a player, Del Bosque missed the 1978 World Cup in Argentina because of injury, The former Real Madrid star and coach believes he and his team are ready to authenticate their 2008 Euro title by winning the world crown.
"I think every day of your career you mature, you feel greater responsibility," Del Bosque told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "It's true that there is a great ambiance around this team filled with confidence and that affects all of us."
Spain opens play in Group H against Switzerland on June 16 before also facing Honduras and Chile.
Beset by heavy expectation, Del Bosque refuses to let "disaster" enter the vocabulary if Spain fails to win its first World Cup.
"An athlete can't just think that one triumphs and 31 fail. It's not healthy to think that's it's all or nothing," Del Bosque said. "We're not setting any goal. Our objective is obviously the maximum, but another thing we know is that to get there will be very difficult. If we win, the repercussions will be great."
Spain has never advanced past the quarterfinals, with a fourth-place finish in 1950 earned without elimination games. In Germany four years ago, the favored Spanish team lost to France in the second round.
But the penalty shootout win over Italy at the 2008 European Championship provided confidence and united the team even more. Spain went on to beat Germany in the final, playing solid, sometimes spectacular soccer.
"Good relationships are key to any triumph," Del Bosque said from the team's headquarters on the outskirts of Madrid. "A disunited locker room can win; it can happen. But if there's a good ambiance, then usually victory is a lot easier."
Del Bosque hasn't tinkered with predecessor Luis Aragones' work, which sees Spain's best generation of players arrive with a clear identity and system of play. The bonds forged inside the locker room have fueled belief Spain can finally succeed where it always failed.
"There are many similarities to 2008. Nearly 80 percent of the players are the same and the other 20 percent we've incorporated bring an extra touch to the team," Del Bosque said. "I'm not saying they're better than before, but it's the law of life. There are people who bring something distinct that we didn't have before."
Gerard Pique has replaced Carlos Marchena as starting center back alongside Barcelona teammate Carles Puyol, while holding midfielder Sergio Busquets has taken over for Marcos Senna, who was worn down by injuries this season.
Jesus Navas and Pedro Rodriguez also bring extra speed along the outside. They are among eight new players on the 23-man squad, although the core of starters is basically unchanged from 2008.
Spending a week in Austria was key to making the new players feel part of the squad and to recapture the Euro 2008 feeling.
"We wanted to change the scenery a little bit, to bring out a training camp feeling so the players don't get bored," the 59-year-old Del Bosque said. "We look for the best preparation, but without burdens."
Del Bosque, who played 18 times for Spain between 1975-80, sees Argentina, Italy and Brazil as the favorites, although Diego Maradona has the toughest test with Argentina.
"They had a lot of problems with qualifying. They have great players who surpass the elements in each position," he said. "They will unite."
Del Bosque said Brazil and England have great chances because of their coaches.
"Fabio Capello is an intelligent man and he adapted perfectly to England," Del Bosque said of England's Italian coach. "He's taken the spine and base of that team and united it into something extraordinary, a team that will torment its opponents."
Spain will arrive in Potchefstroom, South Africa, on Friday, where it will train.
Del Bosque has won 25 of 26 games since taking over and is signed to guide Spain through Euro 2012. He has always handled the expectations that come with success — at Madrid, he coached a team of big-name stars that included Luis Figo, Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane, to domestic, European and international triumphs.
"We're contenders to reach the final, but we've got strong enemies in front of us," Del Bosque said after Tuesday's 6-0 win over Poland. "What we've done in the past is of no value for the future. We need to apply ourselves, work hard and play like today. But even that isn't a guarantee."
-- Paul Logothetis
Podolski: Australia will defend
ERASMIA, South Africa (AP) — Playing for Germany seems to bring the best out of Lukas Podolski even though the Cologne forward has been a Bundesliga flop almost since he had been voted the best young player of the 2006 World Cup at home.
Podolski looks set to be in Germany's starting lineup when the three-time champion opens its campaign against Australia on Sunday in Durban despite scoring only two Bundesliga goals this season.
Podolski thinks Australia will defend and that he could be the man to open breaches in the Socceroos' defense — and Germany coach Joachim Loew has said he believes Podolski will "explode" at this World Cup.
"I played a good tournament the last time and the last few games for Germany were good for me. I hope to pick up where I left off," Podolski said Thursday. "I've been training well, I feel good."
Podolski became an instant star in Germany after making his national team debut in 2004. Born in Poland, Podolski has a direct, no-nonsense attitude and provides short, crisp replies to media questions. Fans like him for his outgoing, irreverent personality and called him "Prince Poldi."
