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Thirty of 32 World Cup teams play this week
(AP)
Updated: 2006-02-28 08:54
"Everything depends on how many injuries we have," Eriksson said. "The door
is open to everyone, but if everyone is fit then I'm quite sure of 19 or 20 at
least."
Germany faces Italy without experienced defender Christian Woerns, whom coach
Juergen Klinsmann said last week would not be part of his World Cup squad after
the player criticized him.
Captain Michael Ballack said the decision surprised him.
"Christian was an important component of the national team," he said.
However, Klinsmann is thought to prefer younger defenders with attacking
skills.
Timo Hildebrand or Jens Lehmann are expected to play in goal in place of
Oliver Kahn, who has pulled out with a bruised thigh. Germany also plays the
United States in Dortmund on March 22.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi named newcomer Manuel Pasqual and welcomed back
forward Christian Vieri. Pasqual, a 23-year-old Fiorentina defender, is
replacing injured Juventus regular Gianluca Zambrotta while Vieri, now with AS
Monaco, is rejoining the Azzurri after eight months.
Lippi also recalled AS Roma midfielder Simone Perrotta and Juventus
goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, fully recovered from a shoulder injury that
sidelined him for months. Real Madrid midfielder Antonio Cassano was left off
the roster.
France coach Raymond Domenech called up Lyon defender Francois Clerc for the
first time for the Slovakia match. Domenech also recalled AS Roma defender
Philippe Mexes after a two-year absence and retained Fenerbahce forward Nicolas
Anelka.
Dutch coach Marco van Basten also picked a rookie in his squad to play
Ecuador, Feyenoord midfielder Nicky Hofs. Rafael van der Vaart, Robin van
Persie, Wesley Sneijder and Andre Ooijer all were left off the roster to recover
from injuries.
Countries must select their 23-man rosters in May.
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