Costa Rica in their Group D opener. After Costa Ric

PYONGYANG, North Korea -- Dennis Rodman said Monday that a game he and other former National Basketball Association players are planning in North Korea will be a "birthday present" for one of their most unlikely fans: leader Kim Jong Un. Rodmans squad -- featuring ex-All Stars Kenny Anderson, Cliff Robinson and Vin Baker -- will play against a team of North Koreans on Wednesday, which is believed to be Kims birthday. The former NBA players, who arrived in Pyongyang on Monday, also include Eric (Sleepy) Floyd, guard Doug Christie and Charles D. Smith, who played for the New York Knicks. Four streetballers are also on the squad. Rodman told The Associated Press he was glad to be in North Korea for the game, though he said he has gotten death threats for his repeated visits. He said proceeds from the game would go to a charity for the deaf in North Korea. "The marshal is actually trying to change this country in a great way," Rodman said of Kim, using the leaders official title. "I think that people thought that this was a joke, and Dennis Rodman is just doing this because fame and fortune." Instead, he said, he sees the game as a "birthday present" for Kim and his country. "Just to even have us here, its an awesome feeling. I want these guys here to show the world, and speak about North Korea in a great light," he said. "I hope people will have a different view about North Korea." The game will be another milestone in Rodmans surprising relationship with Kim, who rarely meets with foreigners and about whom very little is known outside of North Korea. Rodman is the highest-profile American to meet Kim since the leader inherited power after his father, Kim Jong Il, died in late 2011. Rodman travelled to North Korea for the first time last February with the Harlem Globetrotters for an HBO series. After spending time together, Rodman called Kim a "friend for life" and came back just before Christmas to hold tryouts for the North Korean basketball team, though he did not meet with Kim then. Rodman has been given the red-carpet treatment on each of his trips, but visiting North Korea for any high-profile American is a political minefield. To keep the game itself friendly, the two sides will only play against each other in the first half, and then mix together in the second. Americans are regarded as enemies in North Korea since the two countries never signed a peace treaty to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War. Thousands of U.S. troops are still based in South Korea, and the Demilitarized Zone between the North and South is one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world. Relations are also tense because of the Norths development of nuclear weapons and its threats to use them if a conflict breaks out with Washington or Seoul. Rodman has also been slammed for not trying to use his influence with Kim to secure the release of Kenneth Bae, an American missionary with health problems who is being held in North Korea on charges of committing "anti-state" crimes. To make the trip more complicated, Kims once-powerful uncle was recently executed for a long litany of alleged crimes, including trying to divide the regime and usurp power from Kim. Although that has generated speculation abroad about the regimes unity, North Korean officials say the execution settled the issue and there is no instability. Rodman, however, says none of that is his concern. "Im not a president, Im not a politician, Im not an ambassador," he said before arriving. "Im just an athlete and the reason for me to go is to bring peace to the world, thats it. Thats all I want, no money. I want no money, no money." Former Knicks player Smith said he hopes the game will lead to better relations between the two countries. "Its new being here, but overall the concept is not new," he said. "The team is made up of a lot of guys who really care, thats the most important, its not about bringing dream-teamers. Its about guys who are coming that want to be a part of this, that care, and really that care about humanity." Nike Shoes Wholesale Free Shipping .com) - The surging Montreal Canadiens will try to match their longest winning streak of the season when they visit the Florida Panthers for Saturdays clash at BB&T Center. Wholesale Nike Shoes China . Although Spain could still advance out of the group stage, the game may have signalled the end of the run by a generation of Spanish stars whose quick passing, "tiki-taka" style delighted the world and helped them win the last three major tournaments. http://www.shoesnikecheap.com/ . He had spent 16 days on the disabled list before being activated Thursday. He was batting just .203 when he came to bat in the 11th inning on Sunday. Nike Shoes Cheap Wholesale . The Suns termed Fridays surgery by team doctor Thomas Carter a success. No timetable was given for Bledsoes return but the team said in a news release that he "will pursue a possible return to action during the second half" of the season. Authentic Wholesale Nike Shoes .com) - Novak Djokovic easily took care of Andy Murray to reach the final at the $2.Get the latest news and notes from the World Cup in Brail ahead of Thursdays kickoff. Spains Diego Costa feeling "100 per cent" Diego Costa says he has fully recovered from a nagging hamstring injury and will be ready when Spain opens their World Cup campaign against Netherlands on Friday. "Im very motivated; I think Im 100 per cent and ready. I cant wait for the competition to start," Costa said. Costa scored 36 goals in all competitions for the Spanish champions Atletico Madrid. Uruguay coach says Luis Suarez status still uncertain Uruguay striker Luis Suarez is doing all he can to regain full fitness following surgery to his left knee. "We cant say right now when hell be in shape to play in a World Cup match," coach Oscar Tabarez said. "Meanwhile, reality tells us that if hes not up to playing at this level, he wont play." Uruguay faces Costa Rica in their Group D opener. After Costa Rica, they meet England on June 19, before completing their group games against Italy five days later. In tthe name of love .dddddddddddd.. and soccer Brazilians have been urged to celebrate its version of Valentines Day on Wednesday so Thursdays World Cup kickoff doesnt spoil anyones love life. Celebrated every June 12, Brazils Day of the Lovers is a major shopping day. For motels and restaurants, its one of the biggest days of the year. The Brazilian motels association said Tuesday its partnered with beer company Brahma to promote mottos such as "First I will kiss you, then my jersey." "We wanted to offer incentives so they know its better to do it a day earlier," said Antonio Carlos Morilha, director of the Brazilian Association of Motels. US coach repeats that winning the Cup not realistic Untied States coach Jurgen Klinsmann reiterated comments he made six months ago, saying it was not realistic to think that the U.S. could win the World Cup this year. "For us, talking about winning a World Cup right now is not realistic," Klinnsman said Wednesday in Brazil. Files from TSN.ca, ESPN and ESPN.com ' ' '