The WORLD CUP FEVER

[MarcoReus]

BREAKING: Arsenal have activated Cesc Fabregas's buy-back clause. He will do a medical soon and the transfer will be announced after the World Cup.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26590673

 

[scouserlfc]

BREAKING: Arsenal have activated Cesc Fabregas's buy-back clause. He will do a medical soon and the transfer will be announced after the World Cup.

http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26590673

HAHAHAHAHAHA !
Well according to Gulliem Balague chelsea will buy him soon and Arsenal are not interested !

 

[eureka!]

AtemisDelta
Arrangements at school (mazagon) like last time. Although this time on the screen inshaAllah. You coming?

 

[The Chill Master]

Guyz Only Four days left now the countdown is under 5 waiting for the frst official kick off

 

[Areeb Mohsin]

did any of u notice the amount of injuries this world cup/ season
ronaldo , ribery , reus etc.
world cup aint fun without them

 

[Saahil Parikh]

Fantasy League will be live by 11.30PM IST

 

[The Chill Master]

did any of u notice the amount of injuries this world cup/ season
ronaldo , ribery , reus etc.
world cup aint fun without them

yep its bad before onlly we have lost ibrahimovic,kaka,nasri nd many othrs we dont want to lose more

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 15 Andrea Pirlo, Juventus/Italy

Why he's ranked: Reports of Pirlo's desire to vacate his seat at the game's top table of midfield maestros were well and truly banished at the Euro 2012 championships, where he emerged as the star of the tournament and nearly led Italy to an expected triumph. He is a silky passer, a fine reader of the game and still a real force to be reckoned with at the age of 35.

Even at his advanced age, the venerable Andrea Pirlo should still be a huge factor for Italy.
Key stat: One of six Italians with 100 career caps, Pirlo has averaged 68.3 completed passes per league game since 2009, the most by any player in Serie A.

What the experts say: "It can seem like he plays in a tux while holding a baton -- such is Pirlo's renown as the conductor of Italy's orchestra. Flowers are thrown at his feet from the gallery. Standing ovations given. [He is] a genius." - James Horncastle

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 14 Wayne Rooney, Manchester United/England

Why he's ranked: Such is the hype around England talisman Rooney in the buildup to a major international tournament that his each and every minor injury is given huge coverage in his local media. Yet this Manchester United star has struggled to live up to his billing in the past two World Cups. Could Brazil 2014 be the moment when Rooney's powerful, bustling brilliance shines when it matters most?

Could this be the World Cup in which Wayne Rooney finally shines for England?


Key stat: With 158 goals, Rooney is the top Manchester United scorer in Premier League history. Only one other player has more than 150 goals for one Premier League team, and that's Thierry Henry (175 for Arsenal).

What the experts say: "The hopes of Roy Hodgson's England certainly depend on the form of the 28-year old, who, despite having scored in all manners throughout a decade with his national team, will be looking for his first World Cup goal in his third appearance. Always a lethal striker, despite a bad year with United, his personality and desire for revenge may be crucial in leading England past a very difficult group stage." - Nicolas Baier, ESPN Argentina

"[He brings] a lot of technique, a lot of devotion, a lot of heat. Whether organizing or scoring, he is the best of England." - Gian Oddi, ESPN Brasil

"The teenage terror is approaching elder statesman status yet remains the first name on England's team sheet. Despite [his] never hitting the international heights he reached at Euro 2004, no Englishman matches his talent, either as a straight striker or No.10. This season, a failure for his club has still seen him rattle in some remarkable goals." - John Brewin

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 13 Robin van Persie, Manchester United/the Netherlands

Why he's ranked: Dutch coach Louis van Gaal has vowed to hand van Persie huge responsibility on his national team at the World Cup, even before the duo start working together at Manchester United next season. Van Gaal sees this ex-Arsenal forward as a great leader, a mobile attacking option and a scorer of spectacular goals that few others could even dream of. RvP has also stated his desire to make Brazil 2014 the defining moment of his career. Will he get that chance?

Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben will spearhead the Dutch attack in Brazil.


Key stat: Van Persie is the all time leader in goals for the Netherlands national team (41 through March 5).

What the experts say: "He has become more mature, and for a forward like him that translates into wisdom, opportunity, power and a penchant for scoring goals. The Netherlands will rely on the combined efforts of the van Persie, Robben and Sneijder trio on offense, and those three players could be the ones who dictate how far their national team will go in the World Cup." - Jose Antonio Cortes, ESPN Deportes

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 12 Thiago Silva, PSG/Brazil

Why he's ranked: In the football-obsessed nation of Brazil, boys tend to grow up dreaming of becoming the most gifted goal scorer in the game, but this one-time flying winger has proved himself to be a world leader at the other end of the pitch. Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil are fortunate to have this polished centre-back on their side.

Thiago Silva is gifted and skilled enough to dominate a match from his defensive position.


