Group A P W D L F A GD Pts
1.Uruguay 3 2 1 0 4 0 4 7
2.Mexico 3 1 1 1 3 2 1 4
3.South Africa 3 1 1 1 3 5 -2 4
4.France 3 0 1 2 1 4 -3 1
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
world cup: 5th match- England Vs USA live blog
match analysis:
England - USA
shots on target : 8 - 5
shots off target : 8 - 6
possession (%) : 49 - 51
corner kicks : 7 - 4
offsides : 4 - 2
fouls : 12 - 14
yellow cards : 3 - 3
red cards : 0 - 0
After full time England 1 - 1 United States
90' +5 The referee blows the final whistle
90' +4 A player from USA commits a foul
90' +4 USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
90' +4 Goal kick for England
90' +3 Clint Dempsey misses the goal with a shot from outside the box
90' +2 Peter Crouch fouls an opponent
90' +2 Oguchi Onyewu relieves the pressure with a clearance
90' +2 Ashley Cole puts in a cross
90' +1 England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
90' +1 USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
90' +1 USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
90' +1 The fourth official shows there are 4 minute(s) of time to be added
90' +1 Steven Gerrard relieves the pressure with a clearance
90' +1 Landon Donovan from USA takes a corner kick
90' Ashley Cole makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
90' Stuart Holden puts in a cross
89' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
89' Goal kick for England
89' Landon Donovan misses the goal with a shot from outside the box
88' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
87' Goal kick for USA
87' Peter Crouch heads the ball back across goal
87' Frank Lampard crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
86' Jozy Altidore is leaving the field to be replaced by Stuart Holden in a tactical substitution.
86' Jay Demerit fouls Wayne Rooney
85' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
84' Frank Lampard has a deflected shot saved by the keeper
84' Frank Lampard plays a neat 1-2 with one of his team mates.
84' England start a counter attack
83' Ashley Cole fouls Clint Dempsey
83' Ashley Cole plays a neat 1-2 with one of his team mates.
83' Clint Dempsey relieves the pressure with a clearance
83' Steven Gerrard puts in a cross
83' Oguchi Onyewu fouls Wayne Rooney
83' England start a counter attack
82' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
82' Edson Buddle fouls John Terry
81' A shot by Edson Buddle is blocked
81' Tim Howard comes out and claims the ball
81' Peter Crouch from England heads wide
81' Wayne Rooney puts in a cross
80' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
79' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
79' Emile Heskey is leaving the field to be replaced by Peter Crouch in a tactical substitution.
79' Michael Bradley relieves the pressure with a clearance
79' Steven Gerrard from England takes a corner kick
78' A shot by Wayne Rooney is blocked
78' Glen Johnson puts in a cross
78' Ricardo A. Clark pulls Emile Heskey by the shirt
78' Goal kick for USA
78' Robbie Findley is leaving the field to be replaced by Edson Buddle in a tactical substitution.
77' Emile Heskey from England heads wide
77' Steven Gerrard puts in a cross
76' Wayne Rooney shoots and hits the target, but the keeper saves it
76' Wayne Rooney has a deflected shot on target
76' Frank Lampard from England takes a corner kick
76' A shot from Shaun Wright Phillips goes to a corner kick after a save by the keeper
76' Wayne Rooney from England sends a pass into the box
75' Goal kick for USA
75' Wayne Rooney misses the goal with a shot from outside the box
74' Yellow card for Robbie Findley
74' Robbie Findley commits a rough foul on Steven Gerrard
74' Glen Johnson puts in a cross
74' Glen Johnson dribbles past his opponents
72' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
72' Goal kick for USA
71' Wayne Rooney from England heads wide
71' Steven Gerrard puts in a cross
71' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
71' Steve Cherundolo relieves the pressure with a clearance
70' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
70' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
69' Emile Heskey hand-balls
69' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
69' Goal kick for USA
69' Frank Lampard takes a direct free kick, but the shot goes wide
68' Oguchi Onyewu charges Emile Heskey from behind
67' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
67' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
66' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
65' Jay Demerit relieves the pressure with a clearance
65' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
65' Ashley Cole relieves the pressure with a clearance
65' A shot from Jozy Altidore is parried by the keeper and goes back into play
65' Jozy Altidore dribbles past his opponents
64' The home team have had 49% of possession compared to the away team's 51%
64' Goal kick for USA
64' Glen Johnson from England shoots wide
64' Frank Lampard from England takes a corner kick
63' A shot from long range by Frank Lampard goes to a corner kick after a save by the keeper
63' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
62' Oguchi Onyewu relieves the pressure with a clearance
62' Glen Johnson puts in a cross
62' Carlos Bocanegra from USA heads wide
62' Landon Donovan crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
61' Yellow card for Steven Gerrard
61' Steven Gerrard commits a rough foul on Clint Dempsey
60' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
60' Steven Gerrard relieves the pressure with a clearance
60' Landon Donovan crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
60' Yellow card for Jamie Carragher
60' Jamie Carragher commits a rough foul on Robbie Findley
59' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
59' Oguchi Onyewu relieves the pressure with a clearance
59' England start a counter attack
58' Goal kick for England
58' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
58' Jamie Carragher relieves the pressure with a clearance
57' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
57' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
56' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
56' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
56' Jamie Carragher relieves the pressure with a clearance
56' A player from USA heads the ball back across goal
56' Landon Donovan crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
55' Jamie Carragher fouls Jozy Altidore
55' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
54' Emile Heskey from England is ruled offside
53' Robbie Findley hand-balls
53' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
52' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
52' Wayne Rooney has a great chance to score, but his effort is saved by the keeper!
51' Emile Heskey from England is ruled offside
50' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
50' Shaun Wright Phillips fouls Steve Cherundolo
50' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
50' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
50' Jay Demerit relieves the pressure with a clearance
49' Glen Johnson puts in a cross
49' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
49' Landon Donovan relieves the pressure with a clearance
49' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
49' Aaron Lennon dribbles past his opponents
48' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
48' Yellow card for Jay Demerit
48' Jay Demerit fouls an opponent
47' Goal kick for USA
47' John Terry heads the ball back across goal
47' Frank Lampard crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
47' A player from USA commits a foul
46' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
46' Ledley King is coming off and he is replaced by Jamie Carragher
46' The second half is underway
First half analysis:
England - USA
shots on target : 2 - 4
shots off target : 2 - 3
possession (%) : 47 - 53
corner kicks : 4 - 3
offsides : 2 - 2
fouls : 5 - 4
yellow cards : 1 - 1
red cards : 0 - 0
After half time England 1 - USA 1
45' +3 Goal kick for USA
45' +3 England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
45' +2 Goal kick for England
45' +1 England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
45' +1 The fourth official shows there are 3 minute(s) of time to be added
45' +1 Robbie Findley relieves the pressure with a clearance
45' +1 Frank Lampard from England takes a corner kick
45' Oguchi Onyewu makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
45' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
44' The home team have had 47% of possession compared to the away team's 53%
44' The game is restarted
43' Emile Heskey is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
43' The game is stopped
42' Ashley Cole relieves the pressure with a clearance
42' Landon Donovan puts in a cross
41' Glen Johnson shoots and hits the target, but the keeper saves it
41' Glen Johnson dribbles past his opponents
40' GOOOAAAL - Clint Dempsey from USA scores from outside the box
40' Robert Green comes out and drops the ball
40' Clint Dempsey has a shot on target from outside the box
40' Goal kick for England
39' Yellow card for Tim Howard
39' Tim Howard fouls an opponent
39' Goal kick for England
39' Landon Donovan misses the goal with a shot from outside the box
38' Goal kick for USA
38' Shaun Wright Phillips misses the goal with a shot from outside the box
37' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
36' Jozy Altidore hand-balls
36' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
36' Emile Heskey fouls an opponent
35' A shot by Frank Lampard is blocked
35' Frank Lampard from England takes a corner kick
35' Steve Cherundolo relieves the pressure with a clearance
35' Ashley Cole puts in a cross
35' Ashley Cole plays a neat 1-2 with one of his team mates.
34' Goal kick for England
34' Clint Dempsey puts in a cross
33' Jozy Altidore shoots from outside the box, but the keeper saves it
32' The match resumes with a drop ball
31' James Milner is leaving the field to be replaced by Shaun Wright Phillips in a tactical substitution.
30' The home team have had 42% of possession compared to the away team's 58%
29' Tim Howard is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
29' The game is stopped
29' Tim Howard relieves the pressure with a clearance
29' Glen Johnson puts in a cross
29' Carlos Bocanegra relieves the pressure with a clearance
29' Steven Gerrard puts in a cross
29' Carlos Bocanegra relieves the pressure with a clearance
28' Steven Gerrard from England takes a corner kick
28' Carlos Bocanegra makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
28' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
28' Emile Heskey puts in a cross
27' Goal kick for England
27' Oguchi Onyewu from USA heads wide
27' Landon Donovan crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
26' Yellow card for James Milner
26' James Milner charges Steve Cherundolo from behind
26' A shot by Clint Dempsey is blocked
23' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
22' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
22' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
21' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
21' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
20' Tim Howard comes out and claims the ball
20' Wayne Rooney misses the goal with a shot from outside the box
20' A shot by Steven Gerrard is blocked
20' Jay Demerit relieves the pressure with a clearance
20' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
20' Wayne Rooney from England sends a pass into the box
19' Goal kick for England
19' Jozy Altidore from USA heads wide
19' Landon Donovan puts in a cross
18' John Terry fouls Landon Donovan
18' Jozy Altidore fouls John Terry
17' Goal kick for England
16' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
16' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
16' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
15' Emile Heskey from England is ruled offside
14' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
14' Michael Bradley puts in a cross
14' Landon Donovan from USA takes a short corner kick
14' Steven Gerrard makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
13' Landon Donovan from USA takes a corner kick
13' Emile Heskey makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
13' Landon Donovan from USA takes a corner kick
12' Steven Gerrard makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
11' Goal kick for USA
11' Glen Johnson puts in a cross
11' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
11' Clint Dempsey sends a header towards goal, but the keeper saves it
11' Steve Cherundolo puts in a cross
11' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
10' Glen Johnson hand-balls
10' Steven Gerrard from England takes a corner kick
10' Landon Donovan makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
10' Frank Lampard crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
9' Michael Bradley is penalised for pushing Emile Heskey
9' Goal kick for England
8' Goal kick for England
7' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
7' James Milner fouls Steve Cherundolo
6' Robbie Findley from USA is ruled offside
6' John Terry relieves the pressure with a clearance
6' Steve Cherundolo puts in a cross
6' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
4' GOOOAAAL - Steven Gerrard scores.
