Friday's World Cup round-up

Former France captain Zinedine Zidane has criticised coach Raymond Domenech after the 2-0 defeat by Mexico which left Les Bleus on the brink of World Cup elimination.
Zidane, a member of France's 1998 World Cup-winning team, believes Domenech got his selection wrong by demoting Yoann Gourcuff to the bench, depriving the side of a creative spark.
"The coach made the decision but I don't agree with it," Zidane told Mexican television station Televisa. "I am disappointed because France did not have a single shot on goal and that should be the least to be expected. Mexico were superior to France, especially physically."

Captain Patrice Evra said it felt like France were a "small football nation - and it hurts" after Thursday's defeat by Mexico.
"It's a catastrophe, that's all we can say. We are not a great team," said Evra, who was part of the side which suffered an early exit at Euro 2008. "When you are knocked out of the European Championship in the first round and you are also capable of being knocked out in the first round of the World Cup, you just don't want to think about football after that." 

Injured England defender Rio Ferdinand has told his England team-mates: "You can still win the World Cup."
"We still have a great chance of winning the World Cup," Ferdinand told The Sun. "No team can claim to be the outright favourites. There is no one who scares us. I'm sure we'll beat Algeria. I've played with these players for years and know how good they are."

Senior Cameroon players have asked coach Paul Le Guen to reconsider his team selection for the Group E match against Denmark on Saturday.
Defender Song made a substitute appearance against Japan
Cameroon's players are unhappy because Le Guen omitted seasoned campaigners like defenders Rigobert Song and Geremi and midfielder Alexandre Song from the Japan game, which they lost 1-0. 
"What we have seen in recent games, which we think is unfortunate, is that many young fresh players have been introduced into the team at the expense of experienced ones," said midfielder Achille Emana. 

United States captain Carlos Bocanegra said his team will not be underestimating Slovenia just because they lack household names.
The former Fulham defender said: "We have some personal experience against these guys. A few play in Germany, a few in France, just because they're not in the Premier League we're still familiar with these guys. We are not going to take them lightly just because some people might not know the names as well."

Netherlands midfielder Nigel de Jong is confident his team can win the World Cup in South Africa.
Ahead of Saturday's Group E clash with Japan, De Jong said: "We just have to deliver this World Cup. We have got enough quality to do it." 

Former Tottenham manager Osvaldo Ardiles, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 1978, says he wants to be Australia's new national coach.

Dutchman Pim Verbeek will vacate the position after the tournament and Football Federation Australia is seeking a big-name candidate to replace him.

www.bbc.co.uk

Netherlands - Norway

Netherlands is the first European selection that booked the place in South Africa. Football pundits were suspicious when Bert van Marwijk inherited Marco van Basten on position of national team coach. But, with the performances in group 9, he silented them all. All six wins, with 14 goals scored and just two conceded. At home, they look masterful. All three wins, with nine goals scored and not a single goal conceded. It is hard to say what is the biggest strength of this squad. Attacking potential with players like Huntelaar, Van Persie, Robben, Kuyt, or Van der Vaart, or defence line which conceded just two goals from six games. Tonight will be celebrating atmosphere. Home side will play without any pressure, but with intention to repay the fan’s support with another win. Except Nigel de Jong, all players are available. Bert van Marwijk and players have been telling the press that they want to win and to go on holidays with a good feeling. Even with the mixed eleven, Dutch would be the favorites.

Norway’s current shape looks totally opposite than Dutch’s. They’re winless in four games, with three draws and home defeat (0-1) against tonight’s opponent. Coach Age Hareide lost his job and he was replaced with well-known name Morten Olsen. Olsen has already two times led Norway to World Cup, but this time it looks like mission impossible. Watching the group table, their position isn’t hopeless, as they need three points to involve in fight for place number two. But, two goalless draws on the road don’t make this travel too optimistic. And Rotterdam surely isn’t a place where You want to correct the mistakes. At saturday in Macedonia, beside showing the old imperfection with no scoring (John Carew was one-on-one with goalie), Norway was outplayed. The mood was additionally decreased when the skipper and probably the best player Brede Hangeland got the suspending yellow card. Odd Grenland midfielder Simen Brenne are also out through injury and have been replaced by Rosenborg's Alexander Tettey. Norway has nothing to wait, than to attack.

With anything less than three points, Norway will end this campaign and must attack. Dutch will appreciate that manner and will try to bury their hopes and greeting the fans with another convincing victory. I think Netherlands is the favorite, but also think Norway can score. My choice is goals. Pinnacle offers 2.05. Over.

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And gamble on Ecuador.

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