Planet World Cup

A round-up of today's other World Cup stories in brief.

Flutter of the week

We're not ones to doubt the publicity departments of bookies so we'll trust that this  yarn is very nearly true.

According to the Daily Record a man walked in to a Glasgow bookies last week and put £27,000 in cash on Brazil to win the World Cup.

While the staff counted the cash he explained to them that he's going through a bitter divorce and that he'd be damned if his wife is going to get his hands on his life savings. "He said that even if he lost the lot he'd be comforted by the thought that his wife would get less in her divorce settlement," they said.

Err, what if Brazil do win the World Cup— and he collects £94,500 in winnings? "He asked staff not to reveal his name, and said he would keep his win a secret from his missus and buy himself a house." The Daily Record, naturally, respected his wish to remain anonymous.

Well, almost: "Do you know the punter? Call us on 141 309 3254".

Who're you calling fat?

That Ronaldo lad would want to have a thick skin, so often are his physical shape and attributes ridiculed. It would appear, though, he's chosen to fight back, and isn't afraid to take on the highest and mightiest.

After the president of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, jokingly asked coach Carlos Parreira, in a video conference last week, if Ronaldo was, indeed, fat, the Real Madrid man responded thus at the weekend: "I also would have had many things to ask the president. Everyone says that he drinks heavily. If it's a lie that I'm fat, it's also a lie that he drinks."

Cripes! All Ronaldo has to do now is find the artist behind this caricature, found floating on the internet. You'd dread to think what they'd do to Ronaldinho's teeth.

Quote of the day: one

"It's a bit like constipation. Your worries build up and you just need one moment to get rid of them and hopefully the strikers can do that in Germany." - Zico, the Japanese coach, hoping his goal-shy forwards will soon unblock their route to goal.

Verse of the day

Alas poor Sven, here we go again; They're giving you a hell of a kicking; No shape, no thrust, a general's a must, Your midfield just isn't clicking; Frank and Stevie G; It's plain to see; Want to play in the same position; You should have brought Nicky Butt, or a similar nut; But they say you're a brutal tactician; 'But three points we collected, no more could be expected', you protested after the game; 'And it was bloody roasting my boys were toasting; So forgive me, but I feel no shame'. 'We're stronger, I promise, Than in Japan/Korea, When you all said I wasn't fit to coach Tanzania; But this is the golden generation I've an ace up my sleeves, His name's Owen Hargreaves; Although Carragher remains a temptation'. 'Bear with me, it'll be glorious, When in the final we're victorious, It'll be Sir Sven by the time I go. 'But whether I start with Theo, and stick with Rio, I really just don't know; 'New drawing board, please'

Stop mentioning the war

"Good afternoon everybody from the Frankenstadion in Nuremberg, one of the main industrial centres these days in southern Germany. It's a city that has faced up to its dark association with the Nazi rallies and war crimes trial and has moved on." - BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce, who could do with moving on himself.

Leonardo draws a blank

If England are fretting about accommodating Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the same midfield, the BBC must be wondering about the wisdom of putting Leonardo and Gordon Strachan on the same panel.

The former Brazil player made his debut on the channel yesterday, for the Mexico v Iran game, and while Gary Lineker and Lee Dixon chuckled heartily at Strachan's wisecracking Leonardo stared blankly ahead.

It's not, we assume, he didn't find Strachan funny, but because he couldn't understand a single word he said.

Gillette don't quite cut it

Hats off to Gillette, one of the many, many, many World Cup sponsors. The profile of Carlos Gamarra in their media guide for the tournament described the Paraguayan central defender as "dangerous at corners". And so it proved against England.

Tony's hair very apparent

For those of you edging into your 40s and beyond who fear imminent hair loss, here's a little sign of hope: spotted working as a pundit at the World Cup, former England, Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and FC Cologne striker Tony Woodcock (now 51), who appears to be acquiring more hair with every passing year.

Quote of the day: two

Reporter: "Would you like to leave England with an honorary knighthood?" - Sven: "I'd like to leave alive."

Headline of the week

"Argies Tune Up By Tinkling Ivories." - From the Sunday Mail.

Ronaldinho of Arabia

Mohammed Al Anbar has been dubbed the "Ronaldinho of Arabia", so no pressure on the 21-year-old as he prepares for his first World Cup. Alas, we discovered, it's not that he's as skilful as the Brazilian, it's because he's meant to be his double. Sorry, we're struggling to see it ourselves.