Thursday's World Cup 2010 round-up

This is North Korea's first World Cup since 1966

North Korea's cunning plan to use their third goalkeeper spot for an extra striker has backfired badly.

Fifa have told them Kim Myong-Won, who usually plays as a centre-forward, will only be able to play as a goalkeeper in the World Cup.

Coach Kim-Jong Hun only named two regular goalkeepers in his squad, opting to choose Kim Myong-Won as a back-up keeper.

But in a statement, Fifa said: "The three players listed as goalkeepers can only play as goalkeepers during the Fifa World Cup and cannot play outfield. This will be communicated to the teams in the team arrival meetings and will be enforced on match days."

France defender William Gallas is hoping to be fit to play in France's final friendly against China on Friday.

Gallas missed training on Wednesday because of a stomach ache but coach Raymond Domenech says he should have recovered in time for the game on the island of Reunion.

Domenech originally planned to play Gallas for 90 minutes but he has had a rethink: "We have to take into account the fact he's been ill."

France have hosts South Africa, Mexico and Uruguay in their group.

Birmingham City's new striker Nikola Zigic wants to forget the memories of 2006 and prove himself at the World Cup.

The 6ft 8in Serbia forward played in Germany but failed to impress and he told Fifa's website: "I have changed a lot. I went to Germany as player with no reputation or real experience to speak of.

"Tactically, I have learned a lot and I'm in much better condition, both physically and psychologically. This is my World Cup, I think I can play a lead role and I want to show I'm a player that can do it in big games."

Lars Jacobsen believes Denmark are a dark horse who could spring a surprise in South Africa.

The Everton defender said: "If nobody is talking about us, we like it that way. We have not got big stars but we are a solid unit and work hard for each other.

"We had a very good qualifying campaign. We beat Sweden twice, drew one and won one against Portugal, so results speak for themselves. We did not concede many goals and that is our strength."

Japan and the Ivory Coast have arranged a specially extended friendly on Friday in order that both coaches can take a look at as many squad players as possible.

Japan coach Takeshi Okada said he would be using all 23 players at some point in the game, which will last for an extra 45 minutes.

"I want to give everyone a run-out. Both sides will give the reserve players a game," he said.

The Blue Samurai have lost four out of their last five games and are determined to break that run before the tournament kicks off in earnest.

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