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France seek redemption after Henry handball
Bafana eager to show numbers mean nothing
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‘Let’s play it cool’
Heskey blames himself!
Big stars, but none brighter than Mandela
Referees learning English swear words!
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France seek redemption after Henry handball France take the field in their football World Cup opener against Uruguay Friday seeking redemption for the handball by Thierry Henry that bought their qualification against Ireland -- at a high price. Henry's blatant use of the arm in setting up William Gallas for the winning goal in the play-off against Ireland, and his subsequent refusal to own up until too late, caused massive controversy. The Irish were incensed, neutrals disgusted and even French fans turned on the former golden boy. As if that wasn't bad enough, several French players - including star man Franck Ribery - earlier
this year became embroiled in a scandal involving an underage They have the chance to redeem themselves when the action starts in earnest in their opening Group D match in Cape Town's Green Point Stadium - although Barcelona's Henry may find himself on the bench. So far, though, there have been few signs they can perform better on-field than off. A 1-0 loss to China in the warm-up campaign heaped more pressure on coach Raymond Domenech, who is already unpopular at home and will be replaced by former stalwart defender Laurent Blanc once the tournament is over. There are also signs of discontent in the camp. Gallas on Tuesday called off a press conference at the last minute, leaving the team spokesman to inform the press that the defender had decided "not to say a single word" during the whole tournament. He is reportedly upset at being overlooked for the captaincy in favour of Manchester United's Patrice Evra and is apparently refusing to follow Domenech's instructions. Of some solace to France is the fact they can call on the talents of Ribery - who should be doubly motivated after missing out on Bayern Munich's Champions League final appearance through suspension - Bordeaux's Yoann Gourcuff and Chelsea's rejuvenated striker Nicolas Anelka. — DPA
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Bafana eager to show numbers mean nothing
Johannesburg, June 10 Their run-up to Friday's game has been impressive with just two defeats - against England and the Netherlands - in the 12 matches they played this year. And last week they beat the reigning world champions Italy 2-1 in their last friendly ahead of the World Cup. But if all of that counts in favour of Mexico, there is plenty that sways the odds back in South Africa's favour. Even if they are ranked just 83rd in the world, the biggest factor in their favour will, of course, be the 90,000 plus crowd in Soccer City, the overwhelming majority of whom will be behind the hosts. South African goalkeeper Itumuleng Khune is aware that the crowd, most of whom will be blowing their traditional African trumpets called vuvuzela, will be a boost to Bafana. "Our fans are special and are going to play a key role. Our loyal supporters will play their part. We are not looking at a draw - we want three points for a win and kick off the tournament in style. "We know how important it is to win and while Mexico are not going to make it easy for us, we are going to make it as tough as possible for them," he said earlier this week. South Africa themselves go into the game on the back of an unbeaten run of 12 matches and even though the majority of opponents were not exactly considered amongst the super-powers of world football, victories against Colombia and Denmark has taken confidence and expectations sky-high. — DPA
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Group A
Group B That Argentina are among the favourites is no surprise. Maradona's men will run into a resolute Greek side, known for their defensive acumen. Traditional attack vs defence matchup! Group C Group D With Michael Ballack missing out, a lot of shine went out from the German line up. But they still can pack a punch, but Ghana are known to be fighters. So who will pack a bigger punch? Group E Group F The world champions are coming to the defence of their title, but no one is giving them a realistic shot at it. With reputations on line, and pressure rising, a renowned Paraguay strike force might not be to the Azzurri's liking! Group G All teams know, this will cause a few heartbreaks and heart aches too!!! Group H
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‘Let’s play it cool’
Rustenburg, June 10 Rooney, who was sent off in England's quarter-final defeat by Portugal in 2006, reminded the world of his tendency to get into trouble with match officials earlier this week, when a volley of abuse directed at the referee earned him a booking in a warm-up match against local club Platinum Stars. England's opponents in group C will inevitably seek to test the Manchester United striker's temper and Carlos Simon, the Brazilian referee who will take charge of Saturday's match against the United States, has been swotting up on English swear words. Gerrard also played down concerns over Rooney's temperament. "I'm not sure whether Wayne will be targeted, we'll wait and see," Gerrard said. "But he is experienced enough now to deal with it if he is. "He understands we need him on the pitch, he's a very important player, and every player has been warned by the manager and coaching staff to channel their frustration in the right way and not get involved with the referees or with any silly challenges. "We've had experience of losing big players at important times and we need to keep everyone on the pitch. "I think Wayne understands. He is a fantastic player and we don't want to take any fire away from him. "He always plays on the edge but Wayne has to control his emotions and take it out on opposition teams rather than referees. "The manager stresses the importance of always having 11 men on the pitch and this tournament is going to be difficult enough so if we lose someone it will only complicate things further." Lippi keeps ‘em guessing
Midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who is having "intensive therapy" according to doctors, will miss at least the first two matches with a calf problem and has complicated Lippi's plans but pundits are starting to say the world champions are in disarray. Giuseppe Bergomi believes Lippi will play his normal 4-4-2 but with usual centre defender Giorgio Chiellini at left back. "I think he will play four at the back for sure but with Chiellini on the left. That's how he wants to make the defence more compact," Bergomi said. — Reuters |
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London, June 10 However, Heskey has found it hard to cope. "I spoke to Rio afterwards and he told me there was nothing I could do but it was still difficult for me." "What happened was that I tried to turn the ball round the corner and fell backwards onto him but his leg was in a position where he couldn't actually move it. There was nothing you could do," The Sun quoted Heskey, as saying. "Knowing he is out of the World Cup was very difficult. He is our captain and has been a great player through the years for England and at club level. It was just one of those things," he said. — ANI
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Big stars, but none brighter than Mandela
Johannesburg, June 10 Organiser Derek Carstens promises a "big surprise" during the first seven minutes of the ceremony, but said the secret would not involve South Africa's first black president, who is increasingly frail but still beloved. On the ground, more than 1,500 performers will showcase music and dance from the "six-pack" of African countries participating in the continent's first World Cup, Culture Minister Lulu Xingwana said. "We're very happy that we have the best from South Africa and the best from the African continent," she said. — AFP |
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Referees learning English swear words!
Rustenburg, June 10 "We have to learn what kind of words the players say," Hausmann told Brazilian broadcaster Globo Sport. "All players swear and we know we will hear a few." Braatz says they aren't learning them in "11 different languages but at least we have to know the swear words in English." FIFA denied reports that match officials have been given lists of swear words to listen out for, but did say proficiency in English was a requirement for referees and assistants working at the World Cup. In addition, officials had briefed all teams in the lead-up about the rules, including the potential for players to be cautioned or sent off. — AFP |
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France take the field in their football World Cup opener against Uruguay Friday seeking redemption for the handball by Thierry Henry that bought their qualification against Ireland -- at a high price.
Henry's blatant use of the arm in setting up William Gallas for the winning goal in the play-off against Ireland, and his subsequent refusal to own up until too late, caused massive controversy. The Irish were incensed, neutrals disgusted and even French fans turned on the former golden boy.
England captain Steven Gerrard has a message for Rooney and Co
London, June 10
South Africa's legendary trumpeter Hugh Masekela will jazz up the World Cup opening ceremony with American R-and-B star R Kelly, but all eyes will be on the stands for a glimpse of Nelson Mandela. Mandela's family confirmed that the 91-year-old icon of the anti-apartheid struggle would attend the opening match, if only for a while, but no details have emerged about how or when he will arrive.
Rustenburg, June 10
The 1998 World Champions France will take on Uruguay in the second game on the opening day. With reports of a discomfort emerging from the French camp, Uruguay will be looking forward to this one!
The English walk into every tournament as almost the best team, but only once have they walked out as THE best. Against a USA team coached by Bob Bradley, they cannot take any chances. 
The Dutch and their beautiful football can devastate any outfit, but they can fall prey to nerves, as history would corroborate. Cameroon, like a typical physical side, can cut the pretty picture to shreds!
Like every World Cup, this too has its Group of Death. And this one has Brazil, Portugal, Ivory Coast and North Korea in it. 
The Euro 2008 champions know a thing or two about flair, and with the burdensome tag of being favourites already upon them, any more pressure by the Swiss might cause a surprise!!!
But Gerrard is confident that the England players will keep their thoughts on any decisions to themselves. “You don’t swear at them, do you?” Gerrard said. “That’s the answer to that. In this day and age I think it’s important to show the referees some respect. You don’t use any language because then you'll be booked and the whole team suffers. You don’t want to fall into that trap.”
IRENE: Italy coach Marcello Lippi has not told his team what formation they will play in Monday's World Cup Group F opener against Paraguay, let alone who might be in the starting lineup. An air of mystery hangs over the world champions, especially after right-footed forward Vincenzo Iaquinta was given special training on how to kick with his left in Thursday's windy session.