World Cup Finals Blog

2018 World Cup Finals Will be Held in Europe

2010-10-16T12:27:00.002+02:00

Once it was announced tht the United States would withdraw from the 2018 World Cup bid to concentrate on competing for the 2022 Finals, England withdrew their 2022 bid to focus solely on holding the World Cup Finals in 2018.

As the remaining contenders are Russia and joint bids from Belgium-Holland and Spain-Portugal, we're guaranteed that Europe will host the World Cup Finals after the tournament's visit to South America (Brazil) in 2014.

So much for the end of rotation; especially as no continent can host two successive tournaments.

The final decision will be made on 2nd December, 2010. Personally, I'd like to see the 2018 World Cup Finals given to Russia.

The 2022 World Cup Finals will now go to Australia, Japan, Qatar, South Korea or USA.

Fantasy Football Preview 2010-11

2010-08-08T12:27:00.002+02:00

Play Fantasy Football With Friends Online

If you haven't thought about your fantasy teams for the year ahead yet, or are looking for a new challenge, I've updated our Fantasy Football picks for 2010-11.

Official Fantasy Football

Fantasy Premier League - Official Site: League Code: 638-335
Based on the old Can You Kick It premise of building a squad of fifteen players within a limited budget and watching the player values rise and fall, depending on the points scoring in recent games and the trading inclinations of other fantasy managers.

Head to Head League: 638-213116

Texaco Fantasy Football:
If you like doing your research for the following year's Premier League hopefuls, there's always the fantasy game for Championship matches.

UEFA Champions League:
Same format as the Fantasy Premier League game and a great way to keep on top of the best in European Football.

UEFA Europa League Fantasy:
Another great fantasy football game organised by UEFA, for die hard fans of European Football.

Prediction Games

FIFA World Leagues Predictor:
Predict results from leagues around the world on FIFA.

I Know The Score:
The English Premier League's official prediction game.

Weekend Football: (Free to enter: 1st Prize £5,000)
Tipping game where you are given an imaginary £10 bet to place on the outcome of any three matches (home, away or draw) that weekend. Your winnings go into an imaginary bank and there's cash prizes for managers with highest bank each month; as well as a £5,000 prize to the winner at the end of the season.

Join the 1800-WorldCup.com League when you register!

Other places to play fantasy football online - for free.

Facebook Fantasy Football:
A Citizen Sports application in association with Yahoo. Create your own club and draft your squad with a maximum of £150m to spend on 15 players.

Mail Online Fantasy Football:
Manage a 12-man squad and try to get your hands on the £20,000 prize for finishing first.

Metro Fantasy: Metro League - Pin: 8003056 - Chance to win £1,000 in mini-league.
Residents of the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and the Republic of Ireland can register a team of fifteen players for the chance to win a cool £15,000. The game is free to enter.

Sky Sports Fantasy Football:
As well as going for a massive first prize of £25,000 you can win great cash prizes all season round with £3,000 for each monthly winner and £1,500 for each weekly winner! All this and it’s still free to play.

Soccernet - Premier Fantasy:
The values of players fluctuate as the season goes on, based on supply and demand. Picking up a bargain at the start and selling for a profit later increases your overall budget.

Yahoo Fantasy:
The Yahoo points scoring system might seem complicated; with points for blocked shots, last ditch tackles and intercepted passes, unless it's your players putting the stick about.

Pay to Play

11 Kicks:
Although there is a free version available it appears that the idea here is to get the money rolling in, through the pay to win option; especially as a number of football websites are using a branded version of this game.

Classic Fantasy League: Pin: 5534 Password: rivals
Fantasy League Limited started back in 1991. Entering a team now costs from £10 for a chance to win the £10,000 first prize.

Dream Team:
The Sun's £1 million Dream Team fantasy football game, with a massive cash prize of £500,000 to the overall winner. £10 to enter with transfers, or £5 for a pick and stick.

Telegraph Fantasy Football:
For an entry fee of £6 per team or £10 for three teams, you can try to win the £50,000 first prize or just see how you do against Alan Hansen in the Telegraph Writers League.

Fantasy Blogs and Tips - Writing About Fantasy Football

This is by no means a listing of all the blogs covering fantasy football but a small indication of some of the better ones being written and updated.

Fantasy EPL:
Where Jeremy Spitzberg and Neal Thurman continue to sound off about the world of Fantasy Football according to Yahoo and encourage you to Beat the Bloggers.

Fantasy Football Assistance:
Although based on the official premier league version of the game, in terms of prices and scoring, most of the fantasy football advice is generic.

Fantasy Football Scout:
Mark, Akers, Andy, Granville, Greek Fan and Sir Paulos post their take on the latest football news and their views on how it could affect your fantasy football team; relevant to the game on the official Premier League site.

Premier League Fantasy King:
Can Robin Seekatz succeed where others have failed? This new blog started with a 20 Teams in 20 Days series; as a preview to the 2010-2011 English Premier League season.

Never Captain Nicky Butt:
As they like to say: 'The (Real) Fantasy Premier League Pundit(s)'.

Physio Room:
Not a fantasy blog but an essential part of a fantasy manager's research; who's injured?

Premier League Fantasy Football Blog:
Chris Glover's Blogspot presence, primarily covering his thoughts about the official Premier League game.

Starting 11:
Forum for fans of the Yahoo fantasy game.

The Pundit:
Some of the weekly musings make interesting reading but it's more fun outscoring the Premier League's resident pundit.

Yahoo Fantasy Blog:
The Fantasist tries to get you in the right frame of mind for playing the Yahoo Eurosport game.

If you think we should be listing any others, tell me about them in the comments.

Spain Winiesta

2010-07-11T23:42:00.001+02:00

Tonight we would see a new World Cup winner; as neither Holland nor Spain had won the trophy. For Spain, it's their first World Cup Final; Holland are hoping it's third time lucky.

Spain started the 2010 World Cup Final looking the more assured and made the first attempt at goal in the fifth minute; as Maarten Stekelenburg had to dive to parry away a header from Sergio Ramos and then get up quick to block Pique's attempt to get the ball across the goal.

Five minutes later, Ramos was at it again; as he slipped past Dirk Kuyt only to see John Heitinga boot the cross out for a corner.

Then Howard Webb started dealing out the cards: Holland, Spain, Holland, Spain; four yellow cards within eight minutes.

That spoilt the flow of the game.

The next card could have been a Jack of Diamonds (red) as Nigel de Jong seemed to plant his studs into 's chest.

Then Spain settled for a moment, by trying to play the ball around.

Holland tried to grab a quick goal just before the break but Iker Casillas kept them out. Holland van Thuggery were lucky to go in with a full team of players at half-time.

Half-time: 0:0

So much for a display of football by the best players on the planet; as Howard Webb continued to blow his whistle for everything but a goal.

Holland's best chance came in the 62nd minute; as Arjen Robben ran on the Spanish goal and almost waited for Iker Casillas to fall before he shot, but the Spanish stopper kicked out a foot and sent the ball out for a corner.

Spain came close with twenty minutes left to go as Heitinga stumbled all over Jesus Navas's low cross and David Villa cursed his luck to miss his chance at the far post; when Heitinga made a recovery.

Six minutes later, Sergio Ramos headed over the bar and Vicente del Bosque hid his head in his hands in disbelief.

Holland found a little more movement in the last ten minutes and Iker Casillas had to be quick to save at Arjen Robben's feet. Robben then turned and ran all the way up the pitch to chase after Howard Webb; complaining like a baby about an earlier challenge, and earned a booking for his efforts.

Into Extra Time - with another thirty minutes to avoid penalties.

And it seemed like the teams had saved their best football until the end. With nine players on yellow cards, they didn't really have much choice but to play the ball.

A red card just had to happen, the question would be for who? The arm on Andrés Iniesta's shoulder belonged to John Heitinga; and he already had his name in Howard Webb's book. So with a little over 10 minutes of extra-time to play, Holland were down to ten men.

Spain made the most of that as Cesc Fabregas looked up to see Andrés Iniesta back onside then fed in the perfect ball for a perfect finish to a not-so-perfect World Cup Final.

Howard Webb still had time to deal out a few more yellow cards before Spain went up to lift the World Cup for the first time in their history.

Holland 0 Spain 1

Nothing to Lose

2010-07-10T22:45:00.000+02:00

Uruguay were the only non-European team to make it to the final four.

With nothing to lose anymore, as both teams lost their semi-final matches, fans of an attacking game had everything to hope for.

When Fernando Muslera could only deflect Bastian Schweinsteiger's long range shot, in the 18th minute, Thomas Müller ran into the penalty area to follow up and score his fifth goal of the tournament.

Ten minutes later, Diego Perez stole the ball from Bastian Schweinsteiger and moved the ball upfield; where Luis Suarez fed Edinson Cavani for Uruguay's equaliser.

Suarez and Cacau had close misses for Uruguay and Germany in the first-half, as both teams left the pitch with honours even.

Half-time: 1:1

Uruguay started the second-half by giving Germany a taste of their own Medikament with some swift passing and clean striking of the ball around the penalty area; Egidio Arevalo pulling the ball back, for Diego Forlan to crack in with his weaker, right foot - just six minutes after the re-start.

Five minutes later, Germany were level as Fernando Muslera missed Jerome Boateng's cross and the ball hit the side of Marcell Jansen's face on its way into the goal.

Eight minutes from time, a sloppy corner bounced around the Uruguay area before Sami Khedira could nod the ball into the back of the net.

Not a spectacular goal, not a contender for goal of the tournament, but a fifth goal in an otherwise meaningless game before the main event tomorrow evening.

Congratulations to both Uruguay and Germany for making a game of it. Over the course of the tournament Germany probably deserved their medal although Uruguay came so close to levelling the score; when Diego Forlan's free-kick hit the crossbar in the last action of the game.

Uruguay 2 Germany 3

Euro 2008 All Over Again

2010-07-07T23:00:00.001+02:00

Last round, four South American teams could have made it through to the semi-finals. Instead, it's now going to be an all European World Cup Final.

Some would say that this was a re-match of the Euro 2008 Final; which Spain won (1:0).

Spain sought to control the midfield and thus restrict Germany's movement.

The European Champions also looked the more likely to score early in the game; Manuel Neuer quick to block from David Villa in the seventh minute, and Carles Puyol heading over the bar seven minutes later.

For their part, Germany had a slight penalty claim turned down, just before the break, when Sergio Ramos clipped Mesut Özil just on the edge of the area.

Half-time: 0:0

Germany semed a little more comfortable in the second-half; until Pedro skipped down the right, past Boateng and Friedrich, and tried to set up Alonso.

Joachim Löw didn't like the look of that; replacing Jerome Boateng with Marcell Jansen.

Spain joined Brazil (USA 1994) and Holland (France 1998) in completing 3,000 passes at a single World Cup Finals tournament.

Spain started to up the tempo, just before the hour, with Pedro forcing Manuel Neuer to make a save and then shooting wide less than a minute later.

Sergio Ramos also ran into the area to try his luck. The Real Madrid right back has been wanting to score for a few games now.

Iker Casillas made the save from Toni Kroos look better than the soft shot warranted; after some swift movement on the left and a lofted cross from Lukas Podolski found the German substitute unmarked.

Four minutes later, Carles Puyol powered a header in from a corner to finally edge Spain in front.

Pedro could have sealed the win for Spain, with a little over eight minutes left of normal time left to play, when he broke through with substitute Fernando Torres free to his left.

Spain repeat their Euro 2008 performance against Germany; with the same scoreline.

Germany 0 Spain 1

Tense Final Minutes

2010-07-06T23:09:00.000+02:00

Out of four South American teams in the quarter finals, Uruguay was the only one still looking for a place in the final.

Holland took the lead through a wonderful strike by Giovanni Van Bronckhorst but Uruguay levelled the score with an impressive curler from Diego Forlan, five minutes before the break.

That's pretty much what the first-half was about, two teams cancelling each other; even with the quality of their individual goals. Maybe Maarten Stekelenburg could have put a hand on Forlan's shot but there was some influential swerve on the ball.

Half-time: 1:1

Bert van Marwijk looked to make a more attacking change after the break; bringing on Rafael van der Vaart in place of Demy De Zeeuw.

It took a while to pay off, as Holland started to look frustrated with themselves and Uruguay appeared the more relaxed.

After Maarten Stekelenburg knocked a Diego Forlan free-kick away, Holland woke up with two goals in three minutes; thanks to Wesley Sneijder's deflected shot and Arjen Robben's header.

From a game that started to look like it had penalties written all over it, to one that almost looked like a walkover; the change happened faster than Ravshan Irmatov could flip a coin.

Once Diego Forlan was substituted, with six minutes still to play, one sensed that Oscar Tabarez felt there was no way back.

The Uruguay players had other ideas though when they earned a free-kick in injury time. With no Diego Forlan on the pitch, the ball was played low to Maxi Pereira who scored to give the game a tense final few minutes.

Uruguay couldn't get the equaliser they needed so Holland booked their place in a World Cup Final for the first time in 32 years.

Uruguay 2 Holland 3

Villa in Spain

2010-07-03T22:55:00.000+02:00

Paraguay or Spain for a semi-final meeting with Germany.

Iker Casillas showed a slight lack of concentration in the seventh minute but for the first twenty minutes nothing really seemed to take shape.

Paraguay did enough to contain Spain, before thinking about maybe moving forward a little themselves.

Fernando Torres almost woke up in the 27th minute, then once in the Paraguay area with two defenders Torres didn't seem to believe that he moved so well and the opportunity was lost. Xavi then watched his own shot float past the target.

Paraguay's closest attempt was when Jonathan Santana failed to get his head on Morel's long ball, and a goal disallowed for offside.

Paraguay deserved to be in front, just about; mainly because Spain didn't.

Half-time: 0:0

Spain continued to pass poorly at the start of the second-half; so much so that Vicente del Bosque decided to bring on the master passer Cesc Fabregas, for the ineffective Fernando Torres.

Then a few minutes of drama as Carlos Batres gave both teams the chance for a little penalty practise: Iker Casillas saved from Oscar Cardozo; then at the other end Justo Villar saved from Xabi Alonso, at the second attempt. Spain could have had another penalty in the melee that followed the save.

It took a while coming but even the goal was hysterical as Iniesta laid the groundwork for Pedro Rodriguez to hit the ball onto the post. David Villa's follow up shot also hit the post before settling in the back of the net.

Paraguay 0 Spain 1

Germany Score Four More

2010-07-03T19:08:00.000+02:00

Argentina started the game seeking revenge for the 2006 quarter-final defeat against Germany.

But it was Germany who took the lead inside three minutes; Bastian Schweinsteiger's free-kick headed in by Thomas Müller.

Argentina struggled to get back into the game due to Germany's defensive discipline. Each time Argentina tried to ignite something, Germany smothered their flame and broke out in numbers, with plenty of options.

Twenty minutes after their first goal, Germany should have doubled their lead; if Müller's pass to Klose wasn't lofted over the bar.

Germany let Argentina come at them, just like they did with England, but then closed all the holes with doubled-up defence.

Argentina started to work a little harder for each other around the half-hour mark and came closer to penetrating the German area; Gonzalo Higuain cutting inside and forcing Manuel Neuer to save low at the near post.

Neuer then had a double fist clearance to keep Argentina out, as half-time drew ever closer.

Philipp Lahm tried one more forage down the right for Germany but they would have to be content with the one-goal lead at the end of the first forty-five minutes.

Half-time: 0:1

Argentina looked positive at the start of the second-half, with some ball dancing by Messi and a shot just wide from Di Maria.

Twice the ball fell out of Neuer's hands, but both times there was no Argentina follow-up threats to trouble him.

Angela Merkel was all smiles in the 68th minute as Podolski and Klose combined in a typical trademark move of theirs; Klose just getting into the right position to tap the ball into an open goal.

Argentina couldn't reply, as a well-drilled German Mannschaft made it all look so easy; because they played their football as a team game.

Bastian Schweinsteiger strolled through the Argentine defence on the left, to set up Arne Friedrich for his first international goal; and Germany's third, with over fifteen minutes still to play.

The icing on the cake came just before the final whistle, as Miroslav Klose volleyed home to make it four to Germany, for the third time in this tournament, and put himself on a total of 14 World Cup Finals goals; level with Gerd Müller and just one behind Ronaldo.

Germany progressed to the semi-finals for the eleventh time in the last fifteen World Cups.

Argentina 0 Germany 4

Drama For Ghana

2010-07-03T00:23:00.000+02:00

The last African team in the 2010 World Cup Finals hoped to become the first to reach the semi-finals.

The first twenty minutes belonged to Uruguay; Diego Forlan's set pieces and the nervous Ghana defence. It wasn't until Richard Kingson tipped the ball over the bar from Luis Suarez, in the 27th minute, that Ghana really woke up.

Then, from a corner in the 29th minute, Ghana kept the pressure on. Kwadwo Asamoah dropped back a little, Kevin-Prince Boateng moved up alongside Asamoah Gyan and Ghana started to look more promising.

With two minutes added on, Ghana pushed forward a final time before the break.

There didn't really seem much urgency in their movement, as Asamoah Gyan helped the ball along; into the path of Sulley Muntari. Fernando Muslera was seen moving one way, so Muntari sent the ball the other.

Half-time: 0:1

Ten minutes into the second-half, Diego Forlan's direct free-kick brought Uruguay back into the game. Richard Kingson didn't really give himself much of a chance when he started to move; especially when Jabulani had an extra move itself.

Asamoah Gyan almost put Ghana back in front, but Muslera was down quick to keep the ball out.

Twenty minutes from time, Uruguay probably put together of their best moves; Kingson saving from Suarez.

Uruguay looked fresher towards the end of normal time; Ghana just seemed to be hanging on.

Not only were Ghana the third African team to reach the quarter-finals, they also became the third African team to take their quarter-final match into extra-time.

Uruguay probably should have had a penalty in the first period of extra-time, but Pantsil was lucky to get away with sticking his foot out.

With both teams visibly tired, the Dutch players must be licking their lips.

Stephen Appiah missed the chance to avoid the penalty shoot-out by trying to control the ball instead of just throwing his head at it.

Then Gyan couldn't get the better of Andrés Scotti; Kevin-Prince Boateng headed wide and then drama of all dramas as Luis Suarez was sent off for handling the ball on the line in the 120th minute and the normally assured Asamoah Gyan crashed the penalty onto the crossbar.

Now to the real penalties.

Penalties:

Uruguay went first.

1:0 Diego Forlan - Calmly struck.
1:1 Asamoah Gyan - Courageously went first and scored.
2:1 Mauricio Victorino - Blasted into the roof of the net.
2:2 Stephen Appiah - Scored just above the keeper's gloves.
3:2 Andrés Scotti - Hesitated but low and through the middle.
3:2 John Mensah - No run up. Easily saved.
3:2 Maxi Pereira - Shoots miles over.
3:2 Dominic Adiyiah - Saved.
4:2 Sebastian Abreu - Cool customer scored light and easy.

Uruguay 1 Ghana 1 After Extra Time (4:2 pens)

Brazil Out But Qualify For 2014

2010-07-02T18:49:00.001+02:00

Both teams started this match on top of their game but still offered plenty of room for improvement.

Joris Mathijsen was injured in the warm-up and had to be replaced by André Ooijer, and the hole in the Dutch defence was instantly exploited on a couple of occasions.

Having already had a goal disallowed for offside, Robinho made sure at the second attempt; running onto a long, low through-ball from Felipe Melo.

Dirk Kuyt tried to reply for Holland, but Julio Cesar saved for a corner.

Brazil maintained control of the first-half, passing better, moving better, defending better and frustrating Holland to such a point that Arjen Robben tried the mother of all pointless corners; making a slight touch and then running away for someone else to come over to the ball.

The Brazilians even snuffed that trick out with a sweet treat of sublime football; a lesson to the Dutch in how to defend with style, attack with class and play the game with purpose.

No wonder Johan Cruyff wouldn't pay to watch the game on this showing, Holland looked too one-dimensional and unable to change the way they played when route one was blocked over and again.

Half-time: 0:1

Michel Bastos was lucky not to receive his second yellow card, even though Arjen Robben did overact, but Holland pulled themselves back into the game when Felipe Melo went up with Julio Cesar, as Wesley Sneijder's curling ball came towards the goal.

The Brazilian goalkeeper missed the punch but Melo made contact with the ball; for the third own goal of the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Holland took the lead in the 68th minute when Dirk Kuyt flicked on a corner and Wesley Sneijder headed the ball in at the far post; tapping his forehead with glee.

Then Brazil started to lose the plot and frustrate themselves; Felipe Melo's red card reducing Brazil to ten men. Oh well, they're hosting the next World Cup Finals in 2014.

Wesley Sneijder could have sealed it for Holland with less than seven minutes to play, then André Ooijer was on the case to deny Kaka an equalising chance.

With three minutes to go, Dirk Kuyt tried to impersonate Diego Maradona at his best and run through the opposition on the way to goal, but was foiled by a solid tackle from Juan.

Holland 2 Brazil 1

The Pain in Spain

2010-06-29T23:38:00.000+02:00

There's nothing like a neighbourly challenge.

David Villa tested his shooting boots in the third minute. A couple of minutes later, he stretched his running legs.

Then we were treated to the usual hands on hips from Cristiano Ronaldo, when a free-kick wasn't given to him.

Iker Casillas flapped at a Tiago shot in the 20th minute but instantly redeemed himself by palming the ball away from Hugo Almeida's head.

Casillas looked suspect again, eight minutes later, when he shovelled at a Ronaldo free-kick.

Argentina's Hector Baldassi just shook his head and left Ronaldo sitting on the floor again in the 35th minute. Ronaldo stayed on his feet four minutes later, by not running into players on purpose. Instead, when the run came to a dead-end, he just laid the ball back.

Casillas raced off his line shortly before the break, to make sure the deadlock wasn't broken. If it keeps on like this, we could be in for a long evening.

Half-time: 0:0

Nothing too inspiring at the start of the second-half.

Third-time lucky for Casillas, as he watched a potential Spain own-goal just bobble past his post; Almeida's low cross taking something of a looping deflection off a defender.

Just a minute after coming on for Fernando Torres, Fernando Llorente should have scored with a free header.

Spain looked more lively and after a series of combination passes around the Portugal area, David Villa scored at the second attempt. The arrival of Llorente has added the much-needed strength to the Spanish front line.

After a run down the right, Sergio Ramos came close to adding a second for Spain seven minutes later. Then it was Villa's turn to try a long shot on the left.

With four minutes to go, Llorente glanced a header wide and then a couple of minutes later his over-acting earned Ricardo Costa a red card. The man who came on and started putting it about amongst the Portuguese defenders was seen rolling around like a baby.

Oh the pain.

Spain 1 Portugal 0

Null Event

2010-06-29T18:58:00.001+02:00

Paraguay have the chance to make it four South American teams in the quarter-finals; and maybe even the semi-finals.

It took twenty minutes for the game to come to life: first Lucas Barrios turned nicely for Paraguay and forced Eiji Kawashima to save with his foot; then, at the other end, Paraguay's Justo Villar looked stretched as Daisuke Matsui curled the ball onto the bar with some power.

Keisuke Honda seemed a little upset with himself shortly before the break, but a goal would have been more than Japan deserved; taking into account their overall performance during the first forty minutes.

Paraguay didn't deserve anything either. Maybe neither side really wanted to be thrashed by Spain or Portugal in the quarter-final.

Half-time: 0:0

The most exciting thing happened on the hour, when Paraguay made a substitution; Nelson Valdez on for Edgar Benitez.

Things almost livened up some ten minutes before extra-time would be played; but, as with the previous 80 minutes, the releasing pass from both teams just had no pace on it.

The vuvuzelas increased in volume when the 90th minute ticked in. Sadly, even if the quality of play were to improve ten fold, ten times nothing is still nothing.

Thankfully, this will all be over in half an hour and then we can get back to the real World Cup.

Into Extra Time.

If the players of Spain and Portugal were watching this, they probably all fell asleep.

As a thank-you for not being the last Paraguayan player to be substituted, Lucas Barrios headed goalwards in the 4th minute of extra-time, but much too comfortable for Kawashima.

Then Nelson Valdez tried to get the final touch past Kawashima, before the game needed penalties.

In the ninth minute of extra-time, Keisuke Honda's free-kick was going wide but Villar wanted to come into the game, so hit it away for fun.

All the action happened in extra-time, as Edgar Barreto was next up; to flick the ball over the Japanese crossbar.

So, from the fear of playing Spain or Portugal to the fear of not playing at all. Two teams with fifteen minutes to do something, or continue with nothing.

Tense, nervous and lacking ambition - Paraguay and Japan did very little to entertain the fans, although Japan did excite theirs for a split second.

Paraguay 0 Japan 0 - After Extra Time. (5:3 pens)

Penalties:
Paraguay started first.

1:0 Edgar Barreto - Took a deep breath and scored.
1:1 Yasuhito Endo - Raised his fist after sending Villar the wrong way.
2:1 Lucas Barrios - Looked casual but only just out of reach.
2:2 Makoto Hasebe - Scored and kissed the stars.
3:2 Cristian Riveros - Easily taken.
3:2 Yuichi Komano - Hit hard and high; onto the crossbar.
4:2 Nelson Valdez - Crashed the ball home, then fell to his knees.
4:3 Keisuke Honda - Calmly side-footed.
5:3 Oscar Cardozo - No sense of pressure, so slow and cool.

Paraguay reach the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Brazil Cane Chile Again

2010-06-28T22:27:00.000+02:00

In CONMEBOL qualifying, Brazil beat Chile (4:2) and (3:0) yet Chile finished second to Brazil.

One South American team will be going out tonight but there could be four in the semi-finals.

For the most part, we weren't given the first-half feast of football that many expected; until Juan headed in Maicon's corner from the right, on the 34th minute.

Luis Fabiano added Brazil's second just a few minutes later; after Robinho and Kaka worked together, while the FC Sevilla player prepared himself to spring the offside trap and round Claudio Bravo.

Half-time: 2:0

Chile started the second-half positively but found themselves continuously running into yellow shirt cul-de-sacs.

With almost an hour played, Ramires ran towards the Chile defence then laid the ball off for Robinho to make it three for Brazil.

The rest of the game was just a formality; although a booking for Ramires means that he will miss the quarter-final against Holland, in Port Elizabeth.

Brazil 3 Chile 0

Holland Take It Easy

2010-06-28T18:28:00.001+02:00

Slovakia had already sent the world champions, Italy, home and were now seeking to do the same to Holland.

Slovakia started the game with confidence and fired the first warning shot across the Dutch bows in just the second minute of play, in Durban.

The first real Dutch threat came in the seventh minute, through a deflected header by Robin Van Persie.

Holland were at it again three minutes later; Van Persie unselfishly feeding Wesley Sneijder.

Arjen Robben then took Slovakia apart all alone; sprinting down the right onto a Wesley Sneijder lob, then cutting in on his left behind Jan Durica and Miroslav Stoch, and shooting for goal past the sliding foot of the incoming Martin Skrtel.

That took the wind out of Slovakia's sails and they struggled to get back in the match; as the orange shirts could afford to position themselves deeper and block Slovakia's route to goal.

Half-time: 1:0

Slovakia might have wanted to get level early in the second-half but it was Jan Mucha who had to work twice in a minute to keep Holland out; Arjen Robben and Robin Van Persie both looking to make things happen in and around the Slovakian penalty area with just five minutes of the new half played.

Maarten Stekelenburg had very little to do for Holland, then had to make two crucial saves in the space of a minute from Miroslav Stoch and Robert Vittek.

With seven minutes left to play, Slovakia lost the plot. Martin Skrtel conceded a needless free-kick and Jan Mucha came rushing off his line. Dirk Kuyt had plenty of time on the left of the area and just waited for Wesley Sneijder to come into osition in the middle; with an empty net at his mercy.

A consolation goal for Slovakia when Robert Vittek converted from the penalty spot with the last kick of the game; after Martin Jakubko invited Maarten Stekelenburg to catch his leg.

Holland 2 Slovakia 1

Mexican Wave Goodbye

2010-06-27T22:52:00.000+02:00

Another Latin American team will be joining Uruguay in the quarter-finals this evening.

Mexico almost opened the scoring in the eighth minute, when Carlos Salcido unleashed a cracking shot from the left that crashed off the crossbar.

A few minutes later, Lionel Messi tried to chip Oscar Perez at the other end.

Drama in the 25th minute when Lionel Messi sent Carlos Tevez through; Oscar Perez came out; the ball fell to Messi again, who chiped the ball forward to Tevez - clearly in an offside position. Tevez just headed the ball into the net and turned to celebrate; while Maradona jumped for joy on the touchline.

The Mexicans protested the goal, everyone ran over to the linesman, the referee joined in. Heated moments, huge mistake in the second game today but the score was already up on the scoreboard and Roberto Rosetti pointed to the centre-circle.

Argentina started to look as they were going to run riot and tear the Mexican defence apart, like Germany did to England; when Gonzalo Higuain notched up his fourth goal of the tournament.

The Mexicans, who had started so well, began to look as though their tournament was over.

Half-time: 2:0

Mexico started the second-half well but Carlos Tevez hurt them again with a beautiful strike from the edge of the area in the 52nd minute.

With less than twenty minutes to go, Javier Hernandez gave Mexico some hope when he pulled a goal back with a swift turn, a few quick steps and a shot into the roof of the net.

In the closing minutes, Lionel Messi was once again denied a goal, probably because the players he beat were along the outside edge of the box and he shot from too far out. Maradona might have dribbled in closer.

Argentina 3 Mexico 1

Like Water Through a Teabag

2010-06-27T18:03:00.001+02:00

The World Cup Final came early for England and Germany; where the winner was guaranteed a meeting with Argentina or Mexico.

All in red, an unchanged England side looked for a repeat performance of their last group game, against Slovenia.

After an offside call on Wayne Rooney, Mesut Özil broke into the right side of the England penalty area and forced David James to close his legs, sharply.

Germany seemed to have more space for a while then Jermain Defoe and Frank Lampard worked together on the edge of the German area, for a free-kick.

From Frank Lampard's shot into the wall to a long goal-kick upfield by German goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer in the 20th minute and England went a goal behind; Miroslav Klose sprinting through Matthew Upson and John Terry to do the damage.

In the thirtieth minute, England defenders were at it once more; leaving too much space for Germany to move through and forcing David James to save again with his feet.

If the England defenders heard James, they didn't take much notice as they were split again two minutes later, when Thomas Müller had plenty of space to whip the ball across for Lukas Podolski to have time for a second touch, then drill the ball under David James, in off the post.

With ten minutes still to the break, England's ship seemed to be sinking fast and but for James at the helm it could have been four or five to Germany.

A short corner to Steven Gerrard in the 37th minute, allowed the England captain to loft the ball for West Ham's Matthew Upson to head England back into the game.

A minute later and England should have been level; Frank Lampard's shot hit the underside of the bar, landed over the line and bounced back onto the bar, only to be gathered by Manuel Neuer as it came back down.

Uruguayan referee, Jorge Larrionda either didn't see it or didn't want to see it. He certainly didn't give it. FIFA president Sepp Blatter was shown in the stands at the start of the match, but what a shame that the camera didn't pan to him when the ball crossed the line.

When the referee picked the ball up for the break, he was duly booed by the large England contingent.

Half-time: 2:1

Frank Lampard hit the bar again, from a free-kick eight minutes into the second-half, but this time Jabulani flew high into the sky.

England's central defensive jitteries continued and David James must have been starting to sound like a worn-out record.

England tried to expose the German defence; with Jermain Defoe looking for a chance, but Germany dealt with the movement far better.

England's threat at free-kick's was applaing, as all Frank Lampard could do once again was fire into the wall.

Germany poured forward again and again like water through a teabag. All too easily, Thomas Müller scored two goals within three minutes to avenge the Munich defeat of 2001 and give the English journalists plenty of ammunition to call their own shots.

Germany were by far the better team but England made it much too easy for them and should be made to walk home for their dismal display in South Africa.

Bloemfontein 2010 can go down in recent England's exit history with Gelsenkirchen 2006, Shizuoka 2002 and St Etienne 1998.

Germany 4 England 1

Clinical Finishing Clinches Quarter-Final Spot For Africa

2010-06-26T23:05:00.000+02:00

Ghana are Africa's last remaining team in the 2010 World Cup and hope to become the third African team to reach the quarter-finals; following in the football boots of Cameroon (Italy 1990) and Senegal (Korea-Japan 2002).

Inside five minutes, Ghana forced Team USA to try and come from behind again.

Ricardo Clark lost the ball around the halfway line allowing Kevin-Prince Boateng to take the ball and run the length of the pitch; eventually shooting the ball low, between a late-diving Tim Howard and his right post.

Ricardo Clark then picked up a yellow card for a hot-headed challenge; clearly frustrated for giving the goal away.

Another yellow card ten minutes later, this time for Steve Cherundolo on the edge of the US area, and Tim Howard redeemed himself by saving the Asamoah Gyan free-kick.

The volume of the vuvuzelas increased in the thirty-fifth minute, in appreciation of Richard Kingson's left-foot save from Robbie Findley.

Two minutes later and it was Tim Howard's turn to save from a fast approaching Kwadwo Asamoah.

Half-time: 0:1

Half-time substitute, Benny Feilhaber, was into the Ghanaian penalty area early; forcing Richard Kingson into a left-hand and foot combination save.

Team USA started the second-half brightly, picking holes in the Ghana defence on a number of occasions; but the United States lacked the final player to connect, or were denied by the ever alert Richard Kingson.

Just after the hour, United States were back in the game, after Jonathan Mensah fouled Clint Dempsey in the penalty area. Landon Donovan sent Kingson the wrong way but looked stunned for a second; when the ball hit the post, then the back of the net.

A minute after Asamoah Gyan tried to aim a glancing header into the USA top corner, the Americans looked composed going forward, smartly releasing Michael Bradley behind the Ghana back line. The bosses so probably shot too early and Kingson held the ball on the ground comfortably.

Jozy Altidore had a great chance to put the United States in front, with ten minutes to go; but, in stretching to beat the pursuing Mensah, scuffed the turf and skewed his shot.

Teams would normally be dragging out time with substitutions at such a late stage of the game, but with extra-time looming both managers still hard one option available to them.

Ghana had a chance to score with the last corner of the game but fluffed it and both teams would have another thirty minutes to try and get a result.

Into Extra Time.

Bob Bradley made his final substitution at the start of extra-time; looking for fresh legs up front, Herculez Gomez on for Jozy Altidore.

But it was a long ball upfield by Andre Ayew that brought the breakthrough; Asamoah Gyan sprinting shoulder to shoulder with Carlos Bocanegra. Bocanegra tried to nudge Gyan of the ball; the Ghanaian stumbled slightly but ploughed on, to fire over Tim Howard before Jay DeMerit could get back to help.

It had been pleasing to see two teams play the game of football like men; not rolling around and trying to con the referee - until the second period of extra-time.

Hungary's Viktor Kassai has also played his part in deciding what has been fair challenges. Maybe the call on Andre Ayew for clipping heels was a close one.

It's all about nerves in the last ten minutes of extra-time, and some were starting to fray. The United States continued to push; there were still seconds on the clock and even Tim Howard came up to put himself about.

At the end of a great evening in Rustenburg, Ghana become the third African team to reach the quarter-finals and perhaps England can think themselves lucky that they didn't top the group and have to play them.

USA 1 Ghana 2

Suarez Double Sinks South Korea

2010-06-26T18:09:00.001+02:00

The South Koreans are a busy, fit side. Uruguay looked to calm them down and hope to catch them out at the back.

As was expected, South Korea charged forward at the start and exposed themselves at the back; Diego Forlan crossing low for Luis Suarez at the far post to knock the ball in, after Jung Sung-Ryong tried to dive to cut out the cross and didn't reach it.

Once in the lead, Uruguay were content to sit deeper and let South Korea come at them.

South Korea went in at the break thinking what might have been had Park Chu-Young's free-kick not hit the post in the fourth minute.

Park Chu-Young's free-kick just before half-time hit the wall, and Cha Du-Ri fired the rebound high.

Half-time: 1:0

South Korea came out in the second-half with Lee Young-Pyo getting more forward on the left; his low cross turned out for a corner.

South Korea continued to put the pressure on Uruguay, Park Ji-Sung's header quite comfortable for Fernando Muslera though.

Eventually the continued pressure paid off as a free-kick from the left was headed up in the air. As Muslera left his line, Lee Chung-Yong beat Edinson Cavani to the header and equalised for South Korea.

Lee Chung-Yong almost added a second a couple of minutes later.

Ten minutes from time, an Uruguayan corner was poorly dealt with by the South Korean defenders; giving Luis Suarez the chance to curl the ball in off the post from the outside left side of the penalty area.

Uruguay 2 South Korea 1

It's A Knockout

2010-06-26T15:11:00.001+02:00

South Africa 2010 enters the Knockout Stage; where the team to win their next four matches (possibly after extra-time and penalties) will be crowned World Champions. The two teams who contested the World Cup Final at Germany 2006 - France and Italy - are already home.

Second Round

Spain 2 Honduras 0

2010-06-21T22:47:00.000+02:00

Having lost to a resilient Switzerland in their opening match, Spain couldn't afford to lose again. Even a draw would have been disastrous, if Switzerland were to beat Honduras in their last match.

If Spain lost, the World Cup tournament would have been over for the European Champions. David Villa didn't let that bother him as he thundered the ball off the crossbar in the seventh minute.

Sergio Ramos later had a penalty appeal turned down and then held his head in horror when he headed over the bar.

On fire from the start, David Villa allowed all of Spain to relax when he weaved in from the left, through two centre-backs and stretched past Osman Chavez; to fire into the top corner.

The 2008 European Champions had finally announced their arrival on the 2010 World stage.

Due to continued Spanish pressure, Honduras didn't really get a look in but did manage to keep the scoreline respectable.

Half-time: 1:0

Early in the second-half, David Villa produced another excellent strike from the edge of the area; although the up and under flight of Jabulani was probably helped on by the shin of Osman Chavez.

Then Sergio Ramos again tried desperately to get himself on the scoresheet. Maybe sometimes he just tries too hard.

Just after the hour, Emilio Izaguirre took the legs of Jesus Navas out from under him in the Honduran penalty area. David Villa stepped up to try for his hat-trick; sent Noel Valladares one way and the ball wide of the post the other way.

A couple of minutes later, Cesc Fabregas came on for Spain and almost scored at the first attempt.

When it comes down to the final games, Spain might rue their missed chances here; even Sergio Ramos had a chance to score his own hat-trick.

Spain 2 Honduras 0

Final Group Games

2010-06-21T19:45:00.006+02:00

Forget how teams qualified for the World Cup Finals, to reach the 2010 World Cup Final itself they first need to get out of the Group Stage. Only two teams managed to do that with a game to spare; Holland and Brazil.

It's not necessary to top the group to win the cup but you will need to be in the last 16. Right now, this is all that matters; Cameroon, North Korea and fourteen others will soon be packing their bags and heading home.

England and France, probably two of the biggest teams who have offered the least in their opening two World Cup games, could still meet in the 2010 World Cup Final; if one team finishes top and the other finishes second, in Groups A and C. That could make Nicolas Anelka eat his words but it won't get him back.

So what are the chances?

Group A

If Uruguay and Mexico draw their final game, there's nothing France or South Africa can do to stop both Latin American teams from qualifying for the knockout stage.

France seem to be in all sorts of problems, which could make it easier for the home nation to finish them off.

As France haven't really seemed like scoring, South Africa will be looking for one-way traffic in Bloemfontein; while hoping Uruguay (or Mexico) take the game seriously enough in Rustenburg. Even then, South Africa need to see something of a five to seven goal swing in their favour; depending on who's doing the scoring.

Group B

Argentina just need a point against Greece to top the group. Greece would then finish second; if Nigeria were to beat South Korea.

Greece need to win by three goals to leap-frog Argentina, but any win would be enough to qualify; if South Korea don't win by the same margin.

If both games are draws, Greece would need a higher scoring draw; so Greece must score goals to stay in the tournament.

Nigeria could still qualify; if they beat South Korea and Argentina win against Greece.

Group C

England only need a win to qualify for the Second Round; it's that simple. Algeria could say the same; especially if England draw (again) or lose to Slovenia.

Team USA are looking good too, especialy as they've scored two more goals than England.

If Slovenia do lose, they would still qualify if Team USA draw with Algeria in Pretoria.

Group D

A draw for Ghana against Germany would be enough for the West African nation to represent their continent in the Second Round. In which case, Serbia would need to beat Australia, or Australia would need to win by a massive seven goals; to overcome Germany.

For Australia to realistically stand a chance, the Socceroos would need Ghana to beat Germany and help eat into the German goal differential.

If Germany lose, a draw for Serbia would be enough for the Serbs to continue. A draw could also work for Serbia, if Germany were to beat Ghana by two goals.

Group E

With Holland through and Cameroon out, it's all about Japan and Denmark; and it's convenient that they're playing each other.

Japan only need a draw, so Denmark have to win.

A point for Holland would see the Dutch top the group, or if Japan and Denmark share the points.

Group F

The current World Champions may be sitting second in the group, but defeat to Slovakia would see them flying back to Rome. Conveniently, the last game is in Johannesburg.

Paraguay only need a point against New Zealand to be sure of progress; which is just as well, considering the All Whites have drawn both of their games 1:1.

New Zealand could even qualify with a draw, if Italy and Slovakia were to play out a lower scoring draw.

New Zealand and Slovakia could both qualify with victories. Now that would be fun.

Group G

Brazil have qualified for the knockout stage and just need a draw against Portugal to top the group.

Portugal's seven-goal sinking of North Korea means Ivory Coast need to find goals galore in Nelspruit; and hope that Brazil do the same against Portugal in Durban.

Despite putting up a plucky fight, North Korea became the second nation to be eliminated from the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Group H

Chile only need a point against Spain to advance; or hope that Honduras get at least a point off Switzerland.

Spain will qualify if they win.

Switzerland will reach the last 16 if they beat Honduras by two goals; or earn a point, and Chile beat Spain.

Honduras must beat Switzerland by two goals and hope that Spain lose to Chile.

Chile and Spain would benefit if both games ended in draws.

Chile 1 Switzerland 0

2010-06-21T18:19:00.001+02:00

Both teams had three points from their first games.

From the same stadium where England's World Cup dream will be decided, on Wednesday, Khalil Al Ghamdi was quick to put Humberto Suazo in his notebook; not for scoring.

A double save by Diego Benaglio, in the 10th minute, kept Switzerland in the game; the second Chile attempt going out for a corner.

The referee - Khalil Al Ghamdi, of Saudi Arabia - seemed to have his whistle stuck, which in turn broke down the flow of play.

The players should have been more cautious because of how the referee set out his stall so early but Switzerland's Valon Behrami paid the price for trying to shake two players off his back; his case wasn't helped by the usual dose of over-acting by Chile's Arturo Vidal after Jean Beausejour was left in Behrami's slipstream.

Reduced to ten men, Ottmar Hitzfeld waited eleven minutes before sacrificing captain Alexander Frei, for Tranquillo Barnetta.

Half-time: 0:0

One decision that Khalil Al Ghamdi did get right was disallowing an early Chile goal for offside; and Switzerland remained on course to beat Italy's record for playing the most World Cup Finals minutes without conceding a goal.

Around the hour mark, the referee seemed to deal out cards like an apprentice croupier.

In the 67th minute, Switzerland surpassed Italy's record by not conceding a World Cup Finals goal since going out to Spain in USA 1994. Meanwhile, Switzerland's Roger Federer clawed his way back from two sets down to beat the Colombian, Alejandro Falla at Wimbledon.

Chile finally cracked the Swiss vault in the 75th minute, when Diego Benaglio rushed off his line and gave the two substitutes a chance to pull off the heist together; Esteban Paredes crossing from the right, for Mark Gonzalez to head down and past Stephan Lichtsteiner trying to cover the line.

Switzerland tried valiantly to get back on level terms but the referee's watch was ticking against them. It didn't help that Eren Derdiyok could hardly believe he was given a golden opportunity to score and fluffed his lines in the 90th minute.

The final act in the game was when Khalil Al Ghamdi booked Chile's Jorge Valdivia for trying to con a penalty, in the 92nd minute.

Chile 1 Switzerland 0

Portugal 7 North Korea 0

2010-06-21T15:50:00.001+02:00

North Korea, who did so well against Brazil - holding out for 55 minutes and scoring a consolation goal in the last - would have to go one step better against Portugal; who themselves only had one point on the board, from their game against Ivory Coast.

Cristiano Ronaldo, already on a yellow card, would miss the Portugal vs Brazil game with another booking here; so we expected football, not diving.

North Korea started a little more adventurous than they did against Brazil, which in turn gave Portugal more space to run into.

From a corner in the seventh minute, North Korea's Ri Myong-Guk came off his line and totally missed the ball; giving Ricardo Carvalho a free header onto the top corner of the upright.

A few minutes later, Cha Jong-Hyok gave Portugal a minor scare as his shot screamed wide of Eduardo's goal.

North Korea put together some good passing to get into the Portugal box in the seventeenth minute; Eduardo needing to get his hand to Hong Yong-Jo's surprise attempt at goal. Not a great shot but cause for concern; all made possible because the ball rolled away from Ronaldo, who had drifted into the middle a little in search of the ball.

Two minutes after North Korea were falsely called offside, Tiago found plenty of room in the middle to comfortably thread the final ball through a gap in the North Korea penalty area, for Raul Meireles to finish.

Half-time: 1:0

At the start of the second-half, Portugal streaked forward and Tiago's shot had to be tipped over the bar; as the Europeans tried to show that they were back in business.

A couple of minutes later, Jabulani caused Ri Myong-Guk problems; bouncing, bobbling and generally not wanting to be cleanly gathered. We've seen those go in.

The pressure paid off as Simão ran on to a Meireles through-ball; after a neat chested one-two on the edge of the North Korean area.

North Korea paid the price for being adventurous and it looked like the floodgates were finally opened: as two minutes later Hugo Almeida headed Fabio Coentrão's cross home; then on the hour it was the turn of Cristiano Ronaldo to provide for Tiago.

In less than six minutes North Korea were completely taken apart and their World Cup dreams truly sunk by an all-guns blazing, Portuguese side.

With plenty of free runs, it only seemed a matter of time before Cristiano Ronaldo would add his name to the scoresheet as well.

Instead it was Liedson, only on the pitch for a few minutes, who crashed in Portugal's fifth.

But there was still time for Cristiano Ronaldo not to disappoint, then Tiago joined the rout to put Portugal in seventh heaven and leave Sven Goran Eriksson deep in a goal difference hole - even if Ivory Coast could beat North Korea and Brazil were to beat Portugal in the last group games.

Portugal 7 North Korea 0

Brazil 3 Ivory Coast 1

2010-06-20T23:04:00.000+02:00

If you really want to know what Brazil is about, listen to some of the music.

So it's West Africa vs the ancestors of slaves from Africa; sorry, Didier Drogba vs Samba, Axe, Pagode, Forro and God Bless ya Amazonas.

Brazil must be the only sensible team that actually field players 1 to 11 as their first team.

It took a while - 25 minutes in fact - but when the slightest chance came along, Luis Fabiano slotted the ball into the roof of the net.

Sven Goran Eriksson could soon be looking to earn his millions elsewhere; shame he closed the door on Notts County.

The half-time scoreline didn't say much, apart from the fact that only one goal was scored. Or rather, the scoreline said it all; only one goal was scored.

Come on you millionaires, this is the World Cup Finals, show why you're paid so much!

Half-time: 1:0

Just going thought the super slick, Brazilian motions, Luis Fabiano made it two for himself and two for Brazil; five minutes into the second-half. There was a good call for hand-ball but the skills were too dazzling, as is so often the case with Brazil.

The game might not have been the most exciting, but Brazil did their job, comfortably; making the simple things look..... well, simple.

Sven Goran Eriksson could only shake his head as Elano scored his second of the tournament and Brazil's third of the match. That's all the conservative, restrictive, unimaginative Swede did, could do, would do - shake his head. Someone sack him; again!

Then Elano was crunched and had to be taken off.

If a reply was ever going to come from the Ivory Coast, it could only come from Didier Drogba.

And then the dreaded simulation came into play again, where grown men act like little girls; Keita getting a little nudge in the chest from (on a yellow card just three minutes earlier) Kaka and falling down holding his face; not moving - playing dead. Oh, let's not forget - Rivaldo once did something similar too.

But, football did win out - as Brazil showed Côte d'Ivoire - and the watching world - just how the game of bola should be played.

Brazil 3 Ivory Coast 1

Italy 1 New Zealand 1

2010-06-20T18:17:00.000+02:00

Before the game started, I wrote: 'Can the fairy-tale story come true? Can the All Whites get a point off the Azzuri; the World Champions?'

Amazing. Where has that crystal ball gone?

The shape of the ball might concern New Zealand, but at least the game starts all-square.

Proving that all is not bad when the ball is round in Kiwi Land, New Zealand took the lead against the World Champions, with just six minutes played; when Fabio Cannavaro diverted a free-kick for Shane Smeltz to tap-in past reserve goalkeeper, Federico Marchetti.

The Italian defenders started playing like big babies, falling over, clutching a chest here, a face there and generally trying to get New Zealand players booked; especially as it already worked once. Not really the kind of antics to encourage neutrals to want to see Italy go much further in the tournament.

They might like to fall down a lot but you can't keep the Italians down; as Tommy Smith conceded a penalty for shirt-pulling on Daniele De Rossi, before half an hour was even out.

After waiting for a little order to be restored on the edge of the penalty area, Vincenzo Iaquinta calmly sent Mark Paston the wrong way.

As the American media might say, New Zealand go into the break winning.

Half-time: 1:1

Substitutions started early in the second-half but not much changed with the game. Of course Italy wouldn't be happy with a draw; although one point is better than none.

Italy started to up the attacking movement in the last twenty minutes, but Mark Paston was equal to the Riccardo Montolivo shot; even affording a moment to watch the replay on a large screen.

Tommy Smith - so nice to see an Ipswich Town player back in the World Cup Finals - has had an exceptional game in the New Zealand defence, and considering the World Champions have only scored from a penalty (for shirt-pulling by Tommy), that's saying something.

In the 83rd minute, at the other end, substitute Chris Wood came oh so close to planting past the outstretched Marchetti.

Well, Marcello Lippi asked questions about his Italy team at half-time and had the courage to make the changes quickly; but he couldn't have known what answer New Zealand would give.

The New Zealand fans all had the shirts off; swinging them around their heads in the final minutes, oblivious to the South African winter chill.
Are you watching Australia?

Italy 1 New Zealand 1

Slovakia 0 Paraguay 2

2010-06-20T15:39:00.002+02:00

It was all square in Group F before this game, but Paraquay were probably happier with their point against Italy than Slovakia were with theirs against New Zealand.

The first real strike of the game fell to Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz. The shot might have taken a slight deflection off Martin Skrtel, but Jan Mucha - heading to Everton next season - took no chances and made sure the ball went out for a corner.

Slovakia's best move came when Vladimir Weiss woke up in the 16th minute; to find Stanislav Sestak, asleep in his place.

A couple of minutes later, Cristian Riveros drove the shot low and hard for Paraguay. Not much of a Jabulani moment for Mucha though.

Paraguay finally put the pieces together, shortly before the half-hour mark, when Lucas Barrios released Enrique Vera; after drawing a couple of Slovakia players out of the danger area.

Seven minutes before the break, Vera forced a mistake in the Slovakia defence but Mucha kicked out his foot to save from Roque Santa Cruz.

A minute later, Paraguay's Lucas Barrios again looked a handful running to the touchline.

Half-time: 0:1

As Slovakia tried to get themselves back in the game and Paraguay looked to gain a better advantage, the game still had a lot of potential, around the hour mark.

Sadly, this is about the time that all the substitutions start taking place and a lot of the game's rhythm is broken.

Enrique Vera missed the chance to give Paraguay the cushion they needed; when he headed wide from a Roque Santa Cruz, left-wing cross.

Slovakia seemed content to contain Paraguay and maybe hope to snatch a late equaliser, or conserve energy and hope to get the better of Italy.

Either way, Slovakia's lack of conviction cost them another goal; as a Paraguay free-kick from the left was headed into the middle and, after a little mix-up, squared beautifully to Cristian Riveros.

Slovakia 0 Paraguay 2

Cameroon 1 Denmark 2

2010-06-19T22:49:00.001+02:00

Both of these teams were still looking for their first points of the tournament, while Holland would qualify, unless Cameroon won; or if Denmark won, Cameroon would be out.

Cameroon came out of the blocks with a spring in their step; as Morten Olsen - the Denmark manager - started taking notes.

When Dennis Rommedahl skied Jabulani in the seventh minute, Olsen scribbled some more.

Then a lazy pass by Christian Poulsen was cut out by Achille Emana who found Samuel Eto'o in his more favoured central position; no chance for Thomas Sorensen.

A few minutes later and Cameroon were pushing forward again, trying to extend their lead and keep this group wide open.

With just over half an hour gone, a long ball over the Cameroon left-back found Dennis Rommedahl sprinting down the right. The Ajax midfielder whipped a cross into the middle, for Arsenal's Nicklas Bendtner to slide home.

Denmark will wonder how they missed the chance to go ahead, five minutes before half-time. Then Cameroon broke forward, mistakes being made everywhere, and Eto'o cannoned a shot off the post; when Emana should have probably taken it on his own.

Half-time: 1:1

Another comedy of errors in the Denmark penalty area, at the start of the second-half, but Cameroon were unable to make anything of it.

Then around the hour mark, Assou-Ekotto was caught out of position - having just fed the ball to Pierre Webo around the Danish penalty area - thus making life easy for Dennis Rommedahl on the right; who cut inside and steered the ball past Souleymanou Hamidou.

With twelve minutes left to play, Thomas Sorensen denied Achille Emana the chance to fire Cameroon back into the World Cup Finals; diving down to his right to make a terrific, one-handed stop.

Cameroon substitute, Mohamadou Idrissou, then headed over the Denmark bar with five minutes still to play.

With the final whistle, Cameroon became the first team to be dumped out of the 2010 World Cup Finals; an African team out of the African World Cup.

Cameroon 1 Denmark 2

Ghana 1 Australia 1

2010-06-19T18:12:00.001+02:00

With Germany losing to Serbia yesterday, it's still all to play for in Group D.

The two Ghana centre-backs looked a little suspect in the early minutes but they did have their captain standing in the goal, behind them.

Unfortunately, the captain flapped at Mark Bresciano's free-kick; allowing Brett Holman to follow up on the free ball, with little more than ten minutes played.

Then, like a boomerang returning from their first games Australia were shown another red card - Harry Kewell, handled on the line - and Ghana were given another penalty; Asamoah Gyan again hitting the back of the net, to bring the teams level.

Mark Schwarzer pushed out a low shot (for a goal-kick) from Kevin-Prince Boateng just before half-time. Strange call from Roberto Rosetti, surely it should have been a corner.

Half-time: 0:0

Ghana started the second-half trying to make the most of the extra man. Australia, for their part, couldn't afford to give careless balls away.

Scott Chipperfield headed the ball towards goal just after coming on for Mark Bresciano. Straight away at the other end, Ghana came close. Both teams still looking to win the game.

A fine double save by Richard Kingson again kept Australia out in the 72nd minute, as the double substitutions liven things up for the Socceroos. Even the Australian fans sensed their ten-men could come away from Rustenburg with a win.

Not to be outdone, Ghana pushed forward and Asamoah Gyan had another great chance for the West Africans.

With fifteen minutes still to go, the game had a real cup final feel to it.
Jonathan Mensah headed wide from Sulley Muntari's free-kick in the last minute of normal time as Ghana struggled to get in front of Australia.

Ghana had all the stops but Australia pulled out the stops. It's all to play for on Wednesday.

Ghana 1 Australia 1

Holland 1 Japan 0

2010-06-19T15:33:00.000+02:00

Both Holland and Japan went into this game on three points.

The referee, Hector Baldassi of Argentina, is the second referee to be in charge of his second game; having shown a red card in the Serbia vs Ghana match.

Perhaps Holland were feeling nervous after watching Switzerland beat Spain and Germany lose to Serbia. Or were they trying to bore Japan and drain them of their energy, by putting them to sleep.

Even the referee had no real motivation to go for his notebook; until the 36th minute, when Gregory Van Der Wiel cynically nudged Daisuke Matsui into a roll.

Half-time: 0:0

The second-half had to get better, as anything is better than nothing.
Wesley Sneijder finally relieved the boredom with a solid strike that Eiji Kawashima could only push into his own net; eight minutes after the break.

Japan had a few chances, twenty minutes from time. Inspired by that, Takeshi Okada made a double attacking substitution, six minutes later.

It was Ibrahim Afellay, for Holland, however who appeared the most promising of all the substitutions. Shinji Okazaki - another substitute - also came close to equalising for Japan in the closing minutes. Yuto Nagatomo tried to look for a penalty but Hector Baldassi wasn't deceived. Although it looked like he pointed to the spot, it was a signal for a goal-kick.

Unless Cameroon beat Denmark, Holland will be the first team to qualify for the Second Round.

Holland 1 Japan 0

England 0 Algeria 0

2010-06-18T23:00:00.003+02:00

Birthday Boy, Fabio Capello had Gareth Barry fit and brought in David James as number one.

Ravshan Irmatov, of Uzbekistan, refereed the South Africa vs Mexico opening game and became the first referee to take charge of his second match at the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Algeria also started the game with a change of goalkeeper; Rais M'Bolhi even had a trial for Manchester United before the tournament. Perhaps it was memories of that trial that fogged his vision, as he made an early mistake by passing to Wayne Rooney.

With eighteen minutes gone, Algeria seemed to settle in rather well; giving England plenty to think about.

Five minutes later, David James did well to keep hold of Nadir Belhadj's high corner; as Algeria continued to put England on the back foot.

With half an hour gone, England were looking perilously close to winning the 'Worse Team of The Tournament' tag off France; about the only thing either team would win on their current showing.

A chorus of God Save The Queen inspired Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney for a split second; the sort of mini moments that result in goals.

Then a minute later, M'Bolhi stopped England's best chance of the first-half; from the rapidly advancing Frank Lampard. Those sort of goals have gone in so many times at Stamford Bridge.

Fabio Capello walked towards the tunnel with his head down and hands in his pockets. Not the sort of birthday surprise he would have wished for. Now what?

Half-time: 0:0

Is the Italian manager suffocating the players? Maybe they should listen to Beckenbauer - kick and rush is better than this.

Emile Heskey showed that he's been watching some of the talent in other World Cup games as he tried to appear skilful with his feet on the right. Unfortunately, a donkey can't become a thoroughbred overnight.

Things went from bad to worse, just before the hour, as Jamie Carragher was booked for a block on the edge of the area and would miss the crucial game against Slovenia. No tears though.

An awful back-pass from John Terry put David James under immense pressure. Terry then made amends by heading the goalkeeper's punt further upfield.

The arrival of Jermain Defoe, in place of Emile Heskey, added a little more spark to the England attack.

The Americans could quite rightly feel proud of their draw with Slovenia, after going two goals down in their first-half, but England would have to be thoroughly ashamed by this performance.

In a final throw of the dice, Capello sent on big Peter Crouch for Gareth Barry, with just six minutes left to break the deadlock.

That didn't work, so knockout football comes early for England, as they have to beat Slovenia in the final group game. On this showing, that doesn't look very likely.

If England can't score one goal against Slovenia (and keep a clean sheet), they'll need to draw at least two-two and hope the United States vs Algeria game is goalless. As for drawing of lots, perish the thought.

England 0 Algeria 0

Slovenia 2 USA 2

2010-06-18T18:12:00.001+02:00

If Slovenia had won this, they would have gone five points ahead of England and been the first team to qualify for the second round.

The game hadn't really looked like much when Tim Howard was watching Slovenia move forward in the thirteenth minute. Valter Birsa struck the ball from so far out that the Everton goalkeeper probably thought the unpredictable Jabulani would float high or wide.

The ball did take a swerve, but the height of the flight didn't alter and America went a goal down.

Slovenia did everything they needed to do to keep ahead, and just when the United States thought that they might get a sniff at an equaliser, Slovenia took a slight tug at the Stars and Stripey nasal hair and made their eyes water; as Zlatan Ljubijankic calmly slotted the ball past Tim Howard with the inside of his foot.

Should Brad Guzan or Marcus Hahnemann be coming on for the second-half? Of course not, but that's the sort of rubbish you hear when an England goalkeeper only lets one soft goal go past him.

Half-time: 2:0

At the start of the second-half, Team USA's double substitution paid instant dividends, as Landon Donovan put the North American giants back in with a shout against the European minnows.

The US goal didn't really ruffle Slovenia; as they continued to play their short-passing game, in search of another goal.

The United States brought themselves level with less than ten minutes to play; a long ball was headed down by Jozy Altidore for Michael Bradley - the manager's son - to toe poke home.

With the USA level, the goalscorer's father went all defensive again - instead of pushing on for the win.

Maurice Edu couldn't believe that the USA's third goal was disallowed, for tugging off the ball.

So Slovenia are not through, and even if England beat Algeria later tonight, nothing in the group will be decided until next Wednesday. Slovenia must be very disappointed, but full credit to Papa Bradley's substitutions.

Slovenia 2 USA 2

Germany 0 Serbia 1

2010-06-18T15:54:00.000+02:00

A win for Germany could book their passage to the next round, while a defeat for Serbia and a draw in the Ghana vs Australia game would mean Serbia would become the first team eliminated.

Serbia did so well in qualifying but came unstuck against Ghana; when Aleksandar Lukovic earned a second yellow card with fifteen minutes to go and then conceded a silly penalty.

In just seven minutes, Serbia came close to conceding a goal in Port Elizabeth; as Lukas Podolski sliced the ball wide of the post.

After a seemingly positive start by both teams, the referee started to make more use of his whistle and notebook; booking two Serbian players in two minutes, only six minutes after Miroslav Klose earned the first yellow card of the game.

Sami Khedira was next to have his name taken - making that two players from each team, with just 22 minutes played.

Serbia nodded off on the half-hour mark, but Miroslav Klose was flagged for offside before the ball hit the back of the net. Players have been booked for that before, and Klose is already on a yellow card.

The story of this game is really about the Spanish referee as Miroslav Klose was given his second yellow card for a soft foul while chasing back.

With Germany down to ten men, Serbia were quick to take advantage; scoring in the next minute as Milos Krasic crossed from the right, for Nikola Zigic to head down into the middle and Milan Jovanovic to make the most of the gifted opportunity.

Then just before the half ended, Germany's Sami Khedira saw his shot crash off the bar.

Half-time: 0:1

What a shame FIFA can't substitute referees at half-time.

Germany tried to get back on level terms, as the referee kept his cards close to his chest for the first ten minutes of the re-start; although Philipp Lahm's heart might have skipped a beat when the whistle went against him. Joachim Löw rose from the bench in frustration; probably fearing a second yellow card for his captain.

Then two cards in three minutes, for Serbia; the second to Nemanja Vidic, for sticking out his hand in the penalty area - the second time Serbia have gifted a penalty at the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Lukas Podolski shot from the spot; low, to Vladimir Stojkovic's left. The Wigan Athletic goalkeeper was equal to it and Germany failed to level the score.

Can Ghana top the group later today, or will Australia get the result to put everyone on three points?

So much can change in the World Cup groups. Just when you thought you knew where the teams were going, in steps a referee to make it all interesting. Nothing to do with Spain losing to Switzerland in their opening game, of course. And England, so desperate to win Group C and avoid Germany, may still find themselves on course for a Second Round penalty shoot-out.
So Germany can be beaten and they can miss penalties!

The ironic thing is, England will win their group, Germany will be runners-up in theirs; the two teams will meet in the next round and Germany won't have to score more than three penalties because England will miss more.

The ball might be round, but this one is rounder than round.

Germany 0 Serbia 1

France 0 Mexico 2

2010-06-17T22:45:00.000+02:00

With opening day draws for both of these nations, France and Mexico needed to think about victory. But only one team can win.

The game started lively enough but it's still surprising to see so many shots going high and wide at this level; of wait, let's blame the ball.
The longer the half wore on, the more desperate the situation looked - especially for France - with too many passes going astray.

Mexico looked more dangerous going forward but were let down by poor finishing; while France, just didn't know where to look most of the time.

Half-time: 0:0

France really needed to do something in the second-half to save their tournament. If Mexico were to win here, a Mexico draw with Uruguay would see the two Latin Americans through; no matter what South Africa and France did.

A scrappy start to the second-half might have suggested that the mathematical probabalities were playing in the minds of the French players and freezing them, like the fingers in their matching blue gloves.

Nine minutes after coming on, Javier Hernandez left the France defence motionless to run on to a through ball and round Hugo Lloris unchallenged.

France made it even harder for themselves when Abidal brought down Pablo Barrera in the penalty area. With just over ten minutes to go, 37 year-old Cuauhtemoc Blanco slotted the ball home from the spot to put the game beyond France's reach.

France, who needed the helping hand of Henry to qualify for South Africa now need help from Uruguay; and for South Africa to have less will to win than the French. Now that would be fantasy football.

Laurent Blanc could be the manager of France a couple of weeks earlier than he thought.

France 0 Mexico 2

Greece 2 Nigeria 1

2010-06-17T18:16:00.001+02:00

Going into the game, Greece and Nigeria, both without a point, knew that Argentina had six points and South Korea had three. A draw here and Argentina would qualify for the Second Round by default; a defeat for Greece and the Europeans would be going home.

Typically, Greece - who were yet to score a World Cup Finals goal - started with five at the back and waited for Nigeria to come at them. The West Africans didn't disappoint when Kalu Uche became the first player to score a direct free-kick in South Africa, fifteen minutes into the game.

Vasilis Torosidis, who had already gone down once in a challenge, dropped like a ton of bricks when Sani Kaita needlessly kicked out in frustration as the Greek shielded the ball out of play.

Sani Kaita then hid his head in the green shirt of Nigeria, once he was shown the inevitable red card.

With Nigeria down to ten men, Otto Rehhagel made an attacking substitution; bringing on Giorgos Samaras for Sokratis Papastathopoulos.

Then, just before half-time, fortune struck again for Greece; as Kostas Katsouranis laid the ball into the path of Dimitrios Salpingidis. The Panathinaikos striker's shot deflected off Lukman 'Luckless' Haruna and up over Vincent Enyeama, who played so well against Argentina.

Half-time: 1:1

Kalu Uche, the scorer of the first goal, forced Alexandros Tzorvas to tip the ball over his bar at the start of the second-half; as Nigeria showed they were not content to just sit back and hold on to the draw.

Then, on the next break, Taye Taiwo suffered what looked like a groin injury and momentarily left Nigeria with nine men on the pitch.

On the hour, Nigeria were powering forward again; Tzorvas getting his left palm to Yakubu's drive from close range.

With the extra man eventually proving to much to deal with, Vasilis Torosidis - the player who was involved in the sending-off incident - was first to pounce when Vincent Enyeama had a Robert Green moment, 20 minutes from time.

Shortly after, Yakubu gave Greece another scare; Nigeria not prepared to lie down and roll over until the final whistle.

Greece, lucky to play against ten men, were also lucky with both goals. But it's a win, their first at a World Cup Finals, and Nigeria have it all to do against South Korea.

Greece 2 Nigeria 1

Argentina 4 South Korea 1

2010-06-17T15:58:00.001+02:00

Argentina and South Korea both went into this game on three points; with a win for either team meaning possible qualification to the Second Round, if Greece and Nigeria drew later in the day.

South Korea were forced to start with everyone behind the ball, as Argentina took the early initiative.

South Korea gave away a needless wrestling foul, with fifteen minutes gone, and were made to pay for it; as Lionel Messi's free-kick was met by Park Chu-Young's shin, for own goal number two of the tournament.

Argentina slipped into second gear, just after the half-hour mark, as Maxi Rodríguez floated the ball into the area, and it was headed on for Gonzalo Higuain to score.

South Korea tried to get back into the game just before half-time and their persistence paid off when Lee Chung-Yong was able to nick the ball and put it in the net, just before the whistle blew. A lack of concentration from Argentina perhaps.

Half-time: 2:1

Jung Sung-Ryong kept South Korea in with a chance, early in the second-half; tipping the ball away for a corner.

With Argentina on a couple of quick yellow cards, South Korea seemed to have a little more room to move for a moment and Yeom Ki-Hun may well hold his head in his hands after missing a left-foot shot with just Romero to beat; just before the hour.

Fifteen minutes later, when South Korea felt they might have had a chance to level the scores, Argentina extended their lead on a fast counter-attack.

Lionel Messi saw Jung Sung-Ryong save the initial shot with his foot but was quick enough to follow up. That shot hit the post and went behind the South korea goalkeeper for Higuain to tap in and join Diego Forlan on two goals.

Four minutes later, Messi and Higuain combined again; Messi chipping the ball in for Gonzalo Higuain to head his hat-trick and top the goalscorers chart.

So, six points for Argentina and South Korea have to do it all again against Nigeria.

Argentina 4 South Korea 1

Forlan on Song

2010-06-16T23:00:00.000+02:00

As we now start looking at all the World Cup teams for a second time, we can start to see the real winners and losers.

Bafana Bafana might have tried to intimidate Uruguay by singing in the tunnel but unfortuantely for them it was Diego Forlan who rang the tunes on the pitch; scoring two and having a major part in the third goal, as the boys were crushed by men.

Uruguay made a more positive start after their poor display against France in the first game while Siphiwe Tshabalala was a little ambitious with a couple of early attempts in Pretoria.

Having seen plenty of shots float sky high, Itumeleng Khune was a little shocked to watch Diego Forlan's 24th minute strike actually dip under the bar; although it did take a slight deflection off Aaron Mokoena.

Half-time: 0:1

With Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez running the show for Uruguay, South Africa needed to change something if they wanted to stay at the party.

Bafana Bafana came to life, with twenty minutes to go, after appealing to the crowd to give them more noise.

Unfortunately, when Luis Suarez sped into the South Africa penalty area, Khune caught the striker with his left foot. Massimo Busacca took a while going for his pocket; Khune backed off, fearing the worse - red card.

Diego Forlan had to wait an age while the reserve goalkeeper made himself ready, but the former Manchester United striker kept his cool and all but ended South Africa's hopes of getting out of the group stage. The hosts will need to beat France and have other results go their way.

Diego Forlan then played a part in Uruguay's third goal, in the final seconds of time added on; crossing the ball to Luis Suarez, who switched it back to Alvaro Pereira on the goal-line.

South Africa 0 Uruguay 3

Switzerland Neutralise Spain

2010-06-16T18:16:00.000+02:00

Spain and Switzerland were the last two teams to kick their World Cup campaign off.

Spain, one of the favourites to win the World Cup, started as expected; looking comfortable on the ball, with plenty of possession. Switzerland would have been chasing shadows, if the sun were shining.

Even when Switzerland earned a corner, in the ninth minute, it was Spain who almost scored; breaking out with snappy passing, but David Villa missed the option of Sergio Ramos at the far post.

Diego Benaglio spread himself at the feet of Gerard Piqué to deny Spain, then Reto Ziegler forced a save from Iker Casillas; when he fired a low free-kick at the other end, in the 26th minute.

Switzerland worked hard to keep the Spanish attacking threat neutralised and for most part, despite a few scares, it worked.

Despite intricate flashes of brilliance from Iniesta and David Villa on the left, the dim reality is that it's goalless at half-time for the ninth time - out of sixteen matches played.

Half-time: 0:0

The second-half started as the first finished, with Spain mostly attacking down their left.

From a long Swiss clearance down the middle, the ball was flicked on then, amid plenty of rolling and tumbling in the Spain penalty area, Gelson Fernandes emerged as the unexpected hero; the European Champions a goal down.

Spain continued to press forward: Fernando Torres closed down; Alonso hits the bar; Switzerland holding out.

Spain were very nearly two goals down, with fifteen minutes to go, when Eren Derdiyok lost the defenders long enough to flick the ball onto the post with the outside of his foot.

With Spain pushing everyone forward, Switzerland continued to pose problems on the counter-attack. The minutes seemed to tick away like seconds for Spain, yet drag on like hours for Switzerland.

The Swiss fans looked nervous; five minutes away from an historical moment. Then fireworks exploded in the tiny Alpine country and car horns sounded from Appenzell to Zurich.

Spain 0 Switzerland 1

Chile Hot, Honduras Not

2010-06-16T15:36:00.000+02:00

Central America vs South America; Hispanic through and through.

In the second minute, a Matías Fernández free-kick, for Chile, floated closer to the bar than most we've seen so far; as Chile tried to put their stamp on the game early.

It was almost twenty minutes before Honduras looked in the game; earning a corner on the right. Chile broke out and almost scored at the other end.

Honduras may feel disappointed about how they conceded the goal but Chile deserved to take take the lead in the 34th minute; as Mauricio Isla's cross from the right was knocked onto an in-sliding Jean Beausejour, by an Honduran defender.

Chile continued to push forward and overwhelm Honduras with their movement.
Honduras ended the half with a free-kick from thirty three metres, which earned them a corner. Otherwise, it was all Chile.

Half-time: 0:1

The referee from Seychelles seemed to struggle with the big calls, missing two penalty shouts and ignoring a dive. If it wasn't a dive, Palacios should have had a second booking, for a foul on the edge of the area.

Maynor Figueroa twice saved Honduras at the back and Chile missed the opportunity to go two goals in front, when Waldo Ponce failed to put a diving header between the posts.

Eddy Maillet can forget about blowing the whistle at the World Cup Final after this performance, when he missed another booking for handball. Matías Fernández had his goal disallowed, but for the wrong reason - Alexis Sánchez handled the ball across, rather than offside.

At the end, Chile were too hot for Honduras and the scoreline doesn't tell the real story.

Honduras 0 Chile 1

North Korea Opens Up

2010-06-15T22:46:00.000+02:00

North Korea make only their second appearance at the World Cup Finals, while Brazil have been an ever-present.

Although Brazil had most of the play in the first ten minutes, it was North Korea's Jong Tae-Se who had the only shot on target; after dribbling into the Brazilian penalty area from the right.

With five red shirts across the back, North Korea reduced Brazil's capabilities to a few shots from distance. And with Jabulani not yet a hit with the players, those shots were wide of the mark.

Robinho's snap-shot, in the 20th minute, was the first proper effort from Brazil; no real problem for a goalkeeper, unless you're in an England shirt.

Then in the 27th minute, something a little more testing from Maicon; forcing Ri Myong-Guk to punch the ball away for a corner.

Kaka finally woke up in the 35th minute with a slight jink down the left, but two Koreans closed the door on the edge of the penalty area and the Brazilian wasn't sharp enough to pick the lock.

So the eighth game (out 14) to go to the break without a goal, but this one is not that bad at all.

A courageous performance from North Korea in the middle of the field; closing it tight at the back but still prepared to send Jong Tae-Se out on a goal-hunting mission.

Half-time: 0:0

Kaka went down a little too easy on the edge of the area, in the 50th minute. Michel Bastos managed to keep the ball below the bar, but Jabulani chose to fly wide of the target.

Brazil finally cracked the North Korea nut in the 55th minute, when Maicon overlapped Elano on the right, ran almost to the touchline and struck the ball in such a way - with the outside of his foot - that it seemed to swerve; low, between the goalkeeper and the post.

Or was it a cross that slipped off Maicon's boot? Whatever, Brazil edge themselves in front.

When Brazil score one, they often score more. And so it was. Within 17 minutes, Elano skipped onto a perfect pass from Robinho and sidefooted Brazil's second past Ri Myong-Guk.

In the closing minutes of the game, while Robinho was firing blanks Jong Tae-Se wasn't giving up hope of getting a goal in every game. Juan denied the Kawasaki Frontale striker but Ji Yun-Nam made sure that at least North Korea might score in every game.

Brazil 2 North Korea 1

Drogba 0 Ronaldo 0

2010-06-15T17:57:00.001+02:00

Svengali is back, but for how long this time?

Côte d'Ivoire started the sharpest, while Cristiano Ronaldo found it hard to stay on his feet and easy to get Didier Zokora in the referee's book.

An early yellow card in the Ivory Coast defence made it easier for Ronaldo to run at the West Africans; touch, turn and smash the ball against the Ivorian post.

Less than a quarter of an hour after the first incident, Ronaldo flopped over Guy Demel's legs. Both players were booked for getting themselves all heated up and puffing out chests.

After a promising start, football fans were once again left disappointed, as yet another 2010 World Cup Finals match ended the half without a goal (seventh out of thirteen, so far).

Half-time: 0:0

Deco showed a little more initiative at the start of the second-half and in an attempt to be more affective up front, Simao soon replaced Danny for Portugal.

If the vuvuzelas could get any louder, they did in the 65 minute; when Didier Drogba came on for fellow Chelsea player, Salomon Kalou.

The fans may have waited a long time to see if Didier Drogba would play but they'll have to wait until another day to see if can score with a broken arm; although he came close in the last minutes, but whipped the ball across the goal instead of finding a way into it.

Who would have thought that the New Zealand vs Slovakia game would be more exciting than this billing, but it was - by far!

Ivory Coast 0 Portugal 0

Reid All About It

2010-06-15T15:38:00.000+02:00

The team to win this game would top Group F; the group with the world champions, Italy.

Chris Killen had two attempts on goal within the first five minutes, as the All Whites sought to get a foothold in the game.

New Zealand continued to apply the pressure; although Slovakia did look threatening on the break.

Neither team did enough to break the deadlock though; on a sunny but chilly afternoon in Rustenburg. Simon Elliott put a few balls into the Slovakia area and Vladimir Weiss had a few runs at New Zealand, but otherwise - stalemate.

Half-time: 0:0

Slovakia started the second-half more positively; scoring on their second attack, Robert Vittek heading into the bottom corner from Stanislav Sestak's right-wing cross.

But for an excellent tackle by Winston Reid, in the penalty area, Slovakia could have doubled their lead in the 69th minute.

For most of the second-half, New Zealand never looked like threatening Slovakia at all; Sestak causing the Kiwis all sorts of problems, until he was taken off in the 81st minute. The goalscorer, Robert Vittek, soon joined him.

Shane Smeltz had a chance to head New Zealand level in the closing minutes, but wasted the opportunity. He made up for that miss with the cross from the left for Winston Reid to head in off the post and keep the group tight in the dying seconds of the game.

The Slovakia team were totally shell-shocked.

New Zealand 1 Slovakia 1

Champions Held

2010-06-14T22:34:00.001+02:00

The 2006 World Cup champions are out to defend their title.

Italy started well, playing fast and direct; maybe helped by the wet surface in Cape Town.

Even with a double corner in the 20th minute, Paraguay kept three players half-way up the pitch and were nearly caught out by an Italian break.

Both teams started losing possession far too easy and then Paraguay earned a seemingly harmless free-kick, out on the right, six minutes before half-time.

There didn't seem to be any urgency in the Paraguay camp, then Aureliano Torres curled the ball high into the rain and Antolín Alcaraz rose above the blue shirts to head the ball across Gianluigi Buffon and put the South Americans in front.

The Italians, who pride themselves on defence, found themselves a goal down.

Half-time: 0:1

A surprising substitution at half-time was Federico Marchetti coming on for Gianluigi Buffon.

When Paraguay started to sit back on their lead, Italy picked themselves up, brought on Mauro Camoranesi for Claudio Marchisio and earned a corner that Justo Villar totally missed. Daniele De Rossi was on hand at the back post to pull the world champions level.

And true to form, the whole Italian bench celebrated as if they'd just won the World Cup Final again.

Italy 1 Paraguay 1

Honda Engine

2010-06-14T18:12:00.002+02:00

Samuel Eto'o chose not to throw in the towel and had the chance to make Roger Milla eat his words.

The first half-hour was rather disappointing, as neither team did anything more than retreat after being caught offside.

Japan might have been happy with a point here, but Cameroon really should have been doing something about trying to win the match.

Then in a goalmouth confusion, six minutes before half-time, Keisuke Honda was left standing alone when the ball came over from the right; courtesy of Daisuke Matsui. The CSKA Moscow player stayed cool under pressure, to relieve us all of our boredom.

Half-time: 1:0

The first corner of the match came at the start of the second-half. That says everything about the first.

Samuel Eto'o looked more like he wanted win (for a second, or two), as he shook off three Japanese players on his way into the penalty area early in the second-half.

Cameroon made a double substitution, with 15 minutes left, but Eto'o was still left on the right instead of playing through the middle; while Japan started to show the more desire to hold on to their win.

With five minutes left to play, Cameroon's Stéphane M'Bia cracked a shot against the corner of the crossbar. Then at the other end, Keisuke Honda almost forced Souleymanou into a mistake.

Although Samuel Eto'o tried something of a back-heeled, scissor-kick, Roger Milla may be proved right; if the Cameroon can't win their next two games. And against Holland and Denmark - on this showing - that's not going to be easy.

Japan 1 Cameroon 0

Double Dutch

2010-06-14T15:54:00.000+02:00

Holland and Denmark played each other for the first time in a World Cup match; with Giovanni Van Bronckhorst earning his 100th cap for the Netherlands.

Promising so much before the game, Holland took a while to warm up; either stifled by Denmark or almost snoozing to the sound of bees. The slow start seemed like a game being played in the middle of summer rather than an African winter.

Almost half an hour was played before anything resembling excitement happened; Nicklas Bendtner heading wide from Daniel Agger's cross.

Then Thomas Kahlenberg earned Denmark's first corner in the 37th minute. Neither event was enough to stop the constant vuvuzela drone.

The French referee, for his part, tried to let the game flow but just before half-time he finally showed a yellow card to Nigel De Jong; who was lucky not to have been booked earlier.

The closest Holland came to a goal was when Robin Van Persie couldn't find the space to release a shot on his left foot, so turned again and smashed the ball into a row of cameras behind the net.

Half-time: 0:0

Bizarely, Holland took the lead without really threatening the Danish defence; just after the start of the second-half.

Simon Poulsen wasn't really under any pressure when he headed into his own net - and smiled. Interestingly, Poulsen plays for AZ Alkmaar; in Holland.

Van Persie, already on a yellow card, could be a little lucky to have stayed be on the pitch for chipping the ball into the Danish net after the whistle was sounded for offside. The Arsenal player tried to blame the noise of the vuvuzelas.

The arrival of Eljero Elia brought some width and excitement to Holland's play while the departure of Nicklas Bendtner took away some of Denmark's threat up front.

Shortly after Wesley Sneijder looped a shot onto the Danish bar, the Inter Milan midfielder sent Eljero Elia through. Thomas Sorensen pushed the initial shot onto the post but Dirk Kuyt was there to follow up for Holland.

So it's a double dutch scoreline for Holland but the Danes will feel disappointed; or at least Simon Poulsen should, for handing the game to the Dutch on a plate.

Holland 2 Denmark 0

Four of a Kind

2010-06-13T22:42:00.001+02:00

Just when questions were being asked about the state of the German strike force and who would do the scoring, Australia were given the answer - as four different strikers all found the back of the net.

All the more reason England need to win Group C; if Germany go on to win Group D on the back of this result.

Australia might have felt that they had a chance of getting something out of this game; especially as Germany lost Michael Ballack to an FA Cup Final injury.

The Aussies started brightly but it was Germany who took the lead; through Lukas Podolski, in the 8th minute. The shot was so powerful, Mark Schwarzer could only palm the ball into his own net.

Miroslav Klose was frustrated with himself for missing the target, yet again, in the 24th minute but made amends a few minutes later by heading in Philipp Lahm's cross from the right - his 11th goal in World Cup finals.

Mesut Özil missed the chance to make it three when he took too long to clip the ball past Mark Schwarzer; giving Lucas Neill enough time to get back and hook the ball off the line.

Half-time: 2:0

Needing to chase the match, Australia brought on Brett Holman for Vince Grella at the start of the second-half.

A straight red for Tim Cahill, in the 56th minute, just about ended any chance Australia might have had to get anything from this game; or even the tournament, if the Everton man misses the next two games.

Germany made it all look so easy (even if Australia were down to ten men) when Thomas Müller made it three, shortly before Cacau came on and scored the German fourth.

Germany 4 Australia 0

Noisy Night in Pretoria

2010-06-13T17:57:00.001+02:00

This is the first time that Serbia play Ghana; Europe's dark horses vs probably Africa's strongest 2010 World Cup contenders - with Serbs managing both teams.

Ghana started the game strongly and Serbia were physically there to match them.

A nice start to Group D but the first-half lacked a goal.

Half-time: 0:0

The half-time team talk didn't really inspire Serbia as Ghana continued where they left off; taking the game to the Europeans.

The much-criticised 2010 World Cup ball came closest to going in the net on the hour; when Asamoah Gyan rose above Aleksandar Lukovic to head John Paintsil's long throw-in, against the post.

A second yellow card for Aleksandar Lukovic reduced Serbia to ten men with 15 minutes to go.

The loss of a central defender forced Radomir Antic to replace midfielder, Milan Jovanovic with Borussia Dortmund's Neven Subotic.

Rather than just sit back, Serbia tried to snatch a quick goal; Milos Krasic forcing a corner and Nemanja Vidic heading over the bar.

After Branislav Ivanovic tried another attack on the Ghana goal, the Serbian defence at the other end lost their heads; or rather, Zdravko Kuzmanovic used his hand instead of his head to clear the ball - then protested to the referee.

After a tense wait, Asamoah Gyan cracked the penalty into the roof of the net.

In time added on Gyan almost doubled the score when he hit the post but Ghana did more than enough to secure the first Africa win in the first African World Cup Finals; to guarantee a noisy night in Pretoria.

Serbia 0 Ghana 1

The Koren Moment

2010-06-13T15:46:00.001+02:00

Both teams reached the 2010 World Cup finals through a play-off: Algeria beating Egypt and Slovenia getting the better of Russia.

Within three minutes, Algeria's Nadir Belhadj made his presence known with a free-kick that stung the palms of Samir Handanovic.

Other than that, considering one of these teams had the chance to go top of Group C neither showed the authority or imagination to do so.

Rafik Halliche's header, from a corner, was the only other real goalmouth incident of the first-half.

Slovenia didn't even earn a corner, until five minutes before the break. Valter Birsa then earned another, a couple of minutes later; Faouzi Chaouchi made the save look spectacular but the shot, although high, was straight at him.

Half-time: 0:0

Slovenia showed a little more conviction going forward early in the second-half; Matjaž Kek then deciding that perhaps things would work better with Zlatan Ljubijankic up front instead of Zlatko Dedic.

Twenty minutes before the end, Algeria tried to put their mark on the game; substitute Abdelkader Ghezzal twice getting close - but still not close enough.

As Ghezzal stupidly earned a yellow card for shirt-pulling, shortly after coming on, a deliberate hand-ball in the Slovakia area in the 73rd minute reduced Algeria to ten men.

Just when it seemed like Slovenia didn't have a clue how to make the best of their man advantage, Robert Koren turned on the edge of the Algeria penalty area and his low shot bounced over the open-to-collect arms of Faouzi Chaouchi.

Slovenia probably didn't deserve to win the match but the uninspiring victory does put them top of the table.

Algeria 0 Slovenia 1

No Home Run

2010-06-12T22:49:00.000+02:00

England failed to make up for their 1950 defeat to the United States in Belo Horizonte; after yet another goalkeeping error just before half-time.

New England captain, Steven Gerrard, led the way forward by nipping inside Ricardo Clark - after a touch from Emile Heskey - and flicking the ball back across Tim Howard, to put Fabio Capello's team ahead within the opening minutes.

England were maybe a little lucky to escape unscathed from three successive US corners around the 13th minute; and Capello knew it.
After Jozy Altidore fluffed a header in the 19th minute, Aaron Lennon drove into the American area at the other end; Frank Lampard trying an overhead kick to return the American clearance.

While Tim Howard was receiving treatment after a heavy slide through by Emile Heskey, Fabio Capello decided to take off James Milner; who had received a yellow card shortly before.

England have a history of losing a player to a red card in important games, so perhaps the Italian was just being cautious.

A bigger case for concern in the England camp has been the goalkeeping position, though.

Clint Dempsey made life a little more miserable for West Ham's Robert Green, five minutes before half-time, when a low drive from the American spilled out of Green's hands and into the net.

Half-time: 1:1

There was more concern for Fabio Capello at half-time, when a second substitution had to be used to replace Ledley King with Jamie Carragher.

Robert Green managed to redeem himself when he turned a Jozy Altidore shot onto the post; fortunately there were no Americans following up.

Tim Howard managed to keep out sustained English pressure in the second half and help steer the Americans on a course for the second round.

England 1 USA 1

It Should Have Been Four or Five

2010-06-12T18:13:00.001+02:00

Maradona's Argentina lined up with an attacking intention to put Nigeria on the back foot right from the start.

On their third effective attack, Gabriel Heinze headed Argentina into the lead; from a Juan Sebastián Verón corner.

Nigeria were not without their chances, but just didn't make the most of them.

Thanks to the early goal, Argentina were content to play the ball around and hope to wear Nigeria down.

Three great saves from Vincent Enyeama helped to keep Nigeria in with a chance for the second-half.

Half-time: 1:0

Lars Lagerback didn't wait long before ringing the changes up front for Nigeria; the ineffective Victor Obinna making way for Obafemi Martins - soon to be joined by the more lively Peter Odemwingie as well.

Vincent Enyeama continued to keep Nigeria in the game while the African front man struggled to make anything of their half-chances.

Maradona, sensing Odemwingie getting the better of Jonas Gutierrez on the left, brought on AS Roma's Nicolas Burdisso to try and deal with the right back problem; Gutierrez not really a defender at all.

Argentina 1 Nigeria 0

Stroll in The Park

2010-06-12T15:35:00.001+02:00

If your captain is taken off at half-time then you know that something's not working right. That was the tragedy for Greece.

After their surprise victory at Euro 2004, Greece have failed to deliver and they didn't disappoint us in Port Elizabeth.

Right from the start, it was South Korea who looked the more energetic.

From a South Korea free-kick, near the left corner-flag, an unmarked Lee Jung-Soo ran towards the far post and side-footed the ball into the empty half of the Greece goal; with just seven minutes played.

Eight minutes later, Lee Chung-Yong had a penalty claim turned down as South Korea continued to make most of the early running.

South Korea should have been three goals up in the 28th minute, when Park Ji-Sung's pass to perfection caught the Greek defenders flat-footed again and Monaco's Park Chu-Young with a free run through on goal.

Greece went into the dressing room still in with a chance when in reality they weren't really in the game at all.

Half-time: 1:0

Christos Patsatzoglou replaced Giorgos Karagounis, the Greece captain, at the start of the second-half.

The substitution didn't do much to change the balance of play as South Korea soon doubled their lead; Park Ji-Sung running clean through the middle, shaking off Avraam Papadopoulos and Loukas Vyntra to slip the ball across Alexandros Tzorvas.

After Greece changed their attacking options, around the hour mark, Park Chu-Young was presented with a golden opportunity when Cha Du-Ri's ball landed on his head.

Then, with ten minutes left on the clock, Theofanis Gekas checked to see if the South Korea goalkeeper was awake; with a rising shot from the middle of the penalty area.

That was about it from Greece.

South Korea 2 Greece 0

Naught to Sing About

2010-06-11T23:04:00.001+02:00

The first ever winners of the World Cup met the scorers of the first ever World Cup Finals goal - that was Uruguay 1930, this is now; South Africa 2010.

France and Uruguay have a history of nil-nil draws, so why should we have expected anything else in Cape Town?

If there were problems in the French camp it didn't show on the pitch in the opening minutes of the match against Uruguay; as swift passing and confident movement almost enabled Sidney Govou to snatch the lead for France.

And that was really the best chance of the first forty-five minutes.

Sadly, for most of the second-half neither team had much to offer; even the feeble French chorus of 'Allez les Bleus' could hardly be heard above the vuvuzela drone.

Only with fifteen minutes to go did the teams realise that winning the game might be something to aim for.

