There Is Only One Sinnacle

Part of me is wondering how the hell did Nani hurt his coller bone which will now cause him to miss the World Cup? Did Emile Heskey sneak into the Portuguese training camp and take out Nani? Either way it’s good news for Benfica’s Ruben Amorim who gets called up to replace Nani and bad news for people who were excited to see Nani surprise a few people by breaking out during the World Cup thanks to his end of year form with Manchester United. On the bright I am excited to see what Fábio Coentrão can do as he should be the one who gets Nani’s minutes.

Harry Redknapp insists he is “loyal to Spurs” and would be keen to extend his contract with Tottenham, despite reports linking him with the vacant manager’s job at Liverpool. ESPN Soccernet

Maybe if this was last year Redknapp would think about it. You can easily make the case that Redknapp is in a better spot with Tottenham than he would be with Liverpool. The only job I see Redknapp leaving Tottenham for is the England job.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is ready to offer Harry Redknapp his pick of three players to tempt the Tottenham boss into selling talented attacking midfielder Luka Modric. CaughtOffside.com

Some would say Modric signing a six year deal at Tottenham is a pretty good sign but the club and player are happy with each other.

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has lined up an £11m bid for Spurs striker Roman Pavlyuchenko – and is on the verge of signing Hull defender Steven Mouyokolo. Daily Mirror

Despite being able to play more can’t see Roman Pavlyuchenko leaving life in London for Stoke.

Bolton are poised to make a £2.5m move for Real Madrid’s young left-back Marcos Alonso. Daily Mail

Repeat what I said about Pavlyuchenko here also. The same applies.

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is interested in making a summer move for AC Milan striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. CaughtOffside.com

Someone should sign Klaas-Jan Huntelaar. The talent is still there just needs the right club.

Tottenham manager Redknapp has admitted he does want Joe Cole and wants to sit down with the Chelsea and England midfielder after the World Cup about a possible move to White Hart Lane. Footylatest.com

Joe Cole should at least consider Tottenham. He’d get to life in London still but with the depth Tottenham has at midfield Cole isn’t a lock to start week to week.

Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano hopes Rafael Benitez will attempt to bring him to the San Siro if the Spaniard is confirmed as Inter Milan boss. CaughtOffside.com

I’m sure a couple of Liverpool accountants wouldn’t made Inter Milan making a move for Mascherano.

Argentina 
 
Argentina and France may have coaches who are “unique.”  The difference is it seems like the France players tune out Raymond Domenech where as just about everyone on the Argentina team grew up with Diego Maradona as they idol.  People blame Maradona for Argentina having to stumble they way into the World Cup but it wasn’t like Argentina were playing like World beaters before he took over.  Lionel Messi is the best player in the world but his form for Barcelona is different from his form with the national team.  With the focus being on Messi it wouldn’t shock me if Ángel Di María doesn’t step up and become a key man for Argentina.  After a couple of years where Di Maria shown flashes of genius he put it all together for both club and country.   There is two sides to Argentina,  the offensive power house up front with a collect of world class talent.  Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Carlos Tevez, Diego Milito, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Aguero.  Then there is the back line despite having Champions League finalist Walter Samuel, and Martín Demichelis will need the likes of Javier Mascherano to help clear the lines.  The key to defeating Argentina has always been to get under their skin which ends up throwing them off their game.  Even with Maradona not being a tactial genius can’t see this team not making it out of the group team and come the knockout round they have enough special talent who can turn a game around and take them far into the late stages of the World Cup.
 
Key Player – Lionel Messi
 
Sinnacle Prediction – 1st in Group B

Greece 
 
I know I’m going to come off as a hater but I admit nothing gave me more pleasure than seeing Greece bow out of Euro 2008.  The Euro 2004 winners are making their second trip to the World Cup and much like the 1994 World Cup Greece will have to face Argentina in the group stage.  Otto Rehhagel is not going to change his coaching techniques which have taken Greece to their best results in history. The core of this team being around at Euro 2004 the likes of Giourkas Seitaridis, Giorgias Karagounis, Kostas Katsouranis, and  Angelos Charisteas can only help them in the World Cup.  It will be isn’t to see just styles in football cultures as Greece play a vastly different type of football than Argentina, South Korea and Nigeria.  Despite showing great for in qualifying I’m far from sold with this Greek side but picking spots 2 to 4 in this group is almost a toss up. 
 
P.S Otto Rehhagel I know a coach isn’t suppose to plan for the future at the World Cup but it would be nice to see 20 year old Sotiris Ninis pick up some minutes in the World Cup.  Been waiting for him to break out on the World stage.
 
Key Player – Georgios Samaras
 
Sinnacle Prediction – 3rd in Group B

Nigeria
 
I remember as far back as 1994 people where picking either Nigeria or Cameroon as the two African teams to make the breakthrough into the elite of World Cup.  Aside from some Olympics medal showings it just hasn’t appear for Nigeria.  My favorite part of this Nigeria team is no one out of Nigeria is really focusing in on this club.  Unlike in previous World Cup there is very little pressure on Nigeria to perform at this World Cup with most people picking the likes of Ivory Coast, Ghana, or Cameroon making the South Korea type run to the semi finals.  I like clubs who can go about there business under the radar and Nigeria does fit this description.  Losing John Mikel Obi to injury and having to deal with fans trying to stampede a recent friendly isn’t the perfect way to enter the World Cup.  Manager Lars Lagerback has taken Sweden to the knockout round in the last two World Cup’s and more importantly oversaw a Swedish victory of Greece in Euro 2008 which I do believe will make the difference in this group.
 
Key Player – Peter Odemwingie
 
Sinnacle Prediction – 2nd in Group B

South Korea
 
Eight years later I still don’t like South Korea.  I know I should let it go and I know it’s Portugal own fault for losing their cool in the 2002 World Cup but I still blame South Korea for knocking Portugal out.  Despite holding France to a draw in the last World Cup, the then Dick Advocaat lead side where not advance to repeat the magic of 2002.  Unlike 2002 no one takes South Korea lightly anymore and to South Korea’s credit they as a group play a lot better than the individual parts but just don’t see them having the firepower to advance in this tricky group.
 
Key Player – Park Ji Sung
 
Sinnacle Prediction – 4th in Group B

South Africa

In many cases the World Cup brings a lift to the home country (looking at you South Africa) but there will be no invictus ending when South Africa hosts the World Cup.  Quick can you name me one player on this team not named Steven Pienaar?  With Benni McCarthy sent home for being a moody fattie who is going to be the hero as everyone on the other team will be closely watching Pienaar?  I know South Africa played well in the Confederations Cup last week giving Brazil and Spain a run for their money.  The Confederations Cup however is still a tuneup so even with the home fans behind them look for South Africa to bow out gracefully after three games.
Key Player – Steven Pienaar
Sinnacle Predication – 4th in Group A

Mexico

The best thing to happen to Mexico was defeating Italy 2-1 recently.  Not all friendlies are created equal and even if Italy are not at 100% to beat the World Champions and to beat them with some ease must give them a lift going into the opening game against South Africa.  Up until then wasn’t sold on Mexico and I’m still far from sold on this Mexican who have yet to find their identity as a group.  The whole Dos Santos mini saga where Tottenham forgotten midfield Giovani Dos Santos and his father where openly upset about Jonathan Dos Santos being cut from the squad.  Mexican coach should of cut both Dos Santos brothers after that out burst.  After popping in a handful of goals in Mexico’s recent friendlies it will be interesting to see if Manchester United new boy Javier Hernandez can make Sir Alex Ferguson look like a genius by having a breakout World Cup.  Mexico shouldn’t have an issue up front with the likes of Javier Hernandez, Carlos Vela, Cuauhtémoc Blanco being supported by the likes of Giovani Dos Santos and Andres Guardado in midfield but at the back is where Mexico should be exposed.  Mexico is usually a very easy preview to write.  Unless they are hosting the World Cup they make it to the second round and go home but after spinning their wheel through most of qualifying I such don’t believe Mexico will get it together during the World Cup.