4' Emile Heskey from England sends a pass into the box
4' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
3' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
3' Robbie Findley from USA is ruled offside
3' Ledley King relieves the pressure with a clearance
2' Jozy Altidore puts in a cross
2' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
2' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
1' USA kick-off, and the game is underway.
0' The referee starts the match
news source: www.livescore.com
England - USA
shots on target : 8 - 5
shots off target : 8 - 6
possession (%) : 49 - 51
corner kicks : 7 - 4
offsides : 4 - 2
fouls : 12 - 14
yellow cards : 3 - 3
red cards : 0 - 0
After full time England 1 - 1 United States
90' +5 The referee blows the final whistle
90' +4 A player from USA commits a foul
90' +4 USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
90' +4 Goal kick for England
90' +3 Clint Dempsey misses the goal with a shot from outside the box
90' +2 Peter Crouch fouls an opponent
90' +2 Oguchi Onyewu relieves the pressure with a clearance
90' +2 Ashley Cole puts in a cross
90' +1 England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
90' +1 USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
90' +1 USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
90' +1 The fourth official shows there are 4 minute(s) of time to be added
90' +1 Steven Gerrard relieves the pressure with a clearance
90' +1 Landon Donovan from USA takes a corner kick
90' Ashley Cole makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
90' Stuart Holden puts in a cross
89' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
89' Goal kick for England
89' Landon Donovan misses the goal with a shot from outside the box
88' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
87' Goal kick for USA
87' Peter Crouch heads the ball back across goal
87' Frank Lampard crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
86' Jozy Altidore is leaving the field to be replaced by Stuart Holden in a tactical substitution.
86' Jay Demerit fouls Wayne Rooney
85' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
84' Frank Lampard has a deflected shot saved by the keeper
84' Frank Lampard plays a neat 1-2 with one of his team mates.
84' England start a counter attack
83' Ashley Cole fouls Clint Dempsey
83' Ashley Cole plays a neat 1-2 with one of his team mates.
83' Clint Dempsey relieves the pressure with a clearance
83' Steven Gerrard puts in a cross
83' Oguchi Onyewu fouls Wayne Rooney
83' England start a counter attack
82' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
82' Edson Buddle fouls John Terry
81' A shot by Edson Buddle is blocked
81' Tim Howard comes out and claims the ball
81' Peter Crouch from England heads wide
81' Wayne Rooney puts in a cross
80' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
79' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
79' Emile Heskey is leaving the field to be replaced by Peter Crouch in a tactical substitution.
79' Michael Bradley relieves the pressure with a clearance
79' Steven Gerrard from England takes a corner kick
78' A shot by Wayne Rooney is blocked
78' Glen Johnson puts in a cross
78' Ricardo A. Clark pulls Emile Heskey by the shirt
78' Goal kick for USA
78' Robbie Findley is leaving the field to be replaced by Edson Buddle in a tactical substitution.
77' Emile Heskey from England heads wide
77' Steven Gerrard puts in a cross
76' Wayne Rooney shoots and hits the target, but the keeper saves it
76' Wayne Rooney has a deflected shot on target
76' Frank Lampard from England takes a corner kick
76' A shot from Shaun Wright Phillips goes to a corner kick after a save by the keeper
76' Wayne Rooney from England sends a pass into the box
75' Goal kick for USA
75' Wayne Rooney misses the goal with a shot from outside the box
74' Yellow card for Robbie Findley
74' Robbie Findley commits a rough foul on Steven Gerrard
74' Glen Johnson puts in a cross
74' Glen Johnson dribbles past his opponents
72' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
72' Goal kick for USA
71' Wayne Rooney from England heads wide
71' Steven Gerrard puts in a cross
71' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
71' Steve Cherundolo relieves the pressure with a clearance
70' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
70' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
69' Emile Heskey hand-balls
69' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
69' Goal kick for USA
69' Frank Lampard takes a direct free kick, but the shot goes wide
68' Oguchi Onyewu charges Emile Heskey from behind
67' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
67' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
66' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
65' Jay Demerit relieves the pressure with a clearance
65' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
65' Ashley Cole relieves the pressure with a clearance
65' A shot from Jozy Altidore is parried by the keeper and goes back into play
65' Jozy Altidore dribbles past his opponents
64' The home team have had 49% of possession compared to the away team's 51%
64' Goal kick for USA
64' Glen Johnson from England shoots wide
64' Frank Lampard from England takes a corner kick
63' A shot from long range by Frank Lampard goes to a corner kick after a save by the keeper
63' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
62' Oguchi Onyewu relieves the pressure with a clearance
62' Glen Johnson puts in a cross
62' Carlos Bocanegra from USA heads wide
62' Landon Donovan crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
61' Yellow card for Steven Gerrard
61' Steven Gerrard commits a rough foul on Clint Dempsey
60' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
60' Steven Gerrard relieves the pressure with a clearance
60' Landon Donovan crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
60' Yellow card for Jamie Carragher
60' Jamie Carragher commits a rough foul on Robbie Findley
59' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
59' Oguchi Onyewu relieves the pressure with a clearance
59' England start a counter attack
58' Goal kick for England
58' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
58' Jamie Carragher relieves the pressure with a clearance
57' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
57' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
56' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
56' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
56' Jamie Carragher relieves the pressure with a clearance
56' A player from USA heads the ball back across goal
56' Landon Donovan crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
55' Jamie Carragher fouls Jozy Altidore
55' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
54' Emile Heskey from England is ruled offside
53' Robbie Findley hand-balls
53' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
52' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
52' Wayne Rooney has a great chance to score, but his effort is saved by the keeper!
51' Emile Heskey from England is ruled offside
50' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
50' Shaun Wright Phillips fouls Steve Cherundolo
50' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
50' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
50' Jay Demerit relieves the pressure with a clearance
49' Glen Johnson puts in a cross
49' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
49' Landon Donovan relieves the pressure with a clearance
49' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
49' Aaron Lennon dribbles past his opponents
48' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
48' Yellow card for Jay Demerit
48' Jay Demerit fouls an opponent
47' Goal kick for USA
47' John Terry heads the ball back across goal
47' Frank Lampard crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
47' A player from USA commits a foul
46' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
46' Ledley King is coming off and he is replaced by Jamie Carragher
46' The second half is underway
First half analysis:
England - USA
shots on target : 2 - 4
shots off target : 2 - 3
possession (%) : 47 - 53
corner kicks : 4 - 3
offsides : 2 - 2
fouls : 5 - 4
yellow cards : 1 - 1
red cards : 0 - 0
After half time England 1 - USA 1
45' +3 Goal kick for USA
45' +3 England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
45' +2 Goal kick for England
45' +1 England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
45' +1 The fourth official shows there are 3 minute(s) of time to be added
45' +1 Robbie Findley relieves the pressure with a clearance
45' +1 Frank Lampard from England takes a corner kick
45' Oguchi Onyewu makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
45' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
44' The home team have had 47% of possession compared to the away team's 53%
44' The game is restarted
43' Emile Heskey is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
43' The game is stopped
42' Ashley Cole relieves the pressure with a clearance
42' Landon Donovan puts in a cross
41' Glen Johnson shoots and hits the target, but the keeper saves it
41' Glen Johnson dribbles past his opponents
40' GOOOAAAL - Clint Dempsey from USA scores from outside the box
40' Robert Green comes out and drops the ball
40' Clint Dempsey has a shot on target from outside the box
40' Goal kick for England
39' Yellow card for Tim Howard
39' Tim Howard fouls an opponent
39' Goal kick for England
39' Landon Donovan misses the goal with a shot from outside the box
38' Goal kick for USA
38' Shaun Wright Phillips misses the goal with a shot from outside the box
37' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
36' Jozy Altidore hand-balls
36' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
36' Emile Heskey fouls an opponent
35' A shot by Frank Lampard is blocked
35' Frank Lampard from England takes a corner kick
35' Steve Cherundolo relieves the pressure with a clearance
35' Ashley Cole puts in a cross
35' Ashley Cole plays a neat 1-2 with one of his team mates.
34' Goal kick for England
34' Clint Dempsey puts in a cross
33' Jozy Altidore shoots from outside the box, but the keeper saves it
32' The match resumes with a drop ball
31' James Milner is leaving the field to be replaced by Shaun Wright Phillips in a tactical substitution.
30' The home team have had 42% of possession compared to the away team's 58%
29' Tim Howard is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
29' The game is stopped
29' Tim Howard relieves the pressure with a clearance
29' Glen Johnson puts in a cross
29' Carlos Bocanegra relieves the pressure with a clearance
29' Steven Gerrard puts in a cross
29' Carlos Bocanegra relieves the pressure with a clearance
28' Steven Gerrard from England takes a corner kick
28' Carlos Bocanegra makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
28' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
28' Emile Heskey puts in a cross
27' Goal kick for England
27' Oguchi Onyewu from USA heads wide
27' Landon Donovan crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
26' Yellow card for James Milner
26' James Milner charges Steve Cherundolo from behind
26' A shot by Clint Dempsey is blocked
23' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
22' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
22' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
21' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
21' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
20' Tim Howard comes out and claims the ball
20' Wayne Rooney misses the goal with a shot from outside the box
20' A shot by Steven Gerrard is blocked
20' Jay Demerit relieves the pressure with a clearance
20' Aaron Lennon puts in a cross
20' Wayne Rooney from England sends a pass into the box
19' Goal kick for England
19' Jozy Altidore from USA heads wide
19' Landon Donovan puts in a cross
18' John Terry fouls Landon Donovan
18' Jozy Altidore fouls John Terry
17' Goal kick for England
16' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
16' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
16' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
15' Emile Heskey from England is ruled offside
14' England take a throw-in in their own half of the field
14' Michael Bradley puts in a cross
14' Landon Donovan from USA takes a short corner kick
14' Steven Gerrard makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
13' Landon Donovan from USA takes a corner kick
13' Emile Heskey makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
13' Landon Donovan from USA takes a corner kick
12' Steven Gerrard makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
11' Goal kick for USA
11' Glen Johnson puts in a cross
11' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
11' Clint Dempsey sends a header towards goal, but the keeper saves it
11' Steve Cherundolo puts in a cross
11' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
10' Glen Johnson hand-balls
10' Steven Gerrard from England takes a corner kick
10' Landon Donovan makes a clearance resulting in a corner.
