Italy are out, losing 3-2 - Slovakia giving them a lesson on finishing with the winner being scored by debutant Kamil Kopunek with his first touch of the ball.
Latest disgraceful bit of playacting is Italy's Fabio Quagliarella who, following his side's goal, then went in and mugged the Slovak goalkeeper. When a defender moved in to protect Jan Mucha, Quagliarella fell poleaxed clutching his face - I saw nothing near his face. Still, the linesman then disallowed a Quagliarella goal, so what goes around come around...
Thursday 24 June 2010
Monday 21 June 2010
Name and shame the play-actors
You are always going to get a bit of injustice in the football. But the thing that needs stamping out is the shameful play-acting that's been going on.
So, I say name and shame them. First up in the match against Chile was Steve von Bergen of Switzerland, who was pushed in the upper chest and went down clutching his face. Chile's Gary Medel deserved a yellow for pushing him but could have got sent off - especially with the ridiculous card-happy Saudi referee.
Kaka's red card was ludicrous in Brazil's game against Ivory Coast, after shameful play-acting from Kader Keita, who was responsbile for the whole incident by barging into the Brazilian. I trust Fifa will take action.
On a lighter note, it's great to see a European team play some flowing football and stamp their authority on the competititon - Portugal's 7-0 demolition of North Korea was impressive.
So, I say name and shame them. First up in the match against Chile was Steve von Bergen of Switzerland, who was pushed in the upper chest and went down clutching his face. Chile's Gary Medel deserved a yellow for pushing him but could have got sent off - especially with the ridiculous card-happy Saudi referee.
Kaka's red card was ludicrous in Brazil's game against Ivory Coast, after shameful play-acting from Kader Keita, who was responsbile for the whole incident by barging into the Brazilian. I trust Fifa will take action.
On a lighter note, it's great to see a European team play some flowing football and stamp their authority on the competititon - Portugal's 7-0 demolition of North Korea was impressive.
Sunday 20 June 2010
French crisis deepens
If you thought things were going bad for England, then take a look at the latest from the French camp.
Hot on the heels of Nicholas Anelka being sent home by coach Raymond Domenech after a dressing room bust-up, the team refused to continue training today after another heated discussion, this time between fitness coach Robert Duverne and Domenech.
To add to the disarray, team director Jean-Louis Valentin then resigned from the French football federation.
Hot on the heels of Nicholas Anelka being sent home by coach Raymond Domenech after a dressing room bust-up, the team refused to continue training today after another heated discussion, this time between fitness coach Robert Duverne and Domenech.
To add to the disarray, team director Jean-Louis Valentin then resigned from the French football federation.
European underachievers
It's the last chance saloon for a number of underachievers at this World Cup. The European teams, in particular, are the ones who have found the tournament rather more difficult than the on-paper predictions suggested.
France's involvement hangs by a thread after a draw and a loss, their destiny reliant on them beating South Africa by multiple goals and a Uruguayan win over the Mexicans in the final games. England and Germany still control their destinies but both were shaken by poor results and will have to lift themselves with wins over Slovenia and Ghana respectively to continue.
Greece improved their chances by beating Nigeria but face group favourites Argentina in their final match. Italy play their second game today against New Zealand and will hope for better than the 0-0 draw they registered in their first match against Paraguay.
Monday is crunch day for both Portugal and Spain, the former must best North Korea to have any chance of qualifying for the latter stages in their "group of death" while Spain's shock loss to Switzerland must be quickly forgotten as they take on Honduras.
France's involvement hangs by a thread after a draw and a loss, their destiny reliant on them beating South Africa by multiple goals and a Uruguayan win over the Mexicans in the final games. England and Germany still control their destinies but both were shaken by poor results and will have to lift themselves with wins over Slovenia and Ghana respectively to continue.
Greece improved their chances by beating Nigeria but face group favourites Argentina in their final match. Italy play their second game today against New Zealand and will hope for better than the 0-0 draw they registered in their first match against Paraguay.
Monday is crunch day for both Portugal and Spain, the former must best North Korea to have any chance of qualifying for the latter stages in their "group of death" while Spain's shock loss to Switzerland must be quickly forgotten as they take on Honduras.
Wednesday 16 June 2010
Forlan stars as hosts falter
With the first round of World Cup matches nw complete, who has shone in the South African sun?
For me, most impressive has been Diego Forlan. He ran the show in the first game for Uruguay and then topped that with a super show against the hosts, scoring two goals.
In other games, Robinho was instrumental in Brazil's win, Carlos Tevez outshone teammate Lionel Messi for Argentina, Mesut Ozil was the force behind Germany's 4-0 drubbing of Australia together with a good showing from Thomas Muller. Wesley Sneijder provided the guile and the work-rate for Netherlands 2-0 victory and Steven Gerrard had a rare good game for England.
For me, most impressive has been Diego Forlan. He ran the show in the first game for Uruguay and then topped that with a super show against the hosts, scoring two goals.
In other games, Robinho was instrumental in Brazil's win, Carlos Tevez outshone teammate Lionel Messi for Argentina, Mesut Ozil was the force behind Germany's 4-0 drubbing of Australia together with a good showing from Thomas Muller. Wesley Sneijder provided the guile and the work-rate for Netherlands 2-0 victory and Steven Gerrard had a rare good game for England.
Swiss shock Spain
It's something when the tournament favourites get mugged 1-0 by a team that they would have expected to best. A scrambled goal by Fernandes plus resolute defending from a defensive Swiss side was enough to take them past a Spanish team packed full of world-class players.
Even new talent Jesus Navas and Fernando Torres, thrown on in the second half by coach Vicente del Bosque, couldn't make a difference, Torres looking only about 70 per cent fit, struggling with pace and control.
Also today, Chile were less than convincing with their 1-0 defeat of Honduras, so it would appear that it's all to play for in Group H.
Even new talent Jesus Navas and Fernando Torres, thrown on in the second half by coach Vicente del Bosque, couldn't make a difference, Torres looking only about 70 per cent fit, struggling with pace and control.
Also today, Chile were less than convincing with their 1-0 defeat of Honduras, so it would appear that it's all to play for in Group H.
Monday 14 June 2010
Far East shines as Africans disappoint
The Asian teams are showing the African sides what tournament football is all about. First it was South Korea giving the Greeks a lesson; today it was Japan, who looked comfortable against a disappointing Cameroon.
The other African teams, with the exception of Ghana, have fared little better, hosts South Africa hauled back by an unimpressive Mexican team, Nigeria limiting Argentina to a single goal and Algeria toothless against Slovenia.
Tomorrow it will be the turn of North Korea who have a mammoth task of stopping Brazil; similarly, Ivory Coast will find Portugal a stern opening test - but funny things happen in the World Cup, especially with that ball!
The other African teams, with the exception of Ghana, have fared little better, hosts South Africa hauled back by an unimpressive Mexican team, Nigeria limiting Argentina to a single goal and Algeria toothless against Slovenia.
Tomorrow it will be the turn of North Korea who have a mammoth task of stopping Brazil; similarly, Ivory Coast will find Portugal a stern opening test - but funny things happen in the World Cup, especially with that ball!
Saturday 12 June 2010
Ones to watch at the World Cup
With the opening salvos fired at the 2010 World Cup, here is my Top 5 players expected to make an impact at the tournament and whom the world's top clubs will be looking out for:
Jesus Navas (Spain) - A winger who can play on either side of the park but will need his coach to give him game time.
Simon Kjaer (Denmark) - A centre back who plys his trade with Italian side Palermo. He just needs the rest of his team to keep him in the competition long enough to attract interest
Mesut Ozil (Germany) - Left-footed midfielder of Turkish descent who has brought creativity to his national side
Marek Hamsik (Slovakia) - A midfielder who loves to score goals and who finished as his club side's (Napoli) top scorer two seasons running
Angel di María (Argentina) - A winger who operates on the left-hand side, Di Maria has attracted much interest since signing for Benfica
Jesus Navas (Spain) - A winger who can play on either side of the park but will need his coach to give him game time.
Simon Kjaer (Denmark) - A centre back who plys his trade with Italian side Palermo. He just needs the rest of his team to keep him in the competition long enough to attract interest
Mesut Ozil (Germany) - Left-footed midfielder of Turkish descent who has brought creativity to his national side
Marek Hamsik (Slovakia) - A midfielder who loves to score goals and who finished as his club side's (Napoli) top scorer two seasons running
Angel di María (Argentina) - A winger who operates on the left-hand side, Di Maria has attracted much interest since signing for Benfica
Thursday 10 June 2010
2010 Golden Boot contenders
It's almost here... And already, the pundits are picking their candidates for the golden boot.
Popular one in English circles is Wayne Rooney (England), if he doesn't get himself sent off. Spain have a couple of contenders in David Villa and Fernando Torres, if he overcomes his fitness problems.
A good money bet is Robin van Persie (Netherlands) at 25-1 and you shouldn't forget the perennial Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez of Germany.
The South Americans boast a wealth of talent with Luís Fabiano (Brazil) and Lionel Messi (Argentina). However, if Uruguay stay the course, then Diego Milito and Diego Forlán could well be in the running.
Popular one in English circles is Wayne Rooney (England), if he doesn't get himself sent off. Spain have a couple of contenders in David Villa and Fernando Torres, if he overcomes his fitness problems.
A good money bet is Robin van Persie (Netherlands) at 25-1 and you shouldn't forget the perennial Miroslav Klose and Mario Gomez of Germany.
The South Americans boast a wealth of talent with Luís Fabiano (Brazil) and Lionel Messi (Argentina). However, if Uruguay stay the course, then Diego Milito and Diego Forlán could well be in the running.
Tuesday 8 June 2010
Survival of the fittest
Warm-up is the right word for England as the team suffered in the heat and altitude in their 3-0 win over the Platinum Stars, with Wayne Rooney losing his cool and James Milner missing training today with a temperature.
