The most watched game this summer is undoubtedly Germany's European Championships, but there is one event in England that could also attract the attention of many long-time fans. Here, you'll see a lot of legends from the past, including several superstars who have played for Milan.
This is the Over 35 World Cup, organized by the EPG (Elite Players Group). Only players who are at least 35 years old and have played at least 100 games for their home country or in the top flight are eligible. It is also clear that the teams that will play in the cup are the eight champions of the World Cup so far: England, Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Uruguay.
There will be seven matches in this tournament, all of which will be played at a stadium in England. While it has not yet been confirmed which stadium will host the Legends, EPG has already been in talks with several clubs in the north of England. The match will be played in 11-a-side and will last 70 minutes; In terms of substitutions, considering that the legends are not young, this tournament adopts a rolling substitution system, and each team can play with a lineup of 18 players. The quarter-finals are scheduled for June 4 and June 5, with the semi-finals on June 8 and the final on June 11.
The British Daily Mail has given a preliminary list, and this list is undoubtedly star-studded. First of all, the founders of the EPG will captain their respective national teams, and they will definitely play: England's McManaman, Argentina's Cambiaso, Brazil's Emerson, France's Karembo, Germany's Kuranyi, Italy's Materazzi, Spain's Salgado and Uruguay's Lugano.
As hosts, England's main core is made up of Premier League legends. 2001 Ballon d'Or winner Michael Owen will be the biggest player, while legends such as Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, Leo Ferdinand, David James, Frank Lampard and Robbie Fowler have already been in action.
However, compared to the starry Old Three Lions, which are not the most eye-catching, Brazil, which has three Golden Balls, is obviously superior. Kaka, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho will all be in action, while their two winger legends, Carlos and Cafu, will be paired again. Three of them, Mr. Ballon d'Or and Cafu, have all played for Milan. Friends who often watch this kind of veteran game should know that Brazilian players are very keen to participate in this kind of competition after retiring, so most of them are in good shape. Kaka is still physically fit to complete a marathon with ease; Although Cafu is now in serious health, as long as he plays, he often carries the right side alone, and his condition is quite good.
There are several other veteran champions who are also legends: David Villa and Lion Puyol represent Spain, Argentina have Crespo and Zabaleta in their squad, Roma captain Totti and 2006 Ballon d'Or winner Cannavaro will re-present Italy in the shirt, France have Thierry Henry the Great and former Milan legend Desailly, Uruguay's legendary goalscorer Forlan and Germany's World Cup winner Khedira will also represent their country.
Of course, the final result of this kind of game is not really that important, and it is likely to be a reunion of old friends. It is also good for fans to take this opportunity to reminisce about their youth when they watched football at the beginning of the year.
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