But then Uruguay substitute, Nicolas Lodeiro, collected his second yellow card in less than twenty minutes on the pitch and reduced his team to ten men.

France tried to add fresh attacking options while Uruguay sought to hold on to the one point.

But the minutes ticked away and Thierry Henry's free-kick was headed away in the final seconds.

Uruguay 0 France 0

We Are All Africans

2010-06-11T19:18:00.005+02:00

Archbishop Desmond Tutu may have been excited at last night's World Cup concert when he proclaimed 'We are all Africans' but at ten past five this afternoon all of Africa became South Africans; when Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the first goal in a World Cup Finals match to be held on African soil.

The goal came after a masterstroke half-time substitution by Carlos Alberto Parreira. Bringing in Maccabi Haifa's Tsepo Masilela at Left Back made the left hand side attacking threat more lively and on the second rush in less than 10 minutes of the re-start, Siphiwe Tshabalala sprinted down the wing and struck the ball cleanly past a stranded Óscar Pérez.

Needing to change the balance of play, Javier Aguirre used all his three substitutes within twenty minutes of South Africa taking the lead.

The vuvuzelas were briefly silenced in the 79th minute as, out of three unmarked Mexicans at the far post, Barcelona's Rafael Marquez was the one to break towards Itumeleng Khune.

With a sleight feignting move (FIFA only disallow feinting at penalty kicks) from Marquez, Khune fell onto his rear and the Mexican was able to cooly pick his spot between the South African goalkeeper and the near post.

Then the vuvuzela humming sound picked up again.

In the 90th minute, Katlego Mphela was released and outpaced the retreating Mexican defence. As the angle became ever tighter, Mphela couldn't believe that his shot hit the post.

What a finish that would have been to the first World Cup Finals match in Africa.

South Africa 1 Mexico 1

2010 World Cup Referees

2010-05-29T14:02:00.001+02:00

With the assistant referees of Algeria and Paraguay failing fitness tests, Carlos Amarilla - who refereed at the 2006 World Cup - will not be on the plane to South Africa. The Uruguay trio come in as a replacement.

FIFA Referees From Africa

Koman Coulibaly (Mali)

Jerome Damon (South Africa)

Eddy Maillet (Seychelles)

FIFA Referees From Asia

Khalil Al Ghamdi (Saudi Arabia)

Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan)

Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh (Malaysia)

Yuichi Nishimura (Japan)

FIFA Referees From Europe

Olegario Benquerenca (Portugal)

Massimo Busacca (Switzerland) - Refereed at the 2006 World Cup.

Frank De Bleeckere (Belgium) - Refereed at the 2006 World Cup.

Martin Hansson (Sweden)

Viktor Kassai (Hungary)

Stephane Lannoy (France)

Roberto Rosetti (Italy)

Wolfgang Stark (Germany)

Alberto Undiano (Spain)

Howard Webb (England)

FIFA Referees From Central America

Joel Aguilar (El Salvador)

Benito Archundia (Mexico) - Refereed at the 2006 World Cup.

Carlos Batres (Guatemala)

Marco Rodriguez (Mexico) - Refereed at the 2006 World Cup.

FIFA Referees From Oceania

Michael Hester (New Zealand)

Peter O'Leary (New Zealand)

FIFA Referees From South America

Hector Baldassi (Argentina)

Martin E. Vazquez Broquetas (Uruguay)

Jorge Larrionda (Uruguay) - Refereed at the 2006 World Cup.

Pablo Pozo (Chile)

Oscar Ruiz (Colombia) - Refereed at the 2006 World Cup.

Carlos Simon (Brazil) - Refereed at the 2006 World Cup.

Pre World Cup Friendlies

2010-05-18T10:50:00.007+02:00

As the players start getting in the right frame of mind for the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa, some teams have arranged more friendly matches than others.

Flags represent teams qualified for the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa.

Wednesday, 19th May:
Austria vs Croatia - Klagenfurt, Austria.
Belgium vs Bulgaria - Brussels, Belgium.

Friday, May 21st:
Estonia vs Finland - Tallinn, Estonia.

Saturday, May 22nd:
Turkey vs Czech Republic - New Jersey, USA.

Sunday, 23rd May:
Croatia vs Wales - Osijec, Croatia.

Monday, 24th May:
Argentina vs Canada - Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Australia vs New Zealand - Melbourne, Australia.
England vs Mexico - Wembley, London.
Japan vs South Korea - Saitama, Japan.
Portugal vs Cape Verde Islands - Covilha, Portugal.
South Africa vs Bulgaria - Soccer City, Johannesburg.

Tuesday, 25th May:
Georgia vs Cameroon - Tbilisi, Georgia.
Greece vs North Korea - Altach, Austria.
Montenegro vs Albania - Podgorica, Montenegro.
Nigeria vs Saudi Arabia - Wattens, Austria.
Rep of Ireland vs Paraguay - Dublin, Ireland.
United States vs Czech Republic - Connecticut, USA.

Wednesday, 26th May:
Estonia vs Croatia - Tallinn, Estonia.
France vs Costa Rica - Lens, France.
Holland vs Mexico - Freiburg, Germany.
Moldova vs Azerbaijan - Seekirchen, Austria.
N. Ireland vs Turkey (0:2) - New Britain, USA.
Uruguay vs Israel - Montevideo, Uruguay.

Thursday, 27th May:
Belarus vs Honduras - Villach, Austria.
Denmark vs Senegal - Aalborg, Denmark.
South Africa v Colombia - Johannesburg.

Friday, 28th May:
Rep of Ireland vs Algeria - Dublin, Ireland.

Saturday, 29th May:
Azerbaijan vs Macedonia - Bischofshofen, Austria.
Hungary vs Germany - Budapest, Hungary.
Iceland vs Andorra - Reykjavik, Iceland.
Moldova vs United Arab Emirates - in Austria.
Norway vs Montenegro - Oslo, Norway.
Poland vs Finland - Kielce, Poland.
Serbia vs New Zealand - Klagenfurt, Austria.
Slovakia vs Cameroon - Klagenfurt, Austria.
Spain vs Saudi Arabia - Innsbruck, Austria.
Sweden vs Bosnia-Herzegovina - Solna, Sweden.
Ukraine vs Romania - Lviv, Ukraine.
United States vs Turkey - Philadelpha, USA.
Venezuela vs Canada - Maracaibo, Venezuela.

Sunday, 30th May:
Belarus vs South Korea - Kufstein, Austria.
Chile vs Northern Ireland - Santiago, Chile.
Japan vs England - Graz, Austria.
Nigeria vs Colombia - Milton Keynes, England.
Paraguay vs Ivory Coast - Thonon-Les-Bains, France.
Tunisia vs France - Radès, Tunisia.

Tuesday, 1st June:
Australia vs Denmark - Roodepoort, South Africa.
Netherlands vs Ghana - PSV Stadium, Holland.
Portugal vs Cameroon - Covilha, Portugal.
Switzerland vs Costa Rica - Sion, Switzerland.

Wednesday, 2nd June:
Albania vs Andorra - Tirana, Albania.
Azerbaijan vs Honduras - Zell am See, Austria.
Belarus vs Sweden - Minsk, Belarus.
Greece vs Paraguay - Winterthur, Switzerland.
Norway vs Ukraine
Romania vs Macedonia - Villach, Austria.
Serbia vs Poland - Kufstein, Austria.

Thursday, 3rd June:
Germany vs Bosnia-Herzegovina - Frankfurt, Germany.
Italy vs Mexico - Brussels, Belgium.
Spain vs South Korea - Innsbruck, Austria.

Friday, 4th June:
France vs China - Saint-Pierre, Réunion.
Ivory Coast vs Japan - Sion, Switzerland.
Luxembourg vs Faroe Islands - Luxembourg.
Slovenia vs New Zealand - Maribor, Slovenia.

Saturday, 5th June:
Algeria vs United Arab Emirates - Nürnburg, Germany.
Ghana vs Latvia - England.
Netherlands vs Hungary - Amsterdam, Holland.
Romania vs Honduras - St Veit an der Glan, Austria.
Serbia vs Cameroon - Belgrade, Serbia.
Slovakia vs Costa Rica - Bratislava, Slovakia.
South Africa vs Denmark - Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria.
Switzerland vs Italy - Geneva, Switzerland.
United States vs Australia - Roodepoort, South Africa.

Tuesday, 8th June:
Portugal vs Mozambique - Johannesburg, South Africa.
Spain vs Poland - Murcia, Spain.

Wednesday, 9th June:
Chile vs New Zealand - Nelspruit, South Africa.

Friday, 11th June:
The 2010 World Cup Finals Kicks Off.

2010 World Cup Hotels

2010-05-18T01:32:00.001+02:00

Team Hotels at the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa.

Algeria - Fairmont Zimbali Lodge:
Surrounded by beautiful indigenous gardens, Fairmont Zimbali Lodge is part of a stunning residential estate which includes its very own 18-hole championship golf course

Argentina - University of Pretoria's High Performance Centre (HPC):
The main hotel (previously known as the Rugby House) is housed on the top floor of the HPC and boasts spectacular views of the sporting grounds and surrounding Pretoria.

Australia - Kloofzicht Lodge:
Nestled at the foothills of the Zwartkops Mountains, in a nature reserve encompassing the famous Cradle of Humankind, this peaceful lodge radiates the essence of ultimate luxury.

Brazil - The Fairway:
This new Hotel and Spa is a five-star development overlooking the famous Randpark Golf Course, just north-east of the clubhouse.

Cameroon - Oyster Box:
The Oyster Box in Umhlanga Rocks, near Durban, earned two Condé Nast Traveler awards in the 2010 Hot List for 'Hot Hotel' and 'Hot Spa'.

Chile - Ingwenyama Sport Resort:
Situated on the outskirts of White River, in the heart of the beautiful Lowveld; close to the Kruger National Park.

Côte d'Ivoire - Riverside Hotel and Conference Centre:
Situated on the Vaal river, a few kilometres away from Vanderbijlpark and just 40 minutes drive from Johannesburg.

Denmark - Simola Hotel Country Club:
Simola Hotel is located high in the hills above Knysna, overlooking the Garden Route town.

England - Bafokeng Sports Campus:
The Bafokeng Sports Campus is a world-class, high-altitude, sports training destination near Rustenburg.

France - Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa:
Built to reflect the natural beauty surrounding it, this luxurious hotel offers stunning views of the Indian Ocean, Knysna Lagoon or the Outeniqua Mountains.

Germany - Velmore Hotel:
Built with architectural lines and proportions that are nostalgically reminiscent of Sir Herbert Baker and the turn of the century style when Pretoria was in its heyday.

Ghana - Rhoode Valley Lodge:
Located north of Pretoria next to the Roodeplaat Dam and Nature Reserve.

Greece - Beverly Hills Hotel:
All rooms offer dramatic uninterupted seaviews and have been restyled in muted hues of browns and creams.

Holland - Hilton Sandton:
Centrally located on 138 Rivonia Road in Johannesburg's prestigious northern business district suburb of Sandton.

Honduras - Indaba Hotel:
The 'Dreaming Spires' of the Indaba Hotel rise high above the mature, tree lined avenues of the property's 17 hectare estate.

Italy - Leriba Lodge:
An African bush lodge in the city, situated on eight hectares of indigenous gardens and forest on the banks of the Hennops River.

Japan - Fancourt Hotel & Country Club:
Located just a short drive from George, Fancourt Hotel & Country Club is a luxury resort at the heart of South Africa's Garden Route.

Mexico - Thaba Ya Batswana:
Situated in the Klipriversberg Nature Reserve area of southern Johannesburg with an abundance of indigenous trees, plants, birds and wildlife.

New Zealand - Serengeti Estate:
A designer suburb surrounded by hectares of open space and a variety of facilities, just 15 kilometres from OR Tambo International Airport,.

Nigeria - Hampshire Hotel Ballito:
Located steps away from the famed Dolphin Coast; north of Durban.

North Korea - Protea Hotel Midrand:
Situated halfway between Johannesburg and Pretoria, in a delightful landscaped garden.

Paraguay - Woodridge Country Estate:
A four-star country hotel in the heart of the beautiful KwaZulu Natal Midlands.

Portugal - Valley Lodge:
A glorious blend of time-honoured tradition and modern hospitality on the banks of the Magalies River.

Serbia - Sunnyside Park Hotel:
Originally built in 1895, this Victorian-style National Monument hotel has been completely refurbished.

Slovakia - The Villas Luxury Suite Hotel:
Located in Pretoria's Arcadia district; on the corner of Orient and Pretorius Street - opposite the US Embassy.

Slovenia - Hyde Park Southern Sun:
Opened on 30th September 2009, with 132 contemporary designed guestrooms offering panoramic views of Johannesburg’s northern suburbs.

South Africa - Southern Sun Grayston:
Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, on corner of Rivonia and Grayston Drive.

South Korea - Hunters Rest Hotel:
Situated in the foothills of the Magaliesberg, south of Rustenburg.

Spain - North-West University Campus:
The Potchefstroom Campus is well known for its sporting prowess and facilities.

Switzerland - Emerald Safari Resort & Casino:
On the lush banks of the Vaal River, less than an hour from O.R. Tambo International Airport.

Uruguay - Protea Hotel Kimberley:
Luxury four-star hotel built on the edge of the famous Kimberley Big Hole.

USA - Irene Country Lodge:
Nestled in the historic village of Irene, centrally located between Johannesburg and Pretoria.

The WAGs might even make an appearance at The Palace of the Lost City, in Sun City.

Be There with Hyundai

2010-05-12T12:52:00.003+02:00

A competition was held to decide which slogans would decorate the buses of each of the 32 football teams at the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa.

Congratulations to the Winners!

The winning slogans are translated into English here but will appear in the nations' respective languages on the team bus.

Algeria
Star and crescent with one goal: Victory!

Argentina
Last stop: Glory

Australia
Dare to Dream, Advance Australia

Brazil
The whole of Brazil is in here!

Cameroon
The Indomitable Lions are back

Chile
As my heart's blood runs red, Chile can be champions

Côte d'Ivoire
Elephants, let's fight for victory!

Denmark
All you need is a Danish team and a dream

England
Playing with Pride and Glory

France
All together for a new dream in blue

Germany
On the road to get the Cup!

Ghana
The hope of Africa

Greece
Greece is everywhere!

Honduras
One Country, One passion, 5 Stars in the heart

Italy
Italian Azzurro on African sky

Japan
The Samurai spirit never dies! Victory for Japan!

Mexico
It is time for a new champion!

Netherlands
Don't fear the big five, fear the Orange eleven

New Zealand
Kickin’ it Kiwi style

Nigeria
Super Eagles super fan united we stand

North Korea
1966 again! Victory for DPR of Korea!

Paraguay
The Guarani lion roars in South Africa!

Portugal
One dream, one purpose… Portugal victorious!

Serbia
Play with the heart, lead with a smile!

Slovakia
Shake the green field: Go Slovakia!

Slovenia
With 11 brave hearts to the end

South Africa
One nation, proudly united under one rainbow

South Korea
The Shouts of Reds, United Republic of Korea

Spain
Hope is my road, victory my destiny

Switzerland
C'mon Switzerland!

Uruguay
The sun shines upon us. Go Uruguay!

USA
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Victory!

2010 World Cup Squads

2010-05-11T19:07:00.005+02:00

The provisional thrity-man 2010 World Cup Squads are being released today.

These will have to be reduced to 23, including three goalkeepers by June 1st.

Rather than clog up the blog with all the provisional squads, I'll let you choose the team you're interested in.

Algeria	Argentina	Australia	Brazil
Cameroon	Chile	Côte d'Ivoire	Denmark
England	France	Germany	Ghana
Greece	Holland	Honduras	Italy
Japan	Mexico	New Zealand	Nigeria
North Korea	Paraguay	Portugal	Serbia
Slovakia	Slovenia	South Africa	South Korea
Spain	Switzerland	Uruguay	USA

2010 World Cup Stadiums

2010-05-11T09:40:00.004+02:00

With a month to go before the 2010 World Cup kicks off in South Africa, it's time to start getting in the mood with a look at the stadiums and who'll be playing where.

Bloemfontein - Free State Stadium

Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein is host to six World Cup matches; five in the group stage and one in the Second Round.

Group Stage:
Japan vs Cameroon, Greece vs Nigeria, Slovakia vs Paraguay, France vs South Africa, Switzerland vs Honduras.

Second Round: 1D vs 2C.

Cape Town - Green Point Stadium

Green Point Stadium in Cape Town is host to eight World Cup matches; including five in the group stage and a semi-final.

Group Stage:
Uruguay vs France, Italy vs Paraguay, England vs Algeria, Portugal vs North Korea, Cameroon vs Holland.

Second Round: 1H vs 2G.

Quarter-finals: Winner 2 vs Winner 4.

Semi-finals: Winner A vs Winner C.

Durban - Moses Mabhida Stadium

Moses Mabhida in Durban hosts seven World Cup matches; including five in the group stage and a semi-final.

Group Stage:
Germany vs Australia, Spain vs Switzerland, Holland vs Japan, Nigeria vs South Korea, Portugal vs Brazil.

Second Round: 1E vs 2F.

Semi-finals: Winner B vs Winner D.

Johannesburg - Ellis Park

Ellis Park in Johannesburg hosts seven World Cup matches; including five in the group stage and a quarter-final.

Group Stage:
Argentina vs Nigeria, Brazil vs North Korea, Slovenia vs USA, Spain vs Honduras, Slovakia vs Italy.

Second Round: 1G vs 2H.

Quarter-finals: Winner 6 vs Winner 8.

Johannesburg - Soccer City

Soccer City in Johannesburg hosts eight World Cup matches; including South Africa's opening game and the 2010 World Cup Final.

Group Stage:
South Africa vs Mexico, Holland vs Denmark, Argentina vs South Korea, Brazil vs Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana vs Germany.

Second Round: 1B vs 2A.

Quarter-finals: Winner 1 vs Winner 3.

South Africa 2010 World Cup Final.

Nelspruit - Mbombela Stadium

Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit hosts four World Cup matches; all in the group stage.

Group Stage:
Honduras vs Chile, Italy vs New Zealand, Australia vs Serbia, North Korea vs Côte d'Ivoire.

Polokwane - Peter Mokaba Stadium

Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane hosts four World Cup matches; all in the group stage.

Group Stage:
Algeria vs Slovenia, France vs Mexico, Greece vs Argentina, Paraguay vs New Zealand.

Port Elizabeth - Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth hosts eight World Cup matches; including five in the group stage, a quarter-final and the 3rd Place match.

Group Stage:
South Korea vs Greece, Côte d'Ivoire vs Portugal, Germany vs Serbia, Chile vs Switzerland, Slovenia vs England.

Second Round: 1A vs 2B.

Quarter-finals: Winner 5 vs Winner 7.

The Wooden Spoon: Loser SF1 vs Loser SF2.

Pretoria - Loftus Versfeld Stadium

Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria hosts six World Cup matches; five in the group stage and one in the Second Round.

Group Stage:
Serbia vs Ghana, South Africa vs Uruguay, Cameroon vs Denmark, USA vs Algeria, Chile vs Spain.

Second Round: 1F vs 2E.

Rustenburg (Phokeng) - Royal Bafokeng Stadium

Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng (near Rustenburg) hosts six World Cup matches; five in the group stage and one in the Second Round.

England vs USA, New Zealand vs Slovakia, Ghana vs Australia, Mexico vs Uruguay, Denmark vs Japan.

Second Round: 1C vs 2D.

On Soccer Safari

2009-12-04T18:20:00.004+01:00

The 2010 World Cup Finals will be contested on the pitches of ten stadiums in nine cities around South Africa.

The draw in Cape Town grouped these teams together.

Group A
A1 - South Africa
A2 - Mexico
A3 - Uruguay
A4 - France

Group B
B1 - Argentina
B2 - Nigeria
B3 - South Korea
B4 - Greece

Group C
C1 - England
C2 - USA
C3 - Algeria
C4 - Slovenia

Group D
D1 - Germany
D2 - Australia
D3 - Serbia
D4 - Ghana

Group E
E1 - Holland
E2 - Denmark
E3 - Japan
E4 - Cameroon

Group F
F1 - Italy
F2 - Paraguay
F3 - New Zealand
F4 - Slovakia

Group G
G1 - Brazi
G2 - North Korea
G3 - Côte d'Ivoire
G4 - Portugal

Group H
H1 - Spain
H2 - Switzerland
H3 - Honduras
H4 - Chile

It's looking very useful for England. Capello gets Rustenburg and the English fans get to visit the coastal venues of Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

World Cup - Final Preparations

2009-11-14T12:02:00.002+01:00

Of the 32 available slots for the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa, eight places remain to be decided between now and Wednesday.

After a goaless draw in the Middle East, New Zealand kicked off the final preparations show with a narrow (1-0) victory over Bahrain in Wellington; Mark Paston saving a 51st-minute penalty from Bahrain's Sayed Adnan.

In Africa, Algerian players claim to have been attacked by Egyptian fans as tensions mount.

Three teams are hoping to join Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana at next year's Soccer Safari are: Cameroon (away to Morocco) or Gabon (away to Togo); Algeria or Egypt; and Tunisia (away to Mozambique) or Nigeria (away to Kenya).

In The Americas, Costa Rica play-off against Uruguay.

In Europe, where nine nations have already qualified for the finals, the eight best runners-up will be trying to join them. Due to FIFA seedings for the two-leg play-offs, Bosnia-Herzegovina need to eliminate Portugal, while Slovenia will look to get the better of Russia.

The other pairings are Greece vs Ukraine and Ireland vs France.

The 2010 World Cup Finals Draw will then take place in Cape Town's International Convention Centre, on 4th December at around 7pm local time.

Soccer City - This Time Next Year

2009-06-11T17:41:00.003+02:00

In exactly one year from now (June 11th, 2010), South Africa will be kicking off the nineteenth World Cup Finals.

In recent qualifying matches, Australia, Japan, South Korea and Holland have all secured their places, and England are just one win away from joining them.

With four teams already set to join South Africa in the finals, the fans can now look at the 2010 World Cup Finals fixtures and start to plan their trip.

I hope to be in South Africa in December, to look at the new stadiums and report on who will be playing South Africa this time next year, in the new Soccer City - Johannesburg.

First Teams Qualified For South Africa 2010

2009-06-07T08:03:00.006+02:00

After the hosts (South Africa), Japan, Australia and South Korea became the first teams to reach the 2010 World Cup Finals in South Africa.

With two rounds still to play in the Asian Qualifying Zone, Australia and Japan have secured the top two spots in Group A; where Bahrain, with a game in hand, could be in the third-place playoffs.

In Group B, North Korea or Saudi Arabia look most likely to join South Korea in automatic qualification, although Iran are still in with a mathmatical chance; if they win their last two games (against UAE and South Korea) while North Korea draw with Saudi Arabia, and Saudi Arabia lose to South Korea.

Euro 2008 - Finally

2008-06-07T14:10:00.000+02:00

In case you've just returned from Mars, the Euro 2008 Finals start today with Switzerland opening the tournament against Czech Republic; in Basle, at 6pm.

The weather is rather cold, especially for this time of year but the atmosphere is starting to warm-up.

Switzerland has a large guest-worker population, so there are plenty of flags around reresenting the various nations competing in the finals.

If you're visiting Switzerland over the coming weeks and can't get a ticket to one of the matches, you may want to check out the specially constructed mini-stadiums around the country (UBS Arena) in Aarau, Biel/Bienne, Buchs, Chur, Glarus, Kreuzlingen, La Chaux-de-Fonds, Lausanne, Locarno, Lugano, Nyon, Sion, Solothurn, St. Gallen, Thun and Zug.

Of course we'll be bringing you all the games live, if you just want to tune in from your computer.

Match Schedule by Date

Saturday, 7th June
Group A
Basle: Switzerland vs Czech Republic (18.00)
Geneva: Portugal vs Turkey (20.45)

Sunday, 8th June
Group B
Klagenfurt: Germany vs Poland (20.45)
Vienna: Austria vs Croatia (18.00)

Monday, 9th June
Group C
Berne: Netherlands vs Italy (20.45)
Zurich: Romania vs France (18.00)

Tuesday, 10th June
Group D
Innsbruck: Spain vs Russia (18.00)
Salzburg: Greece vs Sweden (20.45)

Wednesday, 11th June
Group A
Basle: Switzerland vs Turkey (20.45)
Geneva: Czech Republic vs Portugal (18.00)

Thursday, 12th June
Group B
Klagenfurt: Croatia vs Germany (18.00)
Vienna: Austria vs Poland (20.45)

Friday, 13th June
Group C
Berne: Netherlands vs France (20.45)
Zurich: Italy vs Romania (18.00)

Saturday, 14th June
Group D
Innsbruck: Sweden vs Spain (18.00)
Salzburg: Greece vs Russia (20.45)

Sunday, 15th June
Group A
Basle: Switzerland vs Portugal (20.45)
Geneva: Turkey vs Czech Republic (20.45)

Monday, 16th June
Group B
Klagenfurt: Poland vs Croatia (20.45)
Vienna: Austria vs Germany (20.45)

Tuesday, 17th June
Group C
Berne: Netherlands vs Romania (20.45)
Zurich: France vs Italy (20.45)

Wednesday, 18th June
Group D
Innsbruck: Russia vs Sweden (20.45)
Salzburg: Greece vs Spain (20.45)

Quarter-finals
Group winners stay in the country they played their group games in, while teams finishing second will be travelling across the border.

The runner up of Group A will have to travel from Switzerland to Vienna for the quarter-final and (if they win that) back to Basel for the semi-final.; then back to Vienna for the final.

Thursday, 19th June (QF1)
Basle: Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group B (20.45)

Friday, 20th June (QF2)
Vienna: Winner Group B vs Runner-up Group A (20.45)

Saturday, 21st June (QF3)
Basle: Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group D (20.45)

Sunday, 22nd June (QF4)
Vienna: Winner Group D vs Runner-up Group C (20.45)

Semi-finals
Wednesday, 25th June (SF1)
Basle: Winner of QF1 vs Winner of QF2 (20.45)

Thursday, 26th June (SF2)
Vienna: Winner of QF3 vs Winner of QF4 (20.45)

2008 European Championships Final
Sunday, 29th June
Vienna: Winner SF1 vs Winner SF2 (20.45)

Euro 2008 Draw

2007-12-02T12:08:00.000+01:00

Live from Luzern, after the Vienna Boys Choir sang their classical number, the multi-national presentation started with a reminder of just how special the European Championships are.

Oh the black and white footage from Finals gone by; a classic in itself.

173 goals have been scored in the previous 12 European Championships Finals.

A draw can never be as exciting as the football itself but the draw can help to bring the excitement together and that's what this long-drawn out event is all about.

Next up was José Carreras; one of the original Three Tenors; rolling rhythmically through the full scale of his tenor sound.

Fifty minutes into the live event and we start to get a taste of the goals; that the qualified teams have scored, to get themselves into the Euro 2008 Finals draw - a 'mini World Cup'.

Swiss tennis star, Roger Federer introduced the Swiss host cities while Austrian ski-ace, Hermann Maier did the same for his home country.

Fifty-five minutes gone and another musical interlude with a tribute to Switzerland's Wilhelm Tell.

BBC Two's viewers came to the event one hour into the show, but with no home nations' teams in the draw I doubt they'd feel that they'd missed much.

Enter the official match ball - Europass. The BBC didn't show that but highlighted where the British and Irish teams failed to qualify.

Players from all the previous winning teams were presented to the audience. Again, no-one from Britain or Ireland; so BBC viewers didn't get to see that either.

With the European Championship trophy in place, the draw could officially get under way - 12.38pm local time. This is the start of Euro 2008.

But first the technicalities need to be explained - 12.40pm.

The positions in the group will determine the match schedule - of course.

12.43pm - Pot 1 to determine C1 and D1.

Netherlands go into Group C (C1) and reigning champions Greece go into Group D (D1).

Turkey, semi-finalists of the World Cup 2002 go into Switzerland's group - as A4.

Poland go into Austria's group - as B4.

France go into Group C - as C4.

And Russia into Group D - D4.

All teams in positions one and four are known.

Portugal go into Group A - as A3

A small gasp goes out as Germany get drawn into Austria's group - as B3.

Romania into Group C - again as position 3.

Spain, who have played more European Champuionship matches than any other country go into D3.

All remaining teams will take the 2nd position.

And now for the opening match: Switzerland vs Czech Republic.

Croatia into Group B, Italy into Group C with France (another deep breath from the crowd) and Sweden into Group D.

So, just to recap:

Group A:
Switzerland, Czech Republic, Portugal, Turkey.

Group B:
Austria, Croatia, Germany, Poland.

Group C:
Netherlands, Italy, Romania, France.

Group D:
Greece, Sweden, Spain, Russia.

2010 World Cup Qualifying

2007-11-25T19:56:00.001+01:00

Here's the FULL qualifying draw for the 2010 World Cup Finals to be held in South Africa.

=======
AFRICA
=======

Group 1:
Cameroon, Cape Verde, Tanzania, Mauritius.

Group 2:
Guinea, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya.

Group 3:
Angola, Benin, Uganda, Niger.

Group 4:
Nigeria, South Africa, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone.

Group 5:
Ghana, Libya, Gabon, Lesotho.

Group 6:
Senegal, Algeria, Liberia, Gambia.

Group 7:
Côte d'Ivoire, Mozambique, Botswana, Madagascar.

Group 8:
Morocco, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Mauritania.

Group 9:
Tunisia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Seychelles.

Group 10:
Mali, Congo, Sudan, Chad.

Group 11:
Togo, Zambia, Eritrea, Swaziland.

Group 12:
Egypt, DR Congo, Malawi, Djibouti.

The twelve group winners and eight best runners-up (20 teams) then play in another round-robin, home and away competition - five groups of four teams; with the five group winners qualifying for the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Note:
South Africa will participate in the Preliminary Competition as it also serves as the qualifying competition for the Africa Cup of Nations. If they qualify for Stage Three, South Africa will play in its group; with points counting towards the Africa Cup of Nations - but not the World Cup, where they've already qualified as hosts.

=====
ASIA
=====

Group 1:
Australia, China, Iraq, Qatar.

Group 2:
Japan, Bahrain, Oman, Thailand.

Group 3:
South Korea, North Korea, Jordan, Turkmenistan.

Group 4:
Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Lebanon, Singapore.

Group 5:
Iran, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Syria.

The winners and runners-up then go into two round-robin, home-and-away groups of 5 teams; with the two winners and runners-up automatically qualifying for the 2010 World Cup Finals.

The two, third-placed teams then play home and away; with the winner advancing to the inter-confederation playoff with the top team from Oceania.

==========
CONCACAF
==========

1A - USA vs (Dominica or Barbados).
1B - Guatemala vs (Turks & Caicos Islands or St. Lucia).
1C - Trinidad & Tobago vs (Bermuda or Cayman Islands).
1D - (Aruba or Antigua & Barbuda) vs Cuba.

2A - (Belize or St. Kitts & Nevis) vs Mexico.
2B - Jamaica vs (Bahamas or British Virgin Islands).
2C - Honduras vs (Dominican Republic or Puerto Rico).
2D - Canada vs St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

3A - (US Virgin Islands or Grenada) vs Costa Rica.
3B - (Suriname or Montserrat) vs Guyana.
3C - Panama vs (El Salvador or Anguilla).
3D - Haiti vs (Nicaragua or Netherlands Antilles).

The 12 sub-group winners are then grouped into three round-robin, home and away groups of four teams.

The three group winners and runners up go into another group of six; with the top three teams qualifying for the 2010 World Cup Finals.

The fourth-placed team enters a play-off against the fifth-placed team in CONMEBOL.

==========
CONMEBOL
==========

Ten South American countries compete on a league basis, playing each other home and away, with the top four qualifying for the 2010 World Cup Finals automatically.

Paraguay are currently leading Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela; with Uruguay, Chile, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia trying desperately to keep up.

The fifth placed team faces a two-legged play-off; with the fourth placed team from the CONCACAF region.

=========
OCEANIA
=========

The winner of the OFC Nations Cup plays one of the two, third-placed teams from Asia for a chance to qualify for the 2010 World Cup Finals.

It's currently New Zealand (9pts) and New Caledonia (4 pts) leading Fiji (1pt) and Vanuatu (0pts).

=======
UEFA
=======

Group 1:
Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania, Malta.

Group 2:
Greece, Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Latvia, Luxembourg.

Group 3:
Czech Republic, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino.

Group 4:
Germany, Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein.

Group 5:
Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, Estonia.

Group 6:
Croatia, England, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Andorra.

Group 7:
France, Romania, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria, Faroe Islands.

Group 8:
Italy, Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia, Montenegro.

Group 9:
Netherlands, Scotland, Norway, FYR Macedonia, Iceland.

The nine group winners automatically qualify for the 2010 World Cup Finals, while the eight best second-placed teams will enter four, home and away play-offs for the right to join them.

Durban Set For Preliminary Draw

2007-11-25T08:42:00.000+01:00

Today's Preliminary World Cup Draw from Durban will decide the 2010 World Cup qualifying fate of 170 countries.

Rather than make a rather long post with all the draw details, outlining which teams are placed in which pots and who might meet who at which stage of their continent's 'qualification stages', we'll be covering the Qualifying Draw Live.

Between now and November 2009, there will be 861 qualifying matches to decide which 31 teams will join hosts South Africa at the 2010 World Cup Finals.

The 2010 World Cup Preliminaries have already kicked off for some nations, so there will be no draw for South America and the Oceania region.

The draw will start with Asia, followed by the countries in central and north America and the Caribbean.

All going well, the 53 European teams will start to learn their fate about an hour in to the proceedings and the evening will be rounded off with the African nations.

==========
In Summary
==========

CONMEBOL
The 10 South American teams have already started their league (home and away) last month.

The top four will qualify automatically and the fifth-placed team will go into a two-legged play-off with the fourth-placed side from CONCACAF.

OFC
The OFC Nations Cup is being used for the 2010 World Cup qualifier, with the winner (pretty much a two horse race between New Caledonia and New Zealand) playing one of the two, third-placed teams from Asia.

AFC
The First Stage started in October 2007 (Bhutan and Guam withdrew from the competition giving byes to Kuwait and Indonesia).

Those receiving byes and those winning the Second Stage now go into the draw; to play in 5 groups of 4 teams.

The winners and runners-up then go into two round-robin, home-and-away groups of 5 teams; with the two winners and runners-up automatically qualifying for the 2010 World Cup Finals.

The two, third-placed teams then play home and away; with the winner advancing to the inter-confederation playoff with the top team from Oceania.

CONCACAF
The 35 North, Central American and Caribbean teams will start their qualification games in February 2008; with the top three teams qualifying for South Africa 2010, while the fourth-placed team will go into a two-legged play-off with the fifth-place team from South America.

UEFA
With 53 teams playing for 13 places, the European draw is the big one.

Starting in August 2008, the teams from Europe will be playing each other home and away (in eight groups of six teams and one group of five).

The nine group winners will automatically qualify for the 2010 World Cup Finals, while the eight best second-placed teams will enter four, home and away play-offs for the right to join them.

CAF
In Africa, the ten lowest-ranked teams were paired into five home and away ties (Swaziland and Seychelles received a bye after São Tomé e Príncipe and Central African Republic withdrew from the competition).

48 teams will now be drawn to play in 12 groups of four teams. The twelve group winners and eight best runners-up (20 teams) then play in another round-robin, home and away competition - five groups of four teams; with the five group winners qualifying for the 2010 World Cup Finals.

Note:
South Africa will participate in the Preliminary Competition as it also serves as the qualifying competition for the Africa Cup of Nations. If they qualify for Stage Three, South Africa will play in its group; with points counting towards the Africa Cup of Nations - but not the World Cup, where they've already qualified as hosts.

Let The Draw Begin!

Most Disappointing Day

2007-11-23T08:33:00.000+01:00

So Steve McClaren has just had the most 'disappointing day' of his career, bless him!

It must be a real disappointment to find an extra two million pounds in your bank account for NOT delivering the goods.

But at least he kept a straight face when he said it.

No glint in his eye, no emotion; just like when he stood under his umbrella at the side of the pitch, instead of throwing his jacket in the dug-out out and trying to fire up his rich boys to get the result he needed.

Or was this the result he secretly aspired to; a golden goodbye.

McClaren says he's now a better manager than he was 18 months ago; he's certainly richer, so was probably thinking about money management rather than player management.

There were some other classic quotes at the press conference:

I said at the beginning that it's my responsibility. I live and die by results (but I'm not dead yet).

I am a fan like everyone else (but I wouldn't be a man about it and resign. Besides, I'm now a fan of Croatia and will be supporting them this summer).

I'm not making any excuses (but I won't say I'm totally useless).

Fantastic support from all the players (just a shame they didn't show their support by getting it right on the pitch).

Most Disappointing Day

It was also the most disappointing day for those who hoped to profit from England's qualification; the landlords and sportswear manufacturers.

How they can say that they've lost money, or are going to lose money, is ridiculous.

They're just not going to make as much as they thought they would.

The Swiss Tourism people might even find out that they make more money from less Russians (as the very rich ones will travel and spend on luxury accommodation and goods) than fifteen to twenty thousand, beer-swilling campers from England.

The Swiss police will not be disappointed.

What's really disappointing is that England might not even be good enough to win a Home Championships.

And the biggest disappointment of all; some FA Chiefs still keep their fat-cat salaries, for doing sweet FA.

Time to McSack them too; without a penny. And while you're at, give the 'real' fans their money back!

Euro 2008 Qualifying - November Wrap

2007-11-01T11:51:00.000+01:00

This month will end the qualifying phase for the 2008 European Football Championship Finals, which will take place in Austria and Switzerland, from June 7th to June 29th.

Czech Republic, Greece, Germany and Romania have already qualified and we're waiting for 10 more teams to join them and the joint hosts: Austria and Switzerland.

So who is still in with a chance to qualify?

Group A:
Poland, Portugal, Serbia and Finland still have a chance of qualifying.

November 17th:
Finland vs Azerbaijan
Poland vs Belgium
Portugal vs Armenia
Serbia vs Kazakhstan

November 21st:
Armenia vs Kazakhstan
Azerbaijan vs Belgium
Portugal vs Finland
Serbia vs Poland

Group B:
Only France, Scotland and Italy have a chance of qualifying. Italy have a game in hand (at home to Faroe Islands) so Scotland really need to win against the Italians. A draw will do for the Scots, if France lose in Ukraine.

November 17th:
Lithuania vs Ukraine
Scotland vs Italy

November 21st:
Georgia vs Lithuania
Italy vs Faroe Islands
Ukraine vs France

Group C:
Greece have qualified while Norway and Turkey still have a chance of qualifying; but Turkey really need to win in Oslo.

November 17th:
Greece vs Malta
Moldova vs Hungary
Norway vs Turkey

November 21st:
Hungary vs Greece
Malta vs Norway
Turkey vs Bosnia-Herzegovina

Group D:
Czech Republic and Germany qualify for Euro 2008, with Czech Republic having the better head-to-head results between the two teams.

November 17th:
Czech Republic vs Slovakia
Germany vs Cyprus
Wales vs Republic of Ireland

November 21st:
Cyprus vs Czech Republic
Germany vs Wales
San Marino vs Slovakia

Group E:
Croatia, England and Russia still have a chance of qualifying, although England are really relying on Israel to at least get a draw against Russia; and then England need to beat Croatia at home.

November 17th:
Andorra vs Estonia
F.Y.R. Macedonia vs Croatia
Israel vs Russia

November 21st:
Andorra vs Russia
England vs Croatia
Israel vs F.Y.R. Macedonia

Group F:
Sweden, Spain, Denmark and Northern Ireland still have a chance of qualifying. Sweden only need a point to be sure of qualification, while Spain need two. If Northern Ireland and Denmark draw in Belfast, then Sweden and Spain will go through.

November 17th:
Latvia vs Liechtenstein
Northern Ireland vs Denmark
Spain vs Sweden<

November 21st:
Denmark vs Iceland
Spain vs Northern Ireland
Sweden vs Latvia

Group G:
Romania have qualified while Netherlands and Bulgaria still have a chance of qualifying; until Holland beat Luxembourg, then Bulgaria will be staying at home.

November 17th:
Albania vs Belarus
Bulgaria vs Romania
Netherlands vs Luxembourg

November 21st:
Belarus vs Netherlands
Romania vs Albania
Slovenia vs Bulgaria

Planning Your Trip to The 2008 European Championship Finals in Austria and Switzerland

The draw for the finals, which will determine who plays where, will be in Lucerne (Luzern, in German) on December 2nd, 2007.

End Of Rotation 2018

2007-10-30T12:06:00.000+01:00

FIFA announced yesterday that the World Cup rotation policy, from continent to continent (introduced in the year 2000), would end from 2018; to avoid situations like the single candidature of Brazil (for 2014).

"The World Cup 2018 is open to all national associations of the continents that have not organised the two last World Cup. It means, then, for 2018 Africa can not be and South America can not also," announced Sepp Blatter, to the largest media gathering for a FIFA announcement.

The 2018 World Cup is therefore open for Europe, Asia and CONCACAF. It would also be open to Oceania but it has not been identified where in Oceania the World Cup could be held.

Besides England (where Sepp Blatter had just met the Prime Minister of 'Great Britain'), there are other European candidates: a combined bid from Netherlands and Belgium (as in the Euro 2000 European Championships).

Interest has also been shown from China, Australia, Mexico and the USA.

We have not yet played the 2010 World Cup, not yet attributed the 2014 World Cup (coming today) and yet there are already six candidates showing an interest for the 2018 World Cup; and there could be more.

It was also announced that the Kuwait Football Federation had been suspended, with immediate effect, for not applying and implementing decisions taken twice by the AFC and FIFA Executive Committee.

Receiving questions from the gathered journalists in the auditorium, Sepp Blatter naturally had to answer them on the 2018 end of rotation decision first.

Paul Kelson of The Guardian:
"What measures would be introduced to insure a fair and clean clean fight for the 2018 bids, and that the Committee members would fight fair?"

Sepp Blatter:
Trying to be fair and transparent, the Chairman of the FIFA Ethics Committee would overlook the bid process, not only from the side of the FIFA Executive but also to have a look at the bidders. Because 'when there is some arrangements in life, even in a marriage, two are always involved'.

There was then concern from a Sao Paolo journalist that FIFA might establish a system (a little bit like - but not comparing it to - the Olympic Committee) where there would hardly be a chance for perhaps a poorer country to host a World Cup when you have (for example) China, United States and England in the same bid?

Removing his headphones and scratching the back of his head, Sepp Blatter said he understood the question but not the comparison with The Olympic Games; where only big cities can bid, and only big cities can obtain, The Olympic Games.

Having insured (in the first part of the rotation) that at least Africa can have the World Cup once and that South America would have the World Cup, the market would now be open but without bidders from the past two continents.

But to organise a World Cup with 32 teams a smaller country would have difficulties to deliver all the guarantees necessary for the organisation of such an event.

However, FIFA do have other competitions available for smaller countries - New Zealand and Chile for the Women's World Cup; U17, U20; Indoor Football; Beach Soccer - a lot of possibilities for smaller countries to organise FIFA competitions.

In answer to Martin Ziegler, of the Press Association, about the timescale of bidding for the 2018 World Cup, Sepp Blatter tried some mental arithmatic (and stumbled).

The FIFA president said that they should finally decide (who the winning candidate is) in 2011 (using the current seven-year plan, up from six) and need at least two years to make the necessary approaches to candidates.

So that would be 2010 (correction, 2009). Add a year for the candidates; then, on the spot, Sepp Blatter finally put a provisional schedule 'on the desk' of 'next year' (2008); or rather, 'tomorrow' - for candidates to start their bidding process.

With a chuckle, the FIFA President motioned to his left and said that maybe the General Secretary would change it later.

David Bond, of The Daily Telegraph wondered if, with the more competitive bidding process for a World Cup than ever before, perhaps a mini-bidding competition (to whittle down the numbers) so that only 'say four or five countries' could bid in the final round had been discussed.

Such a scenario had not been discussed nor had, as had been questioned in the room (Sepp motioned his finger around), "if in one Confederation their can only be one bidder?"

The FIFA President clarified that bidders are not Confederations but National Associations and that all National Associations have the right to bid.

But if there would be ten or eleven bids, then obviously there would have to be a pre selection; 'otherwise it would not be possible'. Like they do it in The Olympics (in this case).

FreeKick Fantasy: Interview with paulos53 of Rebel County

2007-08-11T08:30:00.000+02:00

In order to add a little spice to 2007 Little League Tournament we've organised on FreeKick, vishnukumar suggested doing a series of manager interviews.

After the first games were played, he approached Ireland's paulos53 of Rebel County.

What is your real name, age and when is your birthday?

Paul O'Sullivan, 32 years old, birthday is March 12th.

Which is your favourite team in FreeKick and why do you like them?

Rebel County of course.

Do you think you have chance to win the Little League Tournament?

I only drafted two defenders in my squad so I will need a bit of luck with their training and form to have a chance. However I am happy with the rest of my squad.

Which is your best match, best day and best player in your team so far in FreeKick?

My most memorable moments have been with the Irish National team. Our best match was a 4-1 win over Serbia, to qualify for the Last 16 of the 3rd senior World cup. I think that it is very rare for a small nation to have such a comprehensive victory over a larger nation.

I was also very happy with the 0-0 draws against Romania and Netherlands.

He may not have been my best player but Jure Lasan was my favourite. I bought him for $5,000 at the start of season 5 and his brilliant Aerial helped him score a lot of goals, using the old 'Long Ball' tactic. He even scored 11 goals in one league game as a 30 year-old; which is still an Irish Premier division record.

What you think about your first match in the Little LeagueTournament? Do you feel unlucky about losing the match in the last minutes?

I expected the PR Pimps strikers to be too strong for me so I was surprised that it was a such a close game. I didn't deserve to win but I was unlucky not to get the draw. I am still wondering how they scored their winning goal.

Which team do you think are favourite to win the Little League Tournament?

I haven't looked at all the squads yet, so I wouldn't like to make a call on this one. However, I think that most teams have three or four good players and a lot of weak players so many of the squads will be of similar strength.

