Some players keep the same numbers they had when they played in the WOrld CUp, 4 years ago, France having 11 of them.

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.

Source: WCoffsite