BREAKING NEWZZZZZZZZ:World Cup 2014: Spain drop Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas

Manchester City pair Alvaro Negredo and Jesus Navas have been left out of Spain's 23-man World Cup squad, but Chelsea's Fernando Torres has been selected by manager Vicente Del Bosque.

Torres is one of six Premier League players in the squad, which includes Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa.
Sevilla's Alberto Moreno, Real Madrid's Daniel Carvajal, Fernando Llorente of Juventus and Ander Iturraspe of Athletic Bilbao have also been cut.
Spain play Netherlands on 13 June.
After opening with a repeat of the 2010 final against the Dutch, world and double European champions Spain continue the defence of their crown against Australia and Chile in Group B.
Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara had also been named in Vicente Del Bosque's 30-man provisional squad but withdrew after tearing a knee ligament.
Costa has been struggling with a hamstring injury suffered when Atletico won the league title at Barcelona, but has been given the chance to represent Spain in his native Brazil.
The 25-year-old was been born and raised in the South American country and made two friendly appearances for them last year before becoming a naturalised Spaniard.
Torres, 30, is also included despite making only 16 Premier League starts and scoring five goals this season.
The Chelsea man will be joined in Brazil by team-mate Cesar Azpilicueta, Arsenal's Santi Cazorla, Manchester United's Juan Mata and David De Gea, while City will be represented by midfielder David Silva.
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Napoli), David De Gea (Manchester United).
Defenders: Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Gerard Pique (Barcelona), Raul Albiol (Napoli), Cesar Azpilicueta (Chelsea), Juanfran (Atletico Madrid), Jordi Alba (Barcelona).
Midfielders: Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso (Real Madrid), Sergio Busquets (Barcelona), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona), Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Koke (Atletico Madrid), Javi Martinez (Bayern Munich).
Forwards: David Silva (Manchester City), Diego Costa (Atletico Madrid), Fernando Torres (Chelsea), Pedro (Barcelona), Juan Mata (Manchester United), David Villa (Atletico Madrid).

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH RESULTS & FIXTURES

• Uruguay 1 - 0 Northern Ireland FT
• Italy v R. of Ireland 19:45
• Bos-Herce 2 - 1 Ivory Coast FT
• Chile 3 - 2 Egypt FT
• Finland v Estonia 12:00
• Croatia v Mali 15:00
• Algeria v Armenia 17:00
• Albania v Romania 18:00
• Lithuania v Latvia 18:00
• Norway v Russia 18:30
• Netherlands v Ghana 19:30
• Portugal v Greece 19:30

Adam Lallana: Liverpool make final £25m offer for Saints captain

Liverpool have made a final offer of £25m for Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana.

The Reds want to complete the deal swiftly or they will consider moving on to alternative transfer targets.

Saints captain Lallana is due to fly to the United States with England on Sunday ahead of next month's World Cup.

The 26-year-old played 73 minutes of England's 3-0 friendly win over Peru at Wembley on Friday, his fourth senior appearance for his country.

Lallana in numbers

• England: Four appearances
• Southampton: 265 and 60 goals
• Bournemouth (on loan): Four appearances

Lallana scored nine goals in 38 Premier League appearances in 2013-14 for Southampton, who lost manager Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham on 28 May.

Saints finished eighth with 56 points and Lallana's form earned him a place in the Professional Footballers' Association Premier League team of the year, along with Luke Shaw.

Lallana, who was spotted by Southampton playing for Bournemouth's centre of excellence, is wanted by a Liverpool side who narrowly missed out on their first Premier League title in 24 years.

Brendan Rodgers' team finished two points behind eventual champions Manchester City, who won their second title in three years.

Lallana came through the Southampton academy, which also produced Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and has become an integral member of a side that achieved its highest Premier League points total this season.

Southampton must pay 25% of any transfer fee for Lallana to Bournemouth, who sold the midfielder to his current club.

The Saints turned down Liverpool's opening offer of £20m after indicating that they wanted to end up with that amount from any deal themselves.

Liverpool's latest bid would leave Southampton with £18.75m with the remaining £6.25m going to Bournemouth.

Southampton and England striker Rickie Lambert will have a medical at Liverpool on Saturday after the clubs agreed a fee of about £4m plus add-ons.

Lambert will also be part of the England World Cup squad that leaves on Sunday for friendlies against Ecuador and Honduras.

Torres scores on Spain return

Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta scored as holders Spain warmed up for the defence of their World Cup crown by beating Bolivia in a friendly.

Chelsea striker Torres marked his first appearance for his country in 11 months by opening the scoring with a 51st-minute penalty earned by Javi Martinez.

Iniesta doubled the lead six minutes from time with a curling shot.

Eleven months in Spain's wilderness

Fernando Torres played for Spain at last summer's Confederations Cup, scoring four goals in a 10-0 win over Tahiti on 20 June

Spain were missing Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid players following last week's Champions League final.

The team included Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina, who spent the 2013-14 season on loan at Napoli.

Gerard Deulofeu, who scored three goals in 25 Premier League appearances on loan at Everton, made his senior international debut as an 80th-minute substitute.

Spain manager Vicente del Bosque is due to announce his 23-man squad for the World Cup on Saturday.

England ease to victory over Peru

England stepped up their preparations for the World Cup in Brazil next month with victory over Peru at Wembley.

