3-5-2 FOOTBALL

Xabi Alonso fears he may have broken a rib after describing Nigel de Jong's challenge in the World Cup final as 'one of the worst tackles' he has suffered. Holland midfielder De Jong was fortunate not to be sent off in Sunday's Soccer City showdown after a kung-fu style kick into Alonso's chest in the first half. The Spain ace was able to continue playing before being replaced by Cesc Fabregastowards the end of normal time, but he was unhappy with De Jong's tackle. Reigning European champions Spain have now become the third side, after West Germany and France, to hold both tournaments at the same time. No country has ever managed three on the trot, which will be Spain's task in two years' time at Euro 2012, and they have already been installed as favourites to complete a memorable hat-trick. Alonso accepts there is plenty of work ahead of his team-mates before then, but the raw talent is certainly there. BOLA BOYZ    WORLD CUP      LIVERPOOL   ...

Nicolas Anelka says the tension between the France squad and their coach at the World Cup was like a 'timebomb waiting to explode'. The Chelsea frontman was sent home from the tournament following his bust-up with boss Raymond Domenech, which provoked the rest of the 23-man party to strike in support of the forward. The disruption saw Les Bleus lose their final group game against South Africa 2-1, a defeat which ended their World Cup campaign. The French media have suggested that some members of the squad were pressurised to participate in the strike, but 31-year-old Anelkais adamant the players were united in their revolt. Les Bleus midfielder Jeremy Toulalan admitted on Sunday that the strike was a unanimous decision and that the whole squad should be punished, and Anelka praised the Lyonplayer's stance on the issue. BOLA BOYZ    WORLD CUP      CHELSEA   Anywhere… Everywhere… We'll Deliver! - NOBLE STAR

Spain's World Cup hero Andres Iniesta insists he was always confident his side could lift the trophy, despite enduring a turbulent season. Midfielder Iniesta, who netted the extra-time winner for Spain in Sunday's World Cup final against Holland, was plagued by a thigh injury last term and only returned for Barcelona at the end of the campaign. The 26-year-old then aggravated the problem during Spain's friendly win over Poland ahead of the South Africa tournament and was sidelined once again as Vicente del Bosque's side lost 1-0 to Switzerland in their opening group match. But Iniesta, who reappeared to play a key role in Spain's first World Cup triumph, claims he never doubted his side could land the world title. Iniesta admits he has trouble putting into words how it felt to score the crucial goal for Spain that ensured their "priceless" win. Up until Sunday, Iniesta's most celebrated goal was an injury-time strike against Chelsea at Stamford Bridg...

Holland midfielder Mark van Bommel insists that Howard Webb 'affected' the World Cup final. Spain secured the title with Andres Iniesta scoring the only goal of the game just moments from the end of extra-time. But with a record 14 yellow cards and one red card handed out to Holland's Johnny Heitinga, Van Bommel insists the Englishman played his part in the outcome of the game. Both Van Bommel and his midfield partner Nigel De Jong were considered lucky, by some, to even finish the match, but the Manchester City man felt Webb had a bad game. Arjen Robben had also hit out at referee Howard Webb, insisting he was not strong enough to handle the World Cup final. Former Chelsea star Robben believes he suffered a gross injustice when Spanish defender Carles Puyol, who had already been cautioned, held him back in his attempt to race through when the match was still goalless. BOLA BOYZ    WORLD CUP     3-5-2 FOOTBALL   Anywhere… Everywhere… We'll Deliver! - NOBLE S...

Spain captain Iker Casillas admits that the achievement of winning the World Cup will take time to sink in. The Real Madrid goalkeeper lifted the trophy as the European champions sealed a 1-0 extra-time win over Holland. Later, he was announced to be the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament to receive FIFA Golden Gloves. Casillas now concedes that it will be some time before the players can truly appreciate the significance of their 'historic' win. Casillas, largely the quieter of the two keepers, made one tremendous save in normal time when he denied Arjen Robben after the Bayern Munich star raced clear. Anywhere… Everywhere… We'll Deliver! - NOBLE STAR   Not enough FOOTBALL ??? Click HERE!

