Sport | Football
Capello reignites England's World Cup dreams
- By Rohan Alvares, Sports Reporter
- Published: 00:00 March 11, 2010
Abu Dhabi: England manager Fabio Capello is braced for what he termed as "the most important challenge" in his life as he bids to lead the nation to their first World Cup crown since 1966 in South Africa.
Speaking ahead of yesterday's Laureus World Sports Awards in Abu Dhabi, Capello said: "It's always a challenge to be England manager. All the people think it's the second hardest job in England. But for me the challenge is always important. Because at my age, without challenges, I can stay home and grow old. I like the challenge and this will be the most important challenge of my life."
With Europe still waiting for its first World Cup winner outside the continent, Capello believes his side are among four European teams capable of creating history in South Africa. "I respect all the teams, but I think it's time for one of the European teams to win," said the former Milan and Real Madrid manager. "I also think one of the African teams will be really dangerous, because the support of the fans will be really strong. This time we have four really good teams. We don't have a problem with jet lag which will be a problem for the South American teams like Brazil and Argentina."
"In my job when I was manager of clubs, at Milan, Juventus, Roma, Madrid, I tried to win always. It's the same now as England manager. And we have one of the best teams that will play the World Cup. We hope to arrive at the semi-final minimum and, after a lot of years, to win the World Cup. We have good players and at this moment we think we can beat all the teams because we can play at the same level as the best teams in the world," he added.
Beckenbauer calls for more referees
- RA
Abu Dhabi: German football legend Franz Beckenbauer believes the introduction of goalline technology would kill the emotions that accentuate what is widely regarded as the most controversial sport in the world.
"Maybe the key to the future is what Uefa is testing right now- the two additional referees placed next to the goal," said Beckenbauer on the subject that became a worldwide debate following Thierry Henry's infamous handball incident against the Republic of Ireland. "I think that's a good idea, not just to see the ball pass the goal line or not, but also this additional referee can support the real referee."
Sport Editor's choice
-
New faces add pep to England challenge
Skipper Cook aims for a better start in the one-day series and promises a positive approach against Pakistan
-
Quiros upbeat despite failed bid
play improved in last round, Spaniard says
-
Players defy all odds for a special contest
Pakistan beat England by 14 runs in close game
