Brazilians certainly have FIFA World Cup Fever

FIFA World Cup fever in Sao Paulo.

Vila Brasilandia, an poor, remote neighborhood in Sao Paulo, has been gripped by World Cup fever. Rough portraits of the Brazilian squad adorn walls. Green and yellow national flags hang overhead.

The decorations lend a festive atmosphere to the otherwise gloomy vision of sidewalks cluttered by wheelbarrows, scrap metal, and cardboard.

In the midst of a maze of unpaved roads that don't appear on city maps is the Espaco Crianca Esperanca (Child Hope Space), a project jointly run by a Brazilian group called Sou Da Paz, or I Stand for Peace; the Globo television network; the city government; and UNESCO, a United Nations cultural agency. It offers athletic, artistic, and academic programs to kids and young adults.

Soccer is the most popular activity. Many kids idolize soccer stars who grew up in their neighborhood or others like it where shantytowns mix with working-class row houses.

In a place like Brasilandia, where half of kids under 19 have not completed elementary school and juvenile homicides are routine, the community center offers an alternative to a life of crime, and for a lucky few, a route to fame and fortune.

''Soccer is a way out,'' said Roberto Carlos da Silva, who coaches field soccer at the Espaco, and has worked with stars such as Deco, a Brazilian who now plays on the Portuguese national team.

''The time they are on the pitch, is, more than anything, time they are off the streets.''

Just last week, Silva discovered what had happened to a 15-year-old who had not shown up to practice for several weeks. The mother came to let him know that her son had been caught stealing a cell phone and sent to juvenile jail.

The staff at the Espaco hope that involvement in soccer and other activities at the center will make such cases far less common.

''Today's big goal is to transform this place; to bring safety not through walls or armed guards but through well-being and community. And we want to make the kids feel like actors in this transformation,'' says Rodrigo Damasceno, a project director.

Brazil - France at the FIFA World Cup Quarter - Finals

Brazil big guns, Kaka and Emerson, will be loaded for France.

Brazil midfielders Kaka and Emerson are expected to recover from knee injuries and take their place for the quarterfinal against France in Frankfurt Saturday.

The two Italian-based players missed training Thursday but team doctor Jose Luiz Runco insisted they had a better than even chance of making the game.

''They're improving,'' he said. ''I'd say they are about 70 percent into the recovery process. There's still some pain, but we think they'll be able to train.''

Although both Kaka and Emerson received knocks to their ankles during the last 16 match against Ghana, the pain is now affecting their right knees.

''There's no damage,'' added Runco, ''so if we can relieve the pain, they will be able to play as normal. It will be up to the coach (Carlos Alberto Parreira) to decide.''

Brazil knows that France will be their toughest test yet.

''This will be our hardest match at the World Cup,'' said Brazil midfielder Juninho, who has scored with 29 free-kicks for Lyon - impressive even by Brazilian standards.

''They play excellent football and are a good team who are dangerous, and they stick together as a unit and fight together,'' Juninho adds.

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Beckham is confident England will eliminate Portugal from the World Cup

David Beckham is confident England will advance and beat Portugal at the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.

He insists England are more than capable of dealing with a physical match against Portugal in Saturday's quarter-final match in Gelsenkirchen. England have struggled at times with the heat in Germany, while Portugal's second round match against Holland saw 16 yellow cards and four reds.

But the captain said, ''We're English and, typically, we love physical games. We relish a high tempo with tackles flying in so, if that's the way the game turns out, we will relish it.''

Another late afternoon kick-off will ensure that England will play in temperatures forecast to reach over 80F (27C). And, after a series of poor second-half performances, an improved display in the latter stages in the second-round win over Ecuador was overshadowed by Beckham being physically ill on the pitch.

However, the midfielder said, ''We've always said we can't use excuses, and we can't blame the heat for poor performances. Physically we have struggled at tournaments and in the past couple of games in this tournament we have struggled in the heat. But it is up to us to overcome that, there are no excuses now. We're confident we can deal with anything thrown our way.''

But he played down fears that Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo will employ a strict approach to avert the kind of play-acting and fouls that marred Portugal's win over Holland.

Elizondo has sent Beckham off in his career, in the World Club Championship game against Necaxa in 2000, while he has issued 16 yellow cards and one red in his three World Cup games so far.

''In England against Portugal there are always things that happen in games. It's always going to be fiery and it is up to us as players to keep our discipline. Sometimes it is difficult because you get frustrated and things happen, but you have to stay disciplined.''