Germany starlet Thomas Muller has been rewarded for an excellent World Cup campaign by being named the tournament's best young player. Muller's five goals in South Africa saw the Bayern Munich attacker finish with the Golden Boot and beat Andre Ayew and Giovani dos Santos to the young player award. The 20-year-old, who had missed the semi-final defeat by Spain through suspension, was a key figure in Germany finishing third in the World Cup. He scored a brace in the last 16 thrashing of England, opened the scoring in the quarter-final mauling of Argentina and repeated the trick in the third-placed play-off win over Uruguay. Muller emulates compatriots Franz Beckenbauer and Lukas Podolski in winning the award and admits it is a 'huge honour'. However, Muller revealed he will leave South Africa with one regret after Germany were denied a place in the Soccer City final by eventual champions Spain. BOLA BOYZ    WORLD CUP     3-5-2 FOOTBALL   Anywhere… Everywhere… We...

Diego Forlan dedicated his World Cup Golden Ball award to his Uruguay team-mates after picking up the prize. The Atletico Madrid hit-man was named the best player in South Africa after scoring five goals at the finals and helping his country reach the semi-finals before losing to Holland. Forlan beat Holland's Wesley Sneijder and Spain's David Villa to the prize and he admits he was surprised to take the accolade. Forlan admitted he was leaving South Africa with a tinge of sadness after going so close to reaching the final. BOLA BOYZ    WORLD CUP     3-5-2 FOOTBALL   Anywhere… Everywhere… We'll Deliver! - NOBLE STAR

Cesc Fabregas hailed a historic moment for Spain after he helped La Roja to their first World Cup triumph. The Arsenal midfielder came off the bench to create the extra-time winner for Andres Iniesta as Spain beat Holland 1-0 in Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium. Fabregas found himself playing a bit-part role throughout the tournament, but he said the victory made up for all the frustration. Fabregas also had some sympathy for Arsenal team-mate and Dutch forward Robin van Persie after the game. BOLA BOYZ    ARSENAL      NOBLESTAR   CLICK HERE for more WORLD CUP 2010 updates!

Andres Iniesta's strike with four minutes left of extra-time fired Spain to World Cup glory for the first time in their history as they vanquished Holland in a fractious final at Johannesburg's Soccer City stadium. In a game when a record number of yellow cards were given and John Heitinga was sent off in extra-time, both sides missed great chances from Arjen Robben and Cesc Fabregas, but Andres Iniesta netted in the 116th minute to give European champions Spain their first World Cup title. Spain completely dominated possession but had few clear-cut chances to show for it, with a free header from Sergio Ramos and a David Villa strike that was deflected over the best opportunities in normal time. Demonstrated some excellent touches in midfield, with plenty of classy interchanges and never showed frustration when they couldn't break through.  After an unimpressive first period, in which four Dutch players were yellow carded, Bert van Marwijk's side came into the game m...

Joachim Low insists he had no choice but to leave flu-ridden Miroslav Klose out of the third-place play-off with Uruguay. Klose, 32, had every chance of setting a new World Cup scoring record having netted four times for Germany who, so far, remain the highest scoring team in the tournament. But his chances were dashed when he was dropped from the starting line-up on Saturday evening through illness. He now looks unlikely to better Brazilian Ronaldo's record of 15 goals, with age very much going against him. Low admits it was a difficult decision to make but insists he had Germany's best interests at heart. Klose was said to be devastated to miss out but he understood Low's predicament. BOLA BOYZ    WORLD CUP     3-5-2 FOOTBALL   Anywhere… Everywhere… We'll Deliver! - NOBLE STAR  

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez believes his side has proved themselves as world class in South Africa this summer. The South Americans suffered a 3-2 defeat to Germany in the World Cup third-place play-off match on Saturday after being knocked out by Holland in the semi-finals. But Tabarez lauded his team's campaign in the tournament, insisting they have exceeded expectations. Uruguay have been the surprise success story of the World Cup, progressing from a difficult group to beat South Korea and Ghana in the knock-out rounds, and Tabarez hailed their hard work throughout the tournament. BOLA BOYZ     3-5-2 FOOTBALL    NOBLESTAR

