Brazilian Cities Await FIFA's World Cup Decision

There has no doubt been a fever of excitement in South America following FIFA's decision to award the 2014 football world cup to Samba stars Brazil for the second time. Arguably the greatest and most exciting side in the competitions history - synonymous with all time soccer greats like Pele, the Brazilians football flair is nationally renowned and the nation has continued to produce world class stars including Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Ronaldinhio and Kaka in recent years. FIFA is soon set to announce which of the 14 applicant cities are set to host international matches during the world cup in Brazil which is certain to give the perfect platform for a new galaxy of international Brazilian stars. While most people have been concerned with the quality of facilities that are currently in place in the region, my only personal hope is that England can at least qualify - at least we will then once again have the chance to once again be embarassed by some of the best players in the world!

Shearer Issues Rallying Cry For Magpies

Newcastle Legend Alan Shearer has issued a rallying cry to his troubled Newcastle side following Saturdays draw at Stoke. The Magpies all time top scorer - currently in a temporary managerial position at the club - called on his team to fight to the wire in what promises to be a close relegation battle for Premier league survival. Shearer watched his side battle back well from a goal down at the Brittania stadium yesterday afternoon in a hard fought contest with a tough and competitive Stoke side - who have shown some promise in their stubborn and hard working performances at home this season. North-East born local boy Andy Carroll grabbed a late equaliser for Newcastle after Abdoulaye Faye scored against his former club in the first half. If Newcastle are to avoid the drop this season it is likely that they must do so (at least in the short term) without Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins who pulled out of the squad just before kick off with a groin strain.

Liverpool Suffer Gerrard Injury Blow

Liverpool's challenge for silverware this season has been hit by a second major blow in a week. After the embarrassing mauling at home by Chelsea in the Champions league quarter final first leg a few days ago, it has now emerged that the Kop hero Steven Gerrard has suffered a recurrence of a niggling groin injury which will limit his appearances in Liverpool's title run in. It has emerged in the UK tabloids today that he is unlikely to start in Saturdays premier league game against Blackburn, and may also miss the return leg against Chelsea at the bridge - a game in which Liverpool must score at least 3 times. This news must be a huge blow to morale of the Liverpool team following the crushing defeat at Anfield earlier in the week and leaves a young squad to whom every game is now crucial without their inspirational figurehead in midfield. While Liverpool need all but a miracle in the champions league, their recent Premiership form and poor results for title rivals United have reignited their slim hopes of snatching the biggest prize in English football away from the holders. However, this news may all but extinguish their realistic hopes of silverware this season.