SPORTS scientist Julian Ward will have a very exciting summer in 2010 after Portugal were drawn in the aptly named ‘group of death’ for the 2010 World Cup.
Julian, 28, from Ulverston, is part of the physio team with Portugal’s international team and is looking forward to the prospect of facing big names like Kaka, Ronaldinho and Didier Drogba at the finals.
Portugal will play the Ivory Coast, Brazil and North Korea in the group stages.
He said: “It is going to be exciting, preparation wise, it is nice to have such a mixed group.
“But obviously it is a really tough group too.
“Asian, South American and African opponetnts present very differenty styles of play but our scouting team have plenty of time and opportunities to get the necessary research done.”
Julian has been with the Portugal team since last July and thinks they have the chance to go all the way in the finals in South Africa.
He added: “If we have a full compliment of players to pick from come the summer I am sure we will be a team that other nations will not be too keen to face.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here