Other players are struggling to make England's first tournament match against the USA: Shaun Wright-Phillips suffered a knock to his knee in the friendly match while goalkeeper David James is struggling with a knee injury and midfielder Gareth Barry has ruled himself out with an ankle injury.
Other influential players sweating on the opening matches include Italy's Andrea Pirlo (calf strain), Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba (recovering from a broken arm), Netherlands' Arjen Robben (hamstring), Australia's Tim Cahill (neck injury) and playmaker Andres Iniesta who limped out of Spain's 6-0 demolition of Poland.
High profile names who have recently withdrawn from the tournament include John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) of Nigeria (knee injury) and Portugal's Nani (Manchester Utd) who injured his collarbone after attempting an overhead kick in training.
Other players are struggling to make England's first tournament match against the USA: Shaun Wright-Phillips suffered a knock to his knee in the friendly match while goalkeeper David James is struggling with a knee injury and midfielder Gareth Barry has ruled himself out with an ankle injury.
Other influential players sweating on the opening matches include Italy's Andrea Pirlo (calf strain), Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba (recovering from a broken arm), Netherlands' Arjen Robben (hamstring), Australia's Tim Cahill (neck injury) and playmaker Andres Iniesta who limped out of Spain's 6-0 demolition of Poland.
High profile names who have recently withdrawn from the tournament include John Obi Mikel (Chelsea) of Nigeria (knee injury) and Portugal's Nani (Manchester Utd) who injured his collarbone after attempting an overhead kick in training.
Monday 7 June 2010
Off-field dramas colour build-up
Dutch fans will wear black armbands for the World Cup tournament after one of their number drowned last week in Lake Malawi, which is located between Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania.
Thousands of football fans stampeded the gates outside the Makhulong Stadium in Johannesburg before a World Cup warm-up match between Nigeria and North Korea. Some 20 Nigerian fans and one policeman were injured.
Thousands of football fans stampeded the gates outside the Makhulong Stadium in Johannesburg before a World Cup warm-up match between Nigeria and North Korea. Some 20 Nigerian fans and one policeman were injured.
Saturday 5 June 2010
North Korea scores own goal
I couldn't resist mentioning this one. It appears that North Korea have made a bit of a gaff as they tried to get round the Fifa rules on player selection.
They selected two traditional goalkeepers in Kim Myong Gil (Amrokgang) and Ri Myong Guk (Pyongyang City) but then added third "keeper", namely striker Kim Myong-Won (Amrokgang).
Problem is that Fifa has ruled that Kim Myong-Won cannot play as an outfield player. So, if he wants to get on the field, its between the sticks or nothing...
They selected two traditional goalkeepers in Kim Myong Gil (Amrokgang) and Ri Myong Guk (Pyongyang City) but then added third "keeper", namely striker Kim Myong-Won (Amrokgang).
Problem is that Fifa has ruled that Kim Myong-Won cannot play as an outfield player. So, if he wants to get on the field, its between the sticks or nothing...
French team falters
It seems France is in meltdown in their World Cup preparations after losing 1-0 to China. A 68th minute strike from Deng Zhuoxing was enough to see his team through to full-time despite some frantic French pressure in the latter stages.
In their previous warm-up match, the French were less than convincing as they drew 1-1 with Tunisia and it was only a late winner that saved their blushes against Costa Rica.
Perhaps the surrendering of the captaincy by Thierry Henry (due to the coach not guaranteeing him playing time and using him in a super-sub role) to Patrice Evra has had something to do with it?
Still - it is not about how you start - it's how you finish...
In their previous warm-up match, the French were less than convincing as they drew 1-1 with Tunisia and it was only a late winner that saved their blushes against Costa Rica.
Perhaps the surrendering of the captaincy by Thierry Henry (due to the coach not guaranteeing him playing time and using him in a super-sub role) to Patrice Evra has had something to do with it?
Still - it is not about how you start - it's how you finish...
Friday 4 June 2010
Drogba out for Ivory Coast
Didier Drogba has fractured his right elbow after clashing with Japan defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka in Ivory Coast's 2-0 win.
Coach Sven Goran-Ericsson said that he has not ruled his captain out of the tournament yet but would wait for the medical report.
Coach Sven Goran-Ericsson said that he has not ruled his captain out of the tournament yet but would wait for the medical report.
Italy cites poor fitness for failure
I wonder how many teams are going to blame the altitude for poor performances?
The first shock in the warm-ups was Italy's 2-1 defeat to Mexico yesterday, which has provoked strong criticism in the Italian press.
Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro couched blame for the defeat as "a gap in fitness levels" while coach Marcello Lippi said his team's physical condition wasn't as good as that of their opponents.
Arsenal's Carlos Vela and substitute Alberto Medina set up a 2-0 lead for Mexico before Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci struck a late consolation.
The first shock in the warm-ups was Italy's 2-1 defeat to Mexico yesterday, which has provoked strong criticism in the Italian press.
Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro couched blame for the defeat as "a gap in fitness levels" while coach Marcello Lippi said his team's physical condition wasn't as good as that of their opponents.
Arsenal's Carlos Vela and substitute Alberto Medina set up a 2-0 lead for Mexico before Italian defender Leonardo Bonucci struck a late consolation.
Sick note for Ferdinand
It had to happen - just as the deadline passes for the final 23-man squad, the England captain gets crocked in training.
Sky Sports has reported that Rio Ferdinand picked up an injury to his knee at the Rustenberg training facility and was wisked away to hospital for a scan. The early diagnosis is knee ligament damage.
Centre-back Michael Dawson (Tottenham) has been put on standby and the captain's armband has been given to Steven Gerrard.
Sky Sports has reported that Rio Ferdinand picked up an injury to his knee at the Rustenberg training facility and was wisked away to hospital for a scan. The early diagnosis is knee ligament damage.
Centre-back Michael Dawson (Tottenham) has been put on standby and the captain's armband has been given to Steven Gerrard.
Thursday 3 June 2010
It's only a football - or is it?
The World Cup 2010 football, produced by Adidas, has come under scrutiny following comments from big name players about its "weird" behaviour in flight.
Goalkeepers have been quick to criticise the ball, David James (England), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Julio Cesar (Brazil) and Iker Casillas (Spain) among the detractors, claiming its movement through the air is unpredictable and that it can suddenly change trajectory.
Mark Schwarzer (Australia) said he struggled with the flight of the ball during his team's 1-0 pre-tournament friendly win over Denmark yesterday.
Some strikers have also expressed concerns despite the alleged movement aiding their shooting attempts. Both Luis Fabiano (Brazil) and Giampaolo Pazzini (Italy) complained about the movement when heading it. However, Mario Gomez (Germany) who has scored with it while playing for his domestic team Bayern Munich, was more positive saying he found it "harder" than conventional balls.
Called "Jabulani", which is Zulu for "to celebrate", the ball is described by its maker as the "roundest yet" and was developed for Adidas by Dr Andy Harland, at Loughborough University's Sports Technology Institute in England.
So, is some of the criticism due to the effects of playing and training at altitude rather than the ball itself? Should we read anything into the fact that players particularly in Germany where Adidas has significant sponsorship say the ball is OK?
Whatever your view, it provides another good talking point...
Goalkeepers have been quick to criticise the ball, David James (England), Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Julio Cesar (Brazil) and Iker Casillas (Spain) among the detractors, claiming its movement through the air is unpredictable and that it can suddenly change trajectory.
Mark Schwarzer (Australia) said he struggled with the flight of the ball during his team's 1-0 pre-tournament friendly win over Denmark yesterday.
Some strikers have also expressed concerns despite the alleged movement aiding their shooting attempts. Both Luis Fabiano (Brazil) and Giampaolo Pazzini (Italy) complained about the movement when heading it. However, Mario Gomez (Germany) who has scored with it while playing for his domestic team Bayern Munich, was more positive saying he found it "harder" than conventional balls.
Called "Jabulani", which is Zulu for "to celebrate", the ball is described by its maker as the "roundest yet" and was developed for Adidas by Dr Andy Harland, at Loughborough University's Sports Technology Institute in England.
So, is some of the criticism due to the effects of playing and training at altitude rather than the ball itself? Should we read anything into the fact that players particularly in Germany where Adidas has significant sponsorship say the ball is OK?
Whatever your view, it provides another good talking point...
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Injuries dog Group H
Midfielder Marcos Senna (Villarreal) was the big omission from Spain's final 23. Coach Vicente del Bosque also named three uncapped players in Victor Valdes and Pedro (both Barcelona) and Javi Martinez of (Athletic Bilbao) and stuck with injured but potential matchwinners Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona) and Fernando Torres (Liverpool). Goalkeepers Diego Lopez (Villarreal) and Gea (Atletico Madrid), striker Dani Guiza (Fenerbache) and winger Santi Cazorla (Villarreal) missed out, while Bojan Krkic (Barcelona), Sergio Canales (Racing Santander) and Raul (real Madrid) failed even to make the provisional 30.
Chile defender Roberto Cereceda (Colo Colo) goes home after Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile) recovered from injury. Coach Marcelo Bielsa has gambled on the fitness of forward Humberto Suazo (Zaragoza). Goalkeeper Cristopher Toselli (Catolica), midfielders Jaime Valdes (Atalanta), Manuel Iturra (Universidad de Chile), Charles Aranguiz (colo Colo), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Catolica) and Pedro Morales (Dinamo Zagreb) and forward Hector Mancilla (Toluca) were not so lucky.
Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda drafted in Georgie Welcome (Motagua) to replace injured striker Carlos Costly (Vaslui). He also omitted the Honduran league's top scorer Jerry Bengtson (Vida).
Switzerland coach has had the double wammy of having to replace two of his 23-man squad which he announced three weeks ago. First defender Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt ) withdrew with a knee injury, to be replaced by Ludovic Magnin (FC Zurich); then Striker Marco Streller (Basle) tore a muscle in training and had to be replaced by Albert Bunjaku (Nuremburg).