10' Frank Lampard crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
9' Michael Bradley is penalised for pushing Emile Heskey
9' Goal kick for England
8' Goal kick for England
7' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
7' James Milner fouls Steve Cherundolo
6' Robbie Findley from USA is ruled offside
6' John Terry relieves the pressure with a clearance
6' Steve Cherundolo puts in a cross
6' USA take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
4' GOOOAAAL - Steven Gerrard scores.
4' Emile Heskey from England sends a pass into the box
4' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
3' England take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
3' Robbie Findley from USA is ruled offside
3' Ledley King relieves the pressure with a clearance
2' Jozy Altidore puts in a cross
2' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
2' USA take a throw-in in their own half of the field
1' USA kick-off, and the game is underway.
0' The referee starts the match
news source: www.livescore.com
World Cup : 4th match- live blog Argentina Vs Nigeria
Argentina Vs Nigeria match is going on.
Argentina 1 - Nigeria 0
G. Heinze give a goal for Argentina at 6 minute.
41'J. Gutiérrez (Argentina) got a yellow card.
Half time Argentina 1 - Nigeria 0
Statistics of the match (after half time):
Argentina - Nigeria
shots on target : 5 - 0
shots off target : 3 - 4
possession (%) : 57 - 43
corner kicks : 3 - 1
offsides : 0 - 0
fouls : 5 - 3
yellow cards : 1 - 0
red cards : 0 - 0
The final result is Argentina 1 - Nigeria 0
Final match analysis
Argentina - Nigeria
shots on target : 7 - 1
shots off target : 8 - 10
possession (%) : 58 - 42
corner kicks : 10 - 4
offsides : 0 - 0
fouls : 7 - 8
yellow cards : 1 - 1
red cards : 0 - 0
Argentina win. So it's a great start for Argentina in World Cup 2010.
Argentina 1 - Nigeria 0
G. Heinze give a goal for Argentina at 6 minute.
41'J. Gutiérrez (Argentina) got a yellow card.
Half time Argentina 1 - Nigeria 0
Statistics of the match (after half time):
Argentina - Nigeria
shots on target : 5 - 0
shots off target : 3 - 4
possession (%) : 57 - 43
corner kicks : 3 - 1
offsides : 0 - 0
fouls : 5 - 3
yellow cards : 1 - 0
red cards : 0 - 0
The final result is Argentina 1 - Nigeria 0
Final match analysis
Argentina - Nigeria
shots on target : 7 - 1
shots off target : 8 - 10
possession (%) : 58 - 42
corner kicks : 10 - 4
offsides : 0 - 0
fouls : 7 - 8
yellow cards : 1 - 1
red cards : 0 - 0
Argentina win. So it's a great start for Argentina in World Cup 2010.
World Cup : 3rd match- Korea Republic Vs Greece
It's really very nice match for Korea Republic.
the final result is Korea Republic 2 : Greece 0
the final result is Korea Republic 2 : Greece 0
Maradona and a transatlantic tussle
Diego Maradona makes his highly-anticipated return to the FIFA World Cup™ today when two group favourites, his Argentina side and Fabio Capello's England, get their campaigns underway. Maradona will make his debut as a coach in the tournament, hoping to lead La Albiceleste to victory over a Nigeria side hoping for third-time lucky and boosted by 'home' advantage.
The other game in Group B sees Otto Rehhagel's disciplined Greece take on a highly ambitious Korea Republic side, in what has all the hallmarks of a tight encounter. Despite some disappointing warm-up results – two defeats and a draw – Greece's experience may prove crucial although Huh Jung-Moo's Taeguk Warriors, who hope to include injury doubt Lee Dong-Gook in attack, showed in a recent 1-0 loss to Spain and 2-0 win over Japan that they are a force to be reckoned with.
In Group C, England coach Capello will have to compensate for the injury-enforced absences of Rio Ferdinand, ruled out of the competition altogether, and Gareth Barry, who is not yet back to full fitness. The Italian will therefore be doing his utmost to ensure that defender Ledley King remains healthy. England’s friendly results and performances in the build-up did not inspire great confidence, but they will hope to answer their critics in style against USA. The potential repositioning of Steven Gerrard just in front of the defence has the look of a temporary solution, applied to counter the incisive attacking bursts of an American team hoping to reproduce the same shock result they enjoyed in 1950.
The matches
Korea Republic-Greece, Group B, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 13.30 (local time)
Argentina-Nigeria, Group B, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 16.00 (local time)
England-USA, Group C, Rustenburg, 20.30 (local time)
The big game
Argentina-Nigeria
Ahead of Argentina's opening match against the Super Eagles, Maradona is well aware that his chosen starting XI will provoke much discussion, analysis, criticism and praise back home. The former world champion has promised an attacking line-up, possibly with Lionel Messi operating just behind a front pairing of Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain. Maradona is likely to opt for three at the back, with Martin Demichelis and Gabriel Heinze flanking the vastly experienced Walter Samuel. Highly fancied to go far this time round due to their immense goalscoring potential, La Albiceleste will now need to confirm that potential on the pitch.
In the opposing camp, Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback, though deprived of one of his driving forces, the injured John Obi Mikel, has made it clear that his team are not in South Africa to simply make up the numbers. Nigeria have lost to Argentina at the FIFA World Cup twice before, in 1994 (1-2) and in 2002 (0-1). Nigeria fans, however, will hope that on their own continent they will constitute an altogether different prospect.
In focus
Howard v the England attack
USA's athletic goalkeeper Tim Howard may start the match with a psychological advantage over England's strike force, as none of Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey and Peter Crouch managed to get the better of the Everton custodian in the Premier League last season. Jermain Defoe stands alone in having beaten Howard, netting against him for Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-2 draw, but the American had the last laugh that day, saving the striker's potentially match-winning penalty in injury time.
What they said
"Our squad is made up of experienced players who are used to winning. That’s often crucial in this tournament. You first need to know what it feels like to win before you aim even higher," Joe Cole, England midfielder
Past meetings
In a twist of fate often seen in the competition, Maradona faces Nigeria in his first match as a coach in the FIFA World Cup, almost 16 years to the day since his last match as an Argentina player against the very same team.
Did you know?
England suffered one of the most surprising defeats in FIFA World Cup history in 1950, when, in their maiden campaign, they succumbed 1-0 to USA, with Joe Gaetjens grabbing the now legendary winner. The story goes that many newspaper editors back in England, unwilling to believe the news they had just been delivered, and fearing a typographical error, took the decision not to cover the match in their early editions. One English publication even went so far as to announce a 10-1 victory for the overwhelming pre-match favourites.
Trivia
Tickets are hard to come by for the much-anticipated game between England and USA at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. In fact, with a capacity of 38,646, it represents the smallest of the tournament's ten different venues, dwarfed by the 84,490 seats available at Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium.
Diego Maradona makes his highly-anticipated return to the FIFA World Cup™ today when two group favourites, his Argentina side and Fabio Capello's England, get their campaigns underway. Maradona will make his debut as a coach in the tournament, hoping to lead La Albiceleste to victory over a Nigeria side hoping for third-time lucky and boosted by 'home' advantage.
The other game in Group B sees Otto Rehhagel's disciplined Greece take on a highly ambitious Korea Republic side, in what has all the hallmarks of a tight encounter. Despite some disappointing warm-up results – two defeats and a draw – Greece's experience may prove crucial although Huh Jung-Moo's Taeguk Warriors, who hope to include injury doubt Lee Dong-Gook in attack, showed in a recent 1-0 loss to Spain and 2-0 win over Japan that they are a force to be reckoned with.
In Group C, England coach Capello will have to compensate for the injury-enforced absences of Rio Ferdinand, ruled out of the competition altogether, and Gareth Barry, who is not yet back to full fitness. The Italian will therefore be doing his utmost to ensure that defender Ledley King remains healthy. England’s friendly results and performances in the build-up did not inspire great confidence, but they will hope to answer their critics in style against USA. The potential repositioning of Steven Gerrard just in front of the defence has the look of a temporary solution, applied to counter the incisive attacking bursts of an American team hoping to reproduce the same shock result they enjoyed in 1950.
The matches
Korea Republic-Greece, Group B, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 13.30 (local time)
Argentina-Nigeria, Group B, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 16.00 (local time)
England-USA, Group C, Rustenburg, 20.30 (local time)
The big game
Argentina-Nigeria
Ahead of Argentina's opening match against the Super Eagles, Maradona is well aware that his chosen starting XI will provoke much discussion, analysis, criticism and praise back home. The former world champion has promised an attacking line-up, possibly with Lionel Messi operating just behind a front pairing of Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain. Maradona is likely to opt for three at the back, with Martin Demichelis and Gabriel Heinze flanking the vastly experienced Walter Samuel. Highly fancied to go far this time round due to their immense goalscoring potential, La Albiceleste will now need to confirm that potential on the pitch.
In the opposing camp, Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback, though deprived of one of his driving forces, the injured John Obi Mikel, has made it clear that his team are not in South Africa to simply make up the numbers. Nigeria have lost to Argentina at the FIFA World Cup twice before, in 1994 (1-2) and in 2002 (0-1). Nigeria fans, however, will hope that on their own continent they will constitute an altogether different prospect.
