Latest World Cup News

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OWEN OVERLOOKED AGAIN BY ENGLAND

Michael Owen has once again been overlooked by Fabio Capello for next month's World Cup qualifier with Croatia.

There were some who suggested Owen's summer move to Manchester United would offer an instant way back into the Three Lions fold.

However, even though the 29-year-old scored his first competitive goal for the Red Devils in last week's hammering of Wigan, Fabio Capello has overlooked England's fourth-highest goalscorer for the Croatia game - where victory will confirm their presence in South Africa - and the friendly with Slovenia which precedes it on September 5.

Owen probably did not expect to get picked anyway, given he is in direct competition with Jermain Defoe, a player who has scored goals for club and country already this term and has been a pivotal figure in Tottenham's superb start to the season.

Indeed, Capello's squads are now starting to take on a familiar look.

Even the inclusion of Ben Foster, who showed his best and worst sides against Manchester United on Saturday, only confirms a position he held in the squad for last month's friendly draw in Holland until the 26-year-old pulled out with a knee injury.

As David James misses out for the third squad running after being forced to sit out Portsmouth's home defeat to Manchester City earlier on Sunday with what manager Paul Hart described as "bone bruising", Foster could well play some part against Slovenia at Wembley as he looks to establish himself above Robert Green in the pecking order.

The absence of Rio Ferdinand with a thigh strain has provided Wes Brown with a surprise return to international duty.

Brown was sidelined for much of last term with an ankle injury and then suffered a thigh problem during United's recent pre-season campaign.

However, the experienced defender performed creditably in central defence as United overcame Arsenal at Old Trafford and Capello knows he also provides cover for Glen Johnson at right-back.

Steven Gerrard was an automatic choice to return, while Aaron Lennon was always the number one choice to take over from Theo Walcott, who has not played this season due to a back injury Arsene Wenger believes is a direct result of his young star playing for both England's senior side and the under-21s last summer.

The other addition is Peter Crouch, who appeared to have been leapfrogged in the England pecking order by Carlton Cole, but is now back among Capello's chosen few having begun to establish himself at Tottenham after a summer move from Portsmouth.

Full squad: Foster (Manchester United), Green (West Ham), Robinson (Blackburn), Johnson (Liverpool), Brown (Manchester United), Upson (West Ham), Terry (Chelsea, capt), Lescott (Manchester City), A Cole (Chelsea), Bridge (Manchester City), Wright-Phillips (Manchester City), Lennon (Tottenham), Beckham (Los Angeles Galaxy), Barry (Manchester City), Lampard (Chelsea), Carrick (Manchester United), Gerrard (Liverpool), A Young (Aston Villa), Milner (Aston Villa), Rooney (Manchester United), Heskey (Aston Villa), Defoe (Tottenham), C Cole (West Ham), Crouch (Tottenham).

 

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DOMINGUEZ LANDS ARGENTINA CALL

Sebastian Dominguez have been given his first call-up to the Argentina national squad as coach Diego Maradona added seven home-based players to his party ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Paraguay.

The defender of Argentinian champions Velez Sarsfield will join the Albicelestes along with team-mates Nicolas Otamendi and Emiliano Papa, Boca Juniors midfielder Sebastian Battaglia, Lanus star Eduardo Salvio, Estudiantes playmaker Juan Sebastian Veron and Huracan midfielder Mario Bolatti.

Bolatti made his international debut earlier this month, when Argentina defeated Russia 3-2 in a friendly match in Moscow.

Veron, meanwhile, will join the squad even though he was substituted in the second half of the Apertura derby that Estudiantes won 3-0 over old enemies Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata with a minor leg injury.

Maradona believes Argentina, currently in fourth place in the South American Qualifying Zone, will be virtually assured of a place in the World Cup finals in South Africa next year if they beat the Selecao in Rosario on Saturday.

He told Channel 7: "It will be as tough as all the matches we play against Brazil, but we beat them in illusion. We have the dream of playing the World Cup and we'll be almost in if we beat Brazil."

Newcastle midfielder Jonas Gutierrez has already left the squad due to injury.

Argentina travel to Paraguay to visit the Guaranies four days after the Brazil match.

Argentina squad: Juan Pablo Carrizo (Zaragoza), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Sergio Romero; Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan), Nicolas Pareja (Espanyol), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Gabriel Heinze (Olympique Marseille), Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Sebastian Dominguez, Emiliano Papa, Nicolas Otamendi (all Velez Sarsfield); Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Jesus Datolo (Napoli), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Mario Bolatti (Huracan), Sebastian Battaglia (Boca Juniors); Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Lisandro Lopez (Lyon), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli), Eduardo Salvio (Lanus).

 

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LENNON AND WRIGHT-PHILLIPS IN THE FRAME

Aaron Lennon seems set to scrap it out with Shaun Wright-Phillips for the right-sided midfield role when England tackle Croatia in a World Cup qualifier that could see them book their place in South Africa on September 9.