Chile defender Roberto Cereceda (Colo Colo) goes home after Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile) recovered from injury. Coach Marcelo Bielsa has gambled on the fitness of forward Humberto Suazo (Zaragoza). Goalkeeper Cristopher Toselli (Catolica), midfielders Jaime Valdes (Atalanta), Manuel Iturra (Universidad de Chile), Charles Aranguiz (colo Colo), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Catolica) and Pedro Morales (Dinamo Zagreb) and forward Hector Mancilla (Toluca) were not so lucky.
Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda drafted in Georgie Welcome (Motagua) to replace injured striker Carlos Costly (Vaslui). He also omitted the Honduran league's top scorer Jerry Bengtson (Vida).
Switzerland coach has had the double wammy of having to replace two of his 23-man squad which he announced three weeks ago. First defender Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt ) withdrew with a knee injury, to be replaced by Ludovic Magnin (FC Zurich); then Striker Marco Streller (Basle) tore a muscle in training and had to be replaced by Albert Bunjaku (Nuremburg).
Absentees from Group G
When influential playmaker Ronaldinho (AC Milan) doesn't even make the 23-man Brazil squad, there are going to be some notable names left at home. Other casualties of coach Dunga's axe included midfielders Carlos Eduardo (Hoffenheim) and Paulo Henrique Ganso (Santos), striker Diego Tardelli (Atlético Mineiro), defenders Sandro (Internacional) and Alex (Chelsea) and utility player Marcelo (Real Madrid).
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz's decision to cut defender Ze Castro (Deportivo la Coruna) is a high risk strategy as he sweats it out hoping that Pepe (Real Madrid) will be fit. Similarly, he picked relatively inexperienced goalkeepers in Beto (Porto) and Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis) over Quim (Benfica) and Hilario (Chelsea).
Ivory coast coach Sven-Goran Eriksson took a defensive step in the group of death (Group G) by dropping two strikers Bakary Kone (Lekhwiya) and Kanga Akale (Lens). Midfielders Emerse Fae (Nice), Gilles Yapi Yapo (Young Boys) and Traore Lacina (Cluj), defender Abdoulaye Meite (West Brom) and goalkeeper Vincent Angban (Asec Mimosas) also failed to make the grade.
Difficult to know who was in the frame in the North Korea squad as this was announced about three weeks ago.
Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz's decision to cut defender Ze Castro (Deportivo la Coruna) is a high risk strategy as he sweats it out hoping that Pepe (Real Madrid) will be fit. Similarly, he picked relatively inexperienced goalkeepers in Beto (Porto) and Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis) over Quim (Benfica) and Hilario (Chelsea).
Ivory coast coach Sven-Goran Eriksson took a defensive step in the group of death (Group G) by dropping two strikers Bakary Kone (Lekhwiya) and Kanga Akale (Lens). Midfielders Emerse Fae (Nice), Gilles Yapi Yapo (Young Boys) and Traore Lacina (Cluj), defender Abdoulaye Meite (West Brom) and goalkeeper Vincent Angban (Asec Mimosas) also failed to make the grade.
Difficult to know who was in the frame in the North Korea squad as this was announced about three weeks ago.
Notable names missing in Group F
Strikers Marco Borriello (AC Milan) and Giuseppe Rossi (Villareal) were the high profile exclusions from Italy's squad. Also staying home are goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu and defender Mattia Cassani (both Palermo) and midfielder Andrea Cossu (Cagliari).
For Paraguay, Argentina-based midfielders Eduardo Ledesma (Lanus) and Marcelo Estigarribia (Newell's Old Boys), defender Marcos Caceres (Racing Club) and striker Jorge Achucarro (Newell's Old Boys) all fell victim to coach Gerardo Martino's axe. Also missing are midfielders Sergio Aquino (Libertad) and Osvaldo Martinez (Monterrey) and defender Julio Manzur (Olimpia).
Defender Aaron Scott (Waitakere Utd), a regular in pre-tournament qualifying, was the one to miss out for New Zealand. Coach Ricki Herbert had threatened to take four goalkeepers as No 1 choice Glen Moss is misses the opening two matches through suspension (for swearing at a referee during qualification) but goes with three, Jacob Spoonley (Auckland City) staying home.
Vladimir Weiss takes the biggest gamble in Group F, including four players who are not totally match fit - defender Martin Skrtel (Liverpool), midfielder Martin Hamsik (Napoli) and strikers Filip Holosko (Besiktas) and Robert Vittek (Ankaragucu). However, their most experienced campaigner midfielder Miroslav Karhan (Mainz) failed to recover from an achilles injury. Also left out are goalkeeper Lubos Kamenar (Nantes) and defenders Lubomir Michalik (Leeds) and Tomas Hubocan (Zenit St Petersburg).
For Paraguay, Argentina-based midfielders Eduardo Ledesma (Lanus) and Marcelo Estigarribia (Newell's Old Boys), defender Marcos Caceres (Racing Club) and striker Jorge Achucarro (Newell's Old Boys) all fell victim to coach Gerardo Martino's axe. Also missing are midfielders Sergio Aquino (Libertad) and Osvaldo Martinez (Monterrey) and defender Julio Manzur (Olimpia).
Defender Aaron Scott (Waitakere Utd), a regular in pre-tournament qualifying, was the one to miss out for New Zealand. Coach Ricki Herbert had threatened to take four goalkeepers as No 1 choice Glen Moss is misses the opening two matches through suspension (for swearing at a referee during qualification) but goes with three, Jacob Spoonley (Auckland City) staying home.
Vladimir Weiss takes the biggest gamble in Group F, including four players who are not totally match fit - defender Martin Skrtel (Liverpool), midfielder Martin Hamsik (Napoli) and strikers Filip Holosko (Besiktas) and Robert Vittek (Ankaragucu). However, their most experienced campaigner midfielder Miroslav Karhan (Mainz) failed to recover from an achilles injury. Also left out are goalkeeper Lubos Kamenar (Nantes) and defenders Lubomir Michalik (Leeds) and Tomas Hubocan (Zenit St Petersburg).
Controversy reigns in Group E
Cameroon's final squad is steeped in controversy with the high profile captain and striker, Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan) picked despite threatening to walk out after criticism from Cameroonian legend Roger Milla. As if that wasn't enough, uncapped defender Gaetan Bong (Valenciennes) and midfielder Eric Choupo-Moting (Nuremburg) are picked but have still to receive FIFA approval that they can play full international football, having played for France and Germany respectively at junior level (Marcel Ndjeng of Augsburg is on stand-by). Two of the three home grown players, defender Patrick Abouna (Astres Douala) and midfielder Patrick Mevoungou (Canon Yaoundé) fail to make the final 23.
Striker Morten Rasmussen (Celtic), goalkeeper Kim Christensen (IFK Gothenberg) and midfielders Michael Silberbauer (Utrecht) and Michael Krohn-Dehli (Bronby) failed to make Denmark's squad, the surprise being the chance Morten Olsen is taking on the injured goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen (Stoke) and defender Simon Kjaer (Palermo).
Netherlands have cut defenders Vurnon Anita (Ajax) and Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord) and midfielder Orlando Engelaar and forward Jeremain Lens (both PSV Eindhoven) from their final squad.
Midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura (Yokohama Marinos) makes the squad after recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out of the 2-1 loss to England on Sunday so there were no late changes for coach Takeshi Okada to implement.
Striker Morten Rasmussen (Celtic), goalkeeper Kim Christensen (IFK Gothenberg) and midfielders Michael Silberbauer (Utrecht) and Michael Krohn-Dehli (Bronby) failed to make Denmark's squad, the surprise being the chance Morten Olsen is taking on the injured goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen (Stoke) and defender Simon Kjaer (Palermo).
Netherlands have cut defenders Vurnon Anita (Ajax) and Ron Vlaar (Feyenoord) and midfielder Orlando Engelaar and forward Jeremain Lens (both PSV Eindhoven) from their final squad.
Midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura (Yokohama Marinos) makes the squad after recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out of the 2-1 loss to England on Sunday so there were no late changes for coach Takeshi Okada to implement.
World Cup Group D omissions
Right-back Andreas Beck (Hoffenheim) is the only remaining casualty from the Germany squad which has been riddled with injury approaching the finals. Full-back Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich) takes on the captaincy from Michael Ballack (Chelsea), who failed to recover from the injury he sustained in the FA Cup final.
Midfielder Laryea Kingston (Hearts) is the high-profile omission from Ghana's final squad, with veterans of that team's 2006 World Cup campaign, defender Eric Addo (Roda) and midfielder Haminu Dramani (Lokomotiv Moscow) also missing out.
Defender Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough) failed to regain fitness from a pelvic injury so will not make the tournament for Australia while defender Shane Lowry (Aston Villa) and midfielders Tommy Oar (Utrecht) and James Holland (Alkmaar) have also been omitted.
Goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic (Vojvodina Novi Sad) is the only exception from the Serbian squad.
Midfielder Laryea Kingston (Hearts) is the high-profile omission from Ghana's final squad, with veterans of that team's 2006 World Cup campaign, defender Eric Addo (Roda) and midfielder Haminu Dramani (Lokomotiv Moscow) also missing out.
Defender Rhys Williams (Middlesbrough) failed to regain fitness from a pelvic injury so will not make the tournament for Australia while defender Shane Lowry (Aston Villa) and midfielders Tommy Oar (Utrecht) and James Holland (Alkmaar) have also been omitted.
Goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic (Vojvodina Novi Sad) is the only exception from the Serbian squad.
Disappointment for Group C rejects
England midfielder Theo Walcott (Arsenal) and forward Darren Bent (Sunderland) are the most controversial omissions from Fabio Capello's squad. Utility man Gareth Barry survived a late fitness test on an ankle but fellow Manchester City teammate Adam Johnson, full-back Leighton Baines (Everton), midfielders Scott Parker (West Ham) and Tom Huddlestone and centre back Michael Dawson (both Tottenham) do not make the trip.