Key stat: 92.7% passing accuracy this season, second in Ligue 1 (minimum 1000 passes).

What the experts say: "Technically speaking, he is simply the best defender in the world." - Gustavo Hofman, ESPN Brasil

"[He is] a defender who could play in any position. [He] compensates for his medium height with tremendous technique."- Leonardo Bertozzi, ESPN Brasil

"[He is] the best defender in the world, a perfect reader of the game. Captain of the Brazilian national team and a very good leader." - Paulo Cobos, ESPN Brasil

"A dressing room leader and fundamental piece in Scolari's scheme due to his tactical discipline, Thiago Silva will be at his prime in his homeland after playing for elite teams in every country where he played, including Italy and France. Not only does he look unbeatable in one-on-one situations, he also manages to transmit this attitude to the whole defence. Brazil would definitely be a different -- and weaker -- team without him."- Roberto Martinez, ESPN Argentina

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 11 Sergio Aguero, Manchester City/Argentina

Why he's ranked: This Manchester City striker is regarded by many observers as the best goal poacher in the English Premier League, and after a season disrupted by injuries at club level, Aguero is heading to the World Cup fresh and eager to shine. Quick off the mark, a dynamic finisher and devoted to the game, this little penalty box predator is a striker that has it all.

Sergio Aguero helped Manchester City win the English Premier League title. Now his sights are on the World Cup.
Key stat: Best goal per minute ratio in the Premier League this past season (minimum 10 games played). That's a goal every 94 minutes.

What the experts say: "[He is] short but extremely skillful, Aguero reminds fans of other Argentine legends, like Maradona, thanks to his physicality and comfort with the ball at his feet." - Gustavo Hofman, ESPN Brasil

"[He is] a fast, excellent finisher, and with Messi in his team, Aguero is a candidate for the Golden Boot." - Paulo Cobos, ESPN Brasil

"When the ball breaks to Aguero in his favoured position on the right-hand edge of the opponents' box, there is usually only one end result. He is the Premier League's finest finisher and up there with the world's best. Gary Neville has compared his range of finishing to Romario. Should he stay fit, he and close friend Lionel Messi can make hay in Brazil." - John Brewin

"He is in the Top 5 list of players who can turn around a game by themselves. [He is] able to make the best split-second decision in the box and get past the strongest defence with tremendous leg power. If there were no Lionel Messi in this world, Argentina would still have an ace. Add Higuain and Di Maria to the attacking equation, and the reasons are clear why Argentina are one of the favorites to run away with the Cup." - Roberto Martinez, ESPN Argentina

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 10 Eden Hazard, Chelsea/Belgium

Why he's ranked: Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho promoted the talents of this mercurial midfield operator with increasing gusto as the Premier League season edged toward a conclusion and with good reason. Voted the Young Player of the Year in England, 23-year-old Hazard offered goals, assists and flashes of brilliance all season. Belgium will be hoping for more of the same from him this summer.

Belgium is counting on Eden Hazard to show some of the brilliance he did with his Premier League club Chelsea this season.


Key stat: Tied for the EPL lead in chances created this season (92) while ranking in the top 15 in both goals (14) and assists (7).

What the experts say: "Belgium have a number of talented attackers, but there's little doubt Eden Hazard is the star. Capable of assisting and scoring, passing and dribbling, Eden does everything with tremendous speed and manages to combine trickery with efficiency too. Marc Wilmots has plenty of options going forward, but Hazard is assured of his place on the left flank."-- Michael Cox

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 9 Arjen Robben, Bayern Munich/Netherlands

Why he's ranked: Robben has long been something of a divisive figure for his friends and foes, with the accusations that he falls over a little too easily and can be selfish on the pitch compensated by his sublime match-winning qualities and dynamic turn of pace. Yet Dutch coach Louis van Gaal appreciates his abilities and will build his attacking threat around this former Chelsea and Real Madrid star.

Arjen Robben helped lead Bayern Munich to the Bundesliga title. Now he will look to spearhead the Dutch attack.


Key Stat: Known as one of the best left-footed shooters in the world. Robben has 34 left-footed goals in Bundesliga play over the past four seasons, more than any other player. (as of 4/30/14).

What the experts say: "Robben will bring the ball to the middle and shoot with his left foot. Everyone knows that, but few players are able avoid his traditional and decisive move." - Leonardo Bertozzi, ESPN Brasil

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 8 Xavi, Barcelona/Spain

Why he's ranked: This brilliant midfielder may have been a little unfortunate to find himself in the same team as Lionel Messi at Barcelona, with the little Argentine often stealing the headlines that could have belonged to Xavi. Yet this Spain midfield string puller doesn't seem to be the type who craves the attention, always letting his eloquent football do the talking.

Xavi's intelligence and flair make him dangerous in the midfield for Spain.