Xabi Alonso admits winning the World Cup with Spain would surpass his Champions League success with Liverpool. Real Madrid midfielder Alonso was part of the Liverpool side that staged the remarkable comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final in Istanbul. Alonso scored against Milan as Liverpool came from three goals down to draw 3-3 before winning the game in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. " But winning the World Cup, that is an achievement that so few players can make. Some of the best players the game has known never got a chance like this, when you can spell your name in history. " Spain take on Holland on Sunday in their first-ever World Cup final and Alonso admits winning the game's biggest prize would be the ultimate honour.   WORLD CUP     3-5-2 FOOTBALL      LIVERPOOL   Anywhere… Everywhere… We'll Deliver! - NOBLE STAR  

Holland will be at full strength for the World Cup final on Sunday after star player Wesley Sneijder shrugged off a calf problem. The Inter Milan midfielder, who is in the running for the golden boot with five goals to his name, had not trained since Holland's semi-final win over Uruguay through on-going cramp. However, the 26-year-old will not allow the injury to prevent him from facing Spain on the biggest stage of all as both sides bid to lift the trophy for the first time. Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has recovered from a hip injury and will maintain his position while Gregory Van der Wiel and Nigel de Jong are back in contention for a start after serving one-match suspensions. BOLA BOYZ    WORLD CUP     NOBLESTAR CLICK HERE for more WORLD CUP 2010 updates!

Spain striker David Villa says his side's chances of winning the World Cup hinge in their ability to silence Holland's strikers. The two countries square up in Johannesburg on Sunday with the pair vying for their first ever World Cup crown. The Netherlands have taken the classy route to the final, seeing off their opponents with some effective yet equally stylish play. Spain's success has been somewhat more hard-earned but they were back to their ball-keeping best to starve Germany out of the semi-final on Wednesday. Villa is on course to collect the Golden Boot should he score, says it is imperative his team mates maintain their passing game from the defeat of Joachim Low's team. But he also warned against the threat of the Dutch strikers, who he feels could cause his team significant damage should they be allowed to roam in Soccer City.   3-5-2 FOOTBALL    NOBLESTAR     LIVERPOOL Not enough FOOTBALL ??? Click HERE!  

A late header from Sami Khedira ensured Germany finished third in the World Cup with a 3-2 win over Uruguay. The two beaten semi-finalists played out an entertaining game at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the penultimate match of the finals. Germany made the brighter start but Dennis Aogo was fortunate to get away with just a yellow card for a reckless tackle on Uruguay's Diego Perez with just five minutes on the clock. Thomas Mueller became joint-top scorer as he opened the scoring on 18 minutes before Edinson Cavani levelled for Uruguay before the break. The South Americans took the lead for the first time early in the second half through the impressive Diego Forlan but Marcell Jansen equalised for Germany within five minutes. The open encounter seemed destined for extra-time before Stuttgart midfielder Khediranodded Germany in front again with just eight minutes remaining to seal the bronze prize. Diego Forlan almost took the game into extra-time as his injury-time free-ki...

Spain will defeat Netherlands in Sunday's World Cup final, according to the latest prediction from Paul the psychic octopus. To intense media interest on Friday morning, Paul, who has an unblemished record in the tournament so far, picked Spain as the victors in the Johannesburg final and also predicted that Germany will defeat Uruguay in Saturday's third-place play-off. The decision was welcomed in Spain - who were also tipped by Paul to defeat his home country, Germany, in the semi-finals - with Marca's website leading with the story of how el pulpo Paul predicted that Spain would be campeones. Paul has achieved global fame after correctly predicting the results of all of Germany's games at the tournament in South Africa. In order to harness his powers, his keepers at Sea Life Oberhausen present Paul with the choice of two glass boxes, both containing a mussel but each bearing the flag of a different country. The odds of Paul correctly predicting Germany's resu...

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez said he is determined to prove Paul the octopus wrong by beating Germany in the third-place play-off on Saturday. Paul has gained worldwide fame by successfully predicting all of Germany's six results at this World Cup by choosing between food containers which are identical apart from the opposing national team flags adorning them. If each guess was considered 50-50, the likelihood of getting six results correct is one in 64. Now Paul has opted for Germany to beat Uruguay in the third-place play-off but Tabarez said it's time to end the psychic cephalopod's streak. Whether overcoming an impressive German outfit or proving Paul wrong is the bigger challenge, no one is sure, but Tabarez insisted that his team could hold their heads up high regardless of the outcome after a surprise run to the semi-finals. Tabarez confirmed his lethal strike pairing of Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, who is back after a one-game suspension, will start the match. For...