In focus
Howard v the England attack
USA's athletic goalkeeper Tim Howard may start the match with a psychological advantage over England's strike force, as none of Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey and Peter Crouch managed to get the better of the Everton custodian in the Premier League last season. Jermain Defoe stands alone in having beaten Howard, netting against him for Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-2 draw, but the American had the last laugh that day, saving the striker's potentially match-winning penalty in injury time.
What they said
"Our squad is made up of experienced players who are used to winning. That’s often crucial in this tournament. You first need to know what it feels like to win before you aim even higher," Joe Cole, England midfielder
Past meetings
In a twist of fate often seen in the competition, Maradona faces Nigeria in his first match as a coach in the FIFA World Cup, almost 16 years to the day since his last match as an Argentina player against the very same team.
Did you know?
England suffered one of the most surprising defeats in FIFA World Cup history in 1950, when, in their maiden campaign, they succumbed 1-0 to USA, with Joe Gaetjens grabbing the now legendary winner. The story goes that many newspaper editors back in England, unwilling to believe the news they had just been delivered, and fearing a typographical error, took the decision not to cover the match in their early editions. One English publication even went so far as to announce a 10-1 victory for the overwhelming pre-match favourites.
Trivia
Tickets are hard to come by for the much-anticipated game between England and USA at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. In fact, with a capacity of 38,646, it represents the smallest of the tournament's ten different venues, dwarfed by the 84,490 seats available at Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium.
source:fifa.com
The other game in Group B sees Otto Rehhagel's disciplined Greece take on a highly ambitious Korea Republic side, in what has all the hallmarks of a tight encounter. Despite some disappointing warm-up results – two defeats and a draw – Greece's experience may prove crucial although Huh Jung-Moo's Taeguk Warriors, who hope to include injury doubt Lee Dong-Gook in attack, showed in a recent 1-0 loss to Spain and 2-0 win over Japan that they are a force to be reckoned with.
In Group C, England coach Capello will have to compensate for the injury-enforced absences of Rio Ferdinand, ruled out of the competition altogether, and Gareth Barry, who is not yet back to full fitness. The Italian will therefore be doing his utmost to ensure that defender Ledley King remains healthy. England’s friendly results and performances in the build-up did not inspire great confidence, but they will hope to answer their critics in style against USA. The potential repositioning of Steven Gerrard just in front of the defence has the look of a temporary solution, applied to counter the incisive attacking bursts of an American team hoping to reproduce the same shock result they enjoyed in 1950.
The matches
Korea Republic-Greece, Group B, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 13.30 (local time)
Argentina-Nigeria, Group B, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 16.00 (local time)
England-USA, Group C, Rustenburg, 20.30 (local time)
The big game
Argentina-Nigeria
Ahead of Argentina's opening match against the Super Eagles, Maradona is well aware that his chosen starting XI will provoke much discussion, analysis, criticism and praise back home. The former world champion has promised an attacking line-up, possibly with Lionel Messi operating just behind a front pairing of Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain. Maradona is likely to opt for three at the back, with Martin Demichelis and Gabriel Heinze flanking the vastly experienced Walter Samuel. Highly fancied to go far this time round due to their immense goalscoring potential, La Albiceleste will now need to confirm that potential on the pitch.
In the opposing camp, Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback, though deprived of one of his driving forces, the injured John Obi Mikel, has made it clear that his team are not in South Africa to simply make up the numbers. Nigeria have lost to Argentina at the FIFA World Cup twice before, in 1994 (1-2) and in 2002 (0-1). Nigeria fans, however, will hope that on their own continent they will constitute an altogether different prospect.
In focus
Howard v the England attack
USA's athletic goalkeeper Tim Howard may start the match with a psychological advantage over England's strike force, as none of Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey and Peter Crouch managed to get the better of the Everton custodian in the Premier League last season. Jermain Defoe stands alone in having beaten Howard, netting against him for Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-2 draw, but the American had the last laugh that day, saving the striker's potentially match-winning penalty in injury time.
What they said
"Our squad is made up of experienced players who are used to winning. That’s often crucial in this tournament. You first need to know what it feels like to win before you aim even higher," Joe Cole, England midfielder
Past meetings
In a twist of fate often seen in the competition, Maradona faces Nigeria in his first match as a coach in the FIFA World Cup, almost 16 years to the day since his last match as an Argentina player against the very same team.
Did you know?
England suffered one of the most surprising defeats in FIFA World Cup history in 1950, when, in their maiden campaign, they succumbed 1-0 to USA, with Joe Gaetjens grabbing the now legendary winner. The story goes that many newspaper editors back in England, unwilling to believe the news they had just been delivered, and fearing a typographical error, took the decision not to cover the match in their early editions. One English publication even went so far as to announce a 10-1 victory for the overwhelming pre-match favourites.
Trivia
Tickets are hard to come by for the much-anticipated game between England and USA at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. In fact, with a capacity of 38,646, it represents the smallest of the tournament's ten different venues, dwarfed by the 84,490 seats available at Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium.
Diego Maradona makes his highly-anticipated return to the FIFA World Cup™ today when two group favourites, his Argentina side and Fabio Capello's England, get their campaigns underway. Maradona will make his debut as a coach in the tournament, hoping to lead La Albiceleste to victory over a Nigeria side hoping for third-time lucky and boosted by 'home' advantage.
The other game in Group B sees Otto Rehhagel's disciplined Greece take on a highly ambitious Korea Republic side, in what has all the hallmarks of a tight encounter. Despite some disappointing warm-up results – two defeats and a draw – Greece's experience may prove crucial although Huh Jung-Moo's Taeguk Warriors, who hope to include injury doubt Lee Dong-Gook in attack, showed in a recent 1-0 loss to Spain and 2-0 win over Japan that they are a force to be reckoned with.
In Group C, England coach Capello will have to compensate for the injury-enforced absences of Rio Ferdinand, ruled out of the competition altogether, and Gareth Barry, who is not yet back to full fitness. The Italian will therefore be doing his utmost to ensure that defender Ledley King remains healthy. England’s friendly results and performances in the build-up did not inspire great confidence, but they will hope to answer their critics in style against USA. The potential repositioning of Steven Gerrard just in front of the defence has the look of a temporary solution, applied to counter the incisive attacking bursts of an American team hoping to reproduce the same shock result they enjoyed in 1950.
The matches
Korea Republic-Greece, Group B, Nelson Mandela Bay/Port Elizabeth, 13.30 (local time)
Argentina-Nigeria, Group B, Johannesburg (Ellis Park), 16.00 (local time)
England-USA, Group C, Rustenburg, 20.30 (local time)
The big game
Argentina-Nigeria
Ahead of Argentina's opening match against the Super Eagles, Maradona is well aware that his chosen starting XI will provoke much discussion, analysis, criticism and praise back home. The former world champion has promised an attacking line-up, possibly with Lionel Messi operating just behind a front pairing of Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain. Maradona is likely to opt for three at the back, with Martin Demichelis and Gabriel Heinze flanking the vastly experienced Walter Samuel. Highly fancied to go far this time round due to their immense goalscoring potential, La Albiceleste will now need to confirm that potential on the pitch.
In the opposing camp, Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback, though deprived of one of his driving forces, the injured John Obi Mikel, has made it clear that his team are not in South Africa to simply make up the numbers. Nigeria have lost to Argentina at the FIFA World Cup twice before, in 1994 (1-2) and in 2002 (0-1). Nigeria fans, however, will hope that on their own continent they will constitute an altogether different prospect.
In focus
Howard v the England attack
USA's athletic goalkeeper Tim Howard may start the match with a psychological advantage over England's strike force, as none of Wayne Rooney, Emile Heskey and Peter Crouch managed to get the better of the Everton custodian in the Premier League last season. Jermain Defoe stands alone in having beaten Howard, netting against him for Tottenham Hotspur in a 2-2 draw, but the American had the last laugh that day, saving the striker's potentially match-winning penalty in injury time.
What they said
"Our squad is made up of experienced players who are used to winning. That’s often crucial in this tournament. You first need to know what it feels like to win before you aim even higher," Joe Cole, England midfielder
Past meetings
In a twist of fate often seen in the competition, Maradona faces Nigeria in his first match as a coach in the FIFA World Cup, almost 16 years to the day since his last match as an Argentina player against the very same team.
Did you know?
England suffered one of the most surprising defeats in FIFA World Cup history in 1950, when, in their maiden campaign, they succumbed 1-0 to USA, with Joe Gaetjens grabbing the now legendary winner. The story goes that many newspaper editors back in England, unwilling to believe the news they had just been delivered, and fearing a typographical error, took the decision not to cover the match in their early editions. One English publication even went so far as to announce a 10-1 victory for the overwhelming pre-match favourites.
Trivia
Tickets are hard to come by for the much-anticipated game between England and USA at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg. In fact, with a capacity of 38,646, it represents the smallest of the tournament's ten different venues, dwarfed by the 84,490 seats available at Johannesburg's Soccer City Stadium.
source:fifa.com
Gattuso to quite Italy
Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso will retire from international football after the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™. The 32-year-old AC Milan player, who helped Azzurri to FIFA World Cup glory in Germany four years ago, struggled with knee injuries in the 2009/10 season and feels it is time to step aside.
"To wear this jersey is the most beautiful thing there can be," he said. "But, being almost 33, it's right to leave space to the youngsters. After the World Cup, I will retire from the national team. One dream does remain and that is to one day be able to coach this team."
The combative midfielder was expected to be a substitute for Italy in South Africa, but could start against Paraguay on Monday with Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi doubtful through injury.
"I'm here to lend a hand," said Gattuso. "I am available to play. If we won in Germany four years ago it was because we were 23 players with just one mind."
Gattuso has been capped 70 times for his country since making his debut with the senior side in 2000.
Friday, June 11, 2010
World Cup match 2 : live blog -Uruguay Vs France
Uruguay's players, on the other hand, are scattered across the globe playing for teams as varied as Newcastle United to FC Porto. If Suarez and Forlan can find space early, expect Uruguay to also find the back of the net (Rule number one of the WC live blogs: the goal will not be referred to as an onion bag.)
