World Cup: The countdown continues, in words as well as minutes

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Waking up to the World Cup in South Africa, with the countdown clock to Friday’s kickoff now showing 3 days, 16 hours, 7 minutes and 44 seconds ... and the seconds ticking away faster than ever.

With that in mind, a few early-morning quotes and comments:

‘All the signs are good and there is great hope that the captain of the Elephants will be in action with his teammates as soon as possible.’

--Roger Kouassi, a spokesman for the Ivory Coast team, on the prospects for injured striker Didier Drogba recovering from surgery on a broken arm in time to play in the World Cup.

‘Every referee dreams of being at the World Cup. Those who don’t have that dream are not professional referees.’

--Uzbekistan referee Ravshan Irmatov, who will be in charge of Friday afternoon’s opening game between South Africa and Mexico in Johannesburg.

‘Some teams have played too many friendlies. Luckily, Diego [Maradona] opted to come here and train in tranquility.’

--Argentina defender Martin Demichelis, speaking about the rash of injuries to World Cup players on other teams.

‘The World Cup for us is going to be all about teamwork; it’s not going to be about me or anyone else because we are not a team of Ronaldos or Ronaldinhos.’

--South Africa forward Katlego Mphela.

‘If I just let it heal, then I’m back on the field in four to six weeks, but we don’t have so much time. We’re going to work incredibly hard. I’m going to fight until I drop.’

--Netherlands winger Arjen Robben, who is desperate to overcome a small tear in his left hamstring and play a part in the tournament.

-- Grahame L. Jones in Johannesburg, South Africa