It’s a really weird feeling to replace someone I’ve idolised. He [Cole] was happy for me and congratulated me though, said Luke Shaw. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
SYDNEY:
South Africa coach Gordon Igesund on Sunday heartened Australia ahead of their ‘Group of Death’ at next month’s World Cup, claiming champions Spain have become ‘very predictable’.
Bafana Bafana, who shocked the reigning world and European champions 1-0 in Soweto last November, take on the Socceroos in a friendly in Sydney on Monday.
The inexperienced Australians, the lowest ranked team in the tournament, face a daunting task in Brazil against Spain, the Netherlands and Chile in Group B, with few giving them much hope of an upset.
But Igesund believes the stellar Spaniards have become complacent.
“Obviously Spain were the world champions when we played them and European champions but just in my humble opinion I think Spain has become very predictable, the way they play,” he told a press conference.
“They just continuously play the same way over and over. They don’t get wide, they don’t get balls into the box.
“When they get into those wide positions they want to pass it and pass it and keep going down the middle. You can plan against them, unless they change things.”
Shaw thrust into World Cup fast lane
Luke Shaw, who watched the last World Cup on television as a 14-year-old, is now being thrust into football’s fast lane on the global stage.
The precociously talented Shaw won a battle with his boyhood idol Ashley Cole for a left back spot in England’s World Cup, only two months after he had made his international debut.
It could be the start of many dramatic changes for the Southampton player, who is tipped for a move to Manchester United, Chelsea or another of the top Premier League clubs.
Shaw, who many already consider the best left back in the Premier League, admits he is on an incredible football journey.
“When I look back, it is unbelievable how far I have come,” he said at England’s training camp in Portugal this week.
“I have had two years playing in the Premier League, now I am going to represent my country at the World Cup.”
He said he watched the 2010 World Cup on television and barely remembers anything before. Shaw said he was stunned to be replacing Cole.
“A few years ago I was sat watching Cole on TV,” said Shaw, a Chelsea fan. “I’ve always admired him.
“It’s a really weird to replace someone I’ve idolised.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 26th, 2014.
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