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Michael Ballack will be back for Germany once they face Argentina

Germany breathes a sigh of relief before going face to face with Argentina at the FIFA World Cup.

Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann has confirmed that his captain Michael Ballack will be fit to play in Friday's eagerly-anticipated FIFA World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.

The 29-year-old Chelsea midfielder missed training on Sunday with a foot injury but Klinsmann said: ''Michael had trouble with his foot but there is no problem.''

Ballack sustained the injury in Saturday's comfortable 2-0 victory against Sweden in this FIFA World Cup tournament. He missed Germany's FIFA World Cup opening game against Costa Rica with a calf strain.

Meanwhile, Klinsmann has distanced himself from reports linking him with the USA manager's job.

''That doesn't interest me at all,'' he added. ''At the moment, I'm only interested in my job and that has to continue to the final.''

''It's speculation. It's something completely normal that there is speculation about the coach in a country that gets knocked out.''

Klinsmann, who currently lives in California with his American wife, has a two-year contract with Germany that expires after the World Cup.

The USA, coached by Bruce Arena, picked up only one point, against Italy, in their three Group E games.

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Brazil goes up against Ghana and the rest of Africa at the World Cup

The rest of Africa will be watching when Ghana face defending FIFA World Cup champions, Brazil.

African rivals have shown their support for Ghana's World Cup squad, with visits from star players and letters of support encouraging the Black Stars ahead of a second-round match with mighty Brazil.

''We have no rivals now. It's soccer. Africans are proud of Ghana making it to the World Cup. They support us,'' Ghana captain Stephen Appiah said. ''The other African teams were eliminated. Now we represent Ghana and Africa.''

If Ghana defeats Brazil on Tuesday, the would-be loss of the reigning World Cup champions would be the greatest victory in African soccer history and match the best Cup runs by an African side, the quarterfinal runs by Cameroon in 1990 and Senegal in 2002.

However, Brazilian superstar, Ronaldo Nazario begs to differ, whose goal is to win the World Cup. Nothing more, nothing less.

''My ambition is to win the Cup and if I score goals, even better. But I don't have this an obsession with becoming the World Cup's biggest goal-scorer, or with setting records,'' said Ronaldo, who helped his team destroy Japan, 4-1.

If Brazil beats Ghana in round 2 of this 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament in Germany, that will only be step 2 towards Brazil's goal of FIFA World Cup immortality and Ronaldo sure would want that other than any individual achievement he will get along the way.

''I am happy because I have reached 14 goals, and if I can improve it, all to the good,'' he added. ''I have rested and trained. I made good use of the rest day with my son Ronald and my family. Everything is coming out well,'' he said.

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Wayne Rooney is England's Key at the 2006 World Cup - Ashley Cole

England, particularly Ashley Cole, knows that Wayne Rooney is the key.

Ashley Cole admits England will rely on Wayne Rooney's ''magic'' to inspire them to FIFA World Cup glory after sealing a quarter-final showdown with Portugal. Manchester United's 20-year-old striker displayed his trademark brilliance in the 1-0 knockout victory over Ecuador.

''If we give him the ball he will create chances or score himself, it is simple,'' defender Ashley Cole said.

''The more we give it to him the more he can produce his magic. He did well against Ecuador and will get better,'' he adds.

Rooney has figured in England's last three games at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany after completing a rapid recovery from a broken foot.

Cole said, ''Playing up front on his own against Ecuador was going to be tough for him in these conditions but he has produced for us. He did what we know he can, he held the ball up and gave us time to attack with him.''

''Wayne has also got through 90 minutes and he will now only get stronger, which is great news for us. He will be even better in the next game and he will be enjoying the stage now because he is a big game player. He is world-class and we are delighted he is fit again,'' he concludes.

Cole admitted England had been frustrated by Ecuador's dour approach but hopes the more positive style of Portugal will suit them in Saturday's quarter-final.

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Australia's Fighting Spirit Against Italy on Monday at the FIFA World Cup

Australia's fighting spirit at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Harry Kewell who scored the vital equaliser against Croatia said it was Australia's fighting spirit that had taken them to the FIFA World Cup second round for the first time.

"It just goes to show our fighting spirit. We kept attacking and creating lots of chances."

"If it wasn't me it was going to be someone else who scored. It's perfect for us, a lot of people didn't think we would get through the first stage. We left it a little bit late but we got there."

Coach Guus Hiddink said; "This was a terrific game. It shows why the beautiful game is so exciting. This team has a lion's heart, to fight until the end. They are very competitive, they never give up whatever happens."

