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View full post on FIFA Update – Guardian

Spain striker Fernando Torres is confident he will have a big part to play in Sunday’s World Cup final.

The Liverpool superstar was dropped for the semi-final win over Germany, with Barcelona youngster Pedro preferred.

Torres had started Spain’s previous four games, after coming on as substitute in their opening match, but he is yet to score in South Africa.

Despite his profligacy so far, he is hopeful of getting the chance to start against Holland in Johannesburg.

“I still feel I have a big part to play at this World Cup,” he told the Daily Express.

“It is up to the coach, Vicente del Bosque, if he starts me, but I feel ready. I don’t want to make excuses but I haven’t been at my best in this World Cup because my fitness is not where it should be.

“But every day I feel that little bit sharper in training and I am ready to start if called on.”

Dream

Torres scored the winner for Spain in the final of Euro 2008 and he is just hoping he gets the chance to repeat that feat.

“It’s been my dream to score in a World Cup final since I was a boy,” he continued.

“When we were playing in the street and I scored I would always pretend I was scoring the winning goal in the final. On Sunday I have the chance to make that dream come true.

“I don’t want to even imagine what defeat feels like.”

Torres reiterated that he had not even given his club future with Liverpool a thought since Roy Hodgson was appointed manager.

“To get one chance at one World Cup final is more than most players will ever have,” he said. “So my concentration is on Spain.

“After Sunday I can think about meeting the new manager. Then they can tell me their plans.”

View full post on FIFA Updates – MSN

Ghana captain Stephen Appiah insists that he will be travelling to South Africa for the World Cup in June.

The Bologna midfielder has been battling with injuries over the past two years and struggled to find a club before settling down in Italy late last year.

However, the 29-year-old is back and has a point or two to prove at the global showpiece.

The former Juventus star told Soccer Week: “I am very determined to break into the first team. This is an opportunity I wouldn’t want to miss. Ask 10 out of 11 players and they will tell you how important the World Cup or any major tournament is to their career. This is the finest gathering of those who call the shots in the game. I see myself as a big shot and would be a big loss if I don’t make it into Milovan’s team.

“For those who think I am finished, they should just be on the lookout. South Africa will prove why I am still the Tornado.”

The Black Stars took part in their first ever World Cup four years ago in Germany, reaching the Round of 16, to the surprise of many.

Appiah wants the team build on their debut campaign and take the world by storm once again.

He added: “This is our second outing and we are keen on doing better than we did in Germany.

“Four years ago, people said we were fantastic but I don’t know what they will say this time around. Maybe stupendous or something! I don’t know. I am looking forward to our first match against Serbia and so are the other guys.

“I have talked to (Michael) Essien and (Sulley) Muntari and both tell me they are going to have a feast of sorts.

“The young ones are also keen on making statements for themselves. That commitment and zeal to die for the nation alone should tell you how important and serious all of us are taking this World Cup.”

View full post on FIFA Updates – MSN