ponsaelius

Maicon is an absolute physical monster, very solid defensively in a flat back four but he also offers alot going forward. Infact I think he offers just as much as Dani Alves in attack. You just need to look at his statistics for Inter over the last couple of seasons to see how important he is for them. Serie A this season: GOALS 21 Milito (4) 12 Eto’o (2) 9 Balotelli 6 Maicon 4 Sneijder ASSISTS 11 Maicon 7 Sneijder 4 Pandev That is such a huge contribution. I admire Dani Alves aswell, however I truly believe the only attribute he has that outdoes Maicon is his set-piece taking.

To be honest Dunga shouldn't really be questioned in terms of results so far. He's won everything put infront of him..Copa America, Confed Cup, WCQ group. I also doubt he'll be sacked after this if he doesn't win it. That team will get to the Semis at least, and that is reasonable success.

I agree entirely Felipao. That is still a very strong squad, however I can see why people are shocked by the ommissions to the squad. He's stuck to his guns and selected the players who have stood him in good stead, and no doubt he will also stick to the same system he normally does. However many people who haven't watched Brazil under Dunga will be surprised by the lack of 'star' names and the number of 'flair' players that have been ommitted. Only thing I disagree with is when you say Alves is the best RB in the world. I think Maicon is better in almost every aspect.

Rumour is Moratti is gonna offer Mourinho one of Gerrard or Fabregas in order to keep him at Inter. Of course this could be mindless speculation. I agree that they're the only two clubs abroad with the wedge available to sign him, and the need to sign him.

Yeah it's official, I just watched the broadcast of Dunga announcing it.

Yeah, don't be expecting much Samba from that Brazil team. Dunga keeps things tight and mechanical for Brazil. They'll still do very well I feel, but they're not gonna be putting on that much of a show. Still it's a shame when you think of all the talented players that have been left out, Ronaldinho, Diego, Pato, Ronaldo, Adriano...etc.

Brazil Goalkeepers: Julio César, Gomes, Doni Defence: Daniel Alves, Maicon, Gilberto, Michel Bastos, Lúcio, Luisão, Juan, Thiago Silva Midfield: Gilberto Silva, Josué, Ramires, Felipe Melo, Kaká, Elano, Kléberson, Júlio Baptista Attack: Luís Fabiano, Robinho, Nilmar, Grafite Yes, that really is Spurs' Gilberto and Man United's Kleberson.

He seems to have something against him. Imo possibly the most complete defensive midfielder in world football and he doesn't get a call up. Insane.

Fair enough, Milito is better.

Confirmed on their official site. Good signing on a free.

A World Cup call up could do him the world of good, give him a taste of big match atmosphere and experience - even if he hardly plays. Then again that didn't really work for Walcott.

I've got to say I've never rated Carragher. He had a very good season the year Liverpool won the CL however I think he's been consistently average for most of his career, certainly not a top class defender. There's a reason he couldn't get into the England team before his recent decline, the fact he could now be recalled after what has been his worst season in a while is a bit mental imo.

I hope Vuckic can contribute a fair bit next season like. I know it's a alot to ask of an 18 year old, but hopefully he can make a breakthrough.

Valdes has been ignored for a long time though. I think Diego Lopez of Villarreal was the number 3 keeper, this is the first time Valdes has been called up I believe. Mental imo, Valdes has been consistently very good for 2-3 seasons now..certainly warrented being atleast 3rd choice.

Is there a list somewhere of dates when each squads are announced? Is England's tomorrow?

Stupid tossers.

It doesn't man, only if they were to win it http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/p/portsmouth/8558580.stm UEFA got rid of the runners-up qualifying thing because they felt defeated finalists shouldn't be rewarded, hence across Europe it now always goes to the league instead. I remember researching it after being mugged off on FM.

No because Pompey are gonna get absolutely raped in the final so wouldn't have qualified for Europe anyway. They would for being runners up. The runners-up qualifying for Europe dealy was scrapped a couple of years ago. No it wasn't, it was for the League Cup though. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/uefacup/3023605/Back-door-route-into-Europe-is-shut-for-FA-Cup-final-losers-Football.html

No because Pompey are gonna get absolutely raped in the final so wouldn't have qualified for Europe anyway. They would for being runners up. The runners-up qualifying for Europe dealy was scrapped a couple of years ago.

No because Pompey are gonna get absolutely raped in the final so wouldn't have qualified for Europe anyway.

Is Albin not really really good? i.e. too good? Klasnic hasn't done bad at Bolton. Mauro Casseti is a decent wing-back if I'm correct and Guisseppe Sculli is a good winger from what I've seen... I don't think Albin is that good. He had lots of potential a few years ago but he's not really gone anywhere, I don't actually think he's even been capped for Uruguay. According to a Spanish guy on another forum he's signed a new contract at Getafe anyway.

Aye, easy to see by looking at the stats aswell. Lampard with 33 goals this season, Xavi with 34 assists last season Xavi is an assists machine like. However, it's obvious 'assists' aren't the sole contribution to his game. His ability to control and dictate the tempo of almost every game he plays in is what makes him the player he is, you just have to watch any Barca/Spain game and see how good his passing range is. Whether it's repeating short, sharp passes a couple of yards in that metronome style, or spraying a pass the width of the pitch - absolutely everything he does just oozes class.

Xavi is pretty incomparable to Lampard to be honest. I know they're both technically central midfielders but their jobs in their respective teams couldn't be more different. Xavi is the better player imo, but comparing them statistically is pointless because Xavi's game is certainly not about goals.

Fair play to him like, them stats are absolutely momentous. Hopefully he performs like that in South Africa, although I wont hold my breath.

Every thing about the statement is self destructive.