Richards, Ambrose root for Brazil in soccer World Cup

St John's, Antigua, June 3 (UNI) Trinidad and Tobago may have made it to the finals of the FIFA World Cup in Germany but two star West Indians from Antigua, Viv Richards and Curtly Ambrose, will be rooting for Brazil.

''I like their natural flair of play. When I played I liked to dominate bowling, Brazil also look to dominate the opposition. I enjoy watching them,'' said Sir Richards.

Fellow Antiguan Ambrose, who used to instill fear in batsmen every time he used run up to bowl, also dances to the Samba tunes.

''What I like about Brazil is that they entertain the most. They have some good players. Ronaldinho is a champion. He is still young and very willing to learn every single day on the pitch that sets him apart from the rest,'' said Ambrose.

However, for Brian Lara it has to be Trinidad and Tobago and the West Indies captain is keeping his fingers crossed for Dwight Yorke's men.

''I was very elated when Trinidad and Tobago qualified for the World Cup. My support is for Dwight Yorke and his team,'' said Lara.

A close friend of the former Manchester United forward, Lara in fact called up and congratulated Yorke last week after the side defeated Austria in a friendly tie.

Still, like most of the football followers in the world, Lara also admits that Brazil is special.

There are few cricketing nations that are playing the World Cup this time.

''T&T play England in their group while Australia faces Brazil.

Matches would be interesting,'' said the southpaw.

As for Ambrose, he is not drowned in swell of emotions looking to support fellow Caribbean team.

''I would like Trinidad and Tobago to win some prizes, may be knock of few big teams. But I am a realist. I don't see them playing the final,'' said Ambrose.

But Richards hopes otherwise.

''As a Caribbean citizen we also support Trinidad and Tobago.

Hope that it's a Brazil versus T&T final,'' Richards said smilingly.

Apart from Brazil, Richards is also looking forward to England's matches.

''Having stayed in England for a long time I have developed a liking for English football. I closely follow English Premier League. I like their fast brand of football,'' said Richards.

Richards is excited by few young players who have taken the football world by storm.

''There are some young players who I look forward to watch.

Argentine (Lionel) Messi is one. Ronaldinho is good. I also hope that (Wayne) Rooney is fit to play sometimes later in the tournament. I also like (Stephen) Gerrard as I cheer for Liverpool,'' he said.

But do these cricketing legends, who love soccer, too get time to play the game? ''I play golf in pastime,'' says Richards. While for Ambrose, the fearsome fast bowler of yesteryears is now into music and plays in a local band.

Incidentally Richards holds the distinction of being the only player to have played both cricket and soccer World Cup. The batting legend appeared for Antigua in the qualifying matches for the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

UNI XC AY RN1202