Striker Mark Viduka added: "What a great game tonight, you could not ask for more."

"It's very difficult when you cop a goal that early but we knew if we kept our composure we could do some damage. We showed we had the spirit to do it."

Zlatko Kranjcar, the Croatian coach, said: "I think my team played the best they can but we failed to get the result we needed. It was a dramatic and dynamic match and we missed our chances. I want to congratulate Australia."

Australia is hoping that their fighting spirit will be just enough to fend off a tough Italy team in their 2006 FIFA World Cup match on Monday.

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England - Ecuador Sunday Face-off at the FIFA World Cup

England still has problems.

England may have finished top of their group after earning a draw against Sweden, but it was a game that left as many questions as answers as they left Cologne to return to their base camp.

Michael Owen's injury exposes the serious flaw in Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad selection that almost everyone feared when he only named four strikers.

Owen's injury was the real dark side of this FIFA World Cup tournament for England.

It really drives into the big weakness in England's squad, namely a shortage of strikers.

I am not being wise after the event. It has long been my opinion on record that Eriksson should have taken a fifth striker and this has only shown the folly of his original selection, and his failure to take Jermain Defoe.

People may point at Eriksson's caution, but the players have to take responsibility that they have once again failed to win a game they should have done.

It's also disappointing that England missed an opportunity to make some strong statements about their FIFA World Cup campaign.

On Sunday, they will be facing Ecuador. If England is not careful, they may see their 2006 FIFA World Cup hopes bid them farewell.

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Sweden wants Good Referees against Host Germany on World Cup Weekend

Sweden knows their match against Germany is HUGE.

After all, they will be playing this year's FIFA World Cup hosts.

Sweden has called for an experienced referee to be put in charge of its FIFA World Cup match against host Germany to cope with the pressure created by massive German support.

Germany will have the biggest fan support in Munich on Saturday, with only 20,000 Swedes expecting to obtain tickets to the match in the 66,000-seater stadium.

''Of course I think it's a little advantage for the German team, the most important thing is that we have an experienced referee who can handle the situation with a lot of German fans in the stands,'' Sweden head coach Lars Lagerback said.

''Otherwise, I don't think it's a big deal. The players are used to it and I think they can handle it very well,'' he adds.

Lagerback said his players were resting after a tough 2-2 draw against England on Tuesday and would only do light training and practice penalties before the second round match.

The Swedes are likely to work on penalty kicks in case the second-round match goes into extra time and a penalty shootout.

''We learned something after the (2004) European Championship,'' said Lagerback, whose team lost on penalties to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals. ''This time, we will decide before the game which players will take the penalties. Some players declined to do it.''

On Saturday, Sweden CAN NOT AFFORD players shying away from big-time shots. The German football team is a tough group at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and with them as hosts, going up against Germany at the FIFA World Cup this year will be like going up against the rest of the world.

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Netherlands - Argentina Brawl at the 2006 FIFA World Cup

Netherlands could be short-handed against Argentina on Wednesday at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

The Netherlands coach Marco van Basten could rest six players who are walking a disciplinary tightrope for the final Group C table top decider with Argentina in Frankfurt on Wednesday at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst, John Heitinga, Arjen Robben, Joris Mathijsen, Mark van Bommel and Khalid Boulahrouz all have one yellow card each and another caution could rule them out of the second round.

“We don’t want to take any risks for the next round,” said van Basten. Midfielder Phillip Cocu (ankle) and defender John Heitinga (thigh) are both carrying injuries from Friday’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast and are doubtful starters. Argentina’s Javier Saviola, Gabriel Heinze, Luis Gonzales and Hernan Crespo are also on a yellow card and will sit out Tuesday’s game.

Both teams have already qualified for the next round and Wednesday’s match will decide who tops the group. Either Portugal or Mexico are likely to be waiting in the second round but van Basten insists he will not let his team be distracted by the next stage until they have completed their tricky assignment with Argentina.

The Dutch have only lost once to the South Americans - in the 1978 FIFA World Cup final in Buenos Aires.

“We will play to win,” said the 41-year-old, who took over from Dick Advocaat following their semi-final exit at Euro 2004. “We will be proud to finish top of the group by beating Argentina. They are one of the big favourites for the title.

“But even if I knew I would be playing this or that team in Group D, I am not going to alter my tactics at all in the hours before a match. There would be no sense. “We play to win.” Van Basten also paid tribute to his team claiming there is a new spirit in the squad.