But his career stalled after the 2006 World Cup with his move to Bayern Munich. Podolski scored 15 goals over three unhappy season and never settled down at the German powerhouse, only sporadically coming off the bench.
He continued playing for Germany, however, and has an impressive record with 38 goals in 73 games, at age 25.
Podolski left Bayern and returned to Cologne last season in a highly anticipated move. Fans started a donations campaign to help finance his €10 million move.
He was welcomed back as a hero, the savior of a struggling club.
Cologne mayor Fritz Schramma said Podolski belonged to Cologne just "like the Cathedral belongs to Cologne."
Despite his star status in a mediocre club, Podolski never really ignited, although the club avoided relegation.
But Loew has stuck with Podolski, just as he has with Miroslav Klose, the second Polish-born striker who was Podolski's partner in 2006.
Since then, however, Loew has preferred to use one striker, moving Podolski to the left wing, where he can take advantage of his speed. Klose appears to still be Loew's pick for striker, although he only had three goals in the Bundesliga for Bayern the past season.
Podolski believes nothing much has changed in the German team since 2006, despite the absence of several injured players, including captain Michael Ballack.
"It's more or less the same feeling," Podolski said. "There is some pressure here but we want to go into Sunday's match with confidence and we hope to win. We want to have a good start but it will be tough.
"It's going to be difficult in the front because they will play tight defense. We will have to find and make holes in their defense."
Podolski already has scored against Australia, in Germany's 4-3 win at the 2005 Confederations Cup.
-- Nesha Starcevic
Italy's players left in the dark on lineup
IRENE, South Africa (AP) — Coach Marcello Lippi insists he has clear ideas about his lineup, but Italy's players are still guessing just four days before the defending World Cup champ opens its title defense against Paraguay.
"We don't know anything. He hasn't told us yet," veteran defender Gianluca Zambrotta said Thursday. "We don't know if this means he hasn't decided, it just means he hasn't told us."
Zambrotta was the only player to start both of Italy's pre-tournament friendlies — a 2-1 loss to Mexico and 1-1 draw with Switzerland — and seems to have secured a lineup spot, but even he doesn't know whether that will be at left or right back.
"For me it's the same if I play left or right," he said. "The rest depends on Lippi. I'm at the disposal of the team."
Besides Gianluigi Buffon in goal, captain Fabio Cannavaro in central defense and Alberto Gilardino at center forward, it's possible that no other player knows what position he'll be assigned.
Lippi switched formations at will during the friendlies — from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 to a traditional 4-4-2 and even said he's considered using a three-man defense with Giorgio Chiellini at left back.
Leonardo Bonucci, Salvatore Bocchetti, Domenico Criscito and Christian Maggio have also been tested at various spots in defense.
With Andrea Pirlo out with a left calf injury for perhaps the entire group phase, there are also numerous questions in midfield.
Riccardo Montolivo seems the top candidate to replace Pirlo after Daniele De Rossi struggled against Mexico, although Angelo Palombo also is pushing for a spot. Mauro Camoranesi is still recovering from a left knee problem and it's unclear who will start on the right wing — possibly Vincenzo Iaquinta or Fabio Quagliarella.
Iaquinta has openly acknowledged he doesn't feel comfortable on the wing, and the more versatile Quagliarella excelled against Switzerland, scoring an early equalizer.
Antonio Di Natale, who led Serie A with 29 goals this season, seems the likely choice on the left wing — depending on how many forwards Lippi uses.
Following along the lines of what Lippi said a day earlier, Zambrotta suggested that this Italy team will be able to change formations from one game to the next — or during matches.
"It's not just a question of formations, it's about flexibility," Zambrotta said. "There is absolutely no perplexity inside the team. We are 23, we are available for the coach. There is no problem, no problem with positions or adapting."
-- Andrew Dampf
Ronaldo needs to end Portugal goal drought at WCup
MAGALIESBURG, South Africa (AP) — The World Cup provides a global showcase for soccer's greatest forwards, and if Cristiano Ronaldo wants to ever reach the same status as the likes of Pele and Diego Maradona he must do something he hasn't done for 16 months — score a goal for Portugal.
The tournament in South Africa needs stars like Ronaldo and Argentina's Lionel Messi to produce their skills on the sport's biggest stage, to thrill the billions of spectators watching games on television worldwide.
That means FIFA's 2008 world player of the year will have to break a goal drought stretching back to a friendly game in February 2009 when he scored from the penalty spot against Finland.
In competitive matches, he has not found the net for Portugal since the 2008 European Championship.
"It's not a problem," the Real Madrid player said before the tournament. "I'm saving myself for the World Cup."
The time to deliver on that promise has come as Portugal readies for its June 15 opener against Ivory Coast.
