Uncapped Players Included in Spain's 23-Man Squad
Most of Spain's roster for the 2010 World Cup is unchanged from their Euro 2008 squad with Cesc Fabregas and David Villa being the standouts. But Spain manager Vicente del Bosque included a few surprises, Barcelona goalkeeper Victor Valdes and teammate Pedro joined Javi Martinez as players earning their first cap for the national team.
Pedro has been dominant for Barcelona this season, scoring 22 goals in all competitions with Vales earning the number three keeper spot because of his steady play for the La Liga Champions. Ferando Torres was also included despite being sidelined with injury. The Liverpool striker is at risk to miss Spain's first group match June 16 versus Switzerland.
Eissen Still Uncertain Over Finals Fate
Micahel Essien will know in the next few days whether or not he will be able to play in the World Cup. The Chelsea midfielder is conisdered by many as the most valuable asset for the Ghanian team. Essien injured his knee during the African Cup of Nations in January and has not seen the pitch for club or country since.
Essien admits that even if his knee ehals in time for the finals match fitness is a concern. "I have to keep working hard to be fit," Essien said. "Once I am fit I hope to feature in at least one trial match before the World Cup starts. I haven't played since January so I will need games before the real thing starts."
Errikson To Meet Players For First Time
Reactions were mixed when former-England manage ??Sven-Goran Eriksson was appointed manager of the Ivory Coast following the firing of Vahid Halilhodzic. But the Elephants are about to finally work with their new manager as players arrive for camp.
"The press and people in Ivory Coast expected in the past more than what the team has delivered, so the pressure is on the team and we have to handle that," Eriksson said. Only 13 players are in camp now, the majority being defenders and goalkeepers, with the other 17 arriving Monday. Eriksson must cut his roster down to the final 23 by June 1 to comply with FIFA regulations.
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