By RYAN TOLMICH
Brazilian star Oscar insists that any team looking to win this summer’s World Cup will have to go through hosts Brazil, especially if you are South American rivals Argentina.
In a recent interview in Brazil, Oscar laid out a clear challenge to Argentina.
“I think to win the World Cup in Brazil then they’re going to have to beat Brazil,” Oscar said. “They’ll have to play out of their skins because we’re going to do everything to win this World Cup. And we’re going to run until the very end and then we’ve got the Brazilian fans with us too. So to beat Brazil at home it would have to be a historic game and very difficult but I’m sure this won’t happen. I’m sure we’ll bring this World Cup home.”
“Don’t even think about it!” added the Chelsea midfielder in reference to Argentina’s chances. “Argentina won’t win even if hell freezes over! We’d never let them win! They’re a great team but Brazil won’t let that happen.”
Here are some more stories from around the world of soccer:
RIBERY RULED OUT OF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH
Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribery will miss next week’s Champions League matchup with Arsenal due to surgery, according to the club’s site.
Ribery underwent surgery on his buttock last Thursday to fix a burst blood vessel. The surgery has been deemed successful, but the French midfielder has been ruled out of training until next week.
Ribery is expected to recover in time for the second matchup between the two teams, which will take place in Munich.
FULHAM-LIVERPOOL AT RISK OF BEING POSTPONED
Wednesday’s Premier League matchup of Fulham and Liverpool is facing the risk of being postponed due to planned London Underground strike.
The match is scheduled to be held at Fulham’s Craven Cottage and Fulham are operating under the idea that that match will go on as scheduled. However, according to their website, the club will wait until Tuesday to release an official decision.
Liverpool enter the game fresh off of a 5-1 battering of title challengers Arsenal, while Fulham were able to salvage a late draw with Manchester United last time out.
According to BBC.com, Arsenal’s matchup Wednesday with Manchester United is expected to go on as planned.
QUICK KICKS
Manchester City’s Yaya Toure will not be disciplined for kicking Norwich’s Ricky van Wolfswinkel. (REPORT)
Construction continued in Brazil despite union threats to protest death of a worker. (REPORT)
Chicharito frustrated with Man United playing time according to Mexico coach. (REPORT)
Neymar returns to Barcelona training after missing seven games. (REPORT)
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What do you think of today’s news? Will Brazil win on home soil? Will Ribery’s absence hurt Bayern’s chances at The Emirates? Will postponing this week’s matchup hurt Liverpool’s momentum?
Share your thoughts below.