Peru were selected for this occasion to offer a taste of South American opposition, and it was a win that was not without its anxious moments before Roy Hodgson's side exerted their authority.

Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge struck a superb opener to give England a first-half lead, and central defensive duo Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka took advantage of corners from Leighton Baines to give the scoreline a convincing look.

England boss Roy Hodgson will have been pleased Wayne Rooney was able to play 65 minutes in his first game for a month after a groin injury, while he also gave a debut to young Everton defender John Stones.

He will have been less happy about a very average Peru side creating opportunities, with keeper Joe Hart forced to save well from Jean Deza and Luis Ramirez in the opening 45 minutes.

Hodgson gave Manchester United's Danny Welbeck a start ahead of Raheem Sterling, while he also operated with the central midfield partnership of Liverpool duo Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson. 

It was hardly a vintage display but this was more about being part of Hodgson's learning process as the squad prepares to head to Miami on Sunday for the next phase of their build-up before the World Cup opener against Italy in Manaus on 14 June.

Hodgson picked a strong side but there was the unquestionable feel of a warm-up about a low-key first half in which England enjoyed plenty of possession but were met by massed ranks of Peruvian defenders.

In a rare Peru break, Hart showed great athleticism to save Deza's shot when it took a deflection off Jagielka after Rooney had conceded possession cheaply.

Sturridge's first half had been mixed but he made up for dragging a good chance across the face of goal and wide by giving England the lead in spectacular fashion in the 33rd minute.

He received a throw in from Liverpool team-mate Glen Johnson before turning and curling a fine left-foot finish high beyond the stretching Peru keeper Raul Fernandez.

TP MAZEMBE YAWAACHIA SAMATA, ULIMWENGU KUIONGEZEA NGUVU STARS

Klabu ya TP Mazembe imewaruhusu wachezaji wake Mbwana Samata na Thomas Ulimwengu kujiunga na timu ya Taifa (Taifa Stars) ambayo tayari imewasili Harare, Zimbabwe kwa ajili ya mechi ya michuano ya Afrika.

Taifa Stars itacheza na Zimbabwe (Mighty Warriors) katika mechi ya marudiano raundi ya mchujo kuwania tiketi ya kucheza Fainali za Afrika zitakazofanyika mwakani nchini Morocco. Mechi hiyo itachezwa Jumapili (Juni 1 mwaka huu) kwenye Uwanja wa Taifa jijini Harare.

Samata na Ulimwengu watawasili Harare kesho (Mei 30 mwaka huu) saa 3.40 usiku kwa ndege ya Kenya Airways. Watajiunga na TP Mazembe mara baada ya mchezo huo ambapo Juni 2 mwaka huu watakwenda moja kwa moja Ndola, Zambia ambapo timu yao imepiga kambi kwa ajili ya mechi za Ligi ya Mabingwa Afrika.

 BONIFACE WAMBURA

OFISA HABARI NA MAWASILIANO

SHIRIKISHO LA MPIRA WA MIGUU TANZANIA (TFF)

MBEYA CITY FC YAPANGWA NA WANAUME WA UGANDA VICTORIA UNIVERSITY HATUA YA ROBO FAINALI

WAWAKILISHI wa Tanzania katika Michuano ya CECAFA Nile Basin Cup inayoendelea kushika kasi nchini Sudan, Mbeya City fc watachuana na Victoria University ya Uganda katika hatua ya robo fainali ya mashindano hayo.

Hizi hapa ndio mechi za robo fainali

Quarter final pairings
AFC Leopards [Kenya] VS Defence [Ethiopia]
Al Merreikh [Sudan] VS AcademieTchite [Burundi]
SC Victoria University [Uganda] VS Mbeya City [Tanzania]
Al AhliShandi [Sudan] VS Malakia [South Sudan]

NAIBU WAZIRI WA MICHEZO JUMA NKAMIA; HAKUNA HAJA YA KUBADILI JINA LA TIMU YA TAIFA

Na Baraka Mpenja, Dar es salaam
SERIKALI kupitia wizara ya habari, vijana, utamaduni na michezo inatarajia kuliagiza shirikisho la soka Tanzania kuachana na mpango wake wa kubadili jezi na jina la timu ya Taifa ya Tanzania, Taifa Stars.
Naibu waziri wa wizara hiyo, Juma Suleiman Nkamia, mwanahabari kitaalum na mtangazaji wa zamani wa michezo TBC, amesema hakuna haja ya kubadili jina, kikubwa ni kuubadilisha mchezo wenyewe ili twende sambamba na dunia ya sasa.
Hata hivyo, Nkamia alisema serikali inaendelea na jitihada zake za kujenga na kuimarisha miundombinu ya michezo kulingana na uwezo wake.
Watu walisema mapema kuwa TFF kwasasa hawana haja ya kuhangaika kutafuta jina jipya kwa timu ya taifa hususani jina linalotisha kama ilivyo kwa nchi za Magharibi.
Ukisikia majina ya nchi kama Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Senegal, Morroco, Cameroon na nyinginezo, lazima uhofie kabla ya kukutana nazo.
Tembo wa Afrika (Ivory Coast) , Simba asiyefugika (Cameroon), Simba wa Teranga (Senegal), kweli ni majina yanayovutia na kuogopesha, lakini ukweli ni kwamba mataifa haya kweli yako vizuri kisoka.
Majina yao yanatisha na wanatisha kweli wakiingia uwanjani. Kwahiyo majina yao yanasadifu uwezo wao uwanjani.
Inapokuja kwa nchi kama Tanzania, kuna haja gani ya kuhangaika kutafuta jina la kutisha wakati timu yenyewe imedoda kwa miaka mingi.

Huo ndio ulikuwa mwonekano wa jezi ya Taifa stars kabla ya kubadilishwa siku za karibuni

Leo hii unaona Taifa Stars halifai, kwani ukitafuta jina linalotisha litakusaidia nini wakati wewe hutishi.
Kuna mambo mengi ya kufanya katika soka letu kwasasa na jukumu kubwa ni kutafuta mfumo mzuri wa soka la vijana na kuboresha miundo mbinu.
Tunategemea kwasasa viongozi wahangaike na ujenzi wa vituo vya michezo, vyuo vya michezo ili kulijenga soka la vijana kama walivyofanya Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana na kwingineko.
Msingi wa mpira unajengwa katika soka la vijana na sio kuhangaika na vitu vidogo kama kubadilisha jina la Taifa stars na mipango kama maboresho ya Taifa Stars. Mipango ya muda mfupi haifai, njia za mkato kama hizi hazina maana kwasasa.
Serikali ipo sahihi inaposema hakuna haja kabisa ya kubadili jina na wadau wengi wanaamini hilo.
Kuna haja gani mtu kujiita Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, wakati kiwango chake hakisadifu jina.
Watanzania tunapenda kujipachika majina ya watu maarufu, lakini hatufanyi jitihada za kutafuta kuelekeana na majina yenyewe.
Utashangaa mtu wanayemwita Ronaldo au Messi anavyojihangaisha na mambo ya `kipuuzi`. Hana jitihada yoyote wala haendani na jina lenyewe.
Kuna haja ya kuachana na utamaduni wa kupachikana au kujipachika majina makubwa ambayo hatuwezi kuyabeba.

Fabregas: Spain aren't scared of Brazil

Cesc Fabregas has insisted that Spain are not "scared" of Brazil despite having been well-beaten in the Confederations Cup final last year.

Luiz Felipe Scolari's men go into the World Cup as favourites having defied the world and European champions with a 3-0 triumph last summer, despite la Roja having won the last three major international competitions.

Spain could face off against Brazil in the second round if one of them finishes top of the group and the other finishes second but Fabregas has no fear that a repeat occurrence of the Confederations Cup humiliation this year.

"I believe [championship wins] are vital," the Barcelona midfielder said in a new self-interview to mark the launch of PUMA Tricks.

"In 2008, nobody believed in us and since then we've made a name for ourselves and we've become a competitive team that has won everything.

"We're not scared of Brazil. I think Brazil are a very strong team ... and if we face them again it will be a completely new game."


#StartBelieving | Fabregas has faith in his boots helping Spain succeed if they face the Selecao
Four years ago, a shock opening loss in South Africa threatened to derail Spain's World Cup bid and Fabregas hopes that the squad will learn from their struggles in the last tournament.

"We lost in the last World Cup in the first game against Switzerland so it does bother me, it worries us, because we want to win," he added. "That was a difficult time and I remember that we were all very nervous.

"Everyone thought it was the easiest game in the group. That was a lesson and we should remember it ahead of this World Cup too."

Fabregas is among a number of global superstars who will be sporting the new PUMA Tricks boots in Brazil this summer.

World Cup 2014: Rooney, Drogba, Toure, Fabregas, reveal dreams

My World Cup Dream is a 15-part video series featuring some of the world's best footballers, including Wayne Rooney, Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Cesc Fabregas, Tim Cahill, Paul Pogba, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Diego Forlan.

Each gives a personal insight into what playing a World Cup in Brazil means - and what the ultimate dream really is, whether it's scoring a hat-trick in the final, or simply reaching the second round.

Wayne Rooney

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My World Cup dream - Wayne Rooney

England striker Wayne Rooney says his World Cup dream is to entertain the fans and make his country proud.

Cesc Fabregas

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My World Cup Dream - Cesc Fabregas

Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas says his World Cup dream is to score the winning goal in the final of this year's competition.

Yaya Toure

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My World Cup Dream – Yaya Toure

Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure says it would be a "dream" for an African team to play in the final of the World Cup.

Didier Drogba

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My World Cup Dream - Didier Drogba

Ivorian striker Didier Drogba says his World Cup Dream is to win the tournament and take the trophy back home to the Ivory Coast.

Diego Forlan

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My World Cup Dream - Diego Forlan

Diego Forlan says it would be a dream to go all the way at what could be his final World Cup for Uruguay.

Tim Cahill

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My World Cup dream - Tim Cahill

Australia's all-time leading goal scorer Tim Cahill says his World Cup dream is to win every game in the group stage.

Kevin Prince-Boateng

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My World Cup Dream - Kevin-Prince Boateng

Ghanaian playmaker Kevin Prince Boateng's World Cup dream is to play against Germany in the final.

Paul Pogba

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My World Cup Dream - Paul Pogba

French midfielder Paul Pogba says his World Cup dream is to score a hat-trick and win the tournament. 

Carlos Queiroz

Iran's head coach Carlos Queiroz's World Cup dream is for his team to play with honour and qualify for the knockout stages of the competition

TODAY INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCHES

• England v Peru 20:00
• Qatar v Macedonia 18:00
• Iran v Angola 19:00
• Austria v Iceland 19:30
• Switzerland v Jamaica 19:30
• Spain v Bolivia 21:00

Rumour Mill: United attempt to flex financial muscle; Arsenal right-back dilemma; Liverpool show cards

MANCHESTER United may not be able to offer European football next season but that doesn’t seem to be a deterrent to chasing some big-name players.

Unable to lure the likes of Arjen Robben or Toni Kroos, the Red Devils are now joining the vultures to pick at the carcass of La Liga champions Atletico Madrid.

Atletico could be without up to nine players from this season’s squad if all potential deals go through.

United, according to The Daily Express, are ready to pay Brazilian defender Miranda’s $43 million buy-out clause. Of course, defence is a high priority for Van Gaal after losing both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

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A deal may be close as other reports suggest the 29-year-old has already travelled to Manchester in search of accommodation and schools for his children.

Koke scored some important goals for Atletico in the Champions League. Source: AFP

Meanwhile, 22-year-old midfielder Koke may also be on his way to Old Trafford, although the rising star insists he doesn’t want to leave his boyhood club.

Another young gun linked with a United move is Dutch starlet Memphis Depay.

The 20-year-old winger’s blistering form for PSV Eindhoven has earned him a growing reputation and plaudits worldwide.

Liverpool ready to get jump on rivals

Liverpool are closing in on a move for Southampton striker Rickie Lambert as the first part of $145 million off-season spending spree.

Indeed, the 32-year-old’s wife, who hails from Liverpool, admitted a deal had been done. There was no comment from either club though.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is also looking at bringing in five other fresh faces, according to The Daily Star.

And chief among his targets are two other Southampton players - central defender Dejan Lovren and star midfielder Adam Lallana, who Rodgers sees a logical replacement for Steven Gerrard.

Will Alberto Moreno be heading to Anfield? Source: AFP

Other players of interest include Seville fullback Alberto Moreno, reportedly the subject of a $28 million bid, highly-rated German Emre Can and Bayern Munich young gun Xherdan Shaqiri.

Spurs look to offload Lamela

The first piece of business for new manger Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur looks to be bringing to an end the turbulent stay of club record signing Erik Lamela.

Lamela could be used bait in a deal to land Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin, according to reports from Gazetta dello Sport.

It is understood that Inter are among the sides ready to meet the $36 million price-tag Tottenham have slapped on the Argentine.

Fredy Guarin is being rumoured as moving to White Hart Lane. Source: AP

But there is talk Spurs may chase Colombian midfielder Guarin in return.

What do Arsenal do at right back?

Surprise, surprise! Arsenal’s search for a replacement for the departing Bacary Sagna has led them to ....... Atletico Madrid.

But at the moment the clubs have reached a stalemate over the transfer fee for JuanFran, according to The Daily Mirror.

Arsenal have offered $16 million. Atletico want considerably more for the 29-year-old.

Other potential fits for the Gunners at right back are Schalke’s Japan international right-back Atsuto Uchida and Toulouse’s Serge Aurier.

Sagna confirmed on Friday (EST) that his time at the Emirates was up.

“It’s not longer a secret, I will leave Arsenal for sure,” Sagna said.

Juanfran chases down Sergio Ramos in the Champions League final. Source: AFP

“They (Arsenal) tried to make an effort but the discussions have not gone as I wished.”

Meanwhile, obviously not content with the attacking options on offer, The Daily Star is reporting Wenger is targeting three wingers - Fiorentina’s Juan Cuadrado, Angel Di Maria, and Pedro.

Chelsea among suitors for French defensive ace

Porto and France star Eliaquim Mangala is attracting some serious interest from at least four Premier League clubs, according to The Daily Star.

But the polished 23-year-old central defender is set to keep any potential suitors waiting until after the World Cup.

The Manchester clubs and Chelsea are hot on his heels - as are Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid - and the $54 million pricetag is unlikely to prove too much of a barrier - but the waiting period is sure to test their patience as they look to secure moves before the World Cup starts.

Eliaquim Mangala is attracting attention of all the European big guns. Source: AFP

In other Chelsea news, Demba Ba looks set to follow Samuel Eto’o out of Stamford Bridge as Turkish side Besiktas line up a $14 million move.

The Blues’s other unwanted striker, Fernando Torres, is poised for a return to Atletico Madrid after an eight-year absence, according to The Daily Mirror.

Diego Simeone will gladly have him back judging by the amount of proposed departures from the Vincente Calderon.

Torres would be a straight swap for David Villa who is heading to play in the MLS.

Rickie Lambert: Liverpool close to signing Southampton striker

Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal for Southampton and England striker Rickie Lambert for a fee of around £4m plus add-ons.

The Reds are hopeful Lambert will be able to complete a medical on Saturday before flying out to Miami with the England squad on Sunday.

The Liverpool-born forward is intent on leaving St Mary's this summer.

Southampton rejected a similar bid from West Ham in January but are set to cash in on the 32-year-old.

Rickie Lambert factfile

• Blackpool 3 games 0 goals (1998-2000)
• Macclesfield 49 games 10 goals (2001-2002)
• Stockport 110 games 19 goals (2002-2005)
• Rochdale 68 games 28 goals (2005-2006)
• Bristol Rovers 155 games 59 goals (2006-2009)
• Southampton 235 games 117 goals (2009-present)

They have turned down Liverpool's initial offer for Lambert, but talks are continuing.