“Without the spirit, we could have been beaten by Ivory Coast, but we defended well. “But we need to improve our possession of the ball when we are being put under pressure by our opponents.”

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Spain looks to Tame Tunisia on Monday at the 2006 FIFA World Cup

Spain hopes for more FIFA World Cup against Tunisia on Monday.

Spain striker David Villa hopes the 4-0 thrashing of Ukraine in their opening Group H clash in Leipzig will be the start of a long run of success at the in 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Villa scored two goals in the romp as Spain, who usually flatter to deceive in major tournaments, made the best possible start to the 2006 FIFA World Cup competition.

"I'm very pleased with the goals and in particular for the win for Spain," he said.

"We got in front from the corner and in the end had a great game.

"We hope it will be the first step in a good FIFA World Cup campaign for Spain. We gave our all today, the fans have enjoyed themselves and I hope it continues like this."

Spain literally destroyed Ukraine, giving hints that they are really setting their goals as high as the FIFA World Cup final game.

Spain made it 4-0 in the 81st minute with the move of the match.

Carlos Puyol picked the ball up on the halfway line and continued his charge towards the area as he laid the ball off to Marcos Senna. The ball was then knocked back to Puyol who cushioned a header into the path of the onrushing Torres who smashed a volley past the beleaguered Shovkoviskiy.

It was a comprehensive win for the Spanish in terms of both scoreline and performance and, on this evidence, it may just be their year.

But how often have you heard that?

On Monday, Spain is hoping the same kind of game will smile at them once they wage war with Tunisia on Monday at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

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Can Worried Portugal overcome Iran at the 2006 FIFA World Cup on Saturday?

Portugal is worried about Saturday's FIFA World Cup match against Iran.

Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo trained separately on Thursday, casting doubt on whether he would be fit for his country's next FIFA World Cup Group D game against Iran.

The player, who appeared upset when he was substituted during Sunday's 1-0 win over Angola and who completed just 15 minutes of training on Wednesday, limited his session to short runs and exercises with a physiotherapist.

Under the leadership of coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, the players have stayed focused on the games, deflecting all questions about clubs and player personalities.

Asked about the situation with Ronaldo, playmaker Luis Figo was tight-lipped.

"You will have to ask the doctor about Ronaldo. I think he's okay, he just didn't train because of a small problem," he said.

The squad traveled to Frankfurt later for their game against Iran on Saturday at the 2006 FIFA World Cup tournament in Germany.

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U.S. vs. Italy on FIFA World Cup Weekend in Germany

The stacks are up against the US now at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Gianluca Zambrotta has resumed full training and is likely to return to the Italy team against the USA on Saturday. The Juventus full-back sat out the Azzurri's Group E victory against Ghana because of a thigh problem, but should be available for the remainder of the FIFA World Cup.

Team doctor Enrico Castellacci said, ''Zambrotta joined the rest of the squad on Tuesday and is getting back to full fitness. I think we can now all consider him to be back at the disposal of the Italian national coach.''

Roma forward Francesco Totti is also expected to be available to face the USA, despite taking a heavy knock during the 2-0 win against the Black Stars.

"He (Totti) suffered a slight twist to his knee, but there are no problems and we are tranquil," said Castellacci. "He'll be fine for the immediate future."

These developments came after Italy destroyed a tough Ghana national team for their FIFA World Cup opener.

Goals from Andrea Pirlo and Vincenzo Iaquinta gave the Azzurri a comfortable win in Hanover and gave Lippi cause for optimism. He told RAI, ''I'm delighted with the result. Our opponents showed themselves to be as strong as we thought they would be.''

''Under certain aspects they were better than us, but I think overall we deserved to win.''

''From a psychological point of view the first match is always a difficult match to win and I thought the lads did really well to close it out.''

Over the weekend, Itlay might just have what it takes to close out the United States and their bid for 2006 FIFA World Cup glory in Germany.

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Ukraine - Spain: Resume their 2006 FIFA World Cup Campaign

Both Ukraine and Spain have their doubts coming to their match this Wednesday at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Doubts over the fitness of Ukraine goal machine Andriy Shevchenko and question marks over Spain's strikers have dominated the build-up to Wednesday's clash between the two favourites to qualify from Group H of the FIFA World Cup.

Former European Footballer of the Year Shevchenko has been nursing a knee injury and his participation against Spain will remain in doubt until the last minute.