Both men were included in the 24-man squad announced by Fabio Capello on Sunday night, chiefly because Theo Walcott is absent with a back complaint which has troubled him since the summer.

And, while David Beckham's name was there as well, Capello is likely to go for the extra pace that both Lennon and Wright-Phillips can provide as England look for the win that would take them through with two goals to spare.

A friendly against Slovenia on Saturday has been arranged as a warm-up to the main event and it would be no surprise if both Lennon - whose last appearance came against the Ukraine in April - and Wright-Phillips, Beckham's half-time replacement for the 2-2 draw in Holland last month - were both given an opportunity given their outstanding contributions to 100% starts for Tottenham and Manchester City respectively.

Lennon is joined by White Hart Lane team-mate Peter Crouch, who was omitted for the Holland game due to lack of match practice and has still only amassed 81 minutes in four Premier League games, all of which he has started on the bench.

There is also room for Wes Brown, who after virtually an entire season wrecked by injury, is parachuted straight back into the England squad as Rio Ferdinand's replacement.

Brown has managed two full Premier League appearances this term - although one of them came in the shock defeat at Burnley - and could partner John Terry in central defence or challenge Glen Johnson for the right-back berth.

Manchester United team-mate Ben Foster keeps the place he was forced to vacate prior to the Holland game due to a knee injury, and provides the major threat to West Ham's Robert Green given David James' knee injury has kept him out.

Once again, there is no place for Michael Owen.

There were some who suggested Owen's summer move to Manchester United would offer an instant way back into the Three Lions fold.

However, even though the 29-year-old scored his first competitive goal for the Red Devils in last week's hammering of Wigan, Capello has overlooked England's fourth highest goalscorer.

In fairness, Owen probably did not expect to get picked anyway, given he is in direct competition with Jermain Defoe, a player who has scored goals for club and country already this term and has been a pivotal figure in Spurs' superb start to the season.

 

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VILLANS READY FOR WORLD STAGE - PETROV

Aston Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov is confident Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor will be ready for the World Cup if they are included in Fabio Capello's squad.

Young and Agbonlahor have flitted in and out of Capello's plans since the Italian replaced Steve McClaren as England head coach 20 months ago.

PFA Young Player Of The Year Young is back in contention for England's friendly against Slovenia next weekend and the home World Cup qualifier against Croatia on September 9.

Young and Agbonlahor played a key role in Villa securing their first home Barclays Premier League win of the season against Fulham yesterday, the latter scoring a stunning second goal in a 2-0 triumph.

Petrov said: "Both Gabby and Ashley deserve to be in there with England - but don't forget England have great players.

"They are battling; they want to be there. They are pushing for their places in the England squad to go to the World Cup - and they will be doing it all season.

"They deserve to be there. They have a manager (Capello) who will ultimately decide, but I think they are putting their names forward every single time the squad is announced."

Bulgarian star Petrov has no doubt Young and Agbonlahor are at the right stage of their careers to do their country proud.

"They would be ready for the World Cup if they are picked," he said.

"They perform very well every single week in one of the best leagues in the world - so why not?

"They are still young and, with the ability they have, they are such exciting players.

"They will make sure they work for it."

Agbonlahor showed signs of being back to his best against Fulham after being given an extended summer break by Villa boss Martin O'Neill following his involvement in the European Under-21s Championships in Sweden until the end of June.

Petrov said: "A lot of people forget Gabby has only been back three weeks. That was his second game since he came back, so he is battling for his fitness.

"Against Liverpool on Monday, he worked his socks hard and was great for the team and never gave up -and it was the same against Fulham. He is working hard to get fit and he will get better and better."

Petrov is understandably heartened by Villa's return to form.

"It is good to go into the international break on the back of a win," he confirmed.

"After the first game against Wigan - when we were poor - we were good against Liverpool and carried on against Fulham.

"We are going to have the international break and we hope everyone comes back without any injuries and we are then ready to go again and push on."

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson admits his side have to become accustomed to playing in Europe in midweek and not use tiredness as an excuse if they under-perform in the Premier League.

He said: "We have got to get used to Europe, absolutely. To be fair to the players, we are not going to be playing Chelsea and Aston Villa every week after European matches.

"We have been playing two of the top teams in the league. Chelsea are widely regarded as one of the favourites to win the league, and Aston Villa are one of the teams people expect to finish in the top six.

"Let's put the degree of difficulty in perspective as well. But I know myself, the players and the staff are disappointed - because we can do better and we aren't playing to the level I expect us to reach.

"There are some players missing, and we had a long trip to Russia before the Villa game. But the fact is that is what we knew we would have to do - so it's pointless every time to use that as an excuse.

"We have got to find the solutions to the problems."

 

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ROONEY STILL IMPROVING - CAPELLO

Fabio Capello does not care if the pressure is on Wayne Rooney to deliver for Manchester United - as long as he maintains the level of his recent performances for England.

With Cristiano Ronaldo now at Real Madrid, there are expectations on Rooney to lead the way at Old Trafford - and the 23-year-old has already stepped up with four goals this season.