1 Fernando Muslera
2 Diego Lugano
3 Diego Godin
6 Mauricio Victorino
17 Egidio Arevalo
15 Diego Perez
18 Ignacio Gonzalez
11 Alvaro Pereira
16 Maxi Pereira
9 Luis Suarez
10 Diego Forlan
If you're a fan of Arsenal or Chelsea you'll recognize about half of your respective team. France fields a pretty standard team. Everyone expected Henry to start from the bench and that's just where he'll be.
1 Hugo Lloris
3 Eric Abidal
5 William Gallas
13 Patrice Evra
2 Bacary Sagna
19 Abou Diaby
14 Jeremy Toulalan
21 Nicholas Anelka
8 Yoann Gourcuff
7 Franck Ribery
10 Sidney Govou
Now Referee, Players of both team are going to the field.
Uruguay is singing own national song.
Now France singing.
Referee :Yuichi Nishimura (Japan).
The game is start.
at 07 minute:
it's a great miss for france. Reveri made a very nice cross. but just touch...
at 16 minute:
Forlan's shot. it's so speedy and nice shot but France goalkeeper just punch.
19 min:
Franck Ribery gets booked for hanging out of the shirt of ... somebody. Despite being from Japan, the referee manages to do everything in the right order, blowing his whistle, removing the card from his pocket, writing the correct player's number on the back of it and then holding it up in the air. Well done, Yuici Nishimura! Well done, you. Mark Lawrenson, Steve Wilson and the rest of the BBC team will be very impressed, what this being such a big game and you being a funny foreigner.
25 min:
Still scoreless - it's a decent enough match and there have been two or three good chances, but it's considerably more pedestrian than the opener between South Africa and Mexico.
27 min:
Abou Diaby slaloms down the right flank and crosses the ball into the Uruguay penalty area. There's one ... two .. three ... four ... five Urugay players in there waiting to clear and not a Frenchman in sight.
29 min:
Yes, his fault. Paolo Bandini of Serie A expertise fame. It seems he's too big-time to bother with trifles like setting up very important minute-by-minute reports for his elders and betters.
30 min:
In for Florent Malouda, much to the considerable indignation of the French nation, Abou Diaby is having a great game. He almost puts Sidney Go9uvou clean through on goal with a curling pass from deep that's intercepted by Nicolas Anelka in an offside position. The linesman flags, managing to successfully wave the garish cloth bit at the end of the stick in his hand, despite being from Japan. If Anelka had left that ball alone, Govou would have been clean through on goal and onside.
34 min:
Forlan drops deep, picks up the ball, turns and charges towards the edge of the France penalty area. Suarez darts out to the right channel and his strike partner pings the ball his way. Offside! That's very careless on the part of Suarez - there was no reason for him to get caught offside there.
35 min:
"He's been good, y'know, the referee," says BBC match analyst Mark Lawrenson, managing to sound amazed. England's match official Howard Webb is probably listening to this commentary, beseeching assorted BBC broadcasters to stop ratcheting up the pressure on him by repeatedly patronising refs who are "not used to big games". It'll just make him look even more of an idiot, come the inevitable gaffe.
39 min:
"I watched the game this afternoon and it's the last SA game I will watch," writes Anthony O'Connell in Dublin, before adding his voice to the incessant, irritating drone of people complaining about vuvuzelas. "The noise of those poxy horns it's like wavin pipe. Also the lads on Off The Ball likened them to air horns, but at least they run out of air. Also reminds me of that fat bloke ringing the bell at Pompey! Jesus, me head was wrecked. Seriously RTE got a lot of calls from people thinking there was something wrong with the sound." People in South Africa celebrating the World Cup in a traditional South African manner. How dare they?
Half time Uruguay 0 - France 0
Now start 2nd half.
47 min:
Uruguay win a throw-in deep inside their own half. Alvaro Perreira takes it and assorted team-mates of his ping the ball around midfield. Ignacio Gonzalez moves it forward, trying to pick out Diego Forlan, but William Gallas clears.
50 min:
A free-kick for Uruguay, over by the touchline, about 45 yards from the France goal. It's swung in towards the far post, where Abou Diaby performs heroics to leap highest and head the ball out towards the far touchline, when Godin was lurking behind him. Moments later, the ball is sent into the mixer again, this time Gallas clears, but gets accidentally hoofed in the knackers by Diego Forlan for his troubles. He'll live.
55 min:
From 40+ yards out from goal, Jeremy Toulalan tries his luck. The Jabulani fizzes in the air before bouncing in front of Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera, who gets down to his right to save comfortably.
59 min:
Uruguayan defender Mauricio Victorino gets booked for a late tackle on Patrice Evra. Free-kick for France in the left channel, in line with the edge of the 18 yard box.
62 min:
Bacary Sagna fouls Luis Suaraz, conceding a free-kick to Uruguay, five yards outside the France penalty area, in line with the left-hand side of it. Forlan sends a fizzing shot over the wall, it bounces in front of Hugo Lloris and the goalkeeper claims.
64 min:
Just before that free-kick, Uruguay made a susbtitution: Ignacio Gonzalez off, Ajax's Nicolas Lodeiro on. Just after that, Patrice Evra was very lucky not to get sent off, going in with a late tackle that could easily have earned him a second yellow.
66 min: The referee blows for a France free-kick when goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Luis Suarez contested a high ball on the edge of the six-yard box. Lloris dropped the ball, but Suarez was ajudged to have fouled him, as is customary when a striker jumps in the same postal distract as an opposition goalkeeper.
68 min:
Jeremy Toulalan gets booked for a late, clumsy lunge on Alvaro Perreira, prompting Uruguay captain Diego Lugano to go forehead to forehead with the French midfielder. Raymond Domenech saunters on to the pitch to try to sort it out and is promptly ushered off by the fourth official.
70 min:
Suarez picks up the ball on the right wing, cuts inside and tries to nutmeg Eric Abidal with a view to running around him to collect the ball and pick out Diego Forlan in space. Abidal blocks the ball.
71 min:
With the match drifting away from his side, Raymond Domenench makes a long overdue substitution. It's a straight swap: Thierry Henry for Nicolas Anelka. I'm surprised he hasn't hauled off Sidney Govou, who's done nothing in this second half.
75 min:
Amid all the administrative housework involved on my part with those substitutions, Diego Forlan had a good chance to put Uruguay one up. From a long throw, Luis Suarez headed the ball into his path and unmarked from 15 yards, he rifled a low drive a couple of feet wide of Hugo Lloris's right upright.
77 min:
"Crazy shot time! Let's go!" Tweets MFUSA in the Twitter feed that's somehow found it's way on to the right-hand side of this minute-by-minute report.
79 min:
Malouda tries a shot from distance. It's a good effort, flashing across the face of goal and ultimately wide, but giving Fernando Muslera plenty to think about along the way.
RED CARD! The first red card of the tournament goes to the Uruguay substitute Nicolas Lodeiro, who picks up his second yellow card for a ridiculously late and quite dangerous tackle on Bacary Sagna. His first was for was kicking the ball away and he walks off 20 minutes after taking to the field without a word of complaint. Truth be told, he could have had a red card for that tackle alon - on the stretch and with studs up, he caught Sagna right on his instep.
83 min:
On the left flank, Franck Ribery cuts inside Arvelo Rios and tries to get a cross into the penalty area. It's blocked. The ball goes out for a throw-in and France make their third substitution: Andre Pierre Gignac on, Sidney Govou off.
85 min:
"A Uruguayan red card?" writes Gary Naylor. "I'm all nostalgic." Yup, takes me back too, although it wasn't a really dirty foul, in the grand old tradition of this great South American nation.
87 min:
Uruguay substitituion: Maxi Pereira off, Eguran on.
88 min:
From the right wing, France cross the ball into the Urtuguay penalty area. The ball bounces up and hits Eguran on the hand - Thierry Henry, of all people, appeals for a penalty. Oh, the irony. The referee, quite correctly, doesn't give one.
90+1 min:
Gignac, who is a centre-forward by trade, has been stationed out on the right wing, where Florent Malouda should be but isn't - he's playing centre-forward. Gignac tries to get a cross in, but his effort is blocked.
90+3:
Free kick from Henry but no destination.
Full time: Uruguay 0 - France 0
This game is closed. Each team got one point. Good bye for today.
World Cup : 1st match live result & live blog
South Africa 1: Mexico 0
at 55 min Siphiwe Tshabalala give a goal,
It's the first goal of this World Cup 2010 South Africa.
now, at time 61 minute:
RSA 1 :Mexico 0
at 64 minute:
RSA 1 :Mexico 0
at 79 minute:
RSA 1 - Mexico 1
Rafael Marquez made a goal. He was totally unmarked.
at 87 minute:
RSA 1 :Mexico 1
at 89 minutes:
kick ... but side bar is protected. so unlucky for South Africa.
Now, total result is RSA 1 :Mexico 1 after full time. The match is draw.
So, both team got 1 point each.
at 55 min Siphiwe Tshabalala give a goal,
It's the first goal of this World Cup 2010 South Africa.
now, at time 61 minute:
RSA 1 :Mexico 0
at 64 minute:
RSA 1 :Mexico 0
at 79 minute:
RSA 1 - Mexico 1
Rafael Marquez made a goal. He was totally unmarked.
at 87 minute:
RSA 1 :Mexico 1
at 89 minutes:
kick ... but side bar is protected. so unlucky for South Africa.
Now, total result is RSA 1 :Mexico 1 after full time. The match is draw.
So, both team got 1 point each.
D-day looms for Capello
"I have decided on my goalkeeper and I know the 11 that will play Saturday."
England coach Fabio Capello is in no doubt who his firt XI will be to face the USA in Rustenburg on Saturday.
Fabio Capello knows England have come a long way since his first game in charge against Switzerland in February 2008 - tomorrow he will begin to find out exactly how far.
On their knees following the failure to reach UEFA EURO 2008, the Three Lions tackle the United States in their FIFA World Cup™ opener in Rustenburg with their coach believing it is time to start roaring again.
"We have improved a lot since Switzerland. We found the spirit and we have found a different way of playing each game. The players know me better and we have changed a lot. But it is different here. It is not one game. For this reason we have to be focused all the time. We have to understand what we have to do in each game," he said.