A flu outbreak threatens to keep some Germany players and coach Joachim Low from appearing at Saturday's World Cup third-place play-off. Assistant coach Hansi Flick, filling in for Low at the pre-match press conference, said the illness could affect selections for the match and also revealed that striker Miroslav Klose, who is chasing Ronaldo's all-time World Cup scoring record, will decide himself whether he has sufficiently recovered from a back injury to take part against Uruguay. Klose is one short of Ronaldo's tally of 15 goals and his attempt to enter the record books, if fit to play, would give some lasting meaning to a match with little riding on it. Fellow striker Lukas Podolski and captain Philipp Lahm are two of the players worst affected by flu and Flick said a decision on their selection will be made on Saturday morning. Team manager Oliver Bierhoff said Low was struggling worst of all and that there was a chance he may not even be able to attend the match. ...

Fifa has announced its three-man shortlist for the World Cup's best young player award for 2010. German forward Thomas Muller, Mexico winger Giovani Dos Santos and Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew have been highlighted as the best players of their age group by Fifa's technical study group. With the Golden Ball nominees also set to be named on Friday, the global federation has surprised some with its choices, but Muller is by far the most likely to take home the prize. BOLA BOYZ    WORLD CUP     3-5-2 FOOTBALL  

Holland coach Bert van Marwijk insists Spain hold no fear for his side as they prepare for their World Cup final showdown. The two European countries will both be bidding for their first World Cup success when they meet in the final on Sunday. Van Marwijk admits Spain play a more attractive brand of football than his team and he is full of respect for Vicente Del Bosque's European champions, but he is adamant his players will not be afraid of Spain. Holland have lost in the final, while Spain had never previously made it into the last four, but Van Marwijk insisted he was not interested in the past. And he claimed he was not concerned if Holland were viewed as underdogs.   WORLD CUP     3-5-2 FOOTBALL    NOBLESTAR   CLICK HERE for more WORLD CUP 2010 updates!

Fifa have announced the candidates for the World Cup Golden Ball - the award given to the best player of the finals. Finalists Spain and Holland dominate the ten-strong list with five players between them. David Villa, Xavi and Andres Iniesta make up the Spanish contingent with Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben as the Dutch representatives. Xavi could gain his second major tournament award in a row if he is named the winner after being named the best player in Spain's victorious 2008 European Championship campaign. World Cup Golden Ball nominees:   David Villa, Xavi, Andres Iniesta (Spain) Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben (Holland) Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mesut Ozil (Germany) Diego Forlan (Uruguay) Asamoah Gyan (Ghana) Lionel Messi (Argentina). The announcement of the winner will be made after Sunday's final, where they will follow in the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane, who won the award in 2006. BOLA BOYZ    WORLD CUP     3-5-2 FOOTBALL   Anywhere… Everywhere… We'll De...

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer claims his side did not show enough attacking intent in their 1-0 World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain on Wednesday. Although it took Carles Puyol's late header to set up a final meeting with Netherlands at Soccer City on Sunday, in truth, Germany were outplayed. It was a sad way for Joachim Low's young team to exit the tournament given the positive impression they had made by knocking four goals past Australia, England and Argentina. But Neuer is confident the defeat will eventually prove to be a valuable lesson for his side. Substitute Marcell Jansen concurred with Neuer's assessment, but while he recognised that more risks could have been taken, he also admitted that Spain just possessed more quality. BOLA BOYZ    WORLD CUP     3-5-2 FOOTBALL   Anywhere… Everywhere… We'll Deliver! - NOBLE STAR

Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson believes Steven Gerrard will be staying at Anfield after revealing that he has had "positive" talks with the club captain. Having already lost Yossi Benayoun to Chelsea, Hodgson is focused on keeping Gerrard and Fernando Torres at the club, amid speculation that the pair could leave. But the future appears bright for Liverpool fans, as Hodgson met with Gerrard and Jamie Carragher following his appointment last Thursday, with the talks going to plan according to the new Reds boss. With Gerrard happy to stay, Hodgson must turn his attention to Torres when he returns from World Cup action, though the Liverpool boss is confident that he can convince the Spain striker to commit his future to the club. BOLA BOYZ     NOBLESTAR      GERRARD   CLICK HERE for more WORLD CUP 2010 updates!

