Silva and Van Nistelrooy join ESPN for World Cup

Gilberto Silva, who helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup, and veteran Dutch player Ruud van Nistelrooy will work as studio analysts during ESPN’s World Cup coverage. The network said Saturday that the duo will appear on pre-match, halftime and post-match shows, as well as World Cup-themed news and information shows throughout the month-long tournament that begins June 12. Silva and van Nistelrooy join a mix of former pros and national team players working as analysts, including Americans Alexi Lalas and Taylor Twellman, and Michael Ballack of Germany, Steve McManaman of England and Santiago Solari of Argentina. – AP