What England have to do is fairly simple. Victory against USA would put them in pole position to finish top of a group that also contains Algeria and Slovenia and therefore book a last-16 encounter in Rustenburg, where England are presently based and where they will face the United States.
Capello has already satisfied himself about a line-up which remains unknown to the wider world, and probably the players themselves. But he looks likely to include Robert Green in the problematic goalkeeping position.
"I have decided on my goalkeeper and I know the 1I that will play Saturday," he said.
The question remains whether Capello's mind was changed by Monday's first-half performance against the Platinum Stars. Seven members of England's predicted starting line-up were also in the team that began a 3-0 win that was only brought to life thanks to Wayne Rooney's efforts.
John Terry claimed afterwards that Capello had been more angry than at any stage of his tenure when he admonished his players at the interval, although it seems the Italian understands why England were so poor.
"I was annoyed with the first half on Monday because I did not see the right spirit on the pitch. But I understand why because the players had seen a lot of people get injured during this period of friendly games.
"For that reason we did not make tackles and we won the ball back too slowly. It was like a soft training session and I did not like this too much. But at our training camp, I saw everything that we need."
source: www.fifa.com
Cole looks to England experience
England midfielder Joe Cole is hoping that the old adage about there being no substitute for experience will ring true for Fabio Capello's squad in South Africa over the coming month.
The England party is the oldest to represent their country at a FIFA World Cup™ – their average age of 28.7 years surpassing the previous record of 28.4 set in 1954 – and Cole is confident this will serve them well as they look to better their quarter-final exits of 2002 and 2006.
The former West Ham United wunderkind, now 28, told FIFA: "When you look around at what the players have achieved, there are Premier League winners, Champions League winners, FA Cup winners. The squad is full of players with experience of winning. That's the important thing in the tournament. You need to know how it feels to win. You need to know what's on the line."
This is the third FIFA World Cup for Cole, one of four survivors from England's 2002 campaign. Capped 54 times, he played just 16 minutes as a substitute against Sweden in Korea/Japan but four years later in Germany started every match and produced one of the goals of the tournament – a spectacular dipping volley against the Swedes in the first round.
While England's squad in 2006 was erroneously dubbed the "golden generation" by sections of the UK media, there has been a more cautious treatment of their prospects this time. Yet with Wayne Rooney in his prime at 24, Cole believes the squad's older players – ten of them were born in 1980 or before – will be determined to take their "last chance" on the world stage, despite the loss of injured captain Rio Ferdinand.
He said: "The big difference is that we've got a fit Wayne Rooney in this squad. And the squad is quite experienced. In 2002 it was a bit too young and in the last World Cup, obviously he wasn't fit. We suffered the injury of Michael [Owen] as well. Obviously we're missing Rio but this squad is balanced. I think this is a lot of guys' last chance, considering their age at this World Cup."
Cole finished the season with Premier League and FA Cup winners' medals, together with the squad's other Chelsea players John Terry, Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole. Unlike that trio, however, he will be departing Stamford Bridge on a free transfer during the close season, as confirmed by the London club this week. Cole made only 14 starts in the Premier League in 2009/10 after failing to convince manager Carlo Ancelotti he was worthy of a regular place following his return from a cruciate ligament injury.
That injury meant he made only two appearances in qualifying but, after a frustrating campaign, he is understandably delighted to be featuring for his country now in South Africa. He struck England's second goal in their 3-0 friendly win over Platinum Stars on Monday and is expected to start Saturday's opening Group C fixture against USA on the left side of midfield.
"I'm buzzing," said the Londoner. "I love my football, this is the pinnacle." And he is determined to make the most of what may be his last finals on the world stage. "Whatever happens in your career you get remembered for your World Cups. Because the whole world's eyes are on you, and it's time to perform – as a country, as a team, doing something incredible and putting your name down in history."
source:www.fifa.com
Colour and rhythm in African celebration
The South Africa 2010 party got under way in style last night with a joyous, colourful and truly African FIFA World Cup™ Kick-off Celebration Concert in Soweto, Johannesburg.
Held in the football heartland that is Orlando Stadium, home of iconic club side Orlando Pirates, the concert featured a host of stars including Shakira, Alicia Keys, K'Naan and the Black Eyed Peas. A wide variety of acts took to the stage but the abiding theme was one of celebration for the African continent with the event broadcast across the world.
The countdown clock introducing the three-hour extravaganza finally hit zero and with it came a cacophonous roar as seemingly thousands of South Africa flags were lifted aloft creating an ocean of colour among the estimated 30,000 in attendance. Joining the countless Rainbow Nation colours were a broad cross-section of national flags representing every corner of the globe, as the many visitors in attendance took the opportunity to enjoy Africa’s impressive ability to turn on a party.
FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter and South African President Jacob Zuma jointly opened the concert after the early acts. As the evening progressed a cavalcade of football stars took to the stage between performances including former Bafana Bafana captain Lucas Radebe, Christian Karembeu, Quinton Fortune, Socrates and Jay Jay Okacha. Another joyous presenter was Archbishop Desmond Tutu decked out in Bafana Bafana supporter gear and who introduced a video presentation on Nelson Mandela with trademark enthusiasm.
The large crowd rarely dropped their energy levels and their infectious enthusiasm was palpable. "I have been to a lot of concerts but I have never been to a concert like this," said ebullient Johannesburg resident Khensami Majola, just as K'Naan took to the stage to perform his poignant song 'Wavin Flag'. "It is amazing fun, we are having a huge jam. It is a perfect presentation of Africa – north, south, east and west." The concert drew to a spectacular conclusion with Colombian pop princess Shakira in impressive form. She was joined on stage by Freshlyground for a rendition of 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)', the Official FIFA World Cup theme.
Another proud concert-goer was Soweto local William Oosthuizen who spoke with pride as he took a rare break from dancing. "I am very proud and I am enjoying this immensely,” he said. “Beauty in the heart of Soweto. This is what Africa is all about. Sport has a unifying factor and it’s all about people enjoying themselves."
source:www.fifa.com
Referee reveals debt to father
It is not just the footballers of South Africa and Mexico who will be pinching themselves when they step out inside Soccer City Stadium today. For Uzbek referee Ravshan Irmatov, his selection from a strong list of candidates to officiate at the Opening Match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ is the stuff of dreams also.
"I was delighted by the news, because taking charge of the tournament's Opening Match or Final are the two events that all referees dream of," said the 32-year-old. The opportunity to play a significant role in the greatest show on earth is an honour that would never have entered Irmatov's mind when he suffered the injury that ended his playing career and led him down the refereeing path.
Fourteen years on Irmatov is the only referee from Uzbekistan to have officiated in the finals of a FIFA competition. One of the highlights of his career so far was overseeing the final of the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup in Japan between Liga de Quito and Manchester United. In addition, he is the Asian Football Confederation's Referee of the Year, the third time he has received that accolade.
Ahead his career's biggest moment, Irmatov revealed he had not forgotten his first mentor in refereeing, his father. "At times like these I think of him – he was also a referee in the Soviet championship," he said. "It was he who advised me to turn to this profession at the age of 19, when a serious ankle injury forced me to give up my dreams of becoming a footballer. It all started there.
"FIFA have put their trust in me since 2003, when I joined their list of international referees. Prior to South Africa 2010, I had already taken part in FIFA's six biggest international tournaments," added Irmatov, who admitted he had learned a great deal from studying the performances of such refereeing greats as Italy's Pierluigi Collina, Argentina's Horacio Elizondo and Russia's Valentin Ivanov.
Now comes the opportunity to display his abilities in front of a watching world in Johannesburg, where FIFA World Cup hosts South Africa will take on Mexico at 4pm local time today. Irmatov said: "I'm very aware that it's a huge responsibility, but I'm 100 per cent ready and positive that once I'm out on the pitch, I'll forget everything that has gone before and treat the match just like any other."
He added that FIFA's support structure would ensure he and his fellow match officials will be perfectly prepared for the assignments that await over the coming month. "I'm confident because we're going to be working with the world's top experts in all aspects of refereeing, be they technical, physical or psychological, and that will help us to prepare for each match." Starting at Soccer City this afternoon.
source:www.fifa.com
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Concert review: World Cup kick-off concert in Johannesburg, South Africa
“It's time for Africa,” boomed the voice of the announcer in Johannesburg's Orlando Stadium on Thursday, at the climax of the all-star concert kicking off soccer's World Cup. “It's time for Shakira!”
The announcement laid bare an inconsistency that many consider a problem as Africa celebrates its first time hosting this massive sporting event. The tourney's official anthem is a cover of the Cameroonian song “Waka Waka” by the Colombian pop star Shakira, who headlined Thursday's show. Many South Africans have protested the choice of a non-African artist as the World Cup's musical voice; this concert occurred in the wake of the debate and staged its own argument about where African music resides in the world.
The event, telecast on ESPN2 and streamed live on Vevo.com, featured more African performers than visitors, spanning generations, styles and national borders. Venerated elder Hugh Masakela was first to appear, playing his flugelhorn in accompaniment to the young South African star Lira. Others featured included the Malians Amadou & Mariam and Vieux Farka Toure, the desert rock band Tinariwen, Beninoise singer Angelique Kidjo and South African folk hero Vusi Mahlasela.
Somali expat K'Naan, who now lives in Canada, brought down the house with his “Wavin' Flag,” which many had hoped would become the tournament's official anthem. Kidjo and Mahlasela performed separately and together, sampling from their rich catalogs to present a variety of African music, including protest cries and party shouts.
African rock music got its moment too, as BLK JKS shared the stage with Alicia Keys for a Curtis Mayfield-style jam. Goth-flavored rockers the Parlotones got a song, as did the hip-hop group Big Nuz featuring DJ Tira though that lively bunch was seen only on the Internet stream, sacrificed to a commercial break on television.
The varied sounds made by these stars -- most of whom have successful crossover careers in Europe and America -- placed the day's non-African performers in context.