All eyes will be on Rooney to replace Ronaldo as United's spark, but Capello said: "This is Sir Alex's problem."

Capello has brought the best out of Rooney at international level, the forward scoring 10 goals in his last eight games before this week's friendly against Slovenia and the World Cup qualifier against Croatia.

Rooney suffered a freak training-ground injury and missed the clash against Slaven Bilic's men almost two years ago, when defeat led to failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

Capello has turned England's fortunes around, and Rooney has played a huge part.

"Rooney is a really important player, he's incredible and young - he can improve a lot with more experience and confidence in himself," the Italian added.

Full-back Ashley Cole believes the England team have matured since Croatia's last trip to Wembley.

"We've all grown up," said Cole.

"We've started to realise that this [the World Cup finals] could be our last tournament. I've got good young players coming up in my position, so I know there is pressure. I have to focus and make sure I do well. I think it's the same for a lot of players.

"I think the England team is quite set in the players that play too - we're not chopping and changing all the time. The manager knows his team and the squad he'll take if we get there. He knows the way we'll play and the lads he'll pick.

"It feels settled, and people are starting to come into their own. Wayne Rooney, for instance, is playing very well - and we hope we can all play well up to end of the season and then do something very special with England in South Africa."

Cole, after missing the defeat to Croatia that marked the end of Steve McClaren's reign, added: "It was difficult to take at the time. It's never nice when you're sitting on the bench.

"I know it happens to everyone - but even so. You're just sitting there and watching us going goals down and conceding goals. It was hard to watch.

"We have to learn from that. If you don't perform on the day you can get turned over. We know how big the game is for us this time - they will want to come to Wembley and beat us again."

Capello was encouraged by the recent comeback against Holland, when Jermain Defoe's goals earned a draw, but is looking to eradicate the mistakes that led to falling behind.

"We have time to work with the back four and also improve the movement when we have to defend," he said.

"The priority is to recover the spirit. I think it will be really important to start like we finished in Holland."

 

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ROONEY STILL IMPROVING - CAPELLO

Fabio Capello does not care if the pressure is on Wayne Rooney to deliver for Manchester United - as long as he maintains the level of his recent performances for England.

With Cristiano Ronaldo now at Real Madrid, there are expectations on Rooney to lead the way at Old Trafford - and the 23-year-old has already stepped up with four goals this season.

All eyes will be on Rooney to replace Ronaldo as United's spark, but Capello said: "This is Sir Alex's problem."

Capello has brought the best out of Rooney at international level, the forward scoring 10 goals in his last eight games before this week's friendly against Slovenia and the World Cup qualifier against Croatia.

Rooney suffered a freak training-ground injury and missed the clash against Slaven Bilic's men almost two years ago, when defeat led to failure to qualify for Euro 2008.

Capello has turned England's fortunes around, and Rooney has played a huge part.

"Rooney is a really important player, he's incredible and young - he can improve a lot with more experience and confidence in himself," the Italian added.

Full-back Ashley Cole believes the England team have matured since Croatia's last trip to Wembley.

"We've all grown up," said Cole.

"We've started to realise that this [the World Cup finals] could be our last tournament. I've got good young players coming up in my position, so I know there is pressure. I have to focus and make sure I do well. I think it's the same for a lot of players.

"I think the England team is quite set in the players that play too - we're not chopping and changing all the time. The manager knows his team and the squad he'll take if we get there. He knows the way we'll play and the lads he'll pick.

"It feels settled, and people are starting to come into their own. Wayne Rooney, for instance, is playing very well - and we hope we can all play well up to end of the season and then do something very special with England in South Africa."

Cole, after missing the defeat to Croatia that marked the end of Steve McClaren's reign, added: "It was difficult to take at the time. It's never nice when you're sitting on the bench.

"I know it happens to everyone - but even so. You're just sitting there and watching us going goals down and conceding goals. It was hard to watch.

"We have to learn from that. If you don't perform on the day you can get turned over. We know how big the game is for us this time - they will want to come to Wembley and beat us again."

Capello was encouraged by the recent comeback against Holland, when Jermain Defoe's goals earned a draw, but is looking to eradicate the mistakes that led to falling behind.

"We have time to work with the back four and also improve the movement when we have to defend," he said.

"The priority is to recover the spirit. I think it will be really important to start like we finished in Holland."

 

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O'CONNOR COMES IN FOR KYLE

Scotland have called up Birmingham striker Garry O'Connor for the World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Holland as a replacement for the injured Kevin Kyle.

Kyle underwent knee surgery on Friday after tearing a cartilage during Kilmarnock's Co-operative Insurance Cup win over Morton.

The Killie frontman, who had netted 10 goals in seven games for his club, had been recalled by Scotland following a five-year absence for the back-to-back Group Nine matches.

 

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PALERMO PICKED FOR QUALIFIERS

Veteran striker Martin Palermo was surprisingly named in the Argentina squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against Brazil and Paraguay.