The 29-year-old scored as a substitute in Thursday's 3-0 warm-up win over Luxembourg and has looked sprightly in training but Shevchenko has suggested that he will not be fully fit until t

"I'm working with the squad and I'm feeling quite good," he said. "This period is important for me as I have to work to get in better shape, possibly not for the first match but for the ones after."

Coach Oleg Blokhin could delay a decision on whether the striker plays in Wednesday's game until as late as one hour before kickoff.

Spain come into the FIFA World Cup with the longest unbeaten run of the 32 finalists, having gone 22 games since their last loss and their preparations appear to have gone like clockwork but the jury is still out on the form of their forwards.

Captain and all-time leading goalscorer Raul looks headed for a place on the bench after failing to rediscover his touch since a serious knee injury while Fernando Torres, David Villa and Luis Garcia are favourites to start up front.

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You thought PAGCOR simply regulates?.. e-Games certainly is a kick in the gut...

Hey, I thought PAGCOR SIMPLY regulates too...

Apparently, they have e-Games.

eGAMES provide immersive online games and is also an online community that offers free games download games review and games testing.

So where will Filipinos avail of these e-Games prepaid cards? Lo and behold, they can buy them in any OFFICIAL PAGCOR e-Games kiosk at selected Casino Filipino locations and outlets.

Hence keyword: PAGCOR.

''We have no intention of promoting or introducing new text games,'' PAGCOR said in a statement during one public hearing at the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

Oh yes, I remember those words so well... But hey, online gaming is where the money's at and you can bet your ass corporate giants like PAGCOR wants a piece of the pie, no matter what kind of crap these miserable fucks tell you.

Maybe Malacanang will one day get in the fray. He he...

e-Games prepaid cards cost in Php500 and Php1,000 denominations. You can load / reload prepaid credits to your e-Games account by simply following these very simple steps:

1. Scratch the PIN portion of the Card.
2. To load, type TOPUPCard number, 6-Digit Mobile Pin
3. Send to Telco access code

After doing that, voila! You are now ready to play some e-Games and suck on the balls of PAGCOR's big bosses while they kick you hard in the ass.

Ailing Japan will take on Australia at the 2006 FIFA World Cup on Monday

Japan will go all out against Australia, even with a hurting Shunsuke Nakamura.

Attacking midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura downplayed concerns Thursday over a leg injury he suffered a day earlier during training, saying he is confident he will be ready to take on Australia in Japan's Group F FIFA World Cup opener on Monday.

The 27-year-old left Bonn's Sportpark Nord both days with his left leg wrapped in ice. He trained separately Thursday afternoon with injured teammates Akira Kaji and Atsushi Yanagisawa, but took part in shooting practice and appeared to have little difficulty running.

"I'm not worried about missing the opener," Nakamura said. "I'm OK shooting the ball. The only worry I have is my short sprints because it hurts when I start to run. I plan to test it out harder tomorrow and we'll see how it goes."

Nakamura contradicted reports he had injured his hamstring, saying he was experiencing pain lower down his leg.

"The doctor told me it was a tendon and not the muscle, which would have been more severe," Nakamura said. "I expect to be all right this weekend."

Nakamura, who helped Celtic win the Scottish premiership title in his first year at the club after three years at Italy's Reggina, is one of a growing list of Japan players to have succumbed to injury since arriving in Germany for the FIFA World Cup two weeks ago.

In addition to Yanagisawa (hamstring) and Kaji (ankle), Alessandro Santos (ankle) and Naohiro Takahara (knee) are also on the mend. In essence, head coach Zico's entire first-choice attacking unit is comprised of the walking wounded.

Santos looked to be the most uncomfortable of the group on Thursday, exiting the training ground with a noticeable limp.

Takahara, however, said he was raring to go.

"My knee isn't a worry anymore even though I can still feel a bit of pain," Takahara said. "I'll be fine on Monday."

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Nesta is Ready to Lead Italy Against Ghana on Monday for their 2006 FIFA World Cup Opener

Italy's Alessandro Nesta wants to play against Ghana on Monday.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi expects Alessandro Nesta to recover from a muscle strain in time to play in the Azzurri's FIFA World Cup opener against Ghana.

Gianluca Zambrotta and Gennaro Gattuso have already been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup match and the stricken pair were joined on the sidelines by Nesta during Thursday's training session.

However, Lippi claimed: "Nesta has a good chance of recuperating."

The Azzurri chief also insisted he was not concerned about the mini injury crisis in his squad.

"Unfortunately, we have had some injuries," he said. "You hope, obviously, that you will have everyone available but if you have faith in your squad you can't cry about a few players missing.

