The European Championships start in mid-June, but shortly before then many (old) stars can be admired in a football tournament. The “Seniors” World Cup will be held in Newcastle at the beginning of that month. The eight countries that once became world champions compete against each other. That's why they brought in so many great names, as Joris Press also says on 90 Minutes.
Ricardo Kaka, Thierry Henry, Mesut Ozil or Frank Lampard. These are just a few of the names that will soon be gunning for a world title with their country.
They are now a bit old for the regular national team, but in the 'Senior' World Cup (EPG Cup) they got an excellent opportunity to show once again why they belong at the absolute top of the world.
Of course, these players are not old people, but their age is over 35 years. A condition for participating in the World Cup Finals, which will be held at St. James' Park, Newcastle United's home stadium.
The tournament begins directly in the quarter-finals. how is that possible? Only 8 countries participate. The ones selected are the eight (former) world champions: Brazil, Italy, England, Uruguay, Spain, Germany, France and Argentina.
McManaman is still as sharp as ever.
Philip Goss
Each country has already appointed a leader. For Italy it will be Marco Materazzi, and England will give Steve McManaman the squad. “And he's still as sharp as ever,” Philip Goss says on 90 Minutes.
Aside from the leaders, several stars have also indicated that they will participate. Ronaldinho, Michael Owen, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, Crespo, Forlan, Totti and Cannavaro will soon go head to head.
To give the stars some relief, 70-minute matches are played and substitutions are allowed continuously. It's a nice concept on paper, but does it also make for a great spectacle on the pitch?
Players confirmed so far:
- Brazil: Emerson (captain), Roberto Carlos, Cafu, Kaká, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo
- England: Steve McManaman (captain), Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Robbie Fowler, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Owen.
- France: Christian Karembeu (captain), Marcel Desailly, Thierry Henry
- Uruguay: Diego Logano (Captain), Diego Forlan
- Argentina: Esteban Cambiasso (Captain), Hernan Crespo, Pablo Zabaleta
- Italy: Marco Materazzi (Captain), Fabio Cannavaro, Francesco Totti
- Spain: Michel Salgado (Captain), Carles Puyol, David Villa
- Germany: Kevin Kourani (captain), Mesut Ozil, Sami Khedira
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