Keys and John Legend worked extra hard to keep their short sets groovy, tapping into the spirit of African drumming that permeated the whole show. The Black Eyed Peas opened with a fairly standard set, but members will.i.am and Taboo made cameo appearances with other artists that indicated the consummate pop group's desire to make global connections (or to maintain global domination).
Taboo's moment came during an excellent set by Colombian singer Juanes, whose soukous-flavored guitar lines and rolling rhythms brightly illustrated how Latin music belongs to the African diaspora. The Chicano member of the Peas offered a sharp rap and shouted “Viva Mexico,” in favor of his favorite soccer team.
Joining K'Naan, will.i.am grabbed whatever flag was handy at what could have been the concert's crowning moment, the boisterous singalong to “Wavin' Flag.” But then came Shakira, in an ill-advised Roberto Cavalli outfit that looked like a costume from “The Lion King.”
Despite her fashion misstep, the Colombian powerhouse made a case for herself with a set that focused on the heavy beats in her own music -- not just “Waka Waka” but also the samba-flavored “Hips Don't Lie” and the more contemporary electro beats of “She Wolf.”
Shakira's career is a global phenomenon, as is soccer itself. Bilingual and truly cosmopolitan, she represents the audience who'll be cheering on this month's champions as well as any pop star could. Thursday, her answer to those who've criticized her song was a visual as well as a musical one: She filled the stage with African dancers, singers and musicians, who almost overshadowed her as she performed the song. It was just a symbolic gesture, but a strong one in this evening-long review of pop music's journey from Africa to every corner of the earth, and back.
-- Ann Powers
Photo: Shakira at the FIFA World Cup kick-off concert in Johannesburg, South Africa. Credit: Jewel Samad/AFP/Getty Images.
World Cup 2010 Debate: Can Asian Giant South Korea Become A World Power?
Is the time right for the Taeguk Warriors?
By John Duerden
Jun 11, 2010 5:10:00 AM
Teams: South Korea
Seven World Cup appearances is an Asian record. Saudi Arabia are next with four. A place in the last four is an Asian record. North Korea are next with a last eight spot under their belt. Eight Asian club championships is a record. Japan are next with five. The oldest professional league in the continent and the only Asian nation to have a player in the final of the biggest club game in the world –the UEFA Champions League.
Whichever way you look at it, South Korea is the archetypal continental powerhouse. Ahead of an eighth appearance on the global stage, what the players, the coach, the media and the fans are hoping is that 2010 marks the time when the Taeguk Warriors break out of the Asian scene and claim their spot on the global football map.
It happened, of sorts, in 2002 but while that run to the semi-finals was impressive, it needs to be complemented by a good run overseas. In six previous attempts away from the Land of the Morning Calm, not once has South Korea made it over the first hurdle. 2006 was close but not close enough.
Expectations back then were too high with memories of 2002 still fresh. A pre-tournament survey revealed that 93% of fans expected a second-round finish at least. This time around, with the Group B opener against Greece kicking off on Saturday in Port Elizabeth before games with Argentina and Nigeria, the confidence is of a quieter variety but the team looks to be better.
Injuries have not been a major concern and have to do more with how much recent knocks affect current conditions. The hamstring problems of Lee Dong-gook are an exception but the 2009 K-league top scorer may recover in time to play some part against the 2004 European champions.
A fit Lee would probably have partnered Park Chu-young in attack. Much depends on the Monaco man. The form he showed in France in the first half of the season, performances reflected in his national team appearances, led this writer to ask if he was Asia’s leading striker. The second half of the season was less successful for the 24 year-old however, injuries cost him two months of activity and robbed him of his groove. Korea needs the player, nicknamed ‘Football genius” to get back into it.
There’s no such need for Lee Chung-yong. The Bolton Wanderers wideman has been playing football virtually non-stop since the start of 2009 and playing it well. His transfer from FC Seoul to England came too soon in the opinion of many pundits, myself included, but the 21 year-old starred in the Premier League and was one of the best signings of the season. Coach Huh Jung-moo will be asking Lee to give his all for just a few more games before taking a well-earned rest while at the same time telling him to cut down on some of the wild tackles that can creep into his game from time to time.
Huh will have no such need to advice Park Ji-sung. The 29 year-old has pretty much seen and done all there is to do in football and is the self-assured leader of this team. He told me recently that this World Cup, his third, is likely to be his last. After just missing out on a fourth consecutive English Premier League title with Manchester United, a good showing in South Africa will more than compensate.
Going forward this is a Korean team that has the pace, he movement, the experience and the skill to trouble the likes of Greece, Nigeria and even Argentina. After 30 months in the job, coach Huh has a well-organised set-up, one that has looked more solid of late. Kim Jung-woo is the unsung defensive midfielder, a skinny warrior who gets the job done and allows the more mercurial Ki Song-yong to get forward. Ki has struggled for playing time at Celtic since moving to Scotland in the summer and the 21 year-old is keen to show club boss Neil Lennon the error of his selection ways.
The full-back position is rarely a worry for a nation blessed with two-footed, energetic, hard-working and quick defenders. The centre of defence has offered more debate of late but the injury to Kwak Tae-hwi looks to have given the tough-tackling Lee Jung-soo and the more refined Cho Yong-hyung their chance. Veteran goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae looks likely to get the nod to go between the sticks ahead of Jung Sung-ryeong.
South Korea is not an old team and the youngsters in the side are already experienced. The team is battle-hardened, well-prepared and not short of skill.
Now only one questions remains. Can Asia’s most successful team of all time start mixing it with the best on the world stage, wherever that stage may be? We will find out soon enough.
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By John Duerden
Jun 11, 2010 5:10:00 AM
Teams: South Korea
Seven World Cup appearances is an Asian record. Saudi Arabia are next with four. A place in the last four is an Asian record. North Korea are next with a last eight spot under their belt. Eight Asian club championships is a record. Japan are next with five. The oldest professional league in the continent and the only Asian nation to have a player in the final of the biggest club game in the world –the UEFA Champions League.
Whichever way you look at it, South Korea is the archetypal continental powerhouse. Ahead of an eighth appearance on the global stage, what the players, the coach, the media and the fans are hoping is that 2010 marks the time when the Taeguk Warriors break out of the Asian scene and claim their spot on the global football map.
It happened, of sorts, in 2002 but while that run to the semi-finals was impressive, it needs to be complemented by a good run overseas. In six previous attempts away from the Land of the Morning Calm, not once has South Korea made it over the first hurdle. 2006 was close but not close enough.
Expectations back then were too high with memories of 2002 still fresh. A pre-tournament survey revealed that 93% of fans expected a second-round finish at least. This time around, with the Group B opener against Greece kicking off on Saturday in Port Elizabeth before games with Argentina and Nigeria, the confidence is of a quieter variety but the team looks to be better.
Injuries have not been a major concern and have to do more with how much recent knocks affect current conditions. The hamstring problems of Lee Dong-gook are an exception but the 2009 K-league top scorer may recover in time to play some part against the 2004 European champions.
A fit Lee would probably have partnered Park Chu-young in attack. Much depends on the Monaco man. The form he showed in France in the first half of the season, performances reflected in his national team appearances, led this writer to ask if he was Asia’s leading striker. The second half of the season was less successful for the 24 year-old however, injuries cost him two months of activity and robbed him of his groove. Korea needs the player, nicknamed ‘Football genius” to get back into it.
There’s no such need for Lee Chung-yong. The Bolton Wanderers wideman has been playing football virtually non-stop since the start of 2009 and playing it well. His transfer from FC Seoul to England came too soon in the opinion of many pundits, myself included, but the 21 year-old starred in the Premier League and was one of the best signings of the season. Coach Huh Jung-moo will be asking Lee to give his all for just a few more games before taking a well-earned rest while at the same time telling him to cut down on some of the wild tackles that can creep into his game from time to time.
Huh will have no such need to advice Park Ji-sung. The 29 year-old has pretty much seen and done all there is to do in football and is the self-assured leader of this team. He told me recently that this World Cup, his third, is likely to be his last. After just missing out on a fourth consecutive English Premier League title with Manchester United, a good showing in South Africa will more than compensate.
Going forward this is a Korean team that has the pace, he movement, the experience and the skill to trouble the likes of Greece, Nigeria and even Argentina. After 30 months in the job, coach Huh has a well-organised set-up, one that has looked more solid of late. Kim Jung-woo is the unsung defensive midfielder, a skinny warrior who gets the job done and allows the more mercurial Ki Song-yong to get forward. Ki has struggled for playing time at Celtic since moving to Scotland in the summer and the 21 year-old is keen to show club boss Neil Lennon the error of his selection ways.
The full-back position is rarely a worry for a nation blessed with two-footed, energetic, hard-working and quick defenders. The centre of defence has offered more debate of late but the injury to Kwak Tae-hwi looks to have given the tough-tackling Lee Jung-soo and the more refined Cho Yong-hyung their chance. Veteran goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae looks likely to get the nod to go between the sticks ahead of Jung Sung-ryeong.
South Korea is not an old team and the youngsters in the side are already experienced. The team is battle-hardened, well-prepared and not short of skill.
Now only one questions remains. Can Asia’s most successful team of all time start mixing it with the best on the world stage, wherever that stage may be? We will find out soon enough.
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Shakira, Bono, R. Kelly, Russell Brand Score With World Cup Anthems
Skakira's official FIFA World Cup song 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' has much company among 2010 soccer anthems.
By Gil Kaufman
It's hard enough to get Americans pumped up to watch a bunch of other country's teams play soccer, but one thing we can all agree on is that the crazy-quilt Pangaea of World Cup anthems is an amazing spectacle to behold. From Shakira's Official FIFA World Cup song "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" to Russell Brand and Robbie Williams' remake of England's unofficial soccer song, "Three Lions," there are a head-spinning array of choices when it comes to soccer soundtracks for the planet's biggest sporting event.
Colombian hip-swiveler Shakira teamed up with South Africa's Freshlyground for the tournament's official song. The propulsive Afro-techno "Waka Waka" has the perfect mix of inspirational lyrics — "The pressure's on, you feel it/ It's time for Africa, your time to shine" — and a raise-the-roof vibe that you can picture pumping out of stereos from Johannesburg to Pittsburgh.
