Archive: Portugal
Mid-Afternoon Kick-About
Other notes: - Netherlands Coach Marco van Basten picked a 28-player provisional squad. Yet another veteran was cut loose -- Edgar Davids (Roy Makaay and Clarence Seedorf already had been left out). - Ukraine/AC Milan super-striker Andrei Shevchenko will miss 25 days with a knee injury. If the 25 days starts today, that means he's back in action on June 1. The Ukraine has a friendly vs. Italy scheduled for June 2, and opens Group H play vs. Spain on June 14. - Germany/Dortmund MF Sebastian Kehl may miss the World Cup with an ankle injury -- possible ligament tear. - U.S. defender Cory Gibbs signs with Charlton in the Prem. He played with Feyenoord this season. According to Gibbs, a number of other Premiership clubs, including UEFA Cup finalists Middlesbrough and Bolton, were also interested in the left-sided player who made his full international debut in 2003. - It's...
By Jon DeNunzio | May 8, 2006; 01:43 PM ET | Comments (13) | TrackBack (0)
Who Do You Like in Group D?
Ok, it's Friday, time for some predictions. Here's some background on Group D: - Steve Goff's group analysis (written the day of the draw). - The Post's short team previews (also written in December). BBC team previews: - Angola - Iran (please note the emphasis on Iran's one WC victory -- vs. the U.S. in 1998) - Mexico (also some good reading here) - Portugal My thoughts: Hard to imagine huge surprises in this group. Iran and Angola just don't seem viable picks to advance. Yes, the U.S. wishes it got the seed the Mexicans did. Oh well. 1. Portugal 2. Mexico 3. Angola (this is my only surprise -- the Angolans will play a good team close and beat Iran, taking third) 4. Iran...
By Jon DeNunzio | May 5, 2006; 12:10 PM ET | Comments (28) | TrackBack (0)
Why the World Cup Rules ...
It is still is home to some of the silliest sports stories you'll ever read. For instance: Portugal's team chef is preparing to serve chicken soup during the tournament. "Nutritionally it is the wrong option but it is a dish that warms and comforts. We are going to give them what they need physically but also what they need spiritually." I have nothing to add....
By Jon DeNunzio | April 18, 2006; 07:10 PM ET | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0)
