Wednesday, 4 June 2014

Van Gaal: Van Persie will be fit for World Cup

Van Gaal: Van Persie will be fit for World Cup

Van Gaal: Van Persie will be fit for World Cup

Posted: 03 Jun 2014 06:27 PM PDT

Van Persie has been working his way back to full fitness after spraining his knee during Manchester United's UEFA Champions round-of-16 tie against Olympiakos in March. The 30-year-old was ruled out for six weeks and returned to Holland to undergo rehabilitation, though he came back for the final three Premier League games of the season, scoring against Hull City. Van Persie has played no more than 80 minutes in each of the Netherland's past two international friendlies against Ecuador and Ghana but he has scored in both games and Van Gaal is confident his star man will be fully fit for the World Cup finals. "He is not 100 per cent, but we have two weeks to go. I think he will be 100 per cent," said Van Gaal ahead of Wednesday's clash with Wales. "He is coming out of injury but we built him already up in our federation, our medical department. "It was under the permission of David Moyes. So we could control him, he has worked very hard. "Then he played two matches of 20 or 30 minutes and the last match 70 minutes. "We did not expect that as the injury was bad." The Netherlands will come up against defending champions Spain, Chile and Australia in Group B at the showpiece event, which kicks off on June 12.

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Booze, togas and a persistent Mariachi band: The story of Scotland at Mexico 86

Posted: 03 Jun 2014 09:29 AM PDT

"Toga! Toga! Toga!" chants Gordon Strachan. Now responsible for leading the national side to glory as manager, the former Scotland midfielder's most vivid memory of representing his country during Mexico 86 came not on the pitch, but off it, while dressed as an ancient Roman. "There was nothing to do," Strachan tells FourFourTwo. "No TV and you had one phone call a week, so we ended up in robes with flowers stuck in our hair, having a drink after the last game. Nobody else was there but us lads, it was good fun. You wouldn't get away with that these days." Sadly for Scotland, their team's booze-soaked swansong in Central America almost serves as the perfect metaphor for their team's dismal performance in the 1986 World Cup, in that very few people turned up. After a disappointing group stage – comprising three games, one point and a sole goal scored – Scotland were eliminated and the players planned a boozy, Animal House-inspired toga party. As it turned out, only Strachan, Charlie Nicholas, Jim Bett and Steve Nichol went to the effort of stripping their beds for the occasion. Brutal goodbye "It's quite weird," says former Scotland striker Nicholas, now 52, then a flashy 24-year-old forward with Arsenal. "After the last game you go home, pack your bags and your flight's ready to go the next day – it's as quick and brutal as that. "But after we got back we decided to have a toga night. Well, it ended up as only a few of us, but there we were dressed in togas, rather drunk, and it was quite a sight to see the current Scottish manager [Strachan] dressed up in a toga with a little wreath. It's a memory I'll never forget." Scotland's brief stay in Mexico may be remembered more by the players for their behind the scenes hi-jinks, but much like the 1974, 78 and 82 tournaments that came before it – the latter of which saw the team painfully miss out on the second round on goal difference – it could have easily been so different. Going into the competition, Scotland were still mourning the death of legendary manager Jock Stein, who tragically suffered a heart attack during the team's final qualification game against Wales in September 1985. But, with the reins handed to his part-time assistant Alex Ferguson – the man who'd guided Aberdeen to three league titles and Cup Winners' Cup glory in the previous six years – Nicholas claims the team was far from under a cloud. "If Fergie had said no, I think there would've been disarray," says Nicholas, "but the fact Fergie was on board and Walter Smith was coming with him, I think was a big positive for a lot of guys. "Several nights we'd be out for a bite to eat in restaurants and were allowed an occasional drink, so it was a very happy-go-lucky camp. I didn't know him, but he appealed to me immediately, Fergie." Though serious lessons about hype were learned in 1978, when manager Ally Macleod proudly boasted his much-fancied Scots would lift the Jules Rimet, or come back with "at least a medal", confidence in 1986 was high. This was despite the absence of Liverpool stars Alan Hansen – left out by Ferguson who questioned his commitment after a series of withdrawals from the squad – and Kenny Dalglish through injury. Undeterred, Ferguson's gifted squad was determined to finally make an impression at a major tournament. Missing stars "We were confident," remembers Nicholas. "We knew we had a lot of talented players. I