Ronaldo has the ability to set alight a game, which is why Real Madrid paid Manchester United $118 million for him a year ago.
The Portuguese forward's electrifying bursts of pace, his spellbinding footwork and blistering right-foot shots — which Manchester United fans nicknamed "Ronny rockets" — have brought crowds to their feet at Old Trafford and the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Injuries, though, have unsettled Ronaldo's international career. He played in just seven of Portugal's 12 World Cup qualifying matches and in some games was still recovering from injury.
In 73 appearances since his 2003 debut, Ronaldo has scored 22 goals.
Still, Portuguese fans grumble that his inability to reproduce his club form at international level is partly to blame for Portugal's recent below-par performances, including a 0-0 draw against tiny Cape Verde last month.
In his last two seasons, at United and Madrid, he has scored more than 70 goals.
With winger Nani, Ronaldo's former teammate at Manchester United, ruled out of the World Cup due to a bruised collarbone, Portugal may need Ronaldo more than ever.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has tried to ease the tension surrounding Ronaldo's goalscoring difficulties. When asked about it last week he replied, in English, "Leave them kids alone."
"The more you leave the players in peace the more they'll score," he added.
While he waves away talk of a crisis, Ronaldo's recent comments and performances have betrayed the nagging pressure.
In a 3-1 win against Cameroon in an exhibition match 10 days ago, Ronaldo time and again went for goal only to see the goalkeeper produce a superb reflex save or stick out a foot to deny him, and the anguish showed on his face.
When reporters tried to ask him questions after the match he walked away saying, with a gesture towards his teammates, "Talk to them, they're the heroes."
Ronaldo was left off Portugal's starting lineup for Tuesday's warmup game against Mozambique in Johannesburg as Queiroz handed Danny a rare start. Ronaldo came on for the last 30 minutes and, after the goalkeeper failed to hold his thundering shot with 10 minutes to go, Hugo Almeida tapped in the ball for the final 3-0 score.
Some standout performances from Ronaldo could lend precious momentum to Portugal's ambitions in South Africa where it faces a hard task advancing from Group G, which also includes Brazil and North Korea.
Portugal is ranked third in the world by FIFA and reached the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. But for all its star players' skills it still has no silverware.
-- Barry Hatton
NKorea's An wants revenge for '66 loss to Portugal
TEMBISA, South Africa (AP) — 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 Thursday at Makhulong Stadium in the township of Tembisa. "We'll do our best."
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.
"We know that all the players on the team are famous and that Brazil is the strongest team in the world," An said.
He said the team has been studying DVDs and footage of Brazil's performances in qualifiers and friendlies. Asked if he had spotted any soft spots in Brazil's playing, An tilted his head and said, "Doesn't seem like they have any weaknesses."
However, An said he has pumped Brazilian teammates who also play for Japanese club Omiya Ardija for information about the Brazil team. The 31-year-old An was born and raised in Japan but holds a North Korean passport, and was educated in the North Korean school system in Japan.
The lowest ranked team among the World Cup contenders, North Korea has had few chances to play internationally in recent years. However, An said his team has gained confidence and experience from recent matches against European and South American teams.
"Our chances may not be that great, but we can't say there's no chance at all," he said.
North Korea also faces Ivory Coast in a Group G matchup in Nelspruit on June 25.
An said he had relished the chance to play against Didier Drogba, and was sorry to hear Drogba had been injured.
"We don't often get the chance to play with such a great star like Drogba," he said. "It would be a good opportunity and a good experience," even if it makes for a tougher game.
Notoriously reclusive North Korea has been under scrutiny for how the team will comply with FIFA rules about media availability. Only one question — about chances for peace with South Korea, with which North Korea technically remains in a state of war — was deflected by a FIFA official Thursday.
Players have remained in seclusion at a four-star hotel north of Johannesburg on days when they're not training.
An said he spends his free time surfing the Internet and chatting on Skype.
-- Jean H. Lee
Le Guen says Eto'o ready to lead Cameroon
DURBAN, South Africa (AP) — Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen is publicly backing Samuel Eto'o despite the star striker's threats to quit the team ahead of the World Cup.
"He is my captain, a great player, one of the best players in the world and he wants to do well," Le Guen said Thursday at Cameroon's first training session since arriving in South Africa.
Eto'o threatened to skip the World Cup after former Cameroon great Roger Milla criticized him for failing to reproduce his club form with the national team.
He was also sent off after collecting two yellow cards in the first half of a warmup against Portugal.
Without its captain, Cameroon lost 3-1 and then lost its final warmup before the World Cup 4-3 to Serbia — with Eto'o suspended.