Key Player – Carlos Vela

Sinnacle Predication – 3rd in Group A

Uruguay 

Previously said Mexico was an easy team to predict well judging from Uruguay World Cup form since the glory days it wouldn’t shock me if many people picked Uruguay to bow out of the World Cup in the first round like previous World Cups of the past.  Not me however I am sold on this team from top to bottom they have enough talent to play with the best teams in the world.  The only thing this Uruguay team needs is the belief that they can play with the best in the World.  I like the back line with the likes of Juventus/Barcelona’s Martín Cáceres, Porto’s Jorge Fucile who can play either wing position along with his team mate Alvaro Pereira and Benfica’s Maximiliano Pereira.  The latter team also able to push up and play midfield.  Add to that Villarreal’s Diego Godin and Uruguay can move than hold their own back there.  Up front Diego Forlan will steal all the headlines as he is rightfully one of Europe’s best strikers who is peaking at the right time as he was scoring goals and big goals too for fun in big games for Atlético Madrid then you have Luis Suárez who scored goals for fun with Ajax last year and Palermo’s Edison Cavani who almost help lead them to the Champions League.  I like Uruguay’s balance,  the talent is there it’s all mental from here on end but can easily see them make the final eight of the World Cup.
Key Player – Diego Forlan

Sinnacle Predication – 1st in Group A

France

Great team on paper,  weird coach on the sidelines with Raymond Domenech over staying his welcome by two years after failing to lead France out of the Group stage of Euro 2008.  France recent 1-0 defeat to China (China!?!) coupled with how they got to the World Cup won’t have many people looking at France to repeat the performance of the last World Cup.  Much like after the 2002 World Cup where France didn’t make it out of the group stage in the following Euro 2004 France respectably made it to the quarterfinals before bowing much.  I feel history repeating itself here.  I don’t see France failing to advance in Group A but I don’t see them making a mark come the knockout round either.  A round of 16 or Quarterfinal finish should be where France will bow out.  On paper much like the Euro 2008 this side is impressive and even without Karim Benzema can still boast one the best collection of talent in World.  You have Hugo Lloris who wouldn’t shock me if he became one of the best goalies in the world to the likes of William Gallas who despite being a head case plays big in big games.  From there I can go down the line with the likes of Eric Abidal, Gaël Clichy, Patrice Evra, Florent Malouda, Franck Ribery, Nicolas Anelka, and Thierry Henry.  All top players who have an impressive resume it just sad that thing France side just never seem to get it right since making the World Cup final.  From Domenech being weird, Ribery, Govou’s off the field activities just see to many distractions and no one like Zidane around who can pull everyone together.

Key Player – Florent Malouda (really liked his Chelsea form all season and one of the few France players who are entering the World Cup at their peak)

Sinnacle Predication – 2nd in Group A

Manchester City are mooting a potential swap deal with Barcelona which would take Eastlands outcast Robinho to the Nou Camp, with Sweden international striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic moving in the opposite direction. Sport (In Spanish)

If you are Barcelona you should at least listen to the offer if Manchester City ponies up some cash. Robinho is quite a wild card. Manchester City isn’t going to get what they paid for him but it will be interesting to see which team is currently laying in the weeds ready to make a move.

Arsenal are prepared to let midfielder Cesc Fabregas leave for Barcelona if the Catalan club double their offer to £60m for the Spanish midfielder. Daily Mail

Fabregas is not worth Kaka money (argument can be made however) but Fabregas is worth more than the 30 million Barcelona has offered Arsenal also.

Real Madrid are considering an offer of £40m for Fabregas in an attempt to sabotage Barcelona’s efforts to sign the 23-year-old Spain international. Footylatest.com

I can’t see it but Fabregas did leave Barcelona once already. While silm you never know if he would sign for Real Madrid. Personally I’d pocket 20-25 million and sign Javi Martinez.

But Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard is the preferred transfer target for Real Madrid fans, according to a poll in Spanish newspaper Marca. Footylatest.com

Wonder how Gerrard would react to playing in the right side of midfield. Unless Kaka goes it’s doubtful Gerrard would play right behind the strikers and at Liverpool Gerrard was never quite happy playing that role.

Real midfielder Lassana Diarra is a £24m transfer target for Manchester United. Caughtoffside.com

At least Diarra would stay on his feet unlike the often injured Owen Hargreaves.

Manchester City will present a final £27m bid to Aston Villa for midfielder James Milner but the Midlands club are holding out for £30m. Daily Star

When it’s that much money involved and that close you know something is going to get done.

Arsenal have made a fresh £8m bid for Lorient centre-half Laurent Koscielny. The Sun

Koscielny may turn out to be a great player but this doesn’t excite anyone.

Birmingham will increase their offer for Palermo striker Fabrizio Miccoli after the Premier League’s club initial £3.4m bid was rejected by the Serie A side. Daily Mail

Huge fan of Miccoli that is all I wanted to say.

Tottenham are preparing a £16m bid for Porto’s Colombian striker Radamel Falcao. Footylatest.com

Falcao was one of the few bright spots for Porto last season ripping up the Portuguese league and of interest to Tottenham adding a few goals in the Champions League as well.

Spurs outcast Giovanni Dos Santos is a target for Spanish club Sevilla, along with Mexican compatriot and Arsenal striker Carlos Vela. Mirror

You know Tottenham are crossing their fingers hoping Dos Santos has a good World Cup so they can make a nice return on him.

Adidas is so orginal they decided to rip off star wars. Where is the fat kid who picked Djibril Cisse in the Adidas 2006 World Cup Commercial?

The bad news just keeps on coming as Rio Ferdinand will also miss out on the World Cup having suffered a knee injury. With Ferdinand joining David Beckham on the sidelines Michael Dawson no longer has to hate Jamie Carragher as he is likely to be called back into the squad. Speaking of Carragher he should be next in line to partner up with John Terry in England’s backline. Setting the over/under on the amount of fouls Carragher will commit in the box at 1.5. With the captain gone all signs point to Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard stepping to became the new England captain.

Stunning news as Didier Drogba has just been ruled out of the World Cup with a broken elbow. The hits keep on coming with Michael Essien, David Beckham, Michael Ballack and now Didier Drogba ruled out of the World Cup. I’m going to try and not gloat about or be happy about this news. (believe me I am) I do feel bad karma will strike in the way of a Portuguese player but hurt so let me be the first to say it’s a shame one of the World’s best football players won’t get to take part in the World Cup. When you include Jose Bosingwa it’s now four big name Chelsea players who won’t take part in the World Cup. Someone put Frank Lampard in a bubble.

What a reckless challege by Japan’s Marcus Tanaka

Manchester United are weighing up a move for Real Madrid playmaker Rafael van der Vaart.
Full story: caughtoffisde

Like the picture of Sir Alex giving Mourinho a call, maybe sending him a nice bottle of wine before asking if he can take van der Vaart off Mourinho hands.

Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure is desperate to join Manchester City with his agent already in talks with the Premier League club. Daily Mirror

After years of linking the Toure brothers together maybe this is the year it finally happens.

Tottenham are preparing a £20m bid for Atletico Madrid’s Uruguay striker Diego Forlan. Daily Star

After having so much success in Spain would Forlan risk going back to England?

Arsenal could offer £7m plus youngsters Francis Coquelin and Armand Traore for FC Lorient defender Laurent Koscielny after an initial £4m bid was rejected. Daily Mirror

No idea the truth in the offer amounts but always love how the papers usually report Arsenal making a low ball offer.

Chelsea have given up hope of keeping Joe Cole and have withdrawn their contract offer for the England star. Daily Star

If Chelsea wanted Joe Cole they would of signed him along time ago. Chelsea will move on once Joe Cole signs elsewhere.

Bolton also hope to sign Chelsea striker Franco di Santo for around £2m. Daily Mirror

di Santa is one of many young players who haven’t been able to make the grade at Chelsea.