The 35-year-old has not worn the Argentina shirt in the last nine years, while there were two other late call-ups made by coach Diego Maradona with Rolando Schiavi and Rodrigo Brana receiving their first calls ever on Monday night.

Maradona decided to call up the trio after seeing that several of the 25 men he had picked arrive in Argentina with injuries.

Inter Milan duo Diego Milito and Nicolas Burdisso and Boca Juniors midfielder Sebastian Battaglia are almost ruled out for these qualifiers.

Palermo's last appearance for Argentina was in a World Cup qualifier in November 2000, a 2-0 win over Chile.

Argentina squad: Juan Pablo Carrizo (Zaragoza), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Sergio Romero; Javier Zanetti (Inter Milan), Nicolas Pareja (Espanyol), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille), Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Sebastian Dominguez, Emiliano Papa, Nicolas Otamendi (all Velez Sarsfield), Rolando Schiavi (Newell's Old Boys); Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Maxi Rodriguez (Atletico Madrid), Jesus Datolo (Napoli), Juan Sebastian Veron and Rodrigo Brana (Estudiantes), Mario Bolatti (Huracan), Sebastian Battaglia (Boca Juniors); Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Lisandro Lopez (Lyon), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli), Eduardo Salvio (Lanus), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors).

 

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MODRIC INJURY AGITATES CROATIA CHIEF

The president of the Croatian federation says the injury suffered by his country's star playmaker Luka Modric has left him wondering whether Croatia's top stars are being deliberately targeted for rough treatment in the Premier League.

Vlatko Markovic spoke out after Modric suffered a broken leg playing for Tottenham against Birmingham at the weekend which will sideline him for around two months, with Croatia set to face England in a crucial World Cup qualifier at Wembley on September 9.

It follows on from an even more severe injury suffered by Arsenal striker Eduardo - also against Birmingham - in February 2008 which meant he was unavailable when the sides met in the reverse fixture in Zagreb last September.

Markovic told The Sun: "First Eduardo, now Luka Modric. This is horrible. I can only ask myself if it was really an accident.

"I'm close to thinking it was done to us deliberately before the England match. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw what happened to Luka. He is irreplaceable."

 

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NO FITNESS CONCERNS FOR CAPELLO

Fabio Capello expects to have his entire squad training on Wednesday as England begin the build-up to a World Cup qualifier against Croatia that could confirm their place at South Africa 2010.

Having named a 24-man squad on Sunday night for a double-header that starts with a friendly against Slovenia at Wembley on Saturday, Capello was in the happy position of discovering his entire party were in good health when they reported to their Watford base last night.

While the vast majority of Capello's side to face the Croat s on September 9 could be picked already, there are at least four areas for discussion.

Robert Green has edged ahead in the goalkeeping stakes given David James is sidelined by a knee injury, but Ben Foster could possibly have played in England's last three games but for injury himself, so the West Ham man cannot feel too secure.

Similarly, while Glen Johnson established himself as first-choice right-back last term, he only got the chance because Wes Brown was sidelined.

Now the Manchester United man is back, Johnson cannot feel as secure as he has been.

Matthew Upson will be favoured to partner skipper John Terry in central defence on the basis he has been the regular stand-in for Rio Ferdinand in the past.

However, Joleon Lescott did the job against Andorra in June and is buoyed by the knowledge Mark Hughes felt it was worth investing £22million in his services to make him Manchester City's last acquisition of an amazing summer at Eastlands.

The final position is perhaps the most keenly fought.

When Theo Walcott was ruled out of last month's friendly draw with Holland in Amsterdam, David Beckham was handed the right-sided midfield role.

When Beckham failed to shine, Shaun Wright-Phillips was introduced to good effect.

Wright-Phillips has continued in the same form in City's 100% start to the season.

Aaron Lennon has been similarly effective for Tottenham though and training ground performances may well determine who gets the nod.

 

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SENNA HOPING TO MAKE SPAIN DATE

Marcos Senna is keeping his fingers crossed he will be fit in time for Saturday's World Cup qualifier between Spain and Belgium.

Senna was substituted 26 minutes into Villarreal's season-opener against Osasuna on Sunday with a hamstring problem, but the veteran midfielder insisted today he only went off as a precaution and hopes to be available for Spain.

"I feel fine, but I'm seeing the (Spain) doctor," Senna said in Marca after arriving for international duty today.

"I hope that it's only minor and that I'll be able to play."

Senna was the only new addition to Vicente del Bosque's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying double-header after the Euro 2008 winner missed the Confederations Cup and Spain's recent friendly with FYR Macedonia because of a different hamstring injury.

Spain host to Belgium on September 5 in La Coruna before meeting Estonia in Merida four days later.

 

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SMITH: HAMPDEN CAN SPARK REVIVAL


Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith is confident the Tartan Army will rally for the do-or-die World Cup qualifiers against Macedonia and Holland.

George Burley's side need six points in their final two Group Nine games to have a chance of a play-off spot, starting with Saturday's visit of Macedonia to Hampden.

