NUREMBURG, Germany -- A look back on some of the best quotes of the World Cup so far:

"I think you guys are always not optimistic . . . so pessimistic." -- Japan's Hidetoshi Nakata tells journalists to always look on the bright side of life after being asked whether Japan could get four points from its remaining matches.

"It's like the World Cup. We're here for a war. We're representing our country. We know they (soldiers) are watching us and counting on us." -- U.S. forward Eddie Johnson gets carried away before his team's game against Italy and compares the game of soccer to a military conflict.

"England have some very good players in midfield, but the way they play, they don't use those guys. They will need to be more patient and against the better teams they will need to play in a different kind of way. This advice is free. I will not charge for it." -- Trinidad and Tobago coach Leo Beenhaker gives Sven-Goran Eriksson some friendly -- and free -- advice.

"We (coaches) are all driving on the same road, but we are all driving different cars." -- Beenhaker tells reporters what it is like to work as an international coach. Zico is driving his without a license.

"It's a matter of principle. No special meeting or decision needed to be taken. Saudi players will not accept an award linked to the maker of an alcoholic beverage." -- Saudi Arabia official Abdullah al-Dabal explains why, as Muslims, the Saudi players will refuse to accept FIFA's Man of the Match award. The award is sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, the brewers of Budweiser. There's alcohol in Budweiser?

"I knew she would say no, so there was no point in asking her about it. It was really fun to see her face when she got home." -- Madcap Janne Petterson of Sweden explains why he painted his whole house in the blue and yellow of the national flag of Sweden while his wife was at work. What's Swedish for "doghouse"?

"Australia are guilty of a lot of dirty fouls. They target ankles in particular. They are too terrible." -- Japan Football Association chief Saburo Kawabuchi does his bit to rile up the Aussies before their 3-1 victory over Japan.

"It doesn't affect us, but it was sad to hear the booing on Saturday because Owen is such an honest player, an honest lad and a young lad. I think there were a number of players who were turning around after what happened and were disgusted by it because at the end of the day he is playing for his country, doing what he can for the cause. Let's remember, Owen is playing for one of the best teams in Europe, has won European Cups and league titles, has loads of medals and is a very good player." -- If David Beckham likes Michael Owen so much, why can't he remember that he now plays for Newcastle United?

"He made decisions for himself, not for the team." -- Robin van Persie left it late but finally delivered by starting the first argument in the Dutch camp with this pop at teammate Arjen Robben. For a moment there it looked like the Dutch were going to go the whole tournament without arguing among themselves.