On June 12, the world’s eyes turn to Brazil for the start of the 20th FIFA World Cup, but the planet’s biggest football tournament will have plenty of news and views in the months leading up to it. ESPN FC’s World Cup Daily blog is the place to be:
TOP STORIES:
• League matches were played at the Itaquerao stadium in Sao Paulo and the Arena Pantanal in the western city of Cuiaba on Sunday as test events ahead of the World Cup. Both grounds are way behind schedule World Cup organizing committee CEO Ricardo Trade said after the match in Sao Paulo: "We are very satisfied. There are wonderful things, but there are some adjustments to make, there are still some things to finish. It was fundamental that we staged this event." All 12 World Cup stadiums have held test events, but not at full capacity as many venues still have missing seats. READ
• Here's a story you would not expect. A 72-year-old martial arts expert from the English town of Bolton is training the Brazilian special forces in the art of self defence. Steve Costello is so well thought of that the chief of police refers to him as "the legend." READ
• Roy Hodgson has dropped his biggest hint yet that he will partner Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in England's midfield at the World Cup by making the Chelsea veteran his vice-captain. READ
INTERNATIONAL BIRTHDAYS: Alessandro Nesta (1976), Kolo Toure (1981), Diego Forlan (1979)
DID YOU KNOW?
On this day in 1957, England went to Dublin needing a point to qualify for the 1958 World Cup finals. Hardly mission impossible, given that they'd just thrashed the Republic of Ireland 5-1 at Wembley, but it turned into a grind to try and get back on level terms. Alf Ringstead put Ireland ahead then, in the very last minute, a good pass by right-back Jeff Hall sent Tom Finney down the touchline. He beat three players, including Republic captain Noel Cantwell, before sending in a cross which big John Atyeo headed home -- Cris Freddi
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