ANALYSIS - Win shows spirit of Argentine squad

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 07:57 AM

A tearful Martin Palermo after scoring his first World Cup goal on Tuesday was a symbol of the spirit as much as footballing depth of Diego Maradona's Argentina squad.

The 36-year-old Palermo, making a World Cup debut he could not have dreamt of a year ago, helped Argentina beat Greece 2-0 in their final group game after they had spent most of the match patiently breaking down their ultra conservative opponents.

The team that won the match was not Maradona's first choice side who beat Nigeria and South Korea, yet they played as if they were such is the belief running through the squad from himself down through the whole of his coaching staff.

A defence without Walter Samuel, Gabriel Heinze and Javier Mascherano provided a rock solid platform on which Juan Sebastian Veron and Maxi Rodriguez helped Messi and the strikers chip away at Greek resistance.

Some coaches might have been satisfied to keep the point that ensured Argentina won the group unbeaten but Maradona saw chinks in the Greek armour.

The fresh Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore made the team stronger in attack down the middle. It was in the final quarter that a freer Messi came so close to breaking his tournament duck.

PALERMO CHOICE

Other coaches would have been worried by Argentina's failure to come in ahead at halftime and by the hour perhaps opted to bolster the defence but Greece posed so little threat that Maradona felt confident in his choice of Palermo.

As usual captain Mascherano said recently Argentina were not concerned by a perceived imbalance between defence and attack with so many good forwards in the squad.

The fact that Messi and the two strikers of the day pose such a threat means opponents are forced to keep players deep in defence for fear of conceding and attack Argentina less.

Palermo, a player who is almost a black sheep in the talent rich Maradona family with trunks for legs as Argentines would say, is known for his extraordinary goals. Tuesday's was simple, to steer in the rebound when the keeper saved from Messi.

Maradona included Palermo, who scored a crucial goal against Peru in the qualifiers, in his squad because he is a man who epitomises the commitment he likes to see in players wearing the national colours.

When he came on, that left only three of Maradona's "23 wild cats itching to come on" who have not yet played.

A reporter, remarking on the amount of kissing and embracing among the Argentina squad, asked Maradona at a recent news conference whether love could win the World Cup.

Maradona replied as if his manhood had been called into question but his answer might have been that it could help.

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Maradona takes another kick at World Cup ball

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 06:47 AM

Polokwane, June 23 (DPA) Diego Maradona again laid into the World Cup ball Tuesday and suggested his team was suffering from it more than others.

'The pitch and the ball are the same for both teams, but both teams do not have the same feet, so who really is affected by the way the ball bounces and runs across the grass?' he asked after his team booked a place in the last 16 with a 2-0 win over Greece.

It is not the first time at the tournament that the football legend, who captained Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title, has voiced his unhappiness with the controversial Jabulani ball.

After Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 10 days ago, he hit back at fellow playing greats Pele and Michel Platini, saying they should go and test it themselves instead of criticising his coaching credentials.

Following the victory over Greece in Polokwane, he again directed comments at Pele and UEFA President Platini, as well as German former playing great Franz Beckenbauer.

All three should use their influence with football's world governing body FIFA to get a new, better ball developed, Maradona said. He complained that the Jabulani ball had no spin, making it difficult to make a controlled, longer pass.

'Instead of talking about Diego Maradona, they should talk about the ball, about a ball which helps the players,' he said.

'I've tried it myself (in training). This ball doesn't go round the corner, and you can't get in a good cross to the far post because the ball flies straight. We are not going to see any good moves in this World Cup because no one can get the ball and control it.'

Maradona said the journalists who had criticised his team before the World Cup should now apologise after Argentina when 3-0 in the group stage.

'I think we're, right now, showing what we are able to do,' he said.

'Many of you were saying wrong things. You were wrong and really wrong. There was also sometimes a lack of respect toward the players, and I think the journalists who wrote this nonsense should apologise.'

