WORLD CUP NEWS | IN BRIEF
USA get Altidore fitness boost
ENGLAND’S opening match opponents USA look set to have star forward Jozy Altidore fit to face Fabio Capello’s men.
Altidore, who spent last season on loan at Hull from Villarreal, missed Friday’s warm-up win over Australia but returned to training yesterday.
The 20-year-old did not need strapping on his return to action, and is now tipped to take part on Saturday.
Dutch hopeful on Robben injury
HOLLAND boss Bert van Marwijk is hopeful winger Arjen Robben will win his battle to be fit for the World Cup.
Robben injured his hamstring during a two-goal cameo as Holland beat Hungary 6-1 in a warm-up match on Saturday.
Robben stayed at home while the squad flew out to South Africa, but optimistic Van Marwijk has opted not to call up a replacement. He said: “I want to give him every chance to still participate.”
Xavi wants Fabregas at Barca
SPAIN playmaker Xavi has told international colleague Cesc Fabregas he would love the Arsenal captain to join him at Barcelona.
The Gunners snubbed a £30m bid from Barca last week and are refusing to contemplate a sale, but Xavi still sees his fellow midfielder lining up alongside him at club level. “I would love him to come,” he said. “I have already told him so. He’s a footballer made up of Barca DNA.”
Tevez raring to start tournament
ARGENTINA and Manchester City star Carlos Tevez insists his team will be much better than in qualifying when the tournament gets underway.
Diego Maradona’s men only scraped into the finals but Tevez said: “In the qualifiers everything was a lot more difficult. Injuries didn’t allow me to be fully fit – now I feel 10 out of 10. I am a lot more focused than four years ago.”