Eleven of the France National Football squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup will be wearing the same shirt number as they did at Korea/Japan World Cup 2002.

Nine of the USA squad will likewise be following suit while eight squad members from Italy, Costa Rica and Saudi Arabia all have the same number as four years ago.

Of the 11 Brazilian players who were crowned champions in 2002, only four will be wearing the same number: Cafu (2) Lucio (3), Roberto Carlos (6) and Ronaldo (9).

Several FIFA World Cup debutants will be taking on a heavy responsibility, wearing the shirt number of one of their country’s former ‘greats’. Juan Riquelme will wear 10, previously worn by Mario Kempes (1978) and Diego Maradona (1982-1994); Lionel Messi’s 19 was the number of Argentina captain Daniel Passarella in 1978; both Garrincha (1962) and Jairzinho (1970-74) wore Brazil’s number 7 with distinction and it passes now to Adriano.

If he plays, Wayne Rooney will wear 9 for England – the same as 1966 FIFA World Cup winner Bobby Charlton.

World Cup Betting Odds: Sports Interaction

Brazil 4/1

Germany 15/2

England 15/2

Argentina 9/1

France 10/1

Netherlands 13/1

World Cup Betting Tips: Looking for a longshot? BET on the Dutch team.

Related: FIFA World Cup Betting Tips, World Cup Picks, World Cup Soccer Stories and Rumors

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