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European soccer powers fight to survive

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 06:37 AM

European soccer powers Germany and England fight to stay in the World Cup on Wednesday after disgraced France were humiliated and South Africa became the first hosts to fall before the second round.

The first World Cup in Africa has so far been dismal for Europe with former champions France plumbing the depths after a demoralising player revolt that shocked their nation. It was their most wretched tournament performance.

To guarantee reaching the second round, Germany must beat Ghana on Wednesday, with their first choice striker Miroslav Klose suspended, while England -- whose camp has at times seemed to almost rival the chaos among the French -- have to win against tiny Slovenia, who top Group C.

Ghana will be fighting for what looks like the last African hope in the first edition of the tournament on its soil, which started with a record six teams from the continent.

In Wednesday's other matches, Australia need a big win against Serbia and for other results to go their way to get to the second round from Group D, and the United States play Algeria in a Group C match where a win would be enough to advance and a draw could be enough against the bottom placed North Africans.

Argentina confirmed Latin American dominance on Tuesday night, finally breaking stubborn Greek resistance to eliminate another European side 2-0 near the end of the game, giving them a perfect first round record of three wins.

South Africa, always outsiders to qualify, held their heads high after their first triumph over a major soccer power when they beat former giants France 2-1.

"I am proud of the boys. They made this country proud. They proved that they have made progress," said tearful Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.

The hosts finished third on goal difference in Group A, after Mexico, who lost 1-0 to Uruguay. Former champions France, riven by dissent, finished bottom in the group and will return home to a storm of condemnation by public and politicians.

CATASTROPHE

"The match was a catastrophe. We're all in despair," said French Sports Minister Roselyne Bachelot.

The French antics, where the players rebelled over the sending home of striker Nicolas Anelka for insulting the coach, caused one of the most extraordinary scandals at a World Cup.

With rebel leader and captain Patrice Evra left out of the team, France's torment got even worse after 25 minutes against South Africa when Yoann Gourcuff was controversially sent off after a heading duel with MacBeth Sibaya in the goalmouth.

Uruguay's 1-0 victory over Mexico in Rustenburg confirmed the dominance of South America. The brilliance of favourites Argentina, Brazil and even smaller Latin American teams has been in sharp contrast to the weak African and European performances.

England, packed with Premier League stars and seen before the tournament as contenders for a second World Cup after their win at home in 1966, seem in tatters on and off the pitch.

Germany looked dominant in thrashing Australia 4-0 in their first match before going down to a shock 1-0 defeat by Serbia.

The United States, seen as one of their strongest ever sides before the tournament, are likely to restructure their midfield for the clash with improving Algeria.

South Africa's elimination may quieten the vuvuzelas a little but the nation is proud of the achievements of its underdog team and even more of its success in organising a successful tournament, despite years of gloomy predictions from critics that it would be a disaster.

"I remain confident that South Africans will continue to be fantastic hosts for the next two and a half weeks and make the most of this incredible time in our country's history, which has already seen us achieve so much," said Danny Jordaan, the chief local organiser.

South African fans showed their pride in vuvuzela-blowing celebrations in Johannesburg's ritzy Sandton district.

"We might have lost the game but we're still winning because we're hosting the World Cup," said trainee pilot Katiya Mongezi.

President Jacob Zuma said in a Reuters Insider Television interview that the huge sports event would create jobs and boost economic growth. Analysts say the World Cup could add about 0.5 percentage points to GDP this year.

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Tour de France doping tests to be overseen by observers

Published Wed, Jun 23 10 06:19 AM

Independent observers will oversee the drug-testing process at next month's Tour de France, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) said on Tuesday.

The move, requested by cycling's governing body the UCI, is intended to increase transparency in the sport's battle against doping.

The observers will witness all phases of the doping controls, from the selection of riders to be tested to the management of results, WADA and UCI said in a joint statement.

"I asked WADA to send independent observers to the 2010 Tour de France so that our activities can be submitted to their impartial examination," UCI president Pat McQuaid said.

WADA president John Fahey added: "The presence of independent observers at major sporting events contributes to strengