3-5-2 FOOTBALL

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!