"We need to stay positive and we are going forward with optimism and with the players who are at my disposal.

"I want to transmit as much faith to the team as possible, also in any moments of difficulty I will motivate them until the end.

"I've never cried about injuries. I might have a thousand faults as a coach but I feel it is very important that all the players in the squad feel important.

"That is my character, if someone is injured then I try to find something positive."

Lippi will wait until Monday morning to finalise his starting line-up for the Group E clash in Hanover, with Simone Perrotta likely to take Gattuso's place in midfield and Cristian Zaccardo in line to replace Zambrotta.

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Iran will face an Improved Mexico This Sunday at the 2006 FIFA World Cup

Mexico wants to prove they are an improving force against Iran this Sunday.

Despite the departure of goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez following the death of his father, the surprise semi-finalists from last year's Confederations Cup are determined to put past FIFA World Cup failures behind them.

"We have the belief we can achieve anything after the success of the Confederations," Mexico midfielder Pavel Pardo said.

"If we play like we did then, taking every game like a cup final, then we can go even further. Maybe the FIFA World Cup final.

"We don't care about the past or what people think, we are here to change that and win," added Pardo.

Mexico, who have qualified 12 times, failed to go beyond the second round in the last three FIFA World Cup tournaments.

Captain Rafael Marquez, generally a holding midfielder, is expected to move in to central defence to direct a back five who have been shaky in recent months.

Keeper Sanchez is due to return to Germany on Saturday and will be keen to play in his first FIFA World Cup after being a non-playing substitute at the 1998 and 2002 tournaments.

Jared Borgetti, Mexico's most prolific scorer, will have his work cut out against Iran's defence.

"This is the best team in the history of the Islamic republic," said Iran striker Ali Daei. On Sunday, against Iran, the rest of the world will find out just how good Mexico has become.

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Angola - Portugal FIFA World Cup Match on Sunday will bring more surprises

The 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers were... SURPRISING.

The combined FIFA World Cup / CAF African Cup of Nations qualifiers will long be remembered for the many surprises they generated.

What with the advent of new continental standard-bearers, the decline of the traditional superpowers and the emergence of exciting new goalscorers, this preliminary tournament has required the redrawing of the African football map to take in previously uncharted territories.

The day after the five FIFA World Cup in Germany 2006 qualifying groups were drawn for the African Zone, observers were as good as awarding places in Germany to those countries with a recent track record in major international competitions. But come 9 October this year, things had not quite worked out that way as four new nations with no finals history set about celebrating their qualification.

How do you explain this wind of change, originating in the west of the continent, that has swept Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo and Angola past their more celebrated peers?

Perhaps their desire was greater; all of them certainly prepared meticulously, while some drew added motivation from revenge. Whatever the reasons, the upshot is that these four upstarts have snatched the tickets to Germany that many saw as almost the divine right of erstwhile giants Cameroon, South Africa, Senegal and Nigeria.

On Sunday, Angola will meet Portugal and if these qualifiers were to tell us anything, we are in for yet another surprise.

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England - Paraguay FIFA World Cup Match on Saturday

David Beckham is confident.

He is confident England fans will see him at the top of his game, not only on their match with Paraguay this Saturday but for the rest of this FIFA World Cup tournament in Germany.

The Real Madrid midfielder is fully fit and demonstrated that he is in his best form for several years by creating goals from both open play and set-pieces during England's warm-up games against Hungary and Jamaica.

As captain he is focused on helping the England team achieve its goals, but he is also determined to use the tournament to re-establish his reputation as a world-class player.

The 31-year-old said, ''I would give up everything on the personal side to win a trophy for the team but you always want to perform well and play well and score goals and set up goals. If I can do that, I'll be really happy.''

''As for the quality of crosses, there are occasions where I don't feel quite as confident but at the moment I feel quite confident striking and crossing the ball,'' he added.

''Of course, I want to be involved in other things and remembered for more than that but that is one of the biggest parts of my game. It always has been and hopefully always will be.''

''Why has that quality come back? Maybe I have been playing better for Real Madrid this season than I have at other times and I ended the season well and I've come into the warm-up games and felt good, fit and fresh.''

Strong words from the England captain. On Saturday, when Paraguay meets an England team led by a rejuvenated David Beckham, we will see whether all these FIFA World Cup mumbo jumbo from the popular football phenom will be displayed or not.

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2006 FIFA World Cup Group B

England -170
Paraguay +440