Forward Brian Ching (Houston Dynamos), who was instrumental in the qualifying tournament, is the notable exception from the USA side and has been fairly vocal in his disappointment.
Slovenia's squad was pretty much as expected with defender Dejan Kelhar (Cercle Bruges) and midfielders Mirnes Sisic (Giannina) and Darijan Matic (Rapid Bucharest) cut from the final team.
Goalkeeper Mohamed Zemmamouche (MC Algiers) is the only player to miss out for Algeria as midfielder Mourad Meghni (Lazio) was withdrawn through injury.
Forward Brian Ching (Houston Dynamos), who was instrumental in the qualifying tournament, is the notable exception from the USA side and has been fairly vocal in his disappointment.
Slovenia's squad was pretty much as expected with defender Dejan Kelhar (Cercle Bruges) and midfielders Mirnes Sisic (Giannina) and Darijan Matic (Rapid Bucharest) cut from the final team.
Goalkeeper Mohamed Zemmamouche (MC Algiers) is the only player to miss out for Algeria as midfielder Mourad Meghni (Lazio) was withdrawn through injury.
Veterans miss out in Group B
Diego Maradona has axed a number of international veterans from Argentina's squad, including centre-backs Gabriel Milito (Barcelona) and Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), midfielder Fernando Gago (Real Madrid), winger Jose Sosa (Estudiantes) and forward Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli). He had already made some surprising omissions when he left out midfielder Esteban Cambiasso and full-back Javier Zanetti (both of Inter Milan) from his 30-man squad.
Nigerian striker victor Anichebe (Everton) was the final casualty from his team's roster cut while midfielder Grigoris Makos (AEK Athens) and defender Giorgos Tzavelas (Panionios) failed to make the final 23 in Greece's squad.
South Korea coach Huh Jung-Moo is another one gambling on a star stirker being fit in time, as he waits on Lee Dong-Guk (Jeonbuk), who has a thigh injury. Defender Shin Hyung-Min (Pohang Steelers), midfielder Koo Ja-Cheol (Jeju Utd) and forward Lee Keun-Ho (Júbilo Iwata) miss out.
Nigerian striker victor Anichebe (Everton) was the final casualty from his team's roster cut while midfielder Grigoris Makos (AEK Athens) and defender Giorgos Tzavelas (Panionios) failed to make the final 23 in Greece's squad.
South Korea coach Huh Jung-Moo is another one gambling on a star stirker being fit in time, as he waits on Lee Dong-Guk (Jeonbuk), who has a thigh injury. Defender Shin Hyung-Min (Pohang Steelers), midfielder Koo Ja-Cheol (Jeju Utd) and forward Lee Keun-Ho (Júbilo Iwata) miss out.
Players dropped in Group A
In Group A, the shock exclusion of Mexico midfielder Jonathan dos Santos (Barcelona), has prompted his brother Giovani (Tottenham), who did make the squad, to threaten to boycott the tournament.
Hosts South Africa have left out record goalscorer Benni McCarthy (West Ham) over fears for his fitness ahead of the tournament. Other surprise ommisions were goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez (Bielefeld) and defender Bryce Moon (POAK).
With defender william Gallas (Arsenal) passed fit, France have instead dropped midfielder Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), who was suffering from a stomach injury.
Uruguay have left out midfielder Jorge Rodriguez River Plate) and winger Alvaro Gonzalez (Nacional).
Hosts South Africa have left out record goalscorer Benni McCarthy (West Ham) over fears for his fitness ahead of the tournament. Other surprise ommisions were goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez (Bielefeld) and defender Bryce Moon (POAK).
With defender william Gallas (Arsenal) passed fit, France have instead dropped midfielder Lassana Diarra (Real Madrid), who was suffering from a stomach injury.
Uruguay have left out midfielder Jorge Rodriguez River Plate) and winger Alvaro Gonzalez (Nacional).
Australia squad
Goalkeepers: Mark Schwarzer (Fulham), Brad Jones (Milldesbrough), Adam Federici (Reading).
Defenders: Lucas Neill (Galatasaray), David Carney (Twente), Michael Beauchamp (Al Jazira), Scott Chipperfield (Basle), Mark Milligan (JEF Utd), Craig Moore (unattached), Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow).
Midfielders: Brett Emerton (Blackburn), Vincenzo Grella (Blackburn), Brett Holman (Alkmaar), Tim Cahill (Everton), Carl Valeri (Sassuolo Calcio), Dario Vidosic (Nuremberg), Mile Jedinak (Antalyaspor Kubulu), Mark Bresciano (Palermo), Richard Garcia (Hull), Jason Culina (Gold Coast Utd).
Forwards: Nikita Rukavytsya (Twente), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray), Joshua Kennedy (Galatasaray).
Defenders: Lucas Neill (Galatasaray), David Carney (Twente), Michael Beauchamp (Al Jazira), Scott Chipperfield (Basle), Mark Milligan (JEF Utd), Craig Moore (unattached), Luke Wilkshire (Dinamo Moscow).
Midfielders: Brett Emerton (Blackburn), Vincenzo Grella (Blackburn), Brett Holman (Alkmaar), Tim Cahill (Everton), Carl Valeri (Sassuolo Calcio), Dario Vidosic (Nuremberg), Mile Jedinak (Antalyaspor Kubulu), Mark Bresciano (Palermo), Richard Garcia (Hull), Jason Culina (Gold Coast Utd).
Forwards: Nikita Rukavytsya (Twente), Harry Kewell (Galatasaray), Joshua Kennedy (Galatasaray).
Tuesday 1 June 2010
Chile squad
Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Miguel Pinto (Universidad de Chile), Luis Marin (Union Espanola).
Defenders: Pablo Contreras (PAOK), Ismael Fuentes (Universidad Catolica), Mauricio Isla (Udinese), Gonzalo Jara (West Brom), Gary Medel (Boca Juniors), Waldo Ponce (Universidad Catolica), Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen).
Midfielders: Rodrigo Tello (Besiktas), Gonzalo Fierro (Flamengo), Carlos Carmona (Reggina), Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile), Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo), Matias Fernandez (Sporting Lisbon), Jorge Valdivia (Al Ain).
Forwards: Mark Gonzalez (CSKA Moscow), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Juan Beausejour (America), Fabian Orellana (Xeres), Alexis Sanchez (Udinese), Humberto Suazo (Real Zaragoza).
Defenders: Pablo Contreras (PAOK), Ismael Fuentes (Universidad Catolica), Mauricio Isla (Udinese), Gonzalo Jara (West Brom), Gary Medel (Boca Juniors), Waldo Ponce (Universidad Catolica), Arturo Vidal (Bayer Leverkusen).
Midfielders: Rodrigo Tello (Besiktas), Gonzalo Fierro (Flamengo), Carlos Carmona (Reggina), Marco Estrada (Universidad de Chile), Rodrigo Millar (Colo Colo), Matias Fernandez (Sporting Lisbon), Jorge Valdivia (Al Ain).
Forwards: Mark Gonzalez (CSKA Moscow), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Juan Beausejour (America), Fabian Orellana (Xeres), Alexis Sanchez (Udinese), Humberto Suazo (Real Zaragoza).
Brazil squad
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Inter Milan), Heurelho Gomes (Tottenham), Doni (Roma).
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan).
Midfielders: Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Ramires (Benfica), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Kleberson (Flamengo), Julio Baptista (Roma).
Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Seville), Nilmar (Villarreal), Robinho (Santos), Grafite (Wolfsburg).
Defenders: Maicon (Inter Milan), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Michel Bastos (Lyon), Gilberto (Cruzeiro), Lucio (Inter Milan), Juan (Roma), Luisao (Benfica), Thiago Silva (AC Milan).
Midfielders: Elano (Galatasaray), Kaka (Real Madrid), Gilberto Silva (Panathinaikos), Josue (Wolfsburg), Ramires (Benfica), Felipe Melo (Juventus), Kleberson (Flamengo), Julio Baptista (Roma).
Forwards: Luis Fabiano (Seville), Nilmar (Villarreal), Robinho (Santos), Grafite (Wolfsburg).
Uruguay squad
Goalkeepers: Fernando Muslera (Lazio), Juan-Guillermo Castillo (Deportivo Cali), Martin Silva (Defensor Sporting).
Defenders: Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce), Diego Godin (Villarreal), Andres Scotti (Colo Colo), Jorge Fucile (Porto), Martin Caceres (Juventus), Mauricio Victorino (Universidad de Chile), Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica).
Midfielders: Walter Gargano (Napoli), Egidio Arevalo-Rios (Penarol), Sebastian Eguren (AIK Stockholm), Diego Perez (Monaco), Alvaro Pereira (Porto), Alvaro Fernandez (Universidad de Chile), Ignacio Gonzalez (Valencia), Nicolas Lodeiro (Ajax).
Forwards: Sebastian Fernandez (Banfield), Luis Suarez (Ajax), Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid), Edinson Cavani (Palermo), Sebastian Abreu (Botafogo).
Defenders: Diego Lugano (Fenerbahce), Diego Godin (Villarreal), Andres Scotti (Colo Colo), Jorge Fucile (Porto), Martin Caceres (Juventus), Mauricio Victorino (Universidad de Chile), Maximiliano Pereira (Benfica).
Midfielders: Walter Gargano (Napoli), Egidio Arevalo-Rios (Penarol), Sebastian Eguren (AIK Stockholm), Diego Perez (Monaco), Alvaro Pereira (Porto), Alvaro Fernandez (Universidad de Chile), Ignacio Gonzalez (Valencia), Nicolas Lodeiro (Ajax).
Forwards: Sebastian Fernandez (Banfield), Luis Suarez (Ajax), Diego Forlan (Atletico Madrid), Edinson Cavani (Palermo), Sebastian Abreu (Botafogo).