mean, Dalglish pulled out with a knee injury, and he was the legend of legends for us all, but there were people like me who just about got in. "I'd gone from being the fourth choice striker to probably being the number one choice for Fergie, so it was an opportunity for me to get my reputation back in line and give myself an opportunity to play in a competition I'd never been in." Yet when the competition did finally begin, Scotland failed to live up to expectation. It was often the way during the 1970s and 80s, despite a golden era of players. The first game was an unlucky loss against World Cup debutants Denmark, with a seemingly legitimate Roy Aitken goal disallowed and Charlie Nicholas taken off with an injury, as Scotland perished at the hands of a majestic Danish side teeming with talent, including Juventus superstar Michael Laudrup. SEE ALSO The best team never to reach a semi-final Disappointing though it was, the defeat did provide another first-rate extra-curricular memory for the team, as the Scots made drinking buddies of the Danish squad after spotting them in the team hotel. "It was the day of the game, once we'd finished," says Strachan, then with Manchester United. "We got back to the hotel and there's banners and everything saying 'Well done'. We thought that wasn't bad for getting beat, so we were waving at the staff saying 'Thank you very much', but it was for Denmark who were staying in the same hotel. "They arrived back, so we were clapping them off the bus as we'd had a few drinks: 'That's great – you're some player, lad'. Fantastic." Sweaty work Back on the pitch, and Scotland took the lead against West Germany in the second group match through Gordon Strachan, yet the Germans levelled quickly through Rudi Voller and eventually came out as victors. "The hardest part was sitting and watching them against Germany," says Nicholas, consigned to the dugout with an ankle injury, "but when Gordon scored I actually thought we could win here. It was 120 degrees and it was taking its toll on the Germans as much as it was us, but they gradually wore us down. "I remember the boys physically after that game – Graeme Souness lost close to a stone. He was in prime condition, as fit a guy as I'd ever come across, and he lost a stone in one game, it was extraordinary." Somehow, despite a paltry return of one point and just one goal, Scotland entered their final game against Uruguay with a realistic chance of advancing to the second round, should they take all three points. But what followed from the South Americans – who only needed a draw to qualify – bordered on criminal. A red card for Jose Batista following a reducer on Gordon Strachan after just 56 seconds, a World Cup record, set the tone. "They were a disgrace, an absolute disgrace," bemoans Nicholas. "They just came and kicked the living daylights out of the boys. It was extraordinary. It was a really old fashioned, brutal team that was going to take no prisoners. If they were going to go out, they were going to do it screaming and bawling – and they did scream and bawl, but they were physically abusive. How they got away with it I'll never know, but they did, and they qualified." SEE ALSO The dirtiest game and the seven-goal thriller in Mexico As with all their World Cup showings before (and since), Scotland were being sent home at the first hurdle. It was a heartbreaking, yet inherently British, affair. Perhaps it just wasn't meant to be. After all, Alex Ferguson – now a knight of the realm – took the manager's job at a little-known club in Manchester a few months later, winning a record-breaking 49 trophies during his 26-year spell there. In hindsight, he probably doesn't lose too much sleep over his fleeting stint at the helm of the national squad. Musical memories Though they sadly didn't set the world alight on it, if nothing else Scotland left South America with plenty of off-field memories. And, if you're Gordon Strachan – a few friends, too. "The entertainment [in the team hotel] was a Mariachi band," he smiles. "Every time we ate, these guys would play their f***ing music. The boys knew they were getting on my tits, and told them: 'The wee man loves you', so they thought they were my best mate. Any time I went for a cup of tea, these f***ing three would turn up. "I remember one morning about six o'clock I cannae sleep, so I go down, make myself a cup of tea and I just see this head at the door. He goes and gets his two mates, they put their f***ing sombreros on and sang me a song at 6.15 in the morning." Strachan laughs: "Matter of fact, I have a signed album in the house: 'To Gordon, our amigo'. So that was the highlight of my World Cup." Charlie Nicholas is a pundit with Sky Sports: Keep up to date with all the latest news and analysis throughout the World Cup on Sky Sports News Gordon Strachan is a pundit with ITV: Catch live World Cup games throughout the tournament on ITV and ITV Player World Cup 1986:Interviews, features, top 10s, videos

