World Cup Qualifying on Saturday

World Cup champion Italy is in action on Saturday as they begin qualification for the 2010 World Cup. Italy shouldn’t have any problems as they play Cyprus on Saturday and Georgia next Wednesday. Head coach Marcello Lippi is back to try and repeat the 2006 World Cup run. "Lippi has the same charisma and the same determination as two years ago," Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro said. "We know that we have to qualify for the next tournament as defending world champions and we will have more responsibility." Italy should also have Luca Toni back in the lineup on Saturday.

Georgia is a team that has had to change its schedule because of the problems back home with Russia invading. They will now play against Ireland in Germany. Captain Kakha Kaladze is not happy about playing a home game at neutral site. "I and many of my teammates continue to ask ourselves why this decision was taken," Kaladze said, "There is no civil war in Georgia. We are not dangerous. What would happen if we played in the Tbilisi stadium? Nothing. It would only be a festival for thousands of people that are suffering."

Spain begins their World Cup qualifying at home against Bosnia-Herzegovina but will be without forward Fernando Torres who is injured. He will also miss the match against Armenia. He was injured last Sunday as he tore his hamstring while playing for Liverpool. Spain will also be without midfielder David Silva. Spain head coach Vicente del Bosque will be looking for a strong start from his squad as the Euro champs don’t want to run into any trouble in qualifying. "We want to give our best and change our mind-set because while the European Championship was very nice, it is already gone and we need to concentrate on the present," Spain midfielder Marcos Senna said.

Germany will also be looking for a strong start in qualifying. Germany coach Joachim Loew will be missing captain Michael Ballack and Torsten Frings. France is another squad that wants to start strong. "There is an element of revenge after the disillusion of the Euros. We have to give much more than we did in the past," France winger Samir Nasri said. "Every success is based on defensive solidity, but you should not forget the attacking strengths of this team."