World Cup Initial Squads (1 of 2)

It is almost clear now, who will play next month in South Africa. All coaches submitted to FIFA list of players to play for their teams.

Here are some important dates that you may like to follow:

• 11 May: Teams must submit 23 to 30 names to FIFA.
• 1 June: Teams must narrow down the list to 23 names only. (no players outside the first list)
• 4 June: FIFA to release all names
• Only in case of injury, teams can change a player till 24 hours before team first match. Players can be outside the initial 30 names.

With the submitted lists, there has been many controversial debates, the super star of the week   undoubtfully was Maradona.

In addition to the old known list of players to miss the world cup like Juan Riquelme, David Bechkam, Ashley Cole, Alessandro Del Piero here are more names. Some expected, some surprising. I marked the ones that are surprising to me by yellow:

• Ronaldinho (but he will be in the seven reserve selections in case of injury)
• Pato
• Adriano
• Neymar
• Francesco Totti 
• Luca Toni
• Mario Bolatolli (Inter, famous by Super Mario)
• Cassano
• Inzaghi
• Marco Matterazzi
• Cambiasso
• Zanetti
• Gago (Argentinian in Real Madrid)
• Lisandro Lopez (Argentinian in Lyon), named best player in French League
• Ruud van Nistelrooy
• Seedorf
• Karim Benzema 
• Samir Nasri
• Patrick Vieira
• Paul Schols: said no to Capello after he was called.

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD DIRECTLY FROM FIFA PDF FILE WITH FULL TEAM LISTS

Some comments on teams:

• Brazil: Though I was little disappointed not seeing Ronaldinho name among the 23 key players, I say I never seen Brazil as so focused since 1994. Dunga is prepared for a real mixture of tactic and skills without much of a showoff.
• Italy: Yes, the coach is Marcello Lippi, but Italy for me seems far from being favorites, especially with many names like Fabio Cannavaro, Fabio Grosso and Andrea Pirlo. People, keep telling me that you never know when Italy or Germany surprise us. This time, I say Germany? May be, but Italy? Will wait and see
• France: Henry is in, Benzema and Nasri are out. I am not a fan of Benzema, but I think his performance with Real Madrid was excellent this year and deserve a seat in the blues. At least Frank Ribery name is still there in the list after his big sexual scandal.
• Spain: very good strong squad. what I doubt is the fatigue of players. Xavi, Torres, Ineista and Fabregas are all surrounded by news of injuries.
• Argentina: ......................... well well well, this is worth a special different post. This is the most contraversial one.