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Everything you need to know about... Bruno Martins Indi

Posted: 03 Jun 2014 06:20 AM PDT

The 60-second story Born to a Portuguese mother and a Guinean father, Dutch international "Bruno" Martins Indi could be set for a move to the Premier League following the World Cup this summer after impressing for a fourth consecutive season at boyhood club Feyenoord. The versatile 22-year old is predominantly a left-sided centre-back, but has turned out as a left-back from early on in his career. Distanced from his parents as a young boy, Martins Indi was picked up by Feyenoord and nurtured through his teenage years, making the full squad in the 2010/11 season. The youngster made his debut in a Europa League tie against Gent in August 2010 at just 18, making his first Eredivisie appearance just three days later against Heracles Almelo. Although born in Barreiro, Portugal, Martins Indi moved to Rotterdam at a very early age and was given a dual passport, making him eligible for international duty for either Holland or his native Portugal. Having chosen the Netherlands, the defensive powerhouse made his full international debut in August 2012 and has since gained the trust of manager Louis van Gaal. The soon-to-be Manchester United boss has previously expressed his faith in Martins Indi and is reportedly ready to bring the centre-back to Old Trafford with him after the World Cup. Why you need to know him With the exit of Man United pair Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, Van Gaal could place his trust in the young defender, moulding him into a regular fixture at heart of the United defence should the move to Old Trafford go ahead. Also linked with Everton, Martins Indi will decide on his future after his international duty is done in Brazil. A move to the Premier League seems likely. Martins Indi will need to be on top of his game in Brazil if the Dutch are to progress from their potentially tricky World Cup group, and certainly if they are to triumph in their mouth-watering opener with Spain. If the youngster prevails at the highest level this summer, though, who knows who else he will attract. Strengths At 6ft 1in, the stocky centre-back possesses obvious strength and has been commanding at the back for Feyenoord throughout his years at the club. Coupled with his ability in the air you could be forgiven for thinking he is building a career solely on brute force. Think again. The 22-year old entertains composure beyond his years and his ball retention is a favourable attribute of his game. Weaknesses Despite not having a particularly bad disciplinary record when it comes to card stats, Martins Indi can be rash and clumsy in the tackle at times. This weakness is something that comes with his inexperience, however, and with a calm head on his young shoulders it's a kink that could easily be ironed out. They said… Van Gaal, often a stern and serious man,has been open in his praise for the young Feyenoord defender, even expressing a rare show of emotion when he once quipped: "I love you already, Bruno." He must be doing something right. Did you know? Playing the entirety of his thus far short professional career along the defensive line, Martins Indi was spotted while playing for amateur side Spartaan 20, where he played as a striker. What happens next? Now 22, Martins Indi has outgrown his starlet tag and has reached the stage in his career where his next decision could shape his future as a footballer. It is expected that despite Feyenoord closing the gap on Ajax this season, losing out on the title by just four points, the defender will leave the club upon his return from the World Cup. Provided they spend well, Manchester United could return to the force they wereonce recognised as next season under Van Gaal. The smart money is on Martins Indi to follow his international coach to Old Trafford, and many will be surprised if he goes elsewhere. Whatever the outcome, it is certain that the next step in his career is one away from Feyenoord. Talentspotter ratings Shooting 6 • Passing7•Heading 9 •Tackling 8•Pace 8•Work-rate 7•Crossing 6•Creativity 6•Dribbling 8

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Van Gaal: I want to be liked by my players

Posted: 03 Jun 2014 12:08 AM PDT

The Netherlands coach feels it is important to get on with members of his squad, as he looks ahead to taking over at Old Trafford after the FIFA World Cup. Van Gaal, 62, has tried everything to develop his relationship with players, but has endured high-profile spats with the likes of Rivaldo during his long and distinguished career in the dugout. "I'm bothered about whether the players like me," he said "It's very important. I am a coach who wants a good relationship with my players. "And I do everything to reach that level but sometimes it is not reachable as the players are not open-minded and don't adapt to the norms that I put in the team. "Most of the players (I have coached) are saying lovely things about me. "There are also players who are very angry with me. Franck Ribery, Luca Toni, Hristo Stoichkov and Rivaldo." Van Gaal revealed he came "very close" to taking over at Tottenham before accepting the job at former Premier League champions United. "I came very close. Very close. Yes. As a little boy I was a fan of Tottenham Hotspur with the team of Jimmy Greaves when he was the champion," he said. "Jimmy Greaves was my idol. So I was very close."

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Charlton and Lineker disagree on Rooney

Posted: 02 Jun 2014 09:24 PM PDT

Just days after Roy Hodgson described the nation's 'obsession' with the Manchester United striker as 'sad', Charlton and Lineker weighed in on the endless debate. Rooney, 28, has failed to score at two FIFA World Cups and is under pressure to perform in Brazil, where England face Uruguay, Italy and Costa Rica in Group D. Charlton, England's all-time leading goalscorer with 49, said Rooney was the only 'class' player in Hodgson's squad. "Wayne Rooney is the only one that comes to mind when you think of where are our class players are coming from," he said. "Rooney will have to play. He's just got that something extra. He will thrive, I think, on a successful performance in the World Cup. "I think that a lot of the others are young, and they have an opportunity and they have something to prove, but it's going to be difficult. "In every position there seems to be a little bit of doubt in my mind, apart from Wayne Rooney and even Wayne would want to play in certain positions, but it's up to the manager." Charlton believes Rooney (38 goals) is capable of beating his goalscoring record. Meanwhile, Lineker, who struck 48 times for England, said Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge should be Hodgson's number one option up front. "One thing should be pretty permanent - and that's that Sturridge plays up front, in the middle. He gives us different options," Lineker said. "He gives us a threat behind the opposition defence, which I think is really important and that's something Wayne Rooney doesn't do so frequently. "Rooney's very good at coming off of course, creating space, turning, hitting shots and bringing other people into the game, working hard, but in terms of a threat behind the opposition's defence, that's Sturridge's territory. "That makes the opposition slightly nervous, so they edge a little further back which creates more space between the defence and midfield for others to exploit. If we can do that, it makes teams think. "Whereas, if you've got a central attacking player who doesn't go that way, the opposition defence can squeeze up and then you've got less space to actually perform in. "So the question then, of course, is 'Right. We've got Sturridge up front - but who do we play, which system do we use and where do you play Rooney?'"

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