If Saints, without a manager following Mauricio Pochettino's move to Tottenham, receive a bid they deem acceptable, they will not stand in his way.

There has been interest in Lambert from other clubs, but it is understood he is currently only considering Liverpool.

He spent five years as a youth player at Anfield before being released as a 15-year-old and he still supports the Reds.

He scored 14 goals in 39 games this season and has 117 in 235 appearances since joining Southampton from Bristol Rovers in 2009.

Liverpool remain in talks with Southampton over deals for both England midfielder Adam Lallana, 26, and Croatia defender Dejan Lovren, 24.

They have also made an enquiry for Sevilla full-back Alberto Moreno, 21, and said they are willing to pay as much as £16m for the player.

Saints have already turned down one offer for Lallana and have also rejected Manchester United's bid for left-back Luke Shaw.

The south coast club are under no financial pressure to sell and are determined not to be pressurised into sanctioning deals by suitors keen to make signings before the World Cup.

World Cup 2014: Rafael van der Vaart out of tournament with injury

Netherlands midfielder Rafael van der Vaart will miss the World Cup after suffering a calf injury in training.

The 31-year-old, who has 109 caps, was the most experienced member of coach Louis van Gaal's provisional 30-man squad for the tournament.

Van der Vaart played at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups but will miss out on selection for the final 23-man squad, which is set to be named on Saturday.

The Dutch are in Group B with Spain, Chile and Australia.

Van der Vaart, who has played for Ajax, Real Madrid and Tottenham, had endured a difficult season at Hamburg, with the club involved in a relegation play-off decider with Greuther Fuerth.

The Netherlands' original 30-man squad, which is now down to 29 following Van der Vaart's injury, featured Manchester United striker Robin van Persie as one of seven Premier League players.

Van Persie, 30, only started one game for Manchester United after sustaining a knee injury in March.

Swansea duo Michel Vorm and Jonathan de Guzman were also selected, alongside Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul, Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar, Norwich midfielder Leroy Fer and Manchester City defender Karim Rekik, who has been on loan at PSV Eindhoven.

Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben, Galatasaray's Wesley Sneijder and Fenerbahce's Dirk Kuyt were among the other high-profile players selected by Van Gaal.

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Tim Krul (Newcastle), Michel Vorm (Swansea), Jeroen Zoet (PSV Eindhoven).

Defenders: Daley Blind, Joel Veltman (both Ajax), Stefan de Vrij, Daryl Janmaat, Terence Kongolo, Bruno Martins Indi, Tonny Vilhena (all Feyenoord), Karim Rekik (PSV Eindhoven - on loan from Manchester City), Patrick van Aanholt (Vitesse Arnhem), Paul Verhaegh (FC Augsburg), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa).

Midfielders: Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Leroy Fer (Norwich), Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV Eindhoven).

Forwards: Jean-Paul Boetius (Feyenoord), Memphis Depay (PSV Eindhoven), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke 04), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Quincy Promes (Twente), Robin van Persie (Manchester United).

BRAZIL WORLD CUP SQUAD ON TRAINING TODAY

Host nation Brazil are back on the training pitch at the Granja Comary training complex, in Teresopolis, 90 km from downtown Rio de Janeiro .

Bale, Zlatan & the dream team who won't be at World Cup 2014

Petr Cech – Czech Republic, Chelsea
One of the stand-outs of our crew of World Cup absentees, Chelsea's long-standing custodian has amassed a hefty list of honours over the years and is undoubtedly one of the most highly rated goalkeepers in the world. Having finished third in Uefa's qualifying Group B behind Italy and Denmark, the shot-stopper will be looking ahead to next season's Premier League rather than eyeing glory in Brazil.

Seamus Coleman – Republic of Ireland, Everton
A vital cog in helping Everton to their highest Premier League points tally in 27 years, the Irish right-back has had the season of his life. Things might have been different had his national side played in qualifying with the same fluency Roberto Martinez's Toffees showcased this term, but a place in the PFA Team of the Year might take the edge off the rising star missing out on the World Cup.

Branislav Ivanovic – Serbia, Chelsea
Consistent, solid and a serious goal threat at times, Branislav Ivanovic's Serbia were unlucky to miss out on Brazil, finishing third in their qualifying group behind a burgeoning, talent-laden Belgium side and a Mario Mandzukic-led Croatia.

Daniel Agger – Denmark, Liverpool
Very narrowly missing out on a place in the 2014 World Cup, Daniel Agger's Denmark outfit placed second in their qualifying group but finished with the least amount of points amongst the nine runners-up and didn't make it to the play-offs as a result. Still, the national team skipper shouldn't be too down with the Reds' return to the Champions League to look forward to next term.

David Alaba – Austria, Bayern Munich
At a time when truly talented full-backs are at a premium, David Alaba is setting the standard for up-and-coming defensive flankers. Bayern didn't even have to flex their financial muscles to sign the young star as he rose through their youth ranks. Lightning fast with a ferocious left foot, you won't see many better in his position in Brazil.

Arda Turan – Turkey, Atletico Madrid
A key piece of Diego Simeone's expectation-exceeding Atletico Madrid side, the gifted winger will be unhappy not to follow up a Liga-winning season with a trip to the World Cup. Poor results against some lesser rated teams summed up a miserable qualifying campaign for Turkey, whose group was topped by an unbeaten Netherlands side.