Hopefully this means that manager decisions will have a large bearing on the result of games and that the best manager will win the cup.

What is your aim in FreeKick?

Like a lot of managers, my greatest ambition is to win the IC (International Cup).

My squad needs a lot of strengthening before it can match the top teams but I will keep trying.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gameweek 1 (Thursday, August 9th)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CaNNoN FoDDeR! vs FC NellinLiina (3:7)
England Academicals vs Club AEK de Maestro (3:0)
Feltham FC vs slowdive fc (7:8)
Forza Mersawa vs MaD MonkeyS FC (3:0)
Rampant Rovers vs Men in Blues (11:6)
Rebel County vs PR Pimps (6:7)
The Sums vs FK Golden-Boy (3:0)
TRuNCu vs Gloria Valahiei (4:9)

====================
Leading hotshot is William Byrne, of Rampant Rovers, with 8 goals and one assist.
====================

Fantasy Football 2007

2007-08-10T00:46:00.000+02:00

The new football season kicks off tomorrow and I'm sure that most of you have already signed up to your favourite games and are still busy tinkering with your final line-ups; making use of the free transfers before the games kick off, to adjust your ideal team according to the latest injury rumours and transfer dealings.

Don't forget to think about the teams with a double gameweek (Yahoo) or without a match in Gameweek 2 (most of the other games).

Maybe you're still looking for a league to join or would like people to join yours.

As always, the 1800-WorldCup.com team endeavours to get off to a roaring start and enjoys seeing all the returning managers and rookies in our leagues.

So where are we at this year?

Fantasy Premier League:

The BigSoccer drafted teams (in the Small Rocks, Very Small Rocks, Sand and the newly formed Dust leagues) are already done and dusted but there's still time for you to join our open leagues.

When I signed up for this season, I didn't see that there was a feature to revive last season's league, so if you played with us last year and use the same login (if you can remember it) you should automatically enter the BS Revival League.
Code to join: 24933-40849

We also have a newly formed league, the BS FreeKick.org Crew, for fans of BigSoccer and FreeKick to compete against each other.
Code to join: 24933-16286

Can You Kick IT:

While it's sometimes hard keeping track of all the teams I have in different fantasy games, I tend to focus more on my favourite games; and this is one of them!

They also brought us the FA Cup game last season. Hopefully they'll do one again this year.

Code to join: 22289-2503

Can You Kick It is 'the original'; created by ISM games.

We only have one substitute in this game but two free transfers a week and there's cash prizes to be won!

Let's hope some of the talent we have in this league can snag a cash prize or two.

Classic Fantasy League:

It costs to enter, which puts a lot of people off. But I like it. We did the professional version last year, with drafted auctions, but I've just gone with the Silver Package.

If you play play this one, feel free to join our 'Friends and Enemies' League, where there's a 'Round Robin' competition exclusive to large leagues and a medal to be won.

I know someone wants the medal.

League PIN: 2544

Yahoo Fantasy Football:
This is not really one of my favourite games but I always have a team in there at the start of the season, which usually gets neglected once the European Competitions start.

That being the case, we haven't created a league this year but have joined with the Yahoo Fantasy Bloggers, Jeremy Spitzberg and Neal Thurman, in Beat the Bloggers #4.

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FOOTBALL PREDICTIONS
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For those of you who play the Premier League Fantasy game, you'll also see a link to 'I Know The Score', where you can use the same log-in information to predict the Premier League results and compare your predictions with other Top Tipsters.

The code to join our league is: 9a5C-AMQU

And once again, we have Weekend Football.

Not really fantasy football or a game but you're not going to lose any money on it and there's a £5,000 1st prize. Plus we can all be in a league to see who has the best bank.

Basically, each weekend you vote home, draw or away on up to three Saturday and Sunday games in the Premier League and Championship Division (Friday games don't count in the competition).

There are odds on the outcome of the games and if you tip correct, your imaginary winnings are added to your 'bank'. The best tipper each month wins £100 and the best over the season wins £5,000.

When you register, be sure to select the 1800-WorldCup.com League (at the top of the drop-down list of available leagues).

Also, it's important to sign up with your real name, as that's who the cheques will be made out to.

Get Tipping!

Euro 2008 Fantasy Football

2006-09-01T07:49:00.000+02:00

With the main Euro 2008 Qualifying games kicking off on Saturday, 2nd September 2006 and running through to 21st November 2007, UEFA have launched a fantasy game, with top prize of two tickets to the final tournament in Austria and Switzerland, in June 2008.

UEFA Euro 2008 Fantasy Game:
The code to join our league is: 2014-290

Euro 2008 Qualifying Games in September:

Group A:

Saturday, 2nd September 2006:
Poland vs Finland (20.30)
Serbia vs Azerbaijan (20.15)

Wednesday, 6th September 2006:
Armenia vs Belgium (21.00)
Azerbaijan vs Kazakhstan (TBD)
Finland vs Portugal (20.00)
Poland vs Serbia (20.30)

Group B:

Saturday, 2nd September 2006:
Georgia vs France (20.00)
Italy vs Lithuania (Naples, 20.50)
Scotland vs Faroe Islands (15.00)

Wednesday, 6th September 2006:
France vs Italy (21.00)
Lithuania vs Scotland (18.30)
Ukraine vs Georgia (19.00)

Group C:

Saturday, 2nd September 2006:
Hungary vs Norway (20.00)
Malta vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (19.15)
Moldova vs Greece (21.15)

Wednesday, 6th September 2006:
Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Hungary (20.15)
Norway vs Moldova (19.00)
Turkey vs Malta (20.00)

Group D:

Saturday, 2nd September 2006:
Czech Republic vs Wales (20.15)
Germany vs Republic of Ireland (Stuttgart, 20.45)
Slovakia vs Cyprus (20.15)

Wednesday, 6th September 2006:
San Marino vs Germany (20.45)
Slovakia vs Czech Republic (20.15)

Group E:

Saturday, 2nd September 2006:
England vs Andorra (17.00)
Estonia vs Israel (21.30)

Wednesday, 6th September 2006:
Israel vs Andorra (19.00 in Nijmegen, Holland)
F.Y.R. Macedonia vs England (21.00)
Russia vs Croatia (19.00)

Group F:

Saturday, 2nd September 2006:
Latvia vs Sweden (21.00)
Northern Ireland vs Iceland (15.00)
Spain vs Liechtenstein (22.00)

Wednesday, 6th September 2006:
Iceland vs Denmark (18.05)
Northern Ireland vs Spain (20.15)
Sweden vs Liechtenstein (19.30)

Group G:

Saturday, 2nd September 2006:
Belarus vs Albania (20.00)
Luxembourg vs Holland (20.30)
Romania vs Bulgaria (21.00)

Wednesday, 6th September 2006:
Albania vs Romania (20.00)
Bulgaria vs Slovenia (20.00)
Holland vs Belarus (Eindhoven, 20.30)

2006 UEFA Cup First Round Draw

2006-08-25T13:44:00.000+02:00

Group 1:
Chornomorets Odesa (UKR) vs Hapoel Tel-Aviv (ISR)
SC Braga (POR) vs Chievo Verona (ITA)
Levadia Tallinn (EST) vs Newcastle United (ENG)
Molde FK (NOR) vs Glasgow Rangers (SCO)
Standard de Liège (BEL) vs Celta de Vigo (ESP)

Group 2:
Maccabi Haifa (ISR) vs Litex Lovech (BUL)
Derry City (IRL) vs Paris Saint-Germain (FRA)
Hertha Berlin (GER) vs Odense BK (DEN)
Legia Warszawa (POL) vs Austria Wien (AUT)
Panathinaikos (GRE) vs Metalurg Zaporizhzhya (UKR)

Group 3:
FC Lokomotiv Moskva (RUS) vs Zulte Waregem (BEL)
Sparta Praha (CZE) vs Heart of Midlothian (SCO)
Fenerbahçe (TUR) vs Randers (DEN)
FC Salzburg (AUT) vs Blackburn Rovers (ENG)
Schalke 04 (GER) vs AS Nancy-Lorraine (FRA)

Group 4:
Ethnikos Achnas (CYP) vs RC Lens (FRA)
Slovan Liberec (CZE) vs Crvena Zvezda (SCG)
AZ Alkmaar (NED) vs Kayserispor (TUR)
Rubin Kazan (RUS) vs Parma (ITA)
Brøndby IF (DEN) vs Eintracht Frankfurt (GER)

Group 5:
Atromitos FC (GRE) vs FC Sevilla (ESP, holders)
Besiktas (TUR) vs CSKA Sofia (BUL)
Vitória FC (POR) vs SC Heerenveen (NED)
Olympique Marseille (FRA) vs Mladá Boleslav (CZE)
Åtvidabergs FF (SWE) vs Grasshopper-Club Zurich (SUI)

Group 6:
Rapid Bucuresti (ROU) vs CD Nacional (POR)
Trabzonspor (TUR) vs CA Osasuna (ESP)
FC Basel (SUI) vs FK Rabotnicki (MKD)
West Ham United (ENG) vs Palermo (ITA)
Feyenoord Rotterdam (NED) vs Lokomotiv Sofia (BUL)

Group 7:
MFK Ružomberok (SVK) vs Club Brugge (BEL)
FC Sion (SUI) vs Bayer Leverkusen (GER)
FK Partizan (SCG) vs FC Groningen (NED)
Skoda Xanthi (GRE) vs Dinamo Bucuresti (ROU)
Slavia Praha (CZE) vs Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)

Group 8:
IK Start (NOR) vs Ajax Amsterdam (NED)
FC Artmedia (SVK) vs RCD Espanyol (ESP)
Wisla Kraków (POL) vs Iraklis FC (GRE)
Livorno Calcio (ITA) vs SV Pasching (AUT)
Dinamo Zagreb (CRO) vs Auxerre (FRA)

The matches for the 1st Round of the 2006/2007 UEFA Cup will played on the 14th and 28th September with the winners going through to the group phase; where they will be guaranteed another five games before the knockout phase in the New Year.

2006 Champions League Draw

2006-08-24T19:03:00.000+02:00

The draw for the Group Stage of the 2006/2007 Champions League has just been made in Monaco.

The draw used to be a lot more fun when viewers could watch it live on Eurosport but to get live results now, frustrated football fans need to try and find a website without a clogged pipeline, or be on the 1800-WorldCup.com mailing list to get the results in their inbox.

Group A:
Barcelona, Chelsea, Werder Bremen, Levski Sofia.

Group B:
Inter Milan, Bayern Munich, Sporting Lisbon, Spartak Moscow.

Group C:
Liverpool, PSV Eindhoven, Girondins de Bordeaux, Galatasaray.

Group D:
Valencia, AS Roma, Olympiacos, Shakhtar Donetsk.

Group E:
Real Madrid, Olympique Lyon, Steaua Bucharest, Dynamo Kiev.

Group F:
Manchester United, Celtic, Benfica, FC Copenhagen.

Group G:
Arsenal, FC Porto, CSKA Moscow, Hamburg.

Group H:
AC Milan, LOSC Lille, AEK Athens, RSC Anderlecht.

Matchday 1:
12 & 13 September 2006

Matchday 2:
26 & 27 September 2006

Matchday 3:
17 & 18 October 2006

Matchday 4:
31 Oct & 01 Nov 2006

Matchday 5:
21 & 22 November 2006

Matchday 6:
05 & 06 December 2006

Yellow Cards in France 1998

2006-07-05T21:17:00.000+02:00

I was just looking at our search statistics and I noticed that a lot of people were searching for 'Yellow Cards in France 98'.

There were a total of 22 Red cards 256 Yellow cards.

France: 3 Red, 13 Yellow Cards
Cameroon: 3 Red, 6 Yellow Cards
Denmark: 2 Red, 12 Yellow Cards
Holland: 2 Red, 11 Yellow Cards
Mexico: 2 Red, 9 Yellow Cards
Germany: 1 Red, 12 Yellow Cards
Argentina: 1 Red, 11 Yellow Cards
Bulgaria: 1 Red, 8 Yellow Cards
South Africa: 1 Red, 7 Yellow Cards
South Korea: 1 Red, 7 Yellow Cards
Jamaica: 1 Red, 6 Yellow Cards
England: 1 Red, 5 Yellow Cards
Belgium: 1 Red, 4 Yellow Cards
Saudi Arabia: 1 Red, 4 Yellow Cards
Scotland: 1 Red, 4 Yellow Cards
Croatia: 19 Yellow Cards
Chile: 13 Yellow Cards
Brazil: 12 Yellow Cards
Italy: 11 Yellow Cards
Romania: 10 Yellow Cards
Nigeria: 8 Yellow Cards
Paraguay: 8 Yellow Cards
Japan: 7 Yellow Cards
Norway: 7 Yellow Cards
Spain: 7 Yellow Cards
Tunisia: 7 Yellow Cards
Yugoslavia: 7 Yellow Cards
Austria: 5 Yellow Cards
Colombia: 5 Yellow Cards
Morocco: 4 Yellow Cards
USA: 4 Yellow Cards
Iran: 3 Yellow Cards

Now you don't need to search anymore.

Switzerland Playing Football is Like Watching Milk Turn to Cheese

2006-06-26T23:24:00.000+02:00

Call this football?

No goals in the first-half and nothing really in it apart from two hits on the woodwork; an Andriy Shevchenko header and an Alexander Frei free-kick.

Really this game has been about two teams too scared to lose and you wonder why they bothered to turn up.

The biggest news is probably no yellow cards in the first-half.

No commitment. No desire. Pathetic!

Half-time: (0:0).

As the two teams started the second-half, the one consolation is that one of them would definitely go out.

Almost an hour before the first yellow card.

That's not fair play, I'm afraid that's scared to play.

Ricardo Cabanas should have been sent off, just after the hour, for a double-footed challenge. What nationality is Sepp Blatter?

In the 67th minute, Shevchenko used his hand to bring the ball under control. The referee didn't see it and Pascal Zuberbuhler didn't see the shot either; just wide.

Full Time: (0:0).

Sadly, a very uninspiring ninety minutes. A hopeless presentation of World Cup football with no ambition to win, from either side. No quality, no flair, no imagination; Switzerland just too neutral. About as exciting as watching milk turn to cheese.

The saddest thing for football is that Austria and Switzerland are co-hosting the next European Championships, in 2008.

Unbelievably, as the first-half of extra time ended the Swiss trainer, Köbi Kuhn actually looked pleased with the performance of his side. That's disgraceful.

Goalscorers:
You must be kidding.

The cheese-makers couldn't even score in the penalties. Out and deservedly so.

Second Round Preview

2006-06-23T20:06:00.000+02:00

The 2006 World Cup Finals now gets serious as we enter the knockout phase.

While we all hope for open, attacking football more often than not (for the players) it's about not losing; so expect some penalty shoot-outs.

The Second Round

Football fans now get two games a day from Saturday, 24th June to Tuesday, 27th June.

Saturday, 24th June:

Germany vs Sweden
München -- (17.00)

Germany have home advantage so would expect to win.

The last time Sweden beat Germany was in the Semi-finals of Sweden 1958 (3:1), before losing to Brazil in the Final. The two teams have registered a handful of draws but mostly, Germany tend to win.

The two teams also met the last time West Germany hosted the World Cup Finals, in 1974. West Germany won the Second Round group match (4:2), in Dusseldorf.

Germany also won the quarter-finals match in Italy 1934 (2:1).

Germany to win.

Argentina vs Mexico
Leipzig -- (21.00)

A nice Latin encounter here but expect Argentina to have too much class.

Out of fourteen previous encounters Argentina and Mexico have drawn seven, the last one being the Confederations Cup (1:1 aet) in Hannover, on 25th June 2005. Argentina won the penalty shootout (6:5).

Most of the games were friendlies although they have met in the Copa America before, Mexico winning the 2004 encounter (1:0), in Chiclayo, Peru.

The only time the two teams have met in World Cup history was back in Uruguay 1930; which Argentina won (6:3).

Argentina to win.

Sunday, 25th June

England vs Ecuador
Stuttgart -- (17.00)

Just when England get one striker fit they lose another. England need to win this for Michael Owen.

England and Ecuador haven't met in a competitive match before the 2006 World Cup Finals although they did play a friendly in Quito, which England won (2:0), before England went off to the 1970 World Cup Finals in Mexico.

If England are firing on all cylinders they should get the result but if they run out of steam in the second-half, it could get messy and England fans will be in for a bumpy ride.

England to cause plenty of panic for all concerned.

Portugal vs Holland
Nürnberg -- (21.00)

This is an interesting one, two teams that promise so much then fail to deliver; until now.

If past history is anything to go on, Portugal will be feeling happy. In nine previous encounters, Portugal have won five and drawn three.

Their last meeting was in Euro 2004; Portugal winning the semi-final match, in Lisbon (2:1).

Portugal and Holland were in the same qualifying group for the 2002 World Cup Finals; Portugal won in Rotterdam (2:0) and drew in Lisbon (1:1).

Portugal to get the edge, maybe on penalties.

Monday, 26th June

Italy vs Australia
Kaiserslautern -- (17.00)

This will be the first time Italy and Australia have met.

While Italy and Italians would expect the Azzuri to get the result here Australia will give it all they've got.

Depends on who gets the red card.

Switzerland vs Ukraine
Köln -- (21.00)

Switzerland haven't played Ukraine before. And to be honest, I know longer know what to expect from Ukraine. Excellent in qualifying for the 2006 World Cup Finals but a disappointment in qualifying for the Second Round once there.

Switzerland to sneak the win, unless the real Ukraine turn up; then Switzerland to be humiliated.

Tuesday, 27th June

Brazil vs Ghana
Dortmund -- (17.00)

The Black Stars have often been called the Brazil of Africa by their fans and it would be nice to see them put on a good show.

When Ghana met Brazil in Rio Preto, for a March 1996 friendly, they got a real lesson in Samba Football; as the home side ran out overwhealming winners (8:2).

The Real Brazil to step up a gear.

Spain vs France
Hannover -- (21.00)

France struggled to get out of their group while Spain had a stroll. When you look at Trezeguet and Henry you think France should be banging the goals in but they don't. While Spain, who like to underachieve, might just believe they can achieve something bigger...... than a one-nil win over Saudi Arabia.

Ok, I know. It was the reserves.

On the past seven encounters, France have won five and drawn one but this is their first meeting in World Cup football.

Spain won the last meeting (2:1), a friendly in Barcelona on 28th March, 2001. While France won the Euro 2000 match in Bruges (2:1) and both preliminary games for Euro 1996.

It looks like France are over the curve and Spain are on the rise.

A classic type of game to go to penalties and test the bottle of the players on the spot.

Torro Torres - Bullish Spain Go Though

2006-06-19T23:31:00.000+02:00

Spain vs Tunisia in Stuttgart.

Awin for Spain in Stuttgart would see them qualify for the Second Round but Tunisia had other ideas; initially.

Spain started with a succession of short passes around their own half, to let the team get a feel for the ball.

Tunisia Shock Spain

Before the Spaniards could get into their rhythm, Radhi Jaidi slipped in behind Carles Puyol and although three defenders tried to crowd him out of space, he slipped the ball into the path of Jaouhar Mnari's.

When Casillas failed to hold the shot, the FC Nürnberg midfielder followed up to slam the ball into the back of the net and put Tunisia in front.

Despite all their running the final ball just wasn't working for Spain, who were expecting to qualify from the group this evening.

Half-time: (0:1).

Spain came out for the second half looking to get back on level terms as soon as possible; substitute Francesc Fabregas almost doing it with a stunning shot that Boumnijel managed to turn away.

Substitutions were made early by both teams; Spain with no more substitutes available if anything goes wrong in the last 30 minutes.

Typical of Spain's play, Torres had what looked like a good chance to break through on goal, until he tried to beat the same play three times; pretty play but far from effective.

Radhi Jaidi continued to do a good job stopping Spain's raids, until he earned himself a yellow card.

The next attack by Spain resulted in the goal they needed, as Raul was on hand to tap in after Boumnijel palmed the first shot away; into the path of the perennial predator.

Three minutes later, Boumnijel redeemed himself by blocking a Fabregas shot with his foot.

Amazingly, Boumnijel was then caught on the edge of his area as Fernando Torres ran onto a visionary through ball from Fabregas and rounded the Tunisian keeper to angle a shot into the goal before the Tunisian defenders could cut it out.

Spain made the scoreline look more respectable with an injury time penalty, that Torres slotted under the goalkeeper.

Final Score:
Spain 3 - Tunisia 1

First World Cup Win For Ukraine

2006-06-19T20:15:00.000+02:00

Saudi Arabia vs Ukraine in Hamburg.

Ukraine got themselves off to the perfect start in Hamburg, as Andriy Rusol jumped at Maxim Kalinichenko's corner (which perhaps shouldn't have been given) and stabbed the ball into the net with his knee.

Andriy Shevchenko then had a header, from another Kalinichenko corner, saved off the line.

In the 24th minute, Rusol almost scored an own goal as well; at least Olexandr Shovkovskiy was diving, just in case.

Then, just as it seemed the game had gone to sleep, Serhiy Rebrov repaid the trainer for including him in the starting eleven (instead of Ruslan Rotan) by scoring Ukraine's second goal, ten minutes before half-time.

Half-time: (0:2).

Andriy Shevchenko made it three for Ukraine, with a powerful header straight from the re-start; as Ukraine tried to make up the goal difference they lost to Spain in the opening game, in case there's a tie on points.

Just after the hour, Shovkovskiy left the ball to run out of play but substitute Malek Mouath sped in behind him and cut the ball back. Unfortunately, for Saudi Arabia, no-one else was fresh enough to run into the box.

Then, at the other end, Maxim Kalinichenko's left-foot screamer just skimmed off the bar.

After two assists, Maxim Kalinichenko added his name to the growing list of Ukraine goalscorers thanks to an unselfish pass from the captain, Shevchenko; as both players entered the penalty area.

Final Score:
Saudi Arabia 0 - Ukraine 4

After the defeat against Spain, anything less than a win against Saudi Arabia would have been a disgrace, even if Ukraine are World Cup first-timers.

Time To Go Togo

2006-06-19T17:36:00.000+02:00

Togo vs Switzerland in Dortmund

In Togo's first game there were doubts whether the Togo trainer would appear for the game and this time speculation arose as to whether the Togo team would take to the field; because of payment discrepancies.

For once, an afternoon kick-off was not unbearably hot and the Dortmund pitch had received some rain before the game.

The first of the day occurred when Kossi Agassa got down well to a shot from Ricardo Cabanas. Kader Mohamed then tested Pascal Zuberbuhler in the sixth minute.

Togo showed strength and determination going forward against Switzerland; giving the Swiss defenders plenty of problems in the first ten minutes.

Then, just after the quarter-hour mark, Tranquillo Barnetta ran into the right side of the Togo area, unmarked, to flick in Ludovic Magnin's cross; for Switzerland's main man for goals, Alexander Frei, to sidefoot in from close range. A great relief for the stadium full of Swiss fans who had watched Togo have the best of the early moves.

Togo again had a golden opportunity to punish Senderos's mistake in the 30th minute. When Togo decide to play, they certainly pose problems for the opposition with their athleticism. A little more finesse with the final ball and they could stake a claim for a place in the Second Round.