Key stat: Led La Liga (84) and UEFA Champions League (103) this season in passes per game.

What the experts say: "Very few footballers have such football intelligence and are able to apply it so regularly, so quickly and under such pressure as Xavi. Utterly in love with the game he graces, this man's greatness goes beyond what he's won and lost in his career. Someone who makes football more aesthetically pleasing than it was." - Graham Hunter

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 7 Yaya Toure, Man City/Cote d'Ivoire

Why he's ranked: Toure's pace, strength and agility are not typical traits for a man of his towering stature. Yet he has all that and more, as his physical presence makes him a threat in the air -- and in the tackle. His shooting power is also impressive, and he will be keen to transfer his sparkling Premier League scoring form with Manchester City into the international arena at Brazil 2014.

Yaya Toure's ability and and sheer size make him a dominant force for Cote d'Ivoire.


Key stat: Yaya scored more EPL goals this season (20) than he did in his first three EPL seasons (19).

What the experts say: "A colossus. When Yaya picks up the ball, he tilts the balance of play. With him it's not just power, it's so much more. Twenty goals in 35 league games from midfield for Manchester City this season tells its own story." - James Horncastle

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 6 Neymar, Barcelona/Brazil

Why he's ranked: The considerable weight of an expectant football nation will engulf 22-year-old Neymar this summer, and he appears to have the talent and temperament to deal with those demands. Boasting an electrifying turn of pace, finishing ability with either foot and growing awareness of those around him, he appears to be maturing at the right moment to cement his legacy. Expect him to offer up some of his trademark outrageous goals this summer.

Neymar helped Brazil to last year's Confederations Cup win. Now, he'll try to repeat that success on the sport's biggest stage.


Key stat: Won the Golden Ball at the 2013 Confederations Cup as the tournament's best player.

What the experts say: "The King of his own Carnival: a genius who will feel invincible and unbeatable with a supporting cast of good players that will be there to serve him." -- Rafa Ramos, ESPN Deportes

"Talented and unpredictable, Neymar carries the responsibility of leading Brazil in a route to the sixth world title." -- Leonardo Bertozzi, ESPN Brasil

"Neymar carries a huge responsibility in a Brazilian team in which he is the only undisputed ace. That said, he shows a level of maturity with the Selecao that he still lacks in Barcelona." >-- Paulo Cobos, ESPN Brasil

 

[Saahil Parikh]

Anybody made the fantasy league?

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 5 Franck Ribery, Bayern Munich/France

Why he's ranked: Quick feet, a fine tactical brain, experience and finishing power have made Ribery one of the most potent performers in European football for some time, and his importance to France at Brazil 2014 cannot be underestimated. He has come in for some criticism at Bayern Munich this season, but that will not deter Les Bleus coach Didier Deschamps from tapping into this left winger's reliable, incisive style of play.

Franck Ribery is a veteran and still one of France's top players. Will he have the form to lead Les Blues to a World Cup victory?


Key stat: Ribery led Bundesliga in assists in 2011-12 and 2012-13, with 13 and 14, respectively, and he is currently third in 2013-14 (10). He also finished second to Joao Moutinho with 6 assists during UEFA qualifying.

What the experts say: "[He is] the star for France, a team that improved a lot in the last months." - Gian Oddi, ESPN Brasil

"Every time he touches the ball, something happens. He was on fire last season with Bayern Munich. A bit less this year after some injuries, but his pace with the ball and his technical ability make him such a dangerous player. At 31, it is his time to shine on the big stage one last time." - Julien Laurens

 

[The Chill Master]

No. 4 Luis Suarez, Liverpool/Uruguay

Why he's ranked: Suarez's contribution to Uruguay's run to the semifinals of the most recent World Cup was marred by his handball on the line that denied Ghana a place in the final four, but his status as a world superstar has risen dramatically since. The most outstanding player in the English Premier League with Liverpool this season, he is heading to Brazil 2014 with the world at his feet.

Luis Suarez is a gifted striker whose creativity with the ball makes his teammates better.


Key stat: Suarez led the Premier League last season with 31 goals and was second in assists (12) despite missing the first five games due to suspension. Only teammate Steven Gerrard had more assists (13).

What the experts say: "Blessed with the facility to finish, the power to tackle defenders in open play and personality to spare, he is an ideal partner to [Edinson] Cavani for Uruguay. The only issue: Keeping his cool." - Paulo Cobos, ESPN Brasil

"[He is] king of strikers in a team and league where goals abound. This season, he scored 31 in 35 games -- without taking penalties -- matching the record shared by Cristiano Ronaldo and Alan Shearer. Plus, he had 12 assists. His colleagues and the British press deservedly chose him as the best player in the EPL this season. Much of what Uruguay can do depend on Suarez repeating what he does every weekend: scoring from every angle and under any circumstance." - Enrique Sacco, ESPN Argentina