No Bale-out for flailing Wales | The Dragons lacked the overall firepower to qualify


Victor Wanyama – Kenya, Southampton
With a playing style likened to Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, Wanyama has impressed in Southampton's midfield since his £12.5 million move from SPL champions Celtic. Featuring in our 2013 Goal 50, the 22-year-old hopes to use his rise to fame as a springboard to help showcase what kind of talent Kenya has to offer, but must wait until after the World Cup to resume his patriotic campaign.

Marek Hamsik – Slovakia, Napoli
Now at a stage where his reputation matches his skill set, Hamsik has matured into one of the finest attacking midfielders in the world. Integral to Rafa Benitez's evolving, ambitious Napoli side, the 26-year-old's national team-mates are not quite of the same quality as his Serie A counterparts, summarised by Slovakia's third place finish in their qualifying group, behind Bosnia and Greece.

Gareth Bale – Wales, Real Madrid
You could argue that anyone on the prestigious books of Real Madrid is a real miss for the World Cup, but Gareth Bale's obvious talents are a big loss for the 2014 tournament. Blossoming into one of football's finest attacking talents in recent years, the former Tottenham man must settle for a summer of celebrating his Champions League win with los Blancos before he kicks a ball again in a competitive match.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – Sweden, Paris Saint-Germain
Probably the tournament's biggest loss, Ibrahimovic's absence means that the World Cup misses out on the 32-year-old's last chance to shine in the tournament as well as the Swede's ability to make headlines almost every time he opens his mouth. With an awards list big enough to back up his sometimes controversial ego – and still looking good to pick up more as he enters the latter stages of his career – Brazil is missing out on one of modern football's greats this summer.

Robert Lewandowski – Poland, Borussia Dortmund
All set for his big move to Bayern Munich this summer, the Polish striker made the world stand up and take notice with his performances both domestically and on the continent during his recent years with Jurgen Klopp's BVB. Two-footed with spectacular vision for the game, the 25-year-old might yet have time to seal some glory with his national side, but for now will be looking forward to spearheading Pep Guardiola's near-unstoppable Bundesliga champions next season.

Ronaldo the world's most marketable footballer

Repucom have described the Portugal international, who has over 82 million Facebook likes and 26m Twitter followers, as "an endorsers' dream"

Cristiano Ronaldo is the most marketable footballer in the world, according to a top global sports marketing research group.

The Real Madrid attacker pipped Lionel Messi to the Ballon d'Or in January and edges out the Argentine in Repucom's top 10 trend-setters in the game today.

REPUCOM'S TOP 10 MARKETABLE FOOTBALLERS
Player Cristiano Ronaldo Lionel Messi Gerard Pique Fernando Torres Wayne Rooney Andres Iniesta Neymar Iker Casillas Z. Ibrahimovic Thierry Henry	Club Real Madrid Barcelona Barcelona Chelsea Man United Barcelona Barcelona Real Madrid PSG NY Red Bulls	Rating79.49 75.87 62.90 62.69 59.47 59.47 59.36 59.09 59.07 57.56

“Ronaldo is an endorser’s dream," the company's CEO, Paul Smith, stated.

"His value is as important to the teams he plays for as they are for the companies that endorse him.

"Global awareness of Ronaldo is what drives his commercial power and with over 82 million Facebook likes and 26m Twitter followers, he is also one of the most liked in the business.”

Messi is a close second to Ronaldo, while the Argentine's Barcelona team-mate, Gerard Pique, who has a child with pop star Shakira, occupies third place.

Even more surprisingly, Chelsea's much-maligned forward Fernando Torres is fourth in the rankings, just ahead of England international Wayne Rooney.

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is sixth, just ahead of another Blaugrana player (the fourth in total), Brazilian superstar Neymar.

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas stands eighth, ahead of the only two players in the top 10 not plying their trade in either Spain or England: Paris Saint-Germain ace Zlatan Ibrahimovic and New York Red Bulls veteran Thierry Henry.

Repucom emply a marketing measurement tool that analyses the perceptions of over 6,500 people in 13 international territories, thus representing the views of more than 1.5 billion people worldwide.

International friendly

• Nigeria v Scotland 20:00
• USA 2 - 0 Azerbaijan FT
• South Korea v Tunisia 11:00
• Denmark v Sweden 19:15
•  FRANCE 4 - 0 NORWAY
  Giroud 2, Remy 1, Pogba 1

A MUST READ STORY FROM CRISTIANO RONALDO

World Cup 2014: Guide to Brazil's Group A

BRAZIL (seeded)

How do they play?

Style & formation: The flicks and tricks remain second nature, but this Brazil side is also resilient and well organised, moulded by the pragmatism of 2002 World Cup winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

They press the opposition high up the pitch, while midfielder Luiz Gustavo acts as an auxiliary third centre-back - allowing the full-backs and the likes of centre-back David Luiz to venture forward.

Brazil usually adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation and are not afraid to be direct, often seeking out the flamboyant Neymar on the left with long balls from the back.

Strengths: Take your pick. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has the required major tournament know-how, the players are talented and well-drilled, a passionate home crowd will surely inspire the team again, as they did at the Confederations Cup in the summer, and even the iconic yellow jerseys can intimidate the opposition.

