World Cup Countdown: Maradona announces squad with a bang

1 days to go

(AP)

Argentina manager Diego Maradona knocked over a cameraman on the way to announce his 23-man finals squad in Buenos Aires yesterday. Adding insult to injury, the 49-year-old lambasted his victim, whose leg was run over. "What an asshole you are," he shouted from his car. "How can you put your foot under the wheel, man?" Maradona then proceeded to announce his squad, surprisingly including a sixth striker in Diego Milito and omitting the Newcastle United defender Fabricio Coloccini.

Spain have included both Liverpool striker Fernando Torres and Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas in their final squad, despite lingering injury doubts over both. Torres (knee) and Gunners captain Fabregas (leg) both missed the end of the Premier League season and were seen as doubts for Vicente del Bosque's European champions. The notable omission from the Spaniard's list was Villarreal midfielder Marcos Senna, who impressed at Euro 2008.

Highlights of the day

Quote of the day

"They will massacre me, but I don't care. It will go in through one ear, and out of the other."

Marcello Lippi is not bothered by the media as he prepares for his final act as Italy manager. Fiorentina's Cesare Prandelli is being lined up to replace Lippi, who is expected to step down after next month's tournament

Fashion statement of the day

"Big brands have advertising campaigns offering to reimburse consumers if Les Bleus win the World Cup – I'm shocked. It gives us an image of losers. We have a coach who wants to make everyone laugh. Suddenly, it has become a fashion – even the sponsors are there."

Youri Djorkaeff laments the losing mentality instilled by France coach Raymond Domenech, soon to be replaced by Laurent Blanc. As it is in fashion, let's all laugh at France!

Motto of the day

"What I learnt is don't take a job where politics are that important." What Sven Goran Eriksson learnt from his spell with Mexico, preferring the simple jobs – with lots of money