Germany squad
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Schalke), Tim Wiese (Werder Bremen), Hans-Joerg Butt (Bayern Munich).
Defenders: Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Dennis Aogo (Hamburg), Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich), Jerome Boateng (Hamburg), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Serdar Tasci (Stuttgart), Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin).
Midfielders: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Sami Khedira (Stuttgart), Piotr Trochwoski (Hamburg), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen), Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Marcell Jansen (Hamburg).
Forwards: Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich), Cacau (Stuttgart), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich), Lukas Podolski (Cologne), Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen).
Defenders: Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich), Dennis Aogo (Hamburg), Holger Badstuber (Bayern Munich), Jerome Boateng (Hamburg), Per Mertesacker (Werder Bremen), Serdar Tasci (Stuttgart), Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin).
Midfielders: Bastian Schweinsteiger (Bayern Munich), Sami Khedira (Stuttgart), Piotr Trochwoski (Hamburg), Marko Marin (Werder Bremen), Mesut Ozil (Werder Bremen), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Marcell Jansen (Hamburg).
Forwards: Mario Gomez (Bayern Munich), Cacau (Stuttgart), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Miroslav Klose (Bayern Munich), Lukas Podolski (Cologne), Stefan Kiessling (Bayer Leverkusen).
Portugal squad
Goalkeepers: Eduardo (Sporting de Braga), Daniel Fernandes (Iraklis), Beto (Porto).
Defenders: Miguel (Valencia), Ricardo Costa (Lille), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Bruno Alves (Porto), Rolando (Porto), Pepe (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Fabio Coentrao (Benfica), Duda (Malaga), Pedro Mendes (Sporting Lisbon), Tiago (Juventus), Deco (Chelsea), Raul Meireles (Porto), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Danny (Zenit St Petersburg), Nani (Manchester Utd).
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Liedson (Sporting Lisbon), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen).
Defenders: Miguel (Valencia), Ricardo Costa (Lille), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Bruno Alves (Porto), Rolando (Porto), Pepe (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Fabio Coentrao (Benfica), Duda (Malaga), Pedro Mendes (Sporting Lisbon), Tiago (Juventus), Deco (Chelsea), Raul Meireles (Porto), Miguel Veloso (Sporting Lisbon), Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Danny (Zenit St Petersburg), Nani (Manchester Utd).
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid), Liedson (Sporting Lisbon), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen).
Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari)
Defenders: Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Gianluca Zambrotta (Milan);
Midfielders: Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Andrea Pirlo (Milan);
Strikers: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli).
Defenders: Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Gianluca Zambrotta (Milan);
Midfielders: Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Andrea Pirlo (Milan);
Strikers: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli).
Algeria squad
Goalkeepers: Lounes Gaouaoui (ASO Chlef), Faouzi Chaouchi (ES Setif), Raid Ouheb M’bolhi (Slavia Sofia).
Defenders: Abdelakder Laifaoui (ES Setif), Madjid Bougherra (Rangers), Carl Medjani (Ajaccio), Rafik Halliche (Madeira), Antar Yahia (Bochum), Habib Belaid (Boulogne Sur Mer), Nadir Belhadj (Portsmouth), Djamel Mesbah (Lecce).
Midfielders: Hassan Yebda (Portsmouth), Medhi Lacen (Racing Santander), Yazid Mansouri (Lorient),
Adlene Guidoura (Wolves), Riad Boudebouz (Sochaux), Djamel Abdoun (Nantes), Foued Kadir (Valenciennes), Karim Ziani (Wolfsburg), Karim Matmour (Borussia Monchengladbach).
Forwards: Abdelkader Ghezzal (Siena), Rafik Djebbour (AEK Athens), Rafik Saifi (Istres).
Defenders: Abdelakder Laifaoui (ES Setif), Madjid Bougherra (Rangers), Carl Medjani (Ajaccio), Rafik Halliche (Madeira), Antar Yahia (Bochum), Habib Belaid (Boulogne Sur Mer), Nadir Belhadj (Portsmouth), Djamel Mesbah (Lecce).
Midfielders: Hassan Yebda (Portsmouth), Medhi Lacen (Racing Santander), Yazid Mansouri (Lorient),
Adlene Guidoura (Wolves), Riad Boudebouz (Sochaux), Djamel Abdoun (Nantes), Foued Kadir (Valenciennes), Karim Ziani (Wolfsburg), Karim Matmour (Borussia Monchengladbach).
Forwards: Abdelkader Ghezzal (Siena), Rafik Djebbour (AEK Athens), Rafik Saifi (Istres).
Slovenia squad
Goalkeepers: Samir Handanovic (Udinese), Jasmin Handanovic (Mantova), Aleksander Seliga (Sparta Rotterdam).
Defenders: Miso Brecko (Cologne), Bostjan Cesar (Grenoble), Branko Ilic (Lokomotiv Moscow), Matej Mavric-Rozic (Koblenz), Bojan Jokic (Chievo), Marko Suler (Ghent), Suad Filekovic (Maribor), Elvedin Dzinic (Maribor).
Midfielders: Andraz Kirm (Wisla Krakow), Robert Koren (unattached), Valter Birsa (Auxerre), Andrej Komac (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Dalibor Stevanovic (Vitesse Arnhem), Aleksander Radosavljevic (Larissa), Rene Krhin (Inter Milan).
Forwards: Milivoje Novakovic (Cologne), Zlatko Dedic (Bochum), Zlatan Ljubijankic (Ghent), Nejc Pecnik (Nacional Funchal), Tim Matavz (Groningen).
Defenders: Miso Brecko (Cologne), Bostjan Cesar (Grenoble), Branko Ilic (Lokomotiv Moscow), Matej Mavric-Rozic (Koblenz), Bojan Jokic (Chievo), Marko Suler (Ghent), Suad Filekovic (Maribor), Elvedin Dzinic (Maribor).
Midfielders: Andraz Kirm (Wisla Krakow), Robert Koren (unattached), Valter Birsa (Auxerre), Andrej Komac (Maccabi Tel Aviv), Dalibor Stevanovic (Vitesse Arnhem), Aleksander Radosavljevic (Larissa), Rene Krhin (Inter Milan).
Forwards: Milivoje Novakovic (Cologne), Zlatko Dedic (Bochum), Zlatan Ljubijankic (Ghent), Nejc Pecnik (Nacional Funchal), Tim Matavz (Groningen).
North Korea squad
Goalkeepers: Kim Myong Gil (Amrokgang), Kim Myong Won (Amrokgang), Ri Myong Guk (Pyongyang City).
Defenders: Cha Jong Hyok (Amrokgang), Nam Song Chol (April 25), Pak Chol Jin (Amrokgang), Pak Nam Chol (Amrokgang), Ri Jun Il (Sobaeksu), Ri Kwang Chon (April 25), Ri Kwang Hyok (Koynggongop).
Midfielders: An Yong Hak (Omiya Ardija), Ji Yun Nam (April 25), Kim Kyong Il (Rimyongsu), Kim Yong Jun (Pyongyang City), Mun In Guk (April 25), Pak Nam Chol (April 25), Pak Sung Hyok (Sobaeksu), Ri Chol Myong (Pyongyang City).
Forwards: An Chol Hyok (Rimyongsu), Choe Kum Chol (April 25), Hong Yong Jo (FC Rostov), Jong Tae Se (Kawasaki Frontale), Kim Kum Il (April 25).
Defenders: Cha Jong Hyok (Amrokgang), Nam Song Chol (April 25), Pak Chol Jin (Amrokgang), Pak Nam Chol (Amrokgang), Ri Jun Il (Sobaeksu), Ri Kwang Chon (April 25), Ri Kwang Hyok (Koynggongop).
Midfielders: An Yong Hak (Omiya Ardija), Ji Yun Nam (April 25), Kim Kyong Il (Rimyongsu), Kim Yong Jun (Pyongyang City), Mun In Guk (April 25), Pak Nam Chol (April 25), Pak Sung Hyok (Sobaeksu), Ri Chol Myong (Pyongyang City).
Forwards: An Chol Hyok (Rimyongsu), Choe Kum Chol (April 25), Hong Yong Jo (FC Rostov), Jong Tae Se (Kawasaki Frontale), Kim Kum Il (April 25).
Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Alkmaar), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Diego Pozo (Colon).
Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon).
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Javier Pastore (Palermo).
Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona).
Defenders: Nicolas Burdisso (Inter Milan), Martin Demichelis (Bayern Munich), Walter Samuel (Inter Milan), Gabriel Heinze (Marseille), Nicolas Otamendi (Velez Sarsfield), Clemente Rodriguez (Estudiantes), Ariel Garce (Colon).
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Liverpool), Juan Sebastian Veron (Estudiantes), Maximiliano Rodriguez (Liverpool), Mario Bolatti (Fiorentina), Angel Di Maria (Benfica), Jonas Gutierrez (Newcastle), Javier Pastore (Palermo).
Forwards: Sergio Aguero (Atletico Madrid), Diego Milito (Inter Milan), Martin Palermo (Boca Juniors), Carlos Tevez (Manchester City), Gonzalo Higuain (Real Madrid), Lionel Messi (Barcelona).
USA squad
Goalkeepers: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Marcus Hahnemann (Wolves).
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Jonathan Spector (West Ham).
Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (unattached), Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jose Torres (Pachuca).
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla).
Defenders: Carlos Bocanegra (Rennes), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover), Jay DeMerit (Watford), Clarence Goodson (IK Start), Oguchi Onyewu (AC Milan), Jonathan Spector (West Ham).
Midfielders: DaMarcus Beasley (unattached), Michael Bradley (Borussia Monchengladbach), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Benny Feilhaber (Aarhus), Stuart Holden (Bolton), Jose Torres (Pachuca).
Forwards: Jozy Altidore (Villarreal), Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy), Robbie Findley (Real Salt Lake), Herculez Gomez (Puebla).
Switzerland squad
Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (Wolfsburg), Johnny Leoni (FC Zurich), Marco Woelfli (Young Boys).