The game is heading for a sell-out, as is the match against section winners Holland next Wednesday.

Smith believes the Scotland fans who are still reeling after the 4-0 defeat against Norway in Oslo last month, which dropped the Scots to third in the table, will turn up at Hampden determined to cheer Burley's side to what would be two famous victories.

"It's almost like a semi-final and the final," he said at Hampden, where he was taking part in the first-round draw of the Scottish Junior Cup, which is to be sponsored by Emirates Airlines for the next two seasons.

"Saturday is the semi-final and if we get the win then we are in the final and the final is a difficult one against Holland.

"If we can get to the play-offs, it will be outstanding.

"We were all disappointed with what happened in Norway, from George Burley and myself, to everyone connected to the association, to the fans, especially the ones who paid money to go to Norway.

"I can understand why they were disappointed.

"But the team has the opportunity to make everything right.

"The tickets have been selling and people want to see the team play which is fantastic.

"We are going to have two big supports for both games and we know the fans will get behind us; they will come along with positive intentions.

"It will change obviously if it doesn't go the way we want it to but they won't be coming to be critical. They will come to see their team get a good result.

"I've got the belief and hope that we can do it. We are capable of getting two victories."

Smith admits to being "exasperated" at the criticism the SFA and himself have received since the start of the campaign.

There has been widespread criticism of Smith's role in determining the Group Nine fixtures, including scheduling the first game last September against Macedonia in Skopje, where Scotland lost 1-0, and the match in Norway, which took place before the Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign had started.

"I am exasperated," Smith said. "You wonder if anyone looks at the logic of the argument and a lot of the time they don't.

"Whatever happens, someone has to criticise the SFA or me.

"I spoke to three previous Scotland managers, who all said to try and avoid playing in June.

"The season is over and the players have stopped playing for a few weeks.

"Some players would have been finished five or six weeks; the Championship in England finished in May.

"So we argued with Norway after the fixtures were done and we got it changed to August when the season had started.

"The players are in a lot better condition in August than they are in June, I can assure you of that."

Smith continued: "But the criticism about playing Macedonia in September, when it was really warm, has made me laugh to an extent.

"The people who have been very critical should realise that both possible games against Macedonia could only have have been in September.

"We simply switched to September 2008 from September 2009 so there would have been no difference.

"The reason we did that was that they forced us to do it.

"They wanted to be at home for the first game or they wouldn't have accepted the fixtures which then would have gone back to FIFA to re-draw.

"So to get the June date moved, we agreed."

 

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MILNER SEEKS PLACE ON PLANE

James Milner wants to help finish the job of World Cup qualification when England face Croatia next week - and hopes his versatility keeps him in the frame for South Africa.

Milner made an instant impact on his senior debut three weeks ago by setting up Jermain Defoe's equaliser in Holland, and is looking for a second cap in the friendly against Slovenia on Saturday or four days later against Croatia when England could book their place for next summer's finals.

Part of his appeal to England manager Fabio Capello is being able to provide cover across the midfield, up front or at full-back, putting him in the frame to play an important squad role.

"My strengths are attacking," said the 23-year-old Aston Villa midfielder. "My best positions are wide either side, or even in the centre going forward.

"But if the manager comes to me and says he wants me to play at full-back, I will. Wherever the manager wants me to play, I will.

"Personally I think I am better going forward but I suppose it is a compliment if people think you can play in other positions. If the manager thinks I can play right-back it shows he thinks I can adapt and that I have a brain."

Milner's stamina comes from being a top cross country runner as a youngster, and being teetotal.

He was the youngest player to score in the Premier League when he netted for Leeds in 2002, and was a regular for the Under-21s, winning a record 46 caps.

Now he is focused on establishing himself in the seniors and playing in the World Cup.

"We need to finish the job off this week and qualify," he said. "The second game of these two is massive.

"We're looking to maintain our momentum and keep confidence high in the first game and then hopefully we can finish the job in the second game and qualify for South Africa.

"Personally, it can be pretty daunting when you come into a squad with as much talent as we have. But I know a few faces and everyone as a group makes it easy to settle in quickly."

Milner is wary of Croatia being out for revenge after England went to Zagreb and won 4-1 earlier in the season. Slaven Bilic's men will also be without Tottenham playmaker Luka Modric, who is injured with a fractured leg.

"After the good performance we put on over in their place they will have revenge on their mind and will want to put one over on us," Milner said.

"So it is important to get out of the blocks quickly and not make that happen.

"You've seen what a good player Modric has been since he's been in England. He makes Tottenham tick and it's the same at internationals.

"He will be a big miss but it's about what we do and if we play well we have enough quality to have a great chance of beating any team in the world."

 

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AMAURI EYES WORLD CUP CHANCE

Juventus striker Amauri has revealed his firm desire to play in next year's World Cup for Italy.

The 29-year-old Brazilian player is in the process of acquiring Italian citizenship.