Weaknesses: There aren't many, but the paucity of centre-forward options is a potential concern. First-choice Fred was injured earlier in the season and Diego Costa opted to represent Spain, so former Manchester City and Everton striker Jo could play a part.

Key player

Believe the hype; Neymar is pivotal to Brazil. Full of energy and deft touches, and able to dribble at incredible speed, he is the player most capable of changing a game for Luiz Felipe Scolari's side.

The 22-year-old World Cup poster boy - who joined Barcelona last summer for £48.6m - appears unfazed by the public expectation, scoring 13 times in his last 16 caps.

Neymar has been in prolific form for Brazil

One to watch

Luiz Felipe Scolari says that 21-year-old Bernard "has joy in his legs". Direct, quick, and a bundle of energy, the 5ft 5in winger made his full debut for Brazil in September and scored his first goal against Honduras in November.

Once considered too small for professional football, Shakhtar Donetsk paid £21.5m for him last summer.

The boss

Reappointed in November 2012, World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has recovered from a poor start to his second spell in charge to shape Brazil into a side he is "100% sure… will be the champion" this summer.

The 65-year-old led Portugal to the Euro 2004 final, 2006 World Cup semi-finals and last eight at Euro 2008 between his spells as Brazil boss.

How they qualified

As hosts.

World Cup record

Brazil are the only nation to have played at every World Cup, winning the competition a record five times, latterly in 2002.

Fifa ranking: 4 (correct to 6 June)

Provisional squad

Possible starting XI

Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Toronto FC, on loan from QPR), Jefferson (Botafogo), Victor (Atletico Mineiro).

Defenders: Marcelo (Real Madrid), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Maicon (AS Roma), Maxwell, Thiago Silva (both Paris St-Germain), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Henrique (Napoli).

Midfielders: Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur), Ramires, Willian, Oscar (all Chelsea), Hernanes (Inter Milan), Luiz Gustavo (Wolfsburg), Fernandinho (Manchester City).

Forwards: Bernard (Shakhtar Donetsk), Neymar (Barcelona), Fred (Fluminense), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Hulk (Zenit St Petersburg).

TODAY TRANSFER NEWS IN EUROPE

Pepe Reina has been linked with Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and a permanent switch to Rafa Benitez's Napoli

Raphael Varane won the Champions League with Real Madrid

TRANSFER GOSSIP

New Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is ready to make his former Southampton captain Adam Lallana, 26, his first signing at White Hart Lane.

Full story: Guardian 

Chelsea want Real Madrid's French defender Raphael Varane, 21, to fill the hole left in the squad by the imminent departure of David Luiz to Paris St-Germain.

Full story: Daily Star 

Chelsea forward Eden Hazard, 23, has played down reports that he will follow Luiz to PSG this summer.

Full story: London Evening Standard 

Manchester United are interested in PSG midfielder Adrien Rabiot, 19, who has also been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City in recent months.

Full story: Daily Mail 

QPR manager Harry Redknapp has admitted defeat in keeping former Newcastle loanee Loic Remy, who wants a move to a Champions League club. Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are all interested in the 27-year-old France striker.

Full story: Daily Express 

Redknapp also says there is a "very slim" chance of signing Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard or Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, both 35.

Full story: Daily Express 

West Brom are weighing up a fresh approach for Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella, 31, after pulling out of a move for the Italy international on deadline day last summer.

Full story: Daily Mirror 

Chelsea have agreed a surprise deal to re-sign Atletico Madrid's out-of-contract Portuguese midfielder Tiago, 33.

Full story: Daily Mail  

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could return for Swedish midfielder Kim Kallstrom after the 31-year-old's loan spell was disrupted by a back injury.

Full story: Daily Mirror 

Liverpool have told Stoke City they want £7m for Morocco international winger Oussama Assaidi. The Reds bought the 25-year-old for £3.5m in 2012.

Full story: Daily Telegraph 

Nicklas Bendtner, 26, is wanted by four Premier League clubs after being ditched by Arsenal. Newly promoted Leicester City and Burnley want the Danish striker along with Crystal Palace and Hull City.

Full story: Sun 

Manchester City's Aleksandar Kolarov, 28, is wanted by French side Monaco, with Serie A giants Milan, Juventus and Roma also keen to sign the Serbian left-back.

Full story: Daily Mirror 

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, 31, says he is in no rush to sort out his future, even though manager Brendan Rodgers wants to sell the Spaniard this summer following his season-long loan at Napoli.

Full story: Liverpool Echo 

River Plate want to sign Sunderland's Argentine striker Ignacio Scocco, 28, who only joined the Black Cats from Internacional in January.

Full story: Daily Mail 

Hull City have identified Norwich City winger Robert Snodgrass, 26 as a transfer target this summer.

Full story: Hull Daily Mail 

OTHER GOSSIP

Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, 27, has warned his Liverpool team-mates in Roy Hodgson's World Cup squad that he will be fit to face England next month.

Full story: Times 

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson says proving Sir Alex Ferguson wrong has made him stronger after the former Manchester United manager questioned the 23-year-old's gait and running style.

Full story: Daily Mirror 

World Cup chiefs may have a new concern on their hands with the playing surface at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro in a bad state.

Full story: Daily Mail 

The Football League is to present an alternative proposal to Greg Dyke's controversial League Three plan that would incorporate Premier League B teams in an expanded Johnstone's Paint Trophy to include a group stage.

