Serbia’s frustrating run continues

Serbia’s miserable spell in Austria continued as they were held to a goalless draw by Poland on Wednesday night as they head towards the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Radomir Antic’s men suffered a surprise 1-0 loss to New Zealand in Klagenfurt on Saturday, a defeat which prompted condemnation from the fans. Their dismal start to this match was almost made worse in the seventh minute as Dejan Stankovic hobbled off with an ankle injury amid heavy downpours in Kufstein. However, the Inter Milan midfielder was able to come back onto the pitch.

Messi talks up Argentina’s hopes

Messi, the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year, has enjoyed another phenomenal year at club side Barcelona, winning the European Golden Boot with his 34 La Liga goals and also finishing as the leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League for the second successive year with a further eight. Much is now expected of the 22-year-old in the FIFA World Cup, but Messi has shrugged that off, saying: “At this stage I don’t have to prove anything. I’ve come there to do things well for me and for my team-mates.”

What do you make of your squad?

Now that the coaches have had their say, FIFA.com wants you to have yours. So, what do you think of your nation’s squad?

Brazil weather Zimbabwe storm

Brazil weathered a Zimbabwe storm before scoring twice late in the opening half to set up a 3-0 victory in a pre-2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa warm-up game. It was easy in the end for the team ranked first in the world against one that does not even feature among the top 100, but the South Americans stamped their authority only after surviving several goal-mouth scares. There will be one more African safari for the Brazilians, against Tanzania in Dar es Salaam next Monday, before they face likely Group G whipping boys Korea DPR on 15 June in Johannesburg.

Germany face early test of mettle

Group of death’ may be a well-worn tournament standard but it is an epithet that could apply to this section. Germany, who share the record for most FIFA World Cup™ finals with Brazil, will cast a shadow over their rivals’ preparations given their tradition of high achievement at this level. Yet the semi-finalists from 2006 were hardly alone in taking the fast lane to South Africa, with Australia, Ghana and Serbia all reigning supreme in their qualifying pools. The first two of those sides also gave eye-catching performances four years ago and are unlikely to stand on ceremony here, while Serbia’s talent production has never been in doubt.

Who should be Rooney’s partner

Wayne Rooney is an automatic in the England team. However, debate continues over who should partner the 24-year-old in attack at the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa. Fabio Capello has utilised Gabriel Agbonlahor, Darren Bent, Carlton Cole, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe and Emile Heskey there in recent matches. The Italian coach also has the option to deploy Michael Owen alongside his Manchester United team-mate, utilise Steven Gerrard in the position he plays for Liverpool, or give Bobby Zamora his first chance.