"I hope to make it to South Africa," Amauri said. "If the call-up arrives, I will be honoured to wear the Azzurri colours.

"I have chosen Italy as opposed to Brazil because it's where my football career took off."

Italy coach Marcello Lippi had hoped to have Amauri available for selection for the final two World Cup qualifiers against Ireland and Cyprus.

However, recent problems with Amauri's passport application have seen the striker's chances of a call-up by Lippi decrease.

Reports in Italy claim that Amauri will have to wait a further few months before the process is completed.

When asked about Amauri's situation, Lippi said: "I will only talk about Amauri once he has his Italian passport."

 

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SNEIJDER DOUBTFUL FOR SCOTS CLASH

Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder has been taken to hospital after suffering an ankle injury during Saturday's 3-0 friendly win over Japan in Enschede.

The 25-year-old, who last week moved from Real Madrid to Inter Milan, was replaced 12 minutes from time by Rafael van der Vaart after scoring the second goal for the Oranje.

He was carried off the field on a stretcher and then went to the hospital on crutches, casting doubt over his availability for Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Scotland.

Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk said: "He heard something crack. It does not look good. Wesley is now in the hospital."

 

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GORDON: WE CAN DO IT WITHOUT McFADDEN

Craig Gordon admits Scotland will once again have to do it the hard way after talismanic forward James McFadden was ruled out of their must-win World Cup qualifier against Holland.

McFadden helped keep Scotland's hopes of a play-off spot alive with a superb solo effort in a crucial win over Macedonia at Hampden after Scott Brown had netted his first international goal to hand the home nation a much-needed lift.

But the one low point of the 2-0 victory was the yellow card McFadden picked up on the stroke of half-time which takes him through the disciplinary threshold and rules him out of the visit of the Group Nine winners.

"It's obviously a big loss for us but we said at the start of the week that it was going to be a squad game and that everybody was going to have to be behind each other," said goalkeeper Gordon, who was in inspirational form to deny Goran Pandev on three occasions.

"It just means that somebody else will come in now and get an opportunity. We would love to have him available but Scotland never do it the easy way and it's par for the course.

"We move on and the rest of the boys stick together. I'm sure James will be behind us and we look forward to the game."

Pressure on manager George Burley had intensified after last month's 4-0 thrashing in Norway left Scotland's World Cup hopes hanging by a thread and he headed into the clash knowing the result could determine his future as national team manager.

However, Gordon says the win was not just about the manager, insisting: "It's for the whole nation, it's for everybody.

"Everybody is desperate to get to a World Cup and the players are desperate to test themselves at that level. It's the pinnacle of anybody's career to go to a World Cup and we are desperate to get there."

A tense, goalless first half was followed by a far improved performance from the Scots after the interval.

Gordon said: "We did quite well in the second half. Our passing was nice and sharp and we created a few opportunities.

"It was a much better second half and a good performance we can take confidence from. You can see the pressure was off a little bit.

"The passing was better and we created a few more opportunities once that first goal went in. We might have had another one or two but we are happy with the two goals.

"Hopefully we can take that forward into Wednesday's game now."

Qualification for South Africa next summer is likely to be all the sweeter following a campaign blighted by bad luck and Gordon admitted: "That's typical of Scotland, we will do it the hard way and hopefully get there in the end. It's set up for an amazing night on Wednesday and we will give it everything we've got.

"Who knows what will happen? It's a one-off game, it's our cup final to try to get to the play-offs and anything can happen in football.

"They've got nothing to play for now and we've got everything to play for. It will be a great atmosphere and everybody will be right up for the game. We will give it our best shot."

And the Sunderland goalkeeper believes the atmosphere on Wednesday is set to match the visit of Italy when Alex McLeish's Scotland side narrowly failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

"I think it will be pretty close to that," said Gordon.

"It will be a great night and the crowd is looking forward to it now. We will rest and recover from this game and the fans, coaches and players will all be looking forward to it."

 

[sky star 2]

SCOTLAND v MACEDONIA PLAYER RATINGS

SCOTLAND

CRAIG GORDON: Proved why he is Scotland's undisputed number one with a number of crucial saves. 8.

ALAN HUTTON: Left completely isolated in the first half but got forward well after the break. 6.

CALLUM DAVIDSON: Forced off early on after suffering what looked like a hamstring injury. 3.

STEPHEN MCMANUS: Understandably looked rusty in his first competitive game for four months as Pandev gave him a torrid time. 5.

DAVID WEIR: Also struggled to cope with Pandev at times but kept his composure well. 6.

SCOTT BROWN: Showed everything that is good and bad about Scott Brown. 7.

DARREN FLETCHER: One of his better games for Scotland. 7.

GRAHAM ALEXANDER: Question marks remain over his ability to anchor midfield at this level. 5.

KENNY MILLER: Really came alive after the break. 6.

STEVEN FLETCHER: Toiled in the first half but conjured up a great cross after the break for Brown's goal. 6.

JAMES MCFADDEN: Anonymous before the break and got himself suspended from the Holland game, but simply inspirational in the second half. 8.

