World Cup Squads

[Ciprian Marica]

Some of the provisional World Cup squads have been named and, for me, there are a few surprises.

Carragher being drafted back in is a surprise as he retired a few years ago and was quite open in his book about not having the same love for his country as Liverpool. I don't think his inclusion will go down well with some of the patriotic Eng-er-land brigade.

For me Benzema being left out of the French squad is a surprise. I know he hasn't being going well with Real but can France really afford to leave a player of his calibre out? Some of the alternatives like Gignac and Cisse just aren't in the same class.

Also, surprised to see Pato left out for Brazil. I read that he had an indifferent season but I'd have thought he'd still be a cut above the likes of Nilmar who has been included. Dunga seems to be his own man anyways.

[TheBoss]

I think Italy or Lippi is making a massive mistake by not including Miccoli, Cassano and even Balotelli or Totti. They could win the game in an instant, none of the players that were picked, can do that.

[superfrank]

I think the Spanish squad could be a bit troublesome.

Cazorla, Fabregas and Iniesta are probably not going to be fully fit. Add to that, Iniesta hasn't had a good season. The midfield might not be fully up to scratch.

As for the forwards, Villa hasn't hit top form this year either, Negredo has struggled for consistency, Torres also won't be fully-fit and Guiza has never impressed me at all.

In defence, they're covered and they've three of the best goalkeepers around.

[shakermaker1982]

I'm backing Brazil EW big this summer. Ronaldinho left out as well. I have been hearing good things about this Neymar.

[Ciprian Marica]

Neymar has been left out as well. I see now too that Javier Zanetti and Cambiasso haven't made the Argentina squad. And Spain have selected 5 goalkeepers!

[shakermaker1982]

Somebody was telling me today that France have selected 9 strikers? That cannot be right?!

[Real Rover]

Honestly, does nobody want to win this thing? They're all leaving out some of their top players!

[pineapple stu]

7 per wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/France_national_football_team#Current_squad). But presumably two or three will get cut when it goes from 30 down to 23.

All the squads are here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_FIFA_World_Cup_squads).

[IsMiseSean]

Im thinking off backing Brazil all the way this summer. Goin to keep my money in my pocket until the final 23-man squads are announced and its closer to the start date.
Germany at 13's is starting to appeal lately.....

[TheBoss]

There is not any really stand out team, Spain's squad is way far ahead of anyone else. I fancy Uruguay, Serbia and South Korea to cause a few surprises.

[pineapple stu]

Also, how is Rigobert Song only 33?!

(Checking his wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rigobert_Song) page leads to a mad wiki-fact - "He is the only ever player to score three overhead kicks in one game, for Cameroon against Mali in 1998")

[gaiscíoch]

How come nobody has mentioned Argentina????
7/1 not too bad for me...

[Infadel]

How come nobody has mentioned Argentina????
7/1 not too bad for me...
Good odds when you look at their strike force which could destroy any defence in this tournament if it gels quickly. I'm disappointed to see Cambiasso dropped when you consider the form he's shown this year and Maradonna doesn't make much sense for dropping him:

“I don’t have him for my team. It’s a matter of tastes. I don’t have anything against the kid, on the contrary, I’ve known him since he was little, but no. Because of the position where Cambiasso plays, on the left side, it doesn’t seduce me.” yet he calls up Jonas?


Outsiders for me would be Netherlands @14-1 who have a balanced squad and Serbia who looked impressive in the qualifiers and have goals all over their squad

[bennocelt]

Neymar has been left out as well. I see now too that Javier Zanetti and Cambiasso haven't made the Argentina squad. And Spain have selected 5 goalkeepers!

Thats a huge shock for me, Jesus Maradona is really going to mess things up
And Benzema not in the world cup..............jeez:mad:

[Closed Account 2]

I do wonder where the creativity in the Brazil team will come from this year. Luis Fabiano is a good player, but apart from that they look a bit one dimensional. A lot will depend on Kaka but he has had a shocking season at Real Madrid, he's been so bad it's like a different player, it's a similar story with Robinho. Other players like Grafite, Nilmar and Baptista are a bit short of World Class, it's only really the defence and keeper where Brazil shine. I dont know why Dunga didnt take Ronaldinho, Pato or even Adriano.

[gustavo]

Article on Argentina and Brazil's selections from the excellent Tim Vickery


http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/timvickery/2010/05/brazil_squad.html

[Barca5]

Yeah Italy up front crazy to leave out so much talent. Argentina have included 6 strikers in preliminary squad the likes of Aguero, Palermo, Higuain, Milito and Messi serious firepower and a good bet but for me Spain are the team to beat

[DeLorean]

Can't believe Lippi has left out Grosso. How someone can be on the team for the qualifying campaign and not even in the squad for the tournament itself is a bit bizarre. He's excellent every time I see Italy play.

Lippi may regret leaving out Grosso (http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/67/world-cup/2010/05/18/1931650/world-cup-comment-italy-coach-marcello-lippi-may-regret-dropping)

[Infadel]

Spain announced their's but they left out Senna:http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/20052010/58/world-cup-2010-senna-misses-spain-squad.html

[Ciaran W]

walcott out :)

[Junior]

Spain announced their's but they left out Senna:http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/20052010/58/world-cup-2010-senna-misses-spain-squad.html

Just spotted this. Im not that up to speed with the overall Spanish squad but Senna is a great player (not sure what his form has been like lately) one of, if not the key player from the 2008 winning team in my opinion.

[superfrank]

AFAIK, he hasn't been fully fit for a large part of the season..