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.
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• Lionel Messi has told ESPN FC he is confident he can finally shine at the World Cup this summer as he looks to captain Argentina to glory. READ MORE.
• Joachim Loew has admitted that he is worried about the form of the Germany players ahead of announcing his preliminary squad on Thursday. READ MORE.
• Our series of World Cup classic matches continues as Robin Hackett looks back to the "Game of the Century" between Italy and West Germany in 1970, as well as that year's final as Brazil were crowned champions in spectacular style.
INTERNATIONAL BIRTHDAYS: Norman Whiteside (1965), Julio dos Santos (1983), Jes Hogh (1966).
DID YOU KNOW?
In 2001, Taiwan and Turkmenistan attracted only 20 paying customers to the King Hussein Sport Complex in Jordan's capital, Amman. Turkmenistan won the qualifying match 1-0. An even smaller crowd watched Taiwan play in 2006 -- Cris Freddi
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