SUBSTITUTES

STEVEN WHITTAKER (for Davidson, 14): Bombed forward from left-back after half-time and should have scored. 6.

SHAUN MALONEY (for Fletcher, 68): Made a real impact down the left. 6.

PAUL HARTLEY (for Brown, 73): Helped shore things up late on. 5.

MACEDONIA

JANE NIKOLOSKI: Did not have a save to make in the first half and could not be faulted for the goal. 6.

NIKOLCE NOVESKI: On easy street before the break but could not live with the pace of Scotland after the interval. 5.

GORAN POPOV: Got forward superbly in the first half before being pegged back by McFadden anHutton. 6.

GOCE SEDLOSKI: Was bamboozled by McFadden after the break after strolling through the first half. 4.

IGOR MITRESKI: Also struggled in the second half. Earlier booked for nasty-looking challenge on Steven Fletcher. 3.

VELICE SUMULIKOSKI: Solid enough before being overrun by Darren Fletcher. 5.

ILCO NAUMOSKI: Played his part in an excellent collective effort in the first half before being withdrawn in the second. 6.

ACO STOJKOV: A constant threat but inexplicably chose to pass when clean through. 7.

FILIP DESPOTOVSKI: Outstanding in the first half before falling away. 7.

SLAVCO GEORGIEVSKI: Should have equalised before being withdrawn midway through the second half. 5.

GORAN PANDEV: By far the best player on the pitch in the first half but faded after the break. 7.

SUBSTITUTES

DARKO TASEVSKI (for Naumoski, 65): No real contribution of note. 4.

VLATKO GROZDANOSKI (for Georgievski, 69): Failed to make an impact. 3.

BESART IBRAIMI (for Stojkov, 79): Game was over moments after his introduction. 3.

 

[sky star 2]

SCOTLAND KEEP WORLD CUP DREAM ALIVE

George Burley clings on to his job and can still dream of spending next summer in South Africa after Scotland kept their World Cup hopes alive with victory over Macedonia.

On a tumultuous afternoon at Hampden, Celtic midfielder Scott Brown picked a fine time to open his account in a dark blue jersey with his 55th-minute header, before Tartan Army talisman James McFadden sealed the three points with yet another fine solo goal.

Nobody in the 50,000-plus crowd celebrated as joyfully as the beleaguered Scotland boss as his team pocketed the three points needed to retain a hope of a play-off spot.

However, with Group Nine winners Holland arriving on Wednesday, and another victory needed for Burley, the question is whether this was a turning point in his tenure at Hampden or simply a stay of execution.

That question is for Wednesday night, when Scotland will have to muster an inspired performance to down the Dutch.

Few would begrudge Burley the win, which came on a soaking wet afternoon in the south side of Glasgow.

This 2010 World Cup qualification campaign has been fraught for several reasons, but in the lead-up to the crucial game on what the SFA billed at 'Saltire Saturday', Burley came under fire from within Hampden as well as taking knocks from his tormentors on the outside.

On Thursday, SFA president George Peat blamed "a certain individual" for missing a sitter against Norway in the 0-0 game at Hampden for putting Scotland in such a desperate situation.

It was not what Burley, Wolves striker Chris Iwulemo - that "certain individual" - or the PR department at Hampden wanted to hear.

Neither was the admission from SFA chief executive Gordon Smith that he no longer enjoys watching Scotland games, fearing what in recent months has been the inevitable backlash after a poor result.

Peat apologised in a statement sent out around five hours before the Hampden kick-off, but it was a nervy Burley who watched his much-changed side fight for his and their World Cup hopes.

Despite the Scotland boss's rallying call before the game, the first half suggested nothing had changed.

It was symptomatic of Scotland's qualifying campaign and, indeed, Burley's tenure; ragged, untidy, lacking in basic technique and with further damage done through missed chances, injury and ill-discipline.

Defender Callum Davidson limped off to be replaced by Steven Whittaker with only 13 minutes gone.

McFadden picked up a needless booking in the closing seconds to put him out of the game against Holland.

Macedonia, ignoring the early hysteria generated by the Tartan Army, looked the classier outfit.

Twice Craig Gordon showed why he is one of Scotland's genuine class players with good saves from Goran Pandev.

Scotland offered little in return. The snarling Brown, who also picked up a booking, had a couple of efforts which failed to hit the target.

In a frantic opening to the second period, McFadden and Steven Fletcher missed chances. But between those moments of Scottish threat Gordon made his third and best save from Pandev, blocking what seemed a certain goal with a close-range block.

Brown's flying header from Steven Fletcher's cross lifted the whole stadium but Burley again benefited from more overdue luck when Slavco Georgievski missed a glorious chance to equalise in the 63rd minute, blasting high over the bar with only Gordon to beat.

Kenny Miller increased the tension further when he missed the target when through on goal, but when McFadden raced through the centre of the Macedonia defence before rounding Jane Nikoloski and slipping the ball over the line, Burley knew he would live to fight another day.