Manchester United assistant boss Mike Phelan believes new signing Javier Hernandez can establish himself as an important player at Old Trafford after watching him shine at the World Cup. Hernandez was an unknown quantity in England when he sealed a switch to United before the finals, but moved from obscurity to centre stage as he netted twice for Mexico in South Africa. And Phelan is confident that the 22-year-old striker can prove his worth for Sir Alex Ferguson's side next season. Hernandez, son of Javier Hernandez who played for Mexico in the 1986 World Cup, came to United's attention after scoring 29 goals in 79 games for former club Guadalajara. BOLA BOYZ     3-5-2 FOOTBALL      MAN UTD   Anywhere… Everywhere… We'll Deliver! - NOBLE STAR

Spain needed a 73rd minute goal from defender Carles Puyol to edge past Germany 1-0 on Wednesday and set up a World Cup final against Netherlands. Puyol climbed above the defence to head the winner from a Xavi corner and send Spain to their first World Cup final. The Spaniards dominated most of the match but struggled to finish off a German side that was lacking their usual pace. European champions Spain dominated possession early on and needed only five minutes to carve out their first chance against a nervous German defence. Spain forward Pedro, who started ahead of the misfiring Fernando Torres, played the ball for David Villa, who caught Arne Friedrich napping but could not beat keeper Manuel Neuer. With the Germans, who lost the Euro 2008 final to the Spaniards by the same score, boxed into their own half, Spain kept up the pressure, with Puyol heading an Andres Iniesta cross from the right narrowly over the bar after 15 minutes. The Spaniards came agonisingly close in the 58th...

Bastian Schweinsteiger believes Germany can cause another upset when they take on Spain in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final. Germany go into the game in Durban as the form team, having comprehensively defeated England 4-1 and Argentina 4-0 in the knockout phase. In contrast, the Spanish have overcome Portugal and then Paraguay by single goal scorelines. While Schweinsteiger is not under-estimating the 2008 European champions, who beat Germany in the final to win that crown, he believes Joachim Low's side can produce another upset in South Africa. The Germans came into the competition without being given much chance of winning it but have silenced many of the doubters with their attacking brand of play. They are the leading scorers at the finals with 13 goals and new faces like Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil have all been revelations. BOLA BOYZ    WORLD CUP     3-5-2 FOOTBALL   Anywhere… Everywhere… We'll Deliver! - NOBLE STAR

Spain have received an injury boost ahead of their World Cup semi-final against Germany after Cesc Fabregas trained with his team-mates on Tuesday night. Vicente del Bosque was handed a headache over the Arsenal captain, who is wanted by Barcelona, when he sustained a knock to his right leg in a previous training session. But a scan revealed that Fabregas had not suffered a bone injury and he could be available to face Germany on Wednesday, with speculation suggesting that after being a substitute he is set to start in place of Fernando Torres. Despite wearing a support strip on the back of his leg, the midfielder was able to take part in a complete training session in Durban on Tuesday to suggest he will be ready to take on Joachim Low's in-form side. BOLA BOYZ     NOBLESTAR     ARSENAL    CLICK HERE for more WORLD CUP 2010 updates!

Joachim Low has hosed down the controversy surrounding Philipp Lahm and Germany's captaincy ahead of their World Cup semi-final against Spain. Lahm told the Bild newspaper he wants to retain the armband even when regular skipper Michael Ballack returns from injury after the tournament, causing an unnecessary distraction in the German camp less than 48 hours ahead of their crucial match in Durban. Ballack left the camp shortly after the comments were made, creating the impression of a rift, but Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff has insisted Ballack always intended to visit the team during the quarter-finals and simply departed as scheduled. BOLA BOYZ     3-5-2 FOOTBALL      CHELSEA   Anywhere… Everywhere… We'll Deliver! - NOBLE STAR