Will the Curse of the "Confederation Cup" Sink Tournament Favourites Brazil?

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. Jim Rohn

A look through the odds set by the leading betting houses would give a picture of the front runners at this World cup. It does not surprise anyone to see Brazil placed on the top, with an odd of 3/1. Argentina surprisingly (at least for me!) is placed second at 4/1 ahead of Germany at 6/1 and Spain at 13/2. One may argue about placing Argentina ahead of Germany and Spain (may be the location being in South America mattered) but there is no argument about Brazil being favourites. They have been the favourites from the time they thrashed Spain at last year's confederation cup. Many pundits believe that they have got the most balanced squad in the competition and some even believe that they will just annihilate every opposition in the path.

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Ivan Rakitic to Join Barca for 20 Million Dollars! Is this a done deal?

Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth. Marcus Aurelius

The rumours are buzzing around about a deal between Sevilla and Barca for the potential signing of Ivan Rakitic. Catalan radio station, RAC1 has broke this story and what we are made to belive is that only few details are left to close this deal. Ivan Rakitic, who have a 40 Million buyout clause would join Barca for 15 Million + another 5 Million in bonus deal. This is made possible due to a clause in Rakitic current deal with Sevilla, which lowers his buyout clause if FC Barcelona or Real Madrid comes caling for his service. Both of them had arrived, and it is reported that the midfielder chose the Catalan giants ahead of the current UEFA Champions League winner. If the reported price is correct, then it's one hell of a grab for FC Barcelona and a huge loss for Sevilla.

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"Marco Reus is Not For Sale" says Dortmund, Who Cares we already bought him, didn't we?

A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on. Winston Churchill

Again those damn lies! It's just don't stop wouldn't it? Then this is transfer window is all about, at least for Sport and MundoDeportivo. Yesterday they were at it again; the front page was full of stories about Marco Reus arrival to Barca. This was supposed to complete in a matter of days, or so did they say. The way it was put forward, especially the ferocity made it a believable one to many. But all those dreams have just thrashed by a clear cut statement from Borussia Dortmund. One has to question whether the way the Spanish media was building up this story forced the German club to make an official statement. Dortmund's Sporting Director Michael Zorc made it crystal clear what he thought about these rumours when popped the question :

Firstly, Marco Reus has himself said he will play next season at Dortmund. And secondly, it would be of no use to make an offer because we have no intention of letting Marco go.Michael Zorc, Borussia Dortmund Director

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