Birmingham are considering an offer for Palermo’s 5ft 6in striker Fabrizio Miccoli. The Sun

Birmingham would be lucky to have Miccoli play for them. No way he trades life in Italy for Birmingham.

Liverpool fans burned American flags in a protest against the club’s owners outside Anfield, following the departure of manager Rafael Benitez. Daily Telegraph

Classy

Former manager Kenny Dalglish will be given the responsibility of drawing up a shortlist of names to replace Benitez at Anfield. Daily Mirror

Benitez’s exit has opened the door for Real Madrid to sign midfielder Steven Gerrard.
Full story: IMScouting

Without an owner they can forget about Martin O’Neill. Liverpool should look no further than too Mark Hughes who would jump at the chance to coach Liverpool despite his Manchester United connection. He did a great job having to coach Wales and Blackburn with one arm tied around his back. In the short term he would be the best man to get the most out of what he is given to work with.

Former captain David Beckham has sent axed England winger Theo Walcott a text message to help him get through the agony of missing out on selection for the 2010 World Cup. Arsenal star Walcott was one of seven players to miss out on Fabio Capello’s 23-man squad. Daily Mirror

If I’m Darren Bent I’m going where is my text?

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is examining his legal options in a bid to force through a move to Barcelona. The 23-year-old has considered exploiting Fifa’s ‘Webster ruling’, which states that a player who signed a deal before the age of 28 can buy himself out of the remainder of his contract three years after the deal was signed. However, it would cost Fabregas £28.6m to buy out his £110,000-a-week contract which has five years to run. goal.com

If Cesc Fabregas want to leave for Barcelona I don’t blame him. I’d be tired too of going through the same type of season year after year. Six years of promises is along time. On the flip Arsenal fans have some great patience as during that time they have never laid blame on Fabregas for Arsenal’s failures. Way too often when a club doesn’t win it’s best player is made the scapegoat.

Arsenal are considering a move for West Ham’s £6m-rated England goalkeeper Robert Green, 30, after opting not to pursue 37-year-old Fulham stopper Mark Schwarzer. caughtoffside.com

Green is better than anyone they have now but playing for West Ham is very different than playing for Arsenal. One has to wonder if he can make the step up game after game.

Manchester United are interested in Lyon’s £22m-rated Brazilian left winger Michel Bastos, 26.
Full story: caughtoffside.com

Bastos goal in yesterday Brazilian friendly sure didn’t hurt him from making the rumour mill.

Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly met with Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic in Miami, to discuss a potential move to Stamford Bridge. IMScouting

Bless Ancelotti if he can handle Drogba, Ibrahimovic and Anelka on the same team.

Real Madrid look set to beat Manchester United and Chelsea to the signing of Benfica winger Angel Di Maria. IMScouting

No way Benfica can keep him. Go on now and cash that Real Madrid cheque.

Arsenal and Tottenham are locked in a head-to-head battle for the signature of £9m-rated Manchester City defender Micah Richards. footylatest

Micah Richards could be the new Sol Campbell if Arsenal is able to pull this off.

Portsmouth and England goalkeeper David James could be in line for a move to Fulham as Arsenal step up their interest in the Cottagers’ Mark Schwarzer. Daily Mail

Don’t see Arsenal making a bid for Schwarzer hence don’t see David James going to Fulham.

Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland could also be on the move, to Sunderland, as a replacement for Craig Gordon who has failed to convince manager Steve Bruce he is up to the job. Daily Mail

Do think Kirkland is a good goalie but wouldn’t take a chance on him as he missed way too many games due to injures every season.

Arsenal have become the latest team to be linked with Chelsea’s out-of-contract midfielder Joe Cole, but the player will not decide on his future until after the World Cup. Daily Mirror

A good World Cup means extra cash for Joe Cole on his next contract.

Captain Rio Ferdinand has revealed striker Wayne Rooney to be England’s karaoke king with the Manchester United star set to entertain his team-mates on and off the pitch in South Africa. Daily Mirror

I’d love to see this.