Defenders: Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio), Stephane Grichting (Auxerre), Steve Von Bergen (Hertha Berlin), Philippe Senderos (Arsenal), Mario Eggimann (Hannover), Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt), Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria).
Midfielders: Valon Behrami (West Ham), Gokhan Inler (Udinese), Benjamin Huggel (Basle), Gelson Fernandes (St Etienne), Xherdan Shaqiri (Basel), Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen), Marco Padalino (Sampdoria).
Forwards: Alex Frei (Basle), Blaise Nkufo (Twente), Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen), Hakan Yakin (Lucerne), Marco Streller (Basle).
Defenders: Stephan Lichtsteiner (Lazio), Stephane Grichting (Auxerre), Steve Von Bergen (Hertha Berlin), Philippe Senderos (Arsenal), Mario Eggimann (Hannover), Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt), Reto Ziegler (Sampdoria).
Midfielders: Valon Behrami (West Ham), Gokhan Inler (Udinese), Benjamin Huggel (Basle), Gelson Fernandes (St Etienne), Xherdan Shaqiri (Basel), Pirmin Schwegler (Eintracht Frankfurt), Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen), Marco Padalino (Sampdoria).
Forwards: Alex Frei (Basle), Blaise Nkufo (Twente), Eren Derdiyok (Bayer Leverkusen), Hakan Yakin (Lucerne), Marco Streller (Basle).
Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Jose Manuel 'Pepe' Reina (Liverpool), Victor Valdes (Barcelona).
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Xabier Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javier Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona).
Forwards: Jesus Navas (Seville), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia).
Defenders: Raul Albiol (Real Madrid), Alvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Carles Puyol (Barcelona), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid).
Midfielders: Xabier Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Javier Martinez (Athletic Bilbao), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona).
Forwards: Jesus Navas (Seville), Juan Manuel Mata (Valencia), Pedro Rodriguez (Barcelona), Fernando Llorente (Athletic Bilbao), Fernando Torres (Liverpool), David Villa (Valencia).
South Korea squad
Goalkeepers: Kim Young-Kwang (Ulsan), Lee Woon-Jae (Suwon), Jung Sung-Ryong (Seongnam).
Defenders: Kim Dong-Jin (Ulsan), Kim Hyung-Il (Pohang), Oh Beom-Seok (Ulsan), Lee Young-Pyo (Al Hilal), Lee Jung-Soo (Kashima Antlers), Cha Du-Ri (SC Freiburg), Cho Yong-Hyung (Jeju), Kang Min-Soo (Suwon).
Midfielders: Ki Sung-Yong (Celtic), Kim Bo-Kyung (Oita), Kim Nam-Il (Tom Tomsk), Kim Jae-Sung (Pohang), Kim Jung-Woo (Gwangju), Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton), Park Ji-Sung (Manchester Utd).
Forwards: Park Chu-Young (Monaco), Ahn Jung-Hwan (Dalian Shide), Lee Seung-Ryul (Seoul), Yeom Ki-Hun (Suwon), Lee Dong-Guk (Jeonbuk).
Defenders: Kim Dong-Jin (Ulsan), Kim Hyung-Il (Pohang), Oh Beom-Seok (Ulsan), Lee Young-Pyo (Al Hilal), Lee Jung-Soo (Kashima Antlers), Cha Du-Ri (SC Freiburg), Cho Yong-Hyung (Jeju), Kang Min-Soo (Suwon).
Midfielders: Ki Sung-Yong (Celtic), Kim Bo-Kyung (Oita), Kim Nam-Il (Tom Tomsk), Kim Jae-Sung (Pohang), Kim Jung-Woo (Gwangju), Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton), Park Ji-Sung (Manchester Utd).
Forwards: Park Chu-Young (Monaco), Ahn Jung-Hwan (Dalian Shide), Lee Seung-Ryul (Seoul), Yeom Ki-Hun (Suwon), Lee Dong-Guk (Jeonbuk).
South Africa squad
Goalkeepers: Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Shu-Aib Walters (Maritzburg Utd)
Defenders: Matthew Booth (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport Utd), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth), Anele Ngcongoa (Racing Genk), Siyabonga Sangweni (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates).
Midfielders: Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham), Thanduyise Khuboni (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns), Steven Pienaar (Everton), MacBeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs).
Forwards: Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows), Bernard Parker (Twente).
Defenders: Matthew Booth (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport Utd), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth), Anele Ngcongoa (Racing Genk), Siyabonga Sangweni (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates).
Midfielders: Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham), Thanduyise Khuboni (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns), Steven Pienaar (Everton), MacBeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs).
Forwards: Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Nomvete (Moroka Swallows), Bernard Parker (Twente).
Slovakia squad
Goalkeepers: Jan Mucha (Legia Warsaw), Dusan Kuciak (Vaslui), Dusan Pernis (Dundee Utd).
Defenders: Peter Pekarik (Wolfsburg), Martin Petras (Cesena), Martin Skrtel (Liverpool), Jan Durica (Hannover), Radoslav Zabavnik (Mainz), Marek Cech (West Brom), Kornel Salate (Slovan Bratislava).
Midfielders: Kamil Kopunek (Spartak Trnava), Jan Kozak (Timisoara), Juraj Kucka (Sparta Prague), Marek Sapara (Ankaragucu), Marek Hamsik (Napoli), Vladimir Weiss (Manchester City), Miroslav Stoch (Chelsea), Zdeno Strba (Xanthi).
Forwards: Erik Jendrisek (Schalke), Robert Vittek (Ankaragucu), Martin Jakubko (Saturn Moscow), Filip Holosko (Besiktas), Stanislav Sestak (Bochum).
Defenders: Peter Pekarik (Wolfsburg), Martin Petras (Cesena), Martin Skrtel (Liverpool), Jan Durica (Hannover), Radoslav Zabavnik (Mainz), Marek Cech (West Brom), Kornel Salate (Slovan Bratislava).
Midfielders: Kamil Kopunek (Spartak Trnava), Jan Kozak (Timisoara), Juraj Kucka (Sparta Prague), Marek Sapara (Ankaragucu), Marek Hamsik (Napoli), Vladimir Weiss (Manchester City), Miroslav Stoch (Chelsea), Zdeno Strba (Xanthi).
Forwards: Erik Jendrisek (Schalke), Robert Vittek (Ankaragucu), Martin Jakubko (Saturn Moscow), Filip Holosko (Besiktas), Stanislav Sestak (Bochum).
Serbia squad
Goalkeepers: Vladimir Stojkovic (Sporting Lisbon), Bojan Isailovic (Zaglebie Lubin), Andjelko Djuricic (Uniao Leiria).
Defenders: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Antonio Rukavina (1860 Munich), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester Utd), Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund), Aleksandar Lukovic (Udinese), Ivan Obradovic (Zaragoza), Aleksandar Kolarov (Lazio).
Midfielders: Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan), Gojko Kacar (Hertha Berlin), Nenad Milijas (Wolves), Zdravko Kuzmanovic (Stuttgart), Radosav Petrovic (Partizan Belgrade), Milos Krasic (CSKA Moscow), Zoran Tosic (Manchester Utd), Milos Ninkovic (Dynamo Kiev), Milan Jovanovic (Standard Liege).
Forwards: Nikola Zigic (Birmingham), Marko Pantelic (Ajax), Danko Lazovic (Zenit St Petersburg), Dragan Mrdja (Vojvodina Novi Sad).
Defenders: Branislav Ivanovic (Chelsea), Antonio Rukavina (1860 Munich), Nemanja Vidic (Manchester Utd), Neven Subotic (Borussia Dortmund), Aleksandar Lukovic (Udinese), Ivan Obradovic (Zaragoza), Aleksandar Kolarov (Lazio).
Midfielders: Dejan Stankovic (Inter Milan), Gojko Kacar (Hertha Berlin), Nenad Milijas (Wolves), Zdravko Kuzmanovic (Stuttgart), Radosav Petrovic (Partizan Belgrade), Milos Krasic (CSKA Moscow), Zoran Tosic (Manchester Utd), Milos Ninkovic (Dynamo Kiev), Milan Jovanovic (Standard Liege).
Forwards: Nikola Zigic (Birmingham), Marko Pantelic (Ajax), Danko Lazovic (Zenit St Petersburg), Dragan Mrdja (Vojvodina Novi Sad).
Paraguay squad
Goalkeepers: Justo Villar (Valladolid), Aldo Bobadilla (Deportivo Independiente de Medellin), Diego Barreto (Cerro Porteno).
Defenders: Claudio Morel Rodriguez (Boca Juniors), Denis Caniza (Leon), Paulo da Silva (Sunderland), Dario Veron (Pumas UNAM), Julio Cesar Caceres (Atletico Mineiro), Carlos Bonet (Olimpia), Aureliano Torres (San Lorenzo de Almagro), Antolin Alcaraz (FC Bruges).
Midfielders: Edgar Barreto (Atalanta), Cristian Riveros (Cruz Azul), Victor Caceres (Libertad), Enrique Vera (Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito), Jonathan Santana (Wolfsburg), Nestor Ortigoza (Argentinos Juniors).
Forwards: Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City), Nelson Haedo Valdez (Borussia Dortmund), Oscar Cardozo (Benfica), Edgar Benitez (Toluca), Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund), Rodolfo Gamarra (Libertad).
Defenders: Claudio Morel Rodriguez (Boca Juniors), Denis Caniza (Leon), Paulo da Silva (Sunderland), Dario Veron (Pumas UNAM), Julio Cesar Caceres (Atletico Mineiro), Carlos Bonet (Olimpia), Aureliano Torres (San Lorenzo de Almagro), Antolin Alcaraz (FC Bruges).
Midfielders: Edgar Barreto (Atalanta), Cristian Riveros (Cruz Azul), Victor Caceres (Libertad), Enrique Vera (Liga Deportiva Universitaria de Quito), Jonathan Santana (Wolfsburg), Nestor Ortigoza (Argentinos Juniors).
