FREE FourFourTwo newsletters for all!

Register now and get:
  • The inside track on the big issues
  • Tactical insight from our experts
  • Players to watch
  • Analysis & humour
  • Exclusive competitions
  • Stick-men drawings
  • WAGs, bets, bargains & more
See a sample newsletter
Sign up now to avoid disappointment
And why not check out the magazine?

Van Persie: Teamwork the only way ahead

Reuters - Sunday 04 July 2010, 18:46

CAPE TOWN - Teams who focus their World Cup strategy on big names are a thing of the past, according to Netherlands striker Robin van Persie.

His Dutch side have reached the semi-final where they take on Uruguay on Tuesday, while Spain and Germany meet on Wednesday to decide who will be the other finalist.

But all the so-called 'big' names in world soccer like Wayne Rooney (England), Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Kaka (Brazil) are no longer part of the tournament.

Van Persie said on Sunday that you can no longer rely on one or two players to win the tournament as may have happened in the past.

"It might have been the situation with Maradona, though he received a lot of help," Van Persie told reporters. "It is not as easy to focus as a team on one player.

"Seeing the other teams like us, Germany and Spain, it is obvious that the team must do it together."

"England and Portugal placed their hope on Rooney and Ronaldo (and failed) but this is a blessing for football."

Follow FFT.com on Twitter
Join FFT.com on Facebook

Top Stories

Poll

Who would you rather have playing for your club?

  • Neymar
    50 %
  • Wayne Rooney
    50 %

Spotlight

Rooney, Neymar and 2014

12 months out, the stars look to the World Cup

Spotlight

One-on-One

Your questions answered by an A to Z of legends

Advertisement

Spotlight

He's here, he's there, he's...

75% of all TV is Bale

The cost of Premier League away travel

On the road to ruin

Spotlight

Win personalised boots

Adidas Nitrocharge for you