Togo were then denied a penalty when Patrick Müller caught Emmanuel Adebayor with his back foot. Maybe the way Adebayor fell let him down; as the Paraguay referee thought it was a dive.

Half-time: (0:1).

Alex Frei scooped the ball over the bar, just before the hour, as Switzerland sought to consolidate their lead against Togo.

Five minutes later, substitute Hakan Yakin brought out the best in Kossi Agassa, as the Togo keeper kept Togo in the game.

Togo continued to push up in search of the equaliser but lacked the fast approach they showed in the first-half.

Togo paid for their lack of urgency when Swiss substitute, Mauro Lustrinelli made to the edge of the area and squared the ball for Tranquillo Barnetta to strike low; inside the far post.

The result knocked Togo out of the 2006 World Cup Finals.

Final Score:
Togo 0 - Switzerland 2

Les Miserables - France Let Victory Slip Against South Korea

2006-06-18T23:26:00.000+02:00

France vs South Korea in Leipzig.

The look on William Gallas' face said it all.

After dominating the game for 80 minutes, France let the game slip from their grasp again; shortly before the final whistle.

In the 9th minute, Thierry Henry scored France's first World Cup Finals goal since 1998 and the French continued to control the game.

Although the South Korea fans kept drumming and chanting throughout the game, their side never seemed to offer much challenge to France; until Eric Abidal was booked.

The French left-back failed to challenge Ki-Hyun Seol before he whipped a cross towards the far post. The cross was headed into the middle of the area by Jae-Jin Cho and Park Ji-Sung just managed to clip the ball between a desperate Barthez and a miserble-looking, William Gallas.

Final Score:
France 1 - South Korea 1

The result leaves France on two points, while South Korea stay on top of the group with four points. France will also be without Eric Abidal and Zinedine Zidane for their final game, against Togo.

Brazil Cruise To Second Round

2006-06-18T20:24:00.000+02:00

Brazil vs Australia in Munich

Australia set out to hold their shape and restrict Brazil's movement by keeping the ball and passing it around; backwards, quite often.

But Brazil started and ended the second half with goals, to qualif for the Second Round, while Australia's poor finishing could cost them a place in the knockout stage if they lose to Croatia.

Two minutes after the break, Ronaldinho passed through the middle to Ronaldo. As three defenders blocked the Real Madrid striker's route to goal, he squared the ball for Adriano to beat his marker and score low, just inside the post.

Brazil made sure of victory as substitutes Robinho and Fred, on for Ronaldo and Adriano, combined to beat a stranded Schwarzer. Fred layed the ball out right to Robinho, whose shot cannoned off the post. With Mark Schwarzer still on the floor, all Fred had to do was run up and tap the ball into an open net.

Final Score:
Brazil 2 - Australia 0

Brazil have qualified for the Second Round.

Australia will qualify if they beat Croatia. If Australia only draw with Croatia, they will need to hope that Japan don't beat Brazil and get a better goal difference.

Of course, if Croatia win the game then they'll go through as long as Japan don't beat Brazil by a larger goal difference.

Japan and Croatia Clueless and Goaless

2006-06-18T17:10:00.000+02:00

Japan vs Croatia in Nürnberg

After defeats in the opening game, both Japan and Croatia seemed reluctant to take any early risks and for twenty minutes nothing much seemed to happen.

Then, in the 21st minute, Tsuneyasu Miyamoto conceded a penalty. Darijo Srna stepped forward to take the spot kick for Croatia and watched in disbelief as Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi dived the right way and saved with his left hand.

The penalty seemed to wake both teams up as Niko Kranjcar hit the bar; Mitsuo Ogasawara had a good shot saved; and Ivan Klasnic shot across the face of the goal.

Ten minutes before the break, Hidetoshi Nakata also shot from outside the area and troubled Pletikosa in the Croatian goal. Japan's fans increase the volume of their chanting.

Prso and Klasnic combined to force another Croatian corner, just before half-time but again Dado Prso headed over.

Half-time: (0:0).

Five minutes into the second-half, the ball arrived at the far post but Atsushi Yanagisawa horrendously missed an open goal and skewed the ball back across the goalmouth.

A few minutes later, Niko Kranjcar was a step to slow to properly connect with the left wing cross from Klasnic.

In attempt to get a goal in this game, Croatia went into the last few minutes with four forwards; to no avail.

Final Score:
Japan 0 - Croatia 0

Nine Man USA Hold Italy

2006-06-17T23:16:00.000+02:00

Drama in Kaiserslautern as Three Players Sent Off

The United States started with the will to win and for the first twenty minutes made most of the running and flustered the Italians, but just lacked precision when in front of goal.

Then in the 22nd minute, Italy won a free-kick on the right of the USA penalty area. Alberto Gilardino lost his markers dived to head the ball from Andrea Pirlo, past Kasey Keller.

Five minutes later, Cristian Zaccardo tried to clear an American free-kick and to his disbelief, the ball spun off his boot and into the net. USA had drawn level with Italy.

Daniele De Rossi made things worse for the Italians when, less than a minute after the equaliser, he jumped for a ball with McBride and elbowed the American in the face. The red blood match the card Jorge Larrionda pulled out of his pocket; Italy were down to ten men.

De Rossi also ended Francesco Totti's game when Marcello Lippi was forced to make a tactical substitution and bring on Gennaro Gattuso in midfield.
The numbers were even out when, just before half-time, Pablo Mastroeni slid into Andrea Pirlo with both feet.

Half-time: (1-1).

Then to add even more drama to the game, Eddie Pope was booked for a second time and shown the red card; 10 vs 9 and America play with three at the back.

Bocanegra then headed onto his own bar before Lippi brings on Alessandro Del Piero to try and take advantage of the problems the United States are having at the back with one man less.

The Americans were then totally shocked when McBride's back-heeled goal was ruled offside; correctly.

With less than twenty minutes left to play, Kasey Keller saved from Del Piero as Italy tried desperately to take advantage of the extra man.

As USA moved the ball around, with eight minutes to go, it was hard to believe they were the team with one player less. But they took too long on their build-up, couldn't decide whether to break into the box or focus on defending and allowed the Italians to get back.

Final Score:
Italy 1 - USA 1

Ghana Shock Czechs

2006-06-17T20:18:00.000+02:00

Ghana became the first African team to win a game at the 2006 World Cup Finals when they beat the Czech republic in Cologne.

The game couldn't have started better for the West Africans, when a failure in the Czech Republic defence allowed Asamoah Gyan to chest the ball into his stride and fire to the left of the usually reliable Petr Cech; with less than two minutes on the clock.

Ghana continued to pose Czech Republic problems and then there was high drama in the 65th minute.

Tomas Ujfalusi tripped Matthew Amoah in the penalty area and Ghana were awarded a penalty.

Before the kick was taken, two Ghana players ran after the referee to protest that the player should be sent off. Horatio Elizondo sheepishly went over to Ujfalusi and showed him the red card, then turned around and booked Asamoah Gyan for taking the penalty before he was ready.

Gyan took the penalty again, sent Cech the wrong way but the ball cannoned off the post.

Petr Cech played out of skin to keep Ghana from scoring as they continued to push forward seeking the second goal that would wrap up the game.

Eventually, Czech Republic folded to the pressure as the Ghanians split their defence with swift movement on the right, Gyan releasing Sulley Muntari to score with his left foot; with just eight minutes to go.

Richard Kingston made two fine saves in the final seconds of injury time, to keep the deperate Czech Republic from scoring.

Final Score:
Czech Republic 0 - Ghana 2

Portugal vs Iran

2006-06-17T17:23:00.000+02:00

Deco is Back

Deco was back in the side as Portugal sought out the win needed to qualify for the Second Round.

Iran didn't make life easy for the Portuguese and held out for over an hour. Then Deco struck from outside the D and Cristiano Ronaldo increased Portugal's lead, a quarter of an hour later.

The win means Portugal have qualified for the Second Round.

Mexico need a point against Portugal to be sure of qualification, while a win would put the Mexicans top of the group.

If Mexico lose and Angola beat Iran, the Africans could qualify; if they end up with a better goal differential than Mexico.

Final Score:
Portugal 2 - Iran 0

Mexico 0 - Angola 0

2006-06-16T23:14:00.000+02:00

Mexicans Fire Blanks

Mexico vs Angola
Hannover

In the opening minute, Mexico's Carlos Salcido lofted the ball onto the Angolan net and that was very much a sign of things to come.

In the fourteenth minute, captain Rafael Marquez hit a free-kick against the post otherwise most of the early play was stopped before it could flow, through niggling fouls; twelve in the first thirty two minutes.

Guillermo Franco finally had a good chance to put Mexico ahead, just before the break, but the ball didn't bounce right and it was shuffled away frantically.

Half-time: (0:0).

Ten minutes into the second half, Ricardo rushed off his line to stretch out his arms and stop a Guillermo Franco lob; the Mexican's second attempt was hooked off the line by Luis Delgado.

Angola started to look more accomplished in their build-up but just missed out on the final ball; inches away from Akwa's head, on the hour.

Five minutes later, a mistake by Joao Jamba let in Omar Bravo, only for Mexico to be foiled again by Ricardo.

Ricardo can look rather hopeless as well, especially when he comes out to flap at a cross and falls helplessly to the ground instead of touching the ball.

The Angola trainer then decided to give Akwa a striking partner, when he brought on Pedro Mantorras for Andre Mateus. Mexico followed with their own front-line substitution, bringing on the popular Francisco Fonseca.

Still no goal with fifteen minutes to go.

Then Angola were reduced to ten men, when Andre Macanga received his second yellow card, for needlessly sticking his hand out to stop the ball, with eleven minutes left on the clock.

After earning himself a yellow card for time wasting, João Ricardo went on to make two excellent saves to keep successive Mexican shots out, as the clock ticked down the final seconds.

Final Score:
Mexico 0 - Angola 0

Teams
Mexico: (Captain Rafael Marquez)
1 Oswaldo Sanchez; 3 Carlos Salcido, 4 Rafael Marquez, 5 Ricardo Osorio, 16 Mario Mendez; 6 Gerardo Torrado, 7 Antonio Naelson, 8 Pavel Pardo, 14 Gonzalo Pineda; 19 Omar Bravo, 10 Guillermo Franco.

Angola: (Captain Fabrice Akwa)
1 Pereira João Ricardo; 3 Joao Jamba, 5 Carlos Kali, 20 Manuel Loco, 21 Luis Delgado; 7 Paulo Figueiredo, 8 Andre Macanga, 11 Andre Mateus, 14 Antonio Mendonca, 17 Jose Ze Kalanga; 10 Fabrice Akwa.

Referee:
Shamsul Maidin (Singapore)

Holland 2 - Ivory Coast 1

2006-06-16T20:46:00.000+02:00

Holland Qualify For Second Round

Holland vs Côte d'Ivoire
Stuttgart

Ivory Coast needed to win this game, if they wanted to stay in the tournament.

Ivory Coast should have had a twelfth minute penalty; when Giovanni Van Bronckhorst clearly held Emmanuel Eboue, as he ran with the ball in the Holland area.

Robin Van Persie earned a free-kick on the edge of the area and converted it himself, to put Holland in front on the 23rd minute.

Three minutes later, Arjen Robben made all the running then, after a one-two on the edge of the area, switched play and sent Ruud van Nistelrooy through; for Holland to double their lead.

Ivory Coast didn't drop their heads, as Didier Zokora hit the post with Van der Sar completely beaten.

Bakari Kone brought Ivory Coast back into the game with a great solo run acroos the middle of the pitch, then a switch left into the area to fire a screamer past Van der Sar.

Didier Drogba's second yellow card of the tournamnet means he will miss Ivory Coast's last group game; against Serbia & Montenegro.

Ivory Coast came so close to equalising just before half-time, as Arouna Kone turned on the edge of the area, but shot over the bar.

Half-time: (2:1).

Ivory Coast continued to look for the equaliser after the break, while Holland countered with a midfield reinforcement.

A 77th minute corner, for the Ivory Coast, was saved off the line by Van Persie's chest.

Two minutes later, Didier Drogba turned on the edge of the area but was just muscled out of a scoring chance.

The final minutes were a tense affair but in the end, Argentina and Holland qualified from Group C; while Ivory Coast and Serbia-Montenegro went out.

Holland vs Argentina will decide who tops the group; Holland need to win, while a draw will be enough for Argentina.

Final Score:
Holland 2 - Côte d'Ivoire 1

Goalscorers:
1:0 Robin Van Persie (23)
2:0 Ruud van Nistelrooy (26)
2:1 Bakari Kone (38)

Teams
Holland: (Captain Edwin Van der Sar)
1 Edwin Van der Sar; 4 Joris Mathijsen, 5 Giovanni Van Bronckhorst, 13 Andre Ooijer, 14 Johnny Heitinga; 8 Phillip Cocu, 18 Mark Van Bommel, 20 Wesley Sneijder; 9 Ruud van Nistelrooy, 11 Arjen Robben, 17 Robin Van Persie.

Côte d'Ivoire: (Captain Didier Drogba)
1 Jean-Jacques Tizie; 3 Arthur Boka, 4 Kolo Toure, 12 Abdoulaye Meite; 5 Didier Zokora, 19 Gneri Yaya Toure, 21 Emmanuel Eboue, 22 Ndri Romaric; 9 Arouna Kone, 11 Didier Drogba, 14 Bakari Kone.

Referee:
Oscar Ruiz (Colombia)

Argentina 6 - Serbia & Montenegro 0

2006-06-16T17:07:00.000+02:00

Argentina Demolish Serbia & Montenegro

Argentina vs Serbia & Montenegro
Gelsenkirchen

It only took a little over five minutes for Javier Saviola to slip a pass in from the left, for Maxi Rodríguez to put Argentina in front; against Serbia & Montenegro, in Gelsenkirchen.

Substitute Esteban Cambiasso doubled Argentina's lead just after the half-hour, when Hernán Crespo's back-heel to him was the culmination of twenty four passes by Argentina.

Five minutes before half-time, Saviola won the ball off a defender, near the right corner flag, and ran into the area. As his shot was palmed away by Dragoslav Jevric, Maxi Rodríguez was on hand at the far post to slam home his second goal of the game; in off the woodwork.

Half-time: (3:0).

Serbia & Montenegro tried to gain some initiative by bringing on Danijel Ljuboja for Ognjen Koroman, who will miss the next game for picking up two yellow cards, just after half-time.

Riquelme and Sorin continued to Tango, as Argentina totally dominated the game.

Mateja Kezman was getting more and frustrated as the game went on and his two-footed challenge earned him a red card in the 65th minute.

Diego Maradona led the cheering when Lionel Messi finally made his World Cup appearance, fifteen minutes before the end.

With twelve minutes to go, Messi ran the ball into the area, down the left side, and crossed low for Hernán Crespo to score Argentina's fourth goal; at the far post.

Carlos Tevez continued the Argentina rout when he beat two defenders on the left, to calmly roll the ball past Jevric; six minutes from time.

Messi added his name to the scoresheet, as Argentina continued to press forward with short, quick passing moves forward.

This is what World Cup football is all about.

Final Score:
Argentina 6 - Serbia & Montenegro 0

Goalscorers:
1:0 Maxi Rodríguez (6)
2:0 Esteban Cambiasso (31)
3:0 Maxi Rodríguez (41)
4:0 Hernán Crespo (78)
5:0 Carlos Tevez (84)
6:0 Lionel Messi (88)

Teams
Argentina: (Captain Juan Pablo Sorin)
1 Roberto Abbondanzieri; 2 Roberto Ayala, 3 Juan Pablo Sorin, 6 Gabriel Heinze, 21 Nicolas Burdisso; 8 Javier Mascherano, 10 Juan Riquelme, 18 Maxi Rodríguez, 22 Lucho Gonzalez; 7 Javier Saviola, 9 Hernán Crespo.

Serbia & Montenegro: (Captain Savo Milosevic)
1 Dragoslav Jevric; 6 Goran Gavrancic, 15 Milan Dudic, 20 Mladen Krstajic; 4 Igor Duljaj, 7 Ognjen Koroman, 10 Dejan Stankovic, 11 Predrag Djordjevic, 17 Albert Nadj; 8 Mateja Kezman, 9 Savo Milosevic.

Referee:
Roberto Rosetti (Italy)

Sweden 1 Paraguay 0

2006-06-15T23:10:00.000+02:00

Sweden Sneak The Win

Sweden vs Paraguay
Berlin

With England already on six points, Sweden's win puts Paraguay out.
The first chance fell to Sweden in the 9th minute, when Kim Kallstrom had his shot pushed around for a corner by Aldo Bobadilla.

Once again, Sweden knocked up a lot of long balls and did a lot of running but had trouble producing anything productive.

Half-time: (0:0).

Just when it looked like Sweden were going to numb the world with another goaless draw, a cross from the right was headed back across the goalmouth, by substitute Marcus Allback, for Fredrik Ljungberg to head past Aldo Bobadilla; two minutes from time.

The Swedish bench celebrated as if they'd just won the World Cup Final, while the Paraquayans knew their World Cup dreams were over.

Sweden now need a point against England to be sure of qualification, or for Trinidad & Tobago to lose or draw against Paraguay.

Final Score:
Sweden 1 - Paraguay 0

Goalscorers:
Fredrik Ljungberg (89)

Teams
Sweden: (Captain Olof Mellberg)
1 Andreas Isaksson; 3 Olof Mellberg, 4 Teddy Lucic, 5 Erik Edman; 6 Tobias Linderoth, 7 Niclas Alexandersson, 9 Fredrik Ljungberg, 16 Kim Kallstrom, 21 Christian Wilhelmsson; 10 Zlatan Ibrahimovic, 11 Henrik Larsson.

Paraguay: (Captain Carlos Gamarra)
22 Aldo Bobadilla; 2 Jorge Nunez, 4 Carlos Gamarra, 5 Julio Cesar Caceres, 21 Denis Caniza; 6 Carlos Bonet, 10 Roberto Acuna, 13 Carlos Paredes, 16 Cristian Riveros; 9 Roque Santa Cruz, 18 Nelson Valdez

Referee:
Lubos Michel (Slovakia)

Rooney Or Not To Be

2006-06-15T20:43:00.000+02:00

England vs Trinidad & Tobago in Nürnberg.

Japan's Toru Kamikawa became the first referee to officiate his second match at the 2006 World Cup Finals; during Poland vs Ecuador he only dished out three yellow cards.

The first chance for England came when Peter Crouch, on the left, pulled the ball back for Frank Lampard in the middle. Shaka Hislop couldn't hold the Chelsea midfielder's shot but Michael Owen wasn't alert enough to the rebound. 5 Minutes gone.

Ten minutes later, the Chelsea pair of Frank Lampard and Joe Cole combined together on the left, before Cole sent in a cross to Peter Crouch at the far post. Crouch slid in to get to the ball before Hislop but his touch rolled wide.

After twenty minutes, with two yellow cards to their credit, Trinidad & Tobago decided to try and push forward and attack the England goal.

England fans sung a chorus of the National Anthem to try and lift their team.
Otherwise, a fairly non-eventful first half-hour; as Wayne Rooney warmed up on the touchline.

If England failed to get out of first gear against Paraguay, they were struggling to knock the lever out of neutral here.

Trinidad & Tobago didn't show the same early energy as they did against Sweden but as the half wore on, they started to feel they could get something out of the game; maybe not just a draw.

Just before half-time, John Terry had to do an overhead-kick to keep Trinidad & Tobago from going into the break one goal up.

Half-time: (0:0).

Finally, the moment all of England had been waiting for, apart form Sir Alex Ferguson (but he's Scottish); Wayne Rooney took a deep breath and entered the cauldron; just before the hour.

The first 'almost' world class move I've seen England put together, so far this tournament, happened in the 77th minute; when Peter Crouch chested the ball down to Wayne Rooney, on his left, who passed straight back. Crouch then flicked the ball into the box for Lampard to shoot; sadly, straight at Hislop.

Finally, with seven minutes left, Beckham's right-wing cross floated onto Peter Crouch's head. As a couple of defenders can testify, you don't have to do much for the goal to go into the net when 'Becks' gets the right spin on the ball.

In the last minute of the game, Steven Gerrard's left foot made the scoreline look respectable; although Stern John would still get a goal ruled out for offside.

Final Score:
England 2 - Trinidad & Tobago 0

Goalscorers:
1:0 Peter Crouch (83)
2:0 Steven Gerrard (90)

And the England Fans could sing with more conviction: "Football's Coming Home!"

Then of course, the national anthem to follow.

Teams
England: (Captain David Beckham)
1 Paul Robinson; 3 Ashley Cole, 5 Rio Ferdinand, 6 John Terry, 15 Jamie Carragher; 4 Steven Gerrard, 7 David Beckham, 8 Frank Lampard, 11 Joe Cole; 10 Michael Owen, 21 Peter Crouch.

Trinidad & Tobago: (Captain Dwight Yorke)
1 Shaka Hislop; 5 Brent Sancho, 6 Dennis Lawrence, 7 Christopher Birchall, 8 Cyd Gray; 9 Aurtis Whitley, 11 Carlos Edwards, 18 Densill Theobald, 19 Dwight Yorke; 14 Stern John, 15 Kenwyne Jones.

Referee:
Toru Kamikawa (Japan)

Costa Rica and Poland Out - Ecuador and Germany Advance

2006-06-15T17:21:00.000+02:00

Ecuador vs Costa Rica in Hamburg.

Ecuador took the lead in the 8th minute when Carlos Tenorio headed in Luis Valencia's cross from the right.

After just 28 minutes, Costa Rica tried to get the offensive edge by bringing on Alvaro Saborio on for Danny Fonseca; knowing that if they didn't get a result here, they would be out, along with Poland.

Half-time: (1:0).

In the 54th minute, Ecuador just about sealed the fate of Costa Rica and Poland, when Edison Mendez flicked the ball into Agustin Delgado. With this goal, Ecuador moved to the top of Group A, above Germany.

Costa Rica's Alvaro Saborio hit the bar just before the final whistle, but against an Ecuador side who have yet to concede a goal, it was like a fly landing on a horse's tail.

Ecuador swished their tail one more time, as Ivan Kaviedes slid in to finish the game and Costa Rica's World Cup dreams.

Final Score:
Ecuador 3 - Costa Rica 0

Goalscorers:
1:0 Carlos Tenorio (8)
2:0 Agustin Delgado (54)
3:0 Ivan Kaviedes (92)

Teams
Ecuador: (Captain Ivan Hurtado)
12 Cristian Mora; 3 Ivan Hurtado, 4 Ulises De la Cruz, 17 Geovanny Espinoza, 18 Neicer Reasco; 8 Edison Mendez, 14 Segundo Castillo, 16 Luis Valencia, 20 Edwin Tenorio; 11 Agustin Delgado, 21 Carlos Tenorio.

Costa Rica: (Captain Luis Marin)
18 Jose Porras; 3 Luis Marin, 4 Michael Umana, 12 Leonardo Gonzalez, 15 Harold Wallace; 6 Danny Fonseca, 8 Mauricio Solis, 10 Walter Centeno, 20 Douglas Sequeira; 9 Paulo Wanchope, 11 Ronald Gomez.

Referee:
Coffi Codjia (Benin)