 

[sky star 2]

BURLEY - McFADDEN A "MASSIVE LOSS"

George Burley admits the suspension of James McFadden for Wednesday's crunch World Cup qualifier against Holland at Hampden is a "massive blow".

After Scott Brown opened the scoring against Macedonia in their Group Nine match at the national stadium with his first goal in dark blue, McFadden sealed the win with a fine solo effort to breath fresh life in to Scotland's hopes of reaching South Africa next summer.

However, the Birmingham striker also picked up a yellow card, his second of the campaign, which will keep him out for the visit of the Group Nine winners.

While arithmetical possibilities contained within all the sections make predicting exactly what will be needed to clinch a play-off spot, it is accepted that Scotland need a win against Holland if they are to have a realistic chance.

Burley, who revealed left-back Callum Davidson is out with a hamstring injury he picked up early in the first half, has to leave out McFadden from his plans for the visit of the all-star Dutch side.

"Losing James is a massive blow," he said.

"I thought at times in the second half he was unbelievable.

"I didn't realise he was booked. I don't know if it was mistaken identity but seemingly there is no procedure to appeal a yellow card so there is nothing we can do.

"And James showed his commitment to the country even though he knew that he wasn't going to be playing against Holland, and he will be cheering the loudest on Wednesday night.

"But we have other players and all three substitutes who came on - Steven Whittaker, Shaun Maloney and Paul Hartley - all did well."

McFadden picked up his booking seconds before the interval in a melee after Brown became involved with a clutch of Macedonia players who were unhappy that he had participated in a drop ball - and won a corner - instead of giving the ball back to the visitors.

However, a puzzled Burley said: "I think Scott wanted to kick it back to the keeper but the referee wanted a bounce ball.

"And with a bounce ball you try to win it so I don't see where there is a problem."

Burley is adamant that Scotland will be going all out for victory against the Dutch.

"We are looking to win the game, as simple as that," he said.

"We have a belief that we can take the three points, even though we know that Holland are a fantastic team.

"We will have 50,000-plus fans behind us and we are determined not to let them down.

"So we won't be pensive about it.

"It was a great day today. We came off the pitch with smiling faces and a good feeling and we want that feeling again on Wednesday night."

Burley has worries over Brown, who limped off in the second half, while defender Gary Caldwell is available again after suspension.

The Scotland boss will carry out a full audit of his squad on Sunday.

He said: "Scott got a whack on his ankle but we all know that he is lion-hearted.

"He will be desperate to play so we will give him every chance possible.

"Callum Davidson will be out with a hamstring and we have a few players with other knocks.

"We will work very hard on them to get them fit for the massive game on Wednesday.

"But with James' suspension, we will have to assess the possibility of bringing someone else in tomorrow."

Downhearted Macedonia head coach Mirsad Jonuz insists Scotland used up all their luck against his side and cannot hope for more good fortune against Holland.

"They have no chance of beating Holland if they play like they did in the first half," he said.

"It is very hard to be lucky twice. Sometimes you need luck and we didn't get it today.

"We had enough chances to win the game. We were superior in the first half and missed three or four good chances to score.

"It would have been different if Pandev had scored - we would have won the game.

"And even after they scored the first goal we had a great chance to equalise but Slavco Georgievski missed.

"We then left a lot of space for Scotland to play in the counter-attack.

"But that game is past now, so we have to look forward to our next match against Norway."

 

[sky star 2]

CAMEROON REVIVE QUALIFICATION HOPES

Two goals in as many second-half minutes by Achille Emana and Samuel Eto'o helped Cameroon revive their World Cup qualifying chance with an important 2-0 victory over Gabon in Libreville on Saturday.

There was an equally important win 1-0 for Egypt over Rwanda as the two countries finally gained the results they so desperately needed in the race for a place at next year's finals in South Africa.

The Indomitable Lions, who were playing their first game under new coach Paul Le Guen, looked nervous through the opening hour, before they eventually broke down their resilient hosts in the 66th minute - Real Betis midfielder Emana with the opener.

Two minutes later it was Inter Milan striker Eto'o that pounced as the west Africans gained their first win of the campaign to move onto four points in Group A, still two behind the previously-unbeaten Gabonese.

The other two teams in the pool, Togo (four points) and Morocco (two) meet in Lome on Sunday.

In Group C, Ahmed Hassan scored the only goal to lift Egypt to a priceless 1-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali.

In another tense affair, the Pharaohs had to wait until the 68th minute before their captain pounced to net the winner that moved his side level on points with leaders Algeria.

However, the Desert Foxes, who meet Zambia on Sunday, have a game in hand and better goal-difference.

Elsewhere, Malawi produced a spirited second-half fightback to come from a goal down to overhaul Guinea 2-1 in Blantyre.

After Oumar Kalabane (37) fired the visitors ahead, Chiukepo Msowoya scored in the 46th and 61st minutes to secure all three points, which leaves both sides on three points apiece.