Opening game injury woes

Given that some domstic leagues wrapped up a little earlier to give their national sides more preperation time, it is amazing to see how many players are ruled out or doubtful for the opening games of the World Cup from injuries sustained in training or warm up games.

Michael Ballack, Gianluca Zambrotta, Rino Gattuso have all been definitely ruled out of the opening games through post-season injuries whilst Djibril Cisse suffered a horrendous leg break this week, whilst Steven Gerrard, Harry Kewell, Ronaldo and Roque Santa Cruz have been listed as doubtful.

That's not even taking into account the players who have either been ruled out prior to the tournament, classed as fit without many games under their belt or actually travelling with an injury cloud hanging over them.

I don't expect it to be the end either.