Posted by ESPN.com
Struggling Elano leaves Brazil training early (Reuters): Brazil's injury worries mounted Tuesday when midfielder Elano left a training session early just three days before the team's quarterfinal with Netherlands. Brazil is already without midfielder Ramires, who is suspended after two yellow cards, for the match in Port Elizabeth, while two more midfielders, Felipe Melo and Julio Baptista, are doubtful through injury. Elano, who scored in Brazil's first two games, was one of 10 players who took part in physical activities on a golf course on the outskirts of Johannesburg the day after the 3-0 win over Chile in the second round. He left the practice about halfway through the hourlong training session and talked to team doctor Jose Luiz Runco. Elano, who was expected to return against Chile on Monday, injured his ankle in the 3-1 win over Ivory Coast on June 20. Felipe Melo suffered a twisted ankle in Friday's 0-0 draw with Portugal and Julio Baptista hurt his knee in the same game. Ramires replaced Felipe Melo against Chile while Dani Alves has taken the place of Elano. The Brazilian Football Confederation was not immediately available to comment on the fitness of the three players.
Brazil is World Cup bore, blasts Cruyff (The Mirror): Johan Cruyff has launched a blistering attack on Brazil after claiming he would not pay to watch the five-time world champions. Dutch master Cruyff says Dunga's team is a turn-off and does not provide enough entertainment despite its march into the quarterfinals. Cruyff said: "I would never pay for a ticket to watch the matches of this Brazilian team. Where has the Brazil team we all know disappeared to in this World Cup? I look at this team and I remember people like Gerson, Tostao, Falcao, Zico or Socrates. Now I only see Gilberto, Melo, Bastos, Julio Baptista. Where is the Brazilian magic? I could understand why Dunga has picked some players but where is the playmaker or skill in midfield? I don't think any spectator would pay to watch them. Brazil need to play with more intensity, more bite on the pitch because they are not special, they are just like any other squad in this World Cup. Always the fans want to enjoy Brazil, enjoy their fantasy at World Cups but they do not have that this summer. They have talented players but they play in a way which is more defensive and is less exciting. It is a shame for the fans and the tournament. They are one of the teams people want to see."
Brazil remains betting favorite (AP): Brazil remains the favorite to win an unprecedented sixth World Cup, with odds of 9-4 according to BetUS. European champion Spain is at 9-4, followed by Argentina at 7-2. Germany and the Netherlands are 7-1. Uruguay is 14-1, with Paraguay and Ghana at the bottom of the oddsmakers' charts at 35-1.