Forwards: Roque Santa Cruz (Manchester City), Nelson Haedo Valdez (Borussia Dortmund), Oscar Cardozo (Benfica), Edgar Benitez (Toluca), Lucas Barrios (Borussia Dortmund), Rodolfo Gamarra (Libertad).
Nigeria squad
Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv), Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei Yehuda), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Petah Tikva).
Defenders: Taye Taiwo (Marseille), Elderson Echiejile (Rennes), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow), Joseph Yobo (Everton), Daniel Shittu (Bolton), Ayodele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam), Rabiu Afolabi (SV Salzburg).
Midfielders: Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi (Hoffenheim), John Utaka (Portsmouth), Kalu Uche (Almeria), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Sani Kaita (Alaniya, Russia), Haruna Lukman (Monaco), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev), Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow).
Strikers: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg), Victor Obinna Nsofor (Malaga).
Defenders: Taye Taiwo (Marseille), Elderson Echiejile (Rennes), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow), Joseph Yobo (Everton), Daniel Shittu (Bolton), Ayodele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam), Rabiu Afolabi (SV Salzburg).
Midfielders: Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi (Hoffenheim), John Utaka (Portsmouth), Kalu Uche (Almeria), Dickson Etuhu (Fulham), John Mikel Obi (Chelsea), Sani Kaita (Alaniya, Russia), Haruna Lukman (Monaco), Yusuf Ayila (Dynamo Kiev), Osaze Odemwingie (Lokomotiv Moscow).
Strikers: Yakubu Aiyegbeni (Everton), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth), Obafemi Martins (Wolfsburg), Victor Obinna Nsofor (Malaga).
New Zealand squad
Goalkeepers: James Bannatyne (Team Wellington), Glen Moss (Melbourne Victory), Mark Paston (Wellington Phoenix).
Defenders: Andy Boyens (New York Red Bulls), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn), Winston Reid (FC Midtjylland), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix), Tommy Smith (Ipswich), Ivan Vicelich (Auckland City).
Midfielders: Andy Barron (Team Wellington), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Jeremy Christie (FC Tampa Bay Rowdies), Aaron Clapham (Canterbury Utd), Simon Elliott (unattached), Michael McGlinchey (Motherwell), David Mulligan (unattached).
Strikers: Jeremy Brockie (Newcastle Jets), Rory Fallon (Plymouth Argyle), Chris Killen (Middlesbrough), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast Utd), Chris Wood (West Brom).
Defenders: Andy Boyens (New York Red Bulls), Tony Lochhead (Wellington Phoenix), Ryan Nelsen (Blackburn), Winston Reid (FC Midtjylland), Ben Sigmund (Wellington Phoenix), Tommy Smith (Ipswich), Ivan Vicelich (Auckland City).
Midfielders: Andy Barron (Team Wellington), Leo Bertos (Wellington Phoenix), Tim Brown (Wellington Phoenix), Jeremy Christie (FC Tampa Bay Rowdies), Aaron Clapham (Canterbury Utd), Simon Elliott (unattached), Michael McGlinchey (Motherwell), David Mulligan (unattached).
Strikers: Jeremy Brockie (Newcastle Jets), Rory Fallon (Plymouth Argyle), Chris Killen (Middlesbrough), Shane Smeltz (Gold Coast Utd), Chris Wood (West Brom).
Netherlands squad
Goalkeepers: Maarten Stekelenburg (Ajax), Sander Boschker (Twente), Michel Vorm (Utrecht).
Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart), Edson Braafheid (Celtic), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), John Heitinga (Everton), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburg), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax), Andre Ooijer (PSV Eindhoven).
Midfielders: Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Stijn Schaars (Alkmaar), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Demy de Zeeuw (Ajax), Ibrahim Afellay (PSV Eindhoven).
Forwards: ; Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Eljero Elia (Hamburg), Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich).
Defenders: Khalid Boulahrouz (Stuttgart), Edson Braafheid (Celtic), Giovanni van Bronckhorst (Feyenoord), John Heitinga (Everton), Joris Mathijsen (Hamburg), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax), Andre Ooijer (PSV Eindhoven).
Midfielders: Mark van Bommel (Bayern Munich), Nigel de Jong (Manchester City), Stijn Schaars (Alkmaar), Wesley Sneijder (Inter Milan), Rafael van der Vaart (Real Madrid), Demy de Zeeuw (Ajax), Ibrahim Afellay (PSV Eindhoven).
Forwards: ; Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool), Eljero Elia (Hamburg), Ryan Babel (Liverpool), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (AC Milan), Robin van Persie (Arsenal), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich).
Mexico squad
Goalkeepers: Memo Ochoa (America), Luis Ernesto Michel (Chivas), Oscar Perez (Chiapas).
Defenders: Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart), Hector Moreno (Alkmmar), Francisco Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven), Paul Aguilar (Pachuca), Efrain Juarez (UNAM).
Midfielders: Jonny Magallon (Guadalajara), Jorge Torres Nilo (Atlas), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (UNAM), Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna).
Forwards: Pablo Barrera (UNAM), Adolfo Bautista (Guadalajara), Alberto Medina (Guadalajara), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Veracruz), Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara), Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray), Guillermo Franco (West Ham), Carlos Vela (Arsenal).
Defenders: Rafael Marquez (Barcelona), Ricardo Osorio (Stuttgart), Hector Moreno (Alkmmar), Francisco Rodriguez (PSV Eindhoven), Carlos Salcido (PSV Eindhoven), Paul Aguilar (Pachuca), Efrain Juarez (UNAM).
Midfielders: Jonny Magallon (Guadalajara), Jorge Torres Nilo (Atlas), Gerardo Torrado (Cruz Azul), Israel Castro (UNAM), Andres Guardado (Deportivo La Coruna).
Forwards: Pablo Barrera (UNAM), Adolfo Bautista (Guadalajara), Alberto Medina (Guadalajara), Cuauhtemoc Blanco (Veracruz), Javier Hernandez (Guadalajara), Giovani dos Santos (Galatasaray), Guillermo Franco (West Ham), Carlos Vela (Arsenal).
Japan squad
Goalkeepers: Seigo Narazaki (Nagoya Grampus), Eiji Kawashima (Kawasaki Frontale), Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (Jubilo Iwata).
Defenders: Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama Marinos), Marcus Tulio Tanaka (Nagoya Grampus), Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata), Daiki Iwamasa (Kashima Antlers), Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo), Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Atsuto Uchida (Kashima Antlers).
Midfielders: Shunsuke Nakamura (Yokohama Marinos), Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Junichi Inamoto (Kawasaki Frontale), Yuki Abe (Urawa Red Diamonds), Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg), Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow), Daisuke Matsui (Grenoble).
Forwards: Shinji Okazaki (Shimizu S-Pulse), Keiji Tamada (Nagoya Grampus), Yasuhito Okubo (Vissel Kobe), Kisho Yano (Albirex Niigata), Takayuki Morimoto (Catania).
Defenders: Yuji Nakazawa (Yokohama Marinos), Marcus Tulio Tanaka (Nagoya Grampus), Yuichi Komano (Jubilo Iwata), Daiki Iwamasa (Kashima Antlers), Yasuyuki Konno (FC Tokyo), Yuto Nagatomo (FC Tokyo), Atsuto Uchida (Kashima Antlers).
Midfielders: Shunsuke Nakamura (Yokohama Marinos), Yasuhito Endo (Gamba Osaka), Kengo Nakamura (Kawasaki Frontale), Junichi Inamoto (Kawasaki Frontale), Yuki Abe (Urawa Red Diamonds), Makoto Hasebe (Wolfsburg), Keisuke Honda (CSKA Moscow), Daisuke Matsui (Grenoble).
Forwards: Shinji Okazaki (Shimizu S-Pulse), Keiji Tamada (Nagoya Grampus), Yasuhito Okubo (Vissel Kobe), Kisho Yano (Albirex Niigata), Takayuki Morimoto (Catania).
Ivory Coast squad
Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Lokeren), Aristides Zogbo (Maccabi Netanya), Daniel Yeboah (Asec).
Defenders: Souleymane Bamba (Hibernian), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart), Benjamin Brou Angoua (Valenciennes), Guy Demel (Hamburg), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal), Steve Gohouri (Wigan), Siaka Tiene (Valenciennes), Kolo Toure (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Jean-Jacques Gosso Gosso (Monaco), Abdelkader Keita (Galatasaray), Emmanuel Kone (International Curtea Arges), Gervinho (Lille), Koffi N'Dri Romaric (Seville), Cheik Ismael Tiote (Twente), Yaya Toure (Barcelona), Didier Zokora (Seville).
Forwards: Aruna Dindane (Lekhwiya), Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea), Bakary Kone (Marseille).
Defenders: Souleymane Bamba (Hibernian), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart), Benjamin Brou Angoua (Valenciennes), Guy Demel (Hamburg), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal), Steve Gohouri (Wigan), Siaka Tiene (Valenciennes), Kolo Toure (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Jean-Jacques Gosso Gosso (Monaco), Abdelkader Keita (Galatasaray), Emmanuel Kone (International Curtea Arges), Gervinho (Lille), Koffi N'Dri Romaric (Seville), Cheik Ismael Tiote (Twente), Yaya Toure (Barcelona), Didier Zokora (Seville).
Forwards: Aruna Dindane (Lekhwiya), Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea), Bakary Kone (Marseille).
Honduras squad
Goalkeepers: Ricardo Canales (Motagua), Noel Valladares (Olimpia), Donis Escober (Olimpia).
Defenders: Victor Bernardez (Anderlecht), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan), Oscar Garcia (Olimpia), Sergio Mendoza (Motagua), Emilio Izaguirre (Motagua), Johnny Palacios (Olimpia), Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Luchen), Osman Chavez (Platense).
