BRAZIL Coach Dunga expects goalkeeper Julio Cesar to recover from a lumbar strain in time for the World Cup opener with North Korea. (Brazil are 19/4 with bwin to win the World Cup)
NEW ZEALAND Midfielder Tim Brown has flown out to South Africa in a bid to confirm his place in the squad following successful surgery on a fractured shoulder. (New Zealand are 9/1 with Coral to begin with a win against Slovakia)
GREECE Defender Vangelis Moras has been ruled out of the World Cup opener against South Korea after failing to recover from an ankle injury. (A Greece victory is 7/4 with Victor Chandler, Coral and Ladbrokes)
SOUTH AFRICA Nelson Mandela is expected to attend the World Cup’s opening ceremony on Friday. (South Africa are 7/1 with SkyBet to win the opening game against Mexico 1-0)
ENGLAND West Ham chairman David Gold has admitted the club are not planning to hold contract talks with Robert Green, despite the England goalkeeper only having 12 months left on his deal. (Green is 6/5 with William Hill to start England’s game against the United States)
GERMANY Injured midfielder Michael Ballack is stunned at being released by Chelsea after having no contact with the club for three months. (Injury-hit Germany are 5/1 to finish third and 11/1 to finish fourth in a tough group with Ladbrokes)