Akram backs England

KARACHI: Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram backed England on Saturday to win the World Cup, saying he expected Sven-Goran Eriksson’s men to triumph against the odds. “Since Pakistan is not playing, I back England and by watching them play in recent months I feel they have the firepower to win the World Cup,” Wasim said.

Mineiro joins squad

WEGGIS: Sao Paulo midfielder Mineiro joined Brazil’s World Cup squad on Friday as replacement for knee-injury victim Edmilson. The Barcelona holding midfielder pulled out of the squad on Wednesday after a scan revealed he had fractured his knee-cap. Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira moved quickly to find a replacement and Mineiro is determined to be more than just back-up.

Bonus for Togo players

LOME: The World Cup bonuses of finalists Togo were still being discussed tho-ugh the players have reached common ground in their bargaining attempts with the national football federation. Togo have made a revised offer of 120,000 euros a man for competing in the finals, plus 30,000 euros per win and half that amount for defeat. Federation president Rock Gnassingbe said: “We have had discussions with the players and we have reached common ground.”

Japanese duo in doubt

TOKYO: Japan’s first-choice strike pairing, Naohiro Takahara and Atsushi Yana-gisawa, are fitness doubts for final warm-up match against Malta on Sunday. Takahara trained alone due to a sore knee while Yanagisawa was sidelined with a hamstring problem. “These kinds of muscle injuries are always worrying,” coach Zico said. “We will see what’s what in training but I very much doubt either of them will be able to play.”