Midfielders: Edgard Alvarez (Bari), Julio Cesar de Leon (Torino), Roger Espinoza (Kansas City Wizards), Amado Guevara (Motagua), Ramon Nunez (Olimpia), Wilson Palacios (Tottenham), Hendry Thomas (Wigan), Danilo Turcios (Olimpia).
Forwards: David Suazo (Genoa), Georgie Welcome (Motagua), Carlos Pavon (Real Espana), Walter Martinez (Marathon).
Defenders: Victor Bernardez (Anderlecht), Maynor Figueroa (Wigan), Oscar Garcia (Olimpia), Sergio Mendoza (Motagua), Emilio Izaguirre (Motagua), Johnny Palacios (Olimpia), Mauricio Sabillon (Hangzhou Luchen), Osman Chavez (Platense).
Midfielders: Edgard Alvarez (Bari), Julio Cesar de Leon (Torino), Roger Espinoza (Kansas City Wizards), Amado Guevara (Motagua), Ramon Nunez (Olimpia), Wilson Palacios (Tottenham), Hendry Thomas (Wigan), Danilo Turcios (Olimpia).
Forwards: David Suazo (Genoa), Georgie Welcome (Motagua), Carlos Pavon (Real Espana), Walter Martinez (Marathon).
Greece squad
Goalkeepers: Michalis Sifakis (Aris Salonika), Alexandros Tzorvas (Panathinaikos), Kostas Chalkias (PAOK).
Defenders: Giorgos Seitaridis (Panathinaikos), Loukas Vintra (Panathinaikos), Evangelos Moras (Bologna), Socrates Papastathopoulos (Genoa), Sotiris Kyrgiakos (Liverpool), Avraam Papadopoulos (Olympiakos), Vasilis Torosidis (Olympiakos), Nikos Spiropoulos (Panathinaikos), Stelios Malezas (PAOK).
Midfielders: Kostas Katsouranis (Panathinaikos), Alexandros Tziolis (Siena), Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos), Sotiris Ninis (Panathinaikos), Christos Patsatzoglou (Omonia), Sakis Prittas (Aris Salonika).
Forwards: Angelos Charisteas (Nuremberg), Dimitris Salpigidis (Panathinaikos), Pantelis Kapetanos (Steaua Bucharest), Theofanis Gekas (Hertha Berlin), Giorgos Samaras (Celtic).
Defenders: Giorgos Seitaridis (Panathinaikos), Loukas Vintra (Panathinaikos), Evangelos Moras (Bologna), Socrates Papastathopoulos (Genoa), Sotiris Kyrgiakos (Liverpool), Avraam Papadopoulos (Olympiakos), Vasilis Torosidis (Olympiakos), Nikos Spiropoulos (Panathinaikos), Stelios Malezas (PAOK).
Midfielders: Kostas Katsouranis (Panathinaikos), Alexandros Tziolis (Siena), Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos), Sotiris Ninis (Panathinaikos), Christos Patsatzoglou (Omonia), Sakis Prittas (Aris Salonika).
Forwards: Angelos Charisteas (Nuremberg), Dimitris Salpigidis (Panathinaikos), Pantelis Kapetanos (Steaua Bucharest), Theofanis Gekas (Hertha Berlin), Giorgos Samaras (Celtic).
Ghana squad
Goalkeepers: Richard Kingston (Wigan), Daniel Adjei (Liberty Professionals), Stephen Ahorlu (Hearts of Lions).
Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Basle), Hans Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea), John Mensah (Sunderland), Rahim Ayew (Zamalek), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim), John Pantsil (Fulham), Jonathan Mensah (Granada).
Midfielders: Dede Ayew (Arlese Avignon), Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese), Stephen Appiah (Bologna), Anthony Annan (Rosenborg), Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Al Sadd), Derek Boateng (Getafe), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Portsmouth).
Strikers: Prince Tagoe (Hoffenheim), Asamoah Gyan (Rennes), Dominic Adiyiah (AC Milan), Matthew Amoah Breda).
Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Basle), Hans Sarpei (Bayer Leverkusen), Lee Addy (Bechem Chelsea), John Mensah (Sunderland), Rahim Ayew (Zamalek), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim), John Pantsil (Fulham), Jonathan Mensah (Granada).
Midfielders: Dede Ayew (Arlese Avignon), Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese), Stephen Appiah (Bologna), Anthony Annan (Rosenborg), Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Al Sadd), Derek Boateng (Getafe), Kevin-Prince Boateng (Portsmouth).
Strikers: Prince Tagoe (Hoffenheim), Asamoah Gyan (Rennes), Dominic Adiyiah (AC Milan), Matthew Amoah Breda).
France squad
Goalkeepers: Hugo Lloris (Lyon), Steve Mandanda (Marseille), Cedric Carrasso (Bordeaux).
Defenders: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Patrice Evra (Manchester Utd), William Gallas (Arsenal), Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Sebastien Squillaci (Seville), Marc Planus (Bordeaux), Gael Clichy (Arsenal), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon).
Midfielders: Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich).
Forwards: Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Djibril Cisse (Panathinaikos), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).
Defenders: Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Patrice Evra (Manchester Utd), William Gallas (Arsenal), Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Sebastien Squillaci (Seville), Marc Planus (Bordeaux), Gael Clichy (Arsenal), Anthony Reveillere (Lyon).
Midfielders: Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Jeremy Toulalan (Lyon), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Yoann Gourcuff (Bordeaux), Abou Diaby (Arsenal), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich).
Forwards: Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Nicolas Anelka (Chelsea), Andre-Pierre Gignac (Toulouse), Sidney Govou (Lyon), Djibril Cisse (Panathinaikos), Mathieu Valbuena (Marseille).
England squad
Goalkeepers: Joe Hart (Manchester City), David James (Portsmouth), Robert Green (West Ham).
Defenders: Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester Utd), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Ledley King (Tottenham), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa).
Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Michael Carrick (Manchester Utd), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), James Milner (Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City).
Forwards: Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester Utd).
Defenders: Jamie Carragher (Liverpool), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Manchester Utd), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Ledley King (Tottenham), John Terry (Chelsea), Matthew Upson (West Ham), Stephen Warnock (Aston Villa).
Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Manchester City), Michael Carrick (Manchester Utd), Joe Cole (Chelsea), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Frank Lampard (Chelsea), Aaron Lennon (Tottenham), James Milner (Aston Villa), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Manchester City).
Forwards: Peter Crouch (Tottenham), Jermain Defoe (Tottenham), Emile Heskey (Aston Villa), Wayne Rooney (Manchester Utd).
Denmark squad
Goalkeepers: Thomas Sorensen (Stoke), Stephan Andersen (Brondby), Jesper Christiansen (FC Copenhagen).
Defenders: William Kvist (FC Copenhagen), Simon Kjaer (Palermo), Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn), Per Kroldup (Fiorentina), Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Patrick Mtigliga (Malaga), Simon Poulsen (Alkmaar).
Midfielders: Martin Jorgensen (Aarhus), Christian Poulsen (Juventus), Jakob Poulsen (Aarhus), Dennis Rommedahl (Ajax), Thomas Kahlenberg (Wolfsburg), Thomas Enevoldsen (FC Groningen), Christian Eriksen (Ajax), Mikkel Beckmann (Randers), Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen), Jesper Gronkjaer (FC Copenhagen).
Forwards: Jon Dahl Tomasson (Feyenoord), Soren Larsen (Toulouse), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal).
Defenders: William Kvist (FC Copenhagen), Simon Kjaer (Palermo), Lars Jacobsen (Blackburn), Per Kroldup (Fiorentina), Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Patrick Mtigliga (Malaga), Simon Poulsen (Alkmaar).
Midfielders: Martin Jorgensen (Aarhus), Christian Poulsen (Juventus), Jakob Poulsen (Aarhus), Dennis Rommedahl (Ajax), Thomas Kahlenberg (Wolfsburg), Thomas Enevoldsen (FC Groningen), Christian Eriksen (Ajax), Mikkel Beckmann (Randers), Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen), Jesper Gronkjaer (FC Copenhagen).
Forwards: Jon Dahl Tomasson (Feyenoord), Soren Larsen (Toulouse), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal).
Cameroon squad
Goalkeepers: Guy Roland N'Dy Assembe (Valenciennes), Idriss Carlos Kameni (Espanyol), Hamidou Souleymanou (Kayserispor)
Defenders: Benoit Assou Ekotto (Tottenham), Sebastien Bassong (Tottenham), Gaetan Bong (Valenciennes), Aurelien Chedjou (Lille), Geremi (Ankaragucu), Nicolas Nkoulou (Monaco), Rigobert Song (Trabzonspor)
Midfielders: Achille Emana (Real Betis), Enoh Eyong (Ajax), Jean Makoun (Lyon), Georges Mandjeck (Kaiserslautern), Joel Matip (Schalke), Landry Nguemo (Celtic), Alexandre Song (Arsenal)
Forwards: Vincent Aboubacar (Coton Sport), Eric Choupo-Moting (Nuremburg), Stephane Mbia (Marseille), Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan), Mohamadou Idrissou (Freiburg), Achille Webo (Real Mallorca).
Defenders: Benoit Assou Ekotto (Tottenham), Sebastien Bassong (Tottenham), Gaetan Bong (Valenciennes), Aurelien Chedjou (Lille), Geremi (Ankaragucu), Nicolas Nkoulou (Monaco), Rigobert Song (Trabzonspor)
Midfielders: Achille Emana (Real Betis), Enoh Eyong (Ajax), Jean Makoun (Lyon), Georges Mandjeck (Kaiserslautern), Joel Matip (Schalke), Landry Nguemo (Celtic), Alexandre Song (Arsenal)
Forwards: Vincent Aboubacar (Coton Sport), Eric Choupo-Moting (Nuremburg), Stephane Mbia (Marseille), Samuel Eto'o (Inter Milan), Mohamadou Idrissou (Freiburg), Achille Webo (Real Mallorca).
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