Full story: Daily Telegraph 

Southampton striker Jay Rodriguez, 24, says his morale was boosted by the texts and good wishes he received from England team-mates Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Theo Walcott following the knee injury that ended his World Cup hope.

Full story: Independent 

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, 31, is undertaking rehab sessions at the club's training ground following surgery on his dislocated shoulder.

Full story: Sun 

Yaya Toure, 31, will be expected to play in Manchester City's pre-season clash with Liverpool in New York at the end of July if the Ivory Coast do not progress to the quarter-finals of the World Cup next month.

Full story: Daily Telegraph 

Manchester City have no plans to offer manager Manuel Pellegrini an improved contract over the summer. The Chilean, 60, won the Premier League and the League Cup in his first season at the club.

Full story: Manchester Evening News 

AND FINALLY

A new book has revealed that Real Madrid and Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has an extra bone in his right ankle, which helps with his free-kicks.

Full story: Sun 

Diego Simeone: Atletico Madrid boss charged after pitch invasion

Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has been charged with improper conduct by Uefa after storming onto the pitch during the Champions League final.

The Argentine twice came on to the pitch during his side's 4-1 defeat to Real Madrid in Lisbon.

Simeone, 42, was sent off by Dutch referee Bjorn Kuipers.

Real midfielder Xabi Alonso, who was suspended, has also been charged after sprinting down the touchline in celebration at the final whistle.

Simeone confronted Real defender Raphael Varane, who kicked a ball toward the Atletico dugout after Real's fourth goal.

Uefa have charged both clubs for receiving at least five yellow cards and they both face additional fines for fans lighting fireworks inside the stadium.

Real picked up five bookings, while seven of Atletico's starting XI were cautioned.

All cases will be deal with at disciplinary hearings on 17 July and Simeone and Alonso could face suspensions for next season's competition.

World Cup 2014: England's Phil Jagielka admits he is not match fit

England defender Phil Jagielka says he is not fully fit after playing just two Premier League matches since February.

The 31-year-old featured in Everton's final two games of the season at the start of May after missing 11 matches with a hamstring injury.

And the Toffees captain admits he needs to build up his match fitness in England's pre-tournament friendlies.

"I could do with these couple of games before the World Cup just to sharpen up," he said.

England's next steps

30 May: v Peru, Wembley
2 June: Deadline for final squad to be named
4 June: v Ecuador, Miami, USA
7 June: v Honduras, Miami, USA
14 June: v Italy, World Cup, Manaus
19 June: v Uruguay, World Cup, Sao Paulo
24 June: v Costa Rica, World Cup, Belo Horizonte

Jagielka says he struggled to deal with the intensity of England's training camp in Portugal last week after just 156 minutes of football in the past three months.

The players trained in three layers of clothing in the Algarve to prepare them for the humid conditions of Manaus, where England open their World Cup campaign against Italy on 14 June.

"Warm-weather training last week was a little bit difficult, and it will be difficult this week but it is something I need. I do not feel 100% fit but I do feel really good at the moment," he said.

England face Peru on 30 May at Wembley before two games in Miami, against Ecuador on 4 June and Honduras on 7 June.

Jagielka and Chelsea defender Gary Cahill, 28, are manager Roy Hodgson's preferred centre-back pairing, and England are unbeaten in the 10 internationals the pair have started together.

Jagielka has won 24 caps since his first senior appearance as a substitute against Trinidad & Tobago in Port of Spain in June 2008.

Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager on a five-year deal.

Tottenham Hotspur have appointed Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager on a five-year deal.

The Argentine resigned from Southampton after 18 months with the club.

The 42-year-old becomes Tottenham's 10th manager since 2001 and replaces Tim Sherwood who was sacked on 13 May.

"This is a club with tremendous history and prestige and I am honoured to have been given this opportunity to be its head coach," Pochettino told the Spurs website. 

Pochettino's assistant Jesus Perez, first team coach Miguel D'Agostino and goalkeeping coach Toni Jimenez have also left Southampton to join him at Spurs.

"There is an abundance of top-class talent at the club and I am looking forward to starting work with the squad," he added.

"Tottenham Hotspur has a huge following across the world and I have great admiration for the passion the fans show for this team

"We are determined to give the supporters the kind of attacking football and success that we are all looking to achieve."

The former Espanyol boss took over at Southampton in January 2013, when he replaced Nigel Adkins, and led them to eighth - their highest ever finish in the Premier League.

Luke Shaw, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Jay Rodriguez all earned their first England caps last season as the club secured notable wins over Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: "He has a proven ability to develop each player as an individual, whilst building great team spirit and a winning mentality."

Pochettino's future at St Mary's had been in question, following the departure of chairman Nicola Cortese in January.

Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger said: "We will be looking for a manager that shares our values, our principles and our philosophy; a manager who can continue to grow the first team."

Pochettino fact file

• Born 2 March 1972 in Santa Fe
• Played for Newell's Old Boys, Espanyol, PSG and Bordeaux
• While with Espanyol he won the Copa del Rey twice: 1999-2000, 2005-06
• Capped 20 times Argentina, scoring two goals.
• Took charge at Espanyol in January 2009.
• Named Southampton boss on 18 January 2013
• Secured notable wins over Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea
• Prefers to conduct press conferences in his native language Spanish 

EUROPE TOP SCORERS IN ALL OFFICIAL CLUB MATCHES 2013/2014