Le Guen said Eto'o, who has not spoken to reporters since getting to South Africa on Wednesday, "is fit, he is ready to fight and be a good captain for us during this World Cup."
Eto'o won the Champions League with Inter Milan this season, a year after scoring in Barcelona's 2-0 final win over Manchester United.
Cameroon opens its World Cup campaign against Japan in Bloemfontein on Monday. It faces Denmark on June 19 and the Netherlands on June 24.
Midfielder Joel Matip said playing in Africa would add extra significance to the tournament for the Indomitable Lions.
"Playing on our continent, it is a special feeling, I think," the 18-year-old who plays for Schalke in the Bundesliga said. "There are many African supporters at the stadium.
"We want to represent the country and show Africa has very good football teams."
Cameroon has failed to advance beyond the first round in three World Cup appearances since its stunning performance in 1990, when the team beat defending Argentina and was finally knocked out of the quarterfinals in extra time by England.
Milla's four goals and exuberant celebrations after each strike made him one of the stars of the tournament.
Harry Kewell says opponents are wary of Australia
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — After a strong showing at the last World Cup, Harry Kewell doesn't expect Australia to take anyone by surprise in South Africa.
The Socceroos advanced out of the group stage in Germany four years ago before losing in the round of 16 to eventual champion Italy 1-0 after a disputed injury-time penalty.
"I think we surprised a lot of teams at the last World Cup. Obviously it's difficult a second time around," Kewell said Thursday.
Now, opponents are "a lot more wary of the players we have, everyone knows the players individually," the 31-year-old forward said. "I'm quiet sure now a lot more teams have focused in on what we're capable of doing, and, yeah, it's going to be very difficult for us."
Coach Pim Verbeek selected 14 veterans from the 2006 World Cup squad, including Kewell's Galatasaray teammate Lucas Neill, Everton midfielder Tim Cahill and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.
Despite the solid core of talent, the Socceroos are not favorites to advance out of a tough Group D in South Africa, where the Australians open play against perennial power Germany.
"I think it's important to get off to a fly at the World Cup, to get three points, so I think let's face it — we've probably hit the hardest team in the World Cup to come up against, especially first off the bat," Kewell said. "Everyone's looking for these angles against the Germans — they're a young team, they need to go forward — but let's not forget when it comes to a big tournament they're always the favorite."
Things don't get much easier for the Socceroos. They play Ghana — a tough matchup even if the Africans are missing star midfielder Michael Essien — and then wrap up group play against a Serbia side that topped its qualifying group, ahead of 2006 World Cup runner-up France.
-- Ryan Lucas
Algeria drops out-of-form captain Mansouri
UVONGO, South Africa (AP) — Algeria coach Rabah Saadane has dropped captain Yazid Mansouri for the team's World Cup opener against Slovenia on Sunday because his form is not good enough.
The veteran midfielder trained with his teammates at Algeria's camp south of Durban on Thursday but did not comment. Algerian media reported that he had threatened to quit the team after hearing the news.
Midfielder Medhi Lacen, who will replace the captain in midfield, said Mansouri struggled to accept the decision after being told Wednesday.
"It is very difficult for him," Lacen said. "He is unhappy."
Mansouri, who has appeared 67 times for Algeria since making his debut in 2001, plays for Lorient in France and had a period on loan to Coventry City in 2003.
Saadane said Lacen and Portsmouth midfielder Hassen Yebda are in better form than Mansouri and deserve a start.
"It was difficult for Mansouri because he is such an important player in this team, " Saadane said. "But I am at the World Cup and I have to make a decision based on tactics and football. He is not the best at the moment."
Lacen, who plays for Racing Santander in Spain, said he felt for Mansouri.
"But I can't tell the coach I won't play because I want Yazid to play," he said.
Algeria is expected to struggle to qualify from Group C, where it also faces England and the United States. The prospect of tough matches against those two teams makes the opener against Slovenia in Polokwane vital for both teams.
"It is very important to get a win if we want a chance to qualify for the next round," striker Rafik Djebbour said.
Saadane said he expects it to be hard to score against Slovenia's well-organized defense.
"They are very tight at the back and that will make it extra difficult for us," he said.
This is only Algeria's third World Cup and its first in 24 years and it has never progressed beyond the first round.
It had a stunning World Cup debut in 1982, when it beat West Germany 2-1 and Chile 3-2 but was eliminated after losing 2-0 to Austria. Four years later the team lost to Brazil and Spain and drew with Northern Ireland.
However Algeria showed its pedigree by beating Egypt in a playoff to reach this World Cup. Egypt went on to win this year's African Cup of Nations.
-- Mike Corder