No slouch in the inspiration department, Mr. "I Believe I Can Fly" himself, R. Kelly, also cooked up an official FIFA World Cup anthem with a little ditty he calls "Sign of a Victory." The collabo with the Soweto Spiritual Singers choir — who will perform the song with Kelly at Friday's opening ceremonies — bubbles along on a syncopated, African percussion beat while Kelly sings, "I can feel the spirit of the nation/ And I can feel my wings riding the wind." The choir backs him up with an uplifting, wordless chant under the chorus "That's the sign of a victory." He also manages to incorporate the phrases, "let the games begin," "we can achieve anything, including the impossible," "raise the flag" and "scream like you want to win."
Somalian/Canadian rapper K'Naan also went the inspirational route with his official Coca-Cola anthem, "Wavin' Flag," which has the rising-up-from-oppression vibe of a classic Bob Marley tune. With assists from Will.I.Am and David Guetta, the soaring tune camouflages a song about poverty and oppression in a heart-stirring call to arms to let your banner fly.
Pepsi wasn't about to get aced out of this action, so it recruited Akon and Keri Hilson to make a video with soccer stars Lionel Messi of Argentina and Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba called "Oh Africa," as part of the celebration of the continent's first hosting duty for the global event. It also has the obligatory South African township jive stomp, and like the other songs, is as much about Africa's spot in the sun as it is about sports.
And because there's probably some rule about Bono having to participate in any globally unifying event, the U2 singer hooked up with Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo and John Legend for a thumping, Afro-pop cover of Curtis Mayfield's "Move On Up."
Another cover that was recorded as an unofficial English World Cup anthem is a banging remake of Tears for Fears' "Shout" called "Shout for England," laid down by U.K. rapper Dizzee Rascal and actor James Corden at the behest of former "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell. It has a thundering chorus that adds a thick acid-house beat to the original tune as Rascal spits lyrics to inspire England's soccer stars to victory.
For no apparent reason, New York's We Are Scientists have also offered up a song for England's club, the appropriately named, "Goal! England," a slice of T. Rex-inspired garage rock thunder that features the unforgettable lines, "Kicking the kicking the kicking the kicking the ball/ Kicking it into the goal/ Go, go, go, go go ... England!"
Then there is the official FIFA Mascot song from Cuban-American rapper Pitbull, who hooked up with South African group TKZee and England's Dario G to let the dogs out for the high NRG club banger "Game On." Taking things a little less seriously is U.K. legend Robbie Williams, who formed "The Squad" with comedians Russell Brand, Daniel Baddiel and Frank Skinner to record a remake of England's unofficial soccer song, "Three Lions." The mash of opera, a soaring choir singing, "It's coming home/ Football's coming home," a bouncy, Madness-like ska pop vibe and self-deprecating soccer-centric lyrics about England's chances of regaining football glory make for a lovably comic mess.
Among the other acts on the FIFA-sanctioned soundtrack to the international soccer showdown, Listen Up!: The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album, are: Nneka ("Viva Africa"), Matisyahu featuring Nameless ("One Day"), Wyclef Jean, J Pre, Jazmine Sullivan and B. Howard ("Ke Nako"), and late South African opera singer Siphiwo Ntshebe (known as the "black Pavarotti") featuring former South African president Nelson Mandela ("Hope").
And of course, if none of these tunes provide the right kick, there's always the unofficial World Cup Song contest, with nearly 400 entries. The top five is currently dominated by England, with Christian singer Gerry Asmus' "It's Our Game," a flowery pop piffle about King George and English pride, holding down the top spot at press time.
World Cup weekend of wondrous football
The 19th World Cup and first in Africa kicks off in a few hours and we can't wait. First up is South Africa versus Mexico and while our match report will touch on this later, we feel sorry for Mexico in a way - it isn't going to be easy.
After that, we have France against Uruguay in Cape Town and if the performance from William Gallas earlier this week wasn't strange enough, if France lose tomorrow, you'll hear from his coach and master, Raymond Domenech, who is the real master at sounding strange.
After the first day - we then get to the serious business of England versus the USA and it will be a cracker, but before that we have Argentina up against Nigeria and Korea Republic against Greece from Group B. Five games in and we are still on Saturday! I think the penny has just dropped as to why we only have this every four years; I think my wife would leave me.
On Sunday we have Algeria versus Slovenia to complete the first round of matches for Group C and then the start of Group D with Germany playing Australia and Serbia playing Ghana.
What more could you ask for? Football all weekend starting late Friday afternoon - is it Christmas already? Remember to follow our updates on Twitter and come back later for our match previews and don't forget we have all the fixtures and results updated as they happen.
The World Cup is finally here. Let's go have some fun!
source:www.worldcup2010southafrica.com
After that, we have France against Uruguay in Cape Town and if the performance from William Gallas earlier this week wasn't strange enough, if France lose tomorrow, you'll hear from his coach and master, Raymond Domenech, who is the real master at sounding strange.
After the first day - we then get to the serious business of England versus the USA and it will be a cracker, but before that we have Argentina up against Nigeria and Korea Republic against Greece from Group B. Five games in and we are still on Saturday! I think the penny has just dropped as to why we only have this every four years; I think my wife would leave me.
On Sunday we have Algeria versus Slovenia to complete the first round of matches for Group C and then the start of Group D with Germany playing Australia and Serbia playing Ghana.
What more could you ask for? Football all weekend starting late Friday afternoon - is it Christmas already? Remember to follow our updates on Twitter and come back later for our match previews and don't forget we have all the fixtures and results updated as they happen.
The World Cup is finally here. Let's go have some fun!
source:www.worldcup2010southafrica.com
Alicia Keys, Shakira, Peas take part in 2010 World Cup concert
By Michelly Rall, Getty Images for Live Earth
Alicia Keys, Shakira and the Black Eyed Peas helped rock Soweto's 40,000-seat Orlando stadium tonight for a concert celebrating Africa's first World Cup.
Thousands of fans cheered in a frenzy of flag-waving, drumming and African-inspired dancing, reports AP.
Other acts included veteran South African trumpeter Hugh Masekela, new South African star, Lira, blind duo Amadou & Mariam of Mali and Colombian rocker's Juanes.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, in full South African green-and-yellow fan regalia, led the crowd in cheers for Nelson Mandela, who is credited with sealing South Africa's bid to host the World Cup. Tutu also acknowledged the fans from around the world: "We welcome you all. For Africa is the cradle of humanity, so we welcome you home."
FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert
FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert now Shakira singing
FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert live continue
Some of the most exciting moments of the 2010 World Cup will take place before the first match even takes place. With a star studded lineup, you won’t want to miss watching the 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert tonight. There are several different ways to watch the Kick-Off Concert in a live stream online, so read on for more info!
Watch in AXN 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert begins at 8 p.m. local time in South Africa (this is 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, fyi).
The lineup for the Kick-Off Concert is long and impressive, including artists from all over the world. Among the talent scheduled to perform, there’s Shakira, Alicia Keys, The Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, K’Naan, Amadou and Mariam, Angélique Kidjo and Tinariwen.
One way to watch a live stream of the 2010 World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert is by heading over to ESPN and seeing if you have access to its online broadcast. While ESPN3 is only available if you are using an approved internet services provider or other affiliate, it’s undoubtedly a way to get great quality picture and sound. Your other option to watch the World Cup opening concert online is to use a website that streams the concert live. While there are many such sites, it’s important to note that they might not be available in your area due to local regulations. Finally, you can always sign up for a satellite TV program for your computer, at a small fee.
Watch in AXN 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert.
The 2010 FIFA World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert begins at 8 p.m. local time in South Africa (this is 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, fyi).
The lineup for the Kick-Off Concert is long and impressive, including artists from all over the world. Among the talent scheduled to perform, there’s Shakira, Alicia Keys, The Black Eyed Peas, John Legend, K’Naan, Amadou and Mariam, Angélique Kidjo and Tinariwen.
One way to watch a live stream of the 2010 World Cup Kick-Off Celebration Concert is by heading over to ESPN and seeing if you have access to its online broadcast. While ESPN3 is only available if you are using an approved internet services provider or other affiliate, it’s undoubtedly a way to get great quality picture and sound. Your other option to watch the World Cup opening concert online is to use a website that streams the concert live. While there are many such sites, it’s important to note that they might not be available in your area due to local regulations. Finally, you can always sign up for a satellite TV program for your computer, at a small fee.
Image collection of Argentina Practice session in World Cup 2010
Argentina's national soccer team coach Diego Maradona kicks a ball during a practice session in Pretoria - Wednesday June 9, 05:36 PM
Argentina's national soccer team coach Maradona gives instructions to player Milito during a practice session in Pretoria - Wednesday June 9, 05:38 PM
Argentina's Palermo prepares to kick a ball while being watched by coach Maradona during a soccer practice session in Pretoria - Wednesday June 9, 05:44 PM
Argentina's goalkeeper Sergio Romero hugs coach Diego Maradona during a soccer practice session in Pretoria - Wednesday June 9, 06:09 PM
Argentina's national soccer team coach Maradona and player Veron attend a training session in Pretoria - Thursday June 3, 05:04 PM
Argentina's national soccer team players Veron and Tevez fight for the ball during a practice session in Pretoria - Thursday June 3, 05:09 PM
Argentina's national soccer team players Messi and Mascherano fight for the ball during a practice session in Pretoria - Thursday June 3, 05:16 PM
Argentina's national soccer team coach Maradona walks on the pitch during a practice session at the squad camp in Pretoria - Thursday June 3, 05:23 PM
Argentina's national soccer team player Messi controls the ball between his teammates Gutierrez and Veron a during a practice session at in Pretoria - Thursday June 3, 05:32 PM
Argentina's national soccer team coach Maradona attends a practice session in Pretoria - Thursday June 3, 05:32 PM
Argentina's national soccer team players Aguero, Mascherano and Veron take part in a training session in Pretoria - Thursday June 3, 05:37 PM
Argentina's national soccer player Lionel Messi is pictured at a practice session next to head coach Diego Maradona at the squad camp in Pretoria - Thursday June 3, 05:50 PM
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