World Cup 2014 Gossip Round-Up: Schwarzer, Costa, Evra and a Shakira Hat-Trick
A great announces his shock retirement, a controversial figure's participation is still in doubt, a French outburst and the return of two old favorites; it's all in this World Cup 2014 gossip roundup.
The Brazil World Cup is still over 200 days away, but there is no shortage of talking points in the news about the event.
Read on to find out what has been happening lately.
Diego Costa Could Still Miss out Altogether
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After much speculation, Atletico Madrid's Brazilian striker Diego Costa announced in November that he would reject a call-up to the Selecao and, instead, declare his allegiance to Spain.
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was none too happy about the prickly front-man's decision, saying in a statement, as reported by goal.com:
"A Brazilian player who refuses to wear the shirt of the Brazilian national team and compete in a World Cup in your country is automatically withdrawn.
He is turning his back on a dream of millions - to represent our national team - the five-time world champions - in a World Cup in Brazil.
"
In a pronouncement that must make the 25-year-old slightly nervous, the coach of the side he chose to pitch his horse to, Spain, admitted that Costa is, by no means, a guaranteed pick for the World Cup squad.
As Stefan Coerts reports on goal.com, Vicente del Bosque said the Atletico man would still have to prove himself in the months ahead:
"Diego Costa does not have unlimited credit.
It is true that we feel a bit of an obligation, but the final decision will be based on his performances over the course of the season.
He brings healthy competition to the team in attack, and we will select those who are the best.
"
Australia Will Have a New Goalkeeper in Brazil
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The Socceroos' reliable custodian at the past two World Cups, Mark Schwarzer, shocked fans in Australia on Wednesday by announcing his retirement from international football with immediate effect, reported by sportal.com.au.
The 41-year-old, who is the most capped player for his country with 109 appearances, had originally planned to call it quits after the World Cup but decided to end his involvement seven months out from the tournament.
The departure of the much-loved goalkeeper paves the way for a new No. 1 to take his place between the posts for the Socceroos.
Favorite for the role is Borussia Dortmund's back-up keeper, Mitch Langerak, while Club Brugge's Matt Ryan will also be in the running.
Patrice Evra Cleared to Play Despite Outburst
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France must get through a tricky two-legged playoff against Ukraine in order to qualify for Brazil, and the good news for Les Bleus supporters is that experienced left-back Patrice Evra will be involved, despite fears of a sanction from the French football federation (FFF).
Evra gave an interview on French television in which he described former international Bixente Lizarazu and other critics as "parasites." He was promptly called before the FFF to explain himself but was able to convince the powers that be that he was not deserving of a suspension.
As outlined on espnfc.com, the federation warned the Manchester United defender about some of the language used in the interview but declared he would be free to play in the crunch qualifying matches.
Shakira and Ricky Martin to Return
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Colombian diva Shakira will appear at Brazil 2014, where she will perform alongside Arab Idol winner Mohamed Assaf.
After proving hugely popular at Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010, the special lady friend of Spain defender Pique will complete her hat-trick in Brazil, according to colombiareports.co.
The official theme song of the tournament will be sung by another old favorite, Puerto Rican sensation Ricky Martin, who you might remember from such World Cups as France 1998.
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