Brazil suffers a big Loss

After scoring eight goals to help Brazil win the South American qualifying tournament in April, Kerlon earned rave reviews and was justifiably tipped to be one of the players to watch in Peru. "Unfortunately, he suffered a severe sprain in his left ankle and will not be fit to play in the tournament. After taking advice from the medical staff, we very reluctantly agreed to omit him. It is undoubtedly a major loss and he will be missed by the team, but as a squad we're well prepared and we have players ready to step in," says coach Nelson Rodrigues.

Kerlon was the focal point of the team in the Sudamericano in April and one of five Brazilians chosen as the tournament's best XI. The others were Ramon, a left-sided winger who loves to get forward, Leyrielton and Marcelo, roaming full backs in the Brazilian mould, and Anderson, a striker with what local experts are calling "unlimited potential". Marcelo and Anderson, however, will have to wait at least until the second game of the tournament for their debut after carrying over one game suspensions from qualifying.

Italy and Gambia are the first ones to arrive

The countdown has began. The beginning of the FIFA World Youth Championship in Peru is very close and two of the participant teams are already in the south american country. Italy and Gambia arrived on monday at the international airport Jorge Chavez.

Gambia national team trained on the Videna Field yesterday in the morning, and then moved to continue their preparation at the National Stadium. The players showed a good mood at the time they were walking on the artificial grass of the stadium. The African team amazed the local journalist because of their very tall players. They come after an important training tour in USA, England and Costa Rica.

the coach Osam Dudu said that he has confidence in his team, which has enough technique to win the cup. They already played on artificial fields, so they wont have problems when facing Netherlands, Qatar and Brazil, in the group D.

Italian players were tired due to the long trip and didn't talk to the press. Anyway, they seemed very happy to be part of a FIFA World Cup. They took the bus and headed to "Melia" Hotel.

"We think we must get the first place in our group. Once there, anything could happen" goal keeper Simone Santarelli said. Midfielder Marco Mancuzo, mentioned they're prepared to get to final stages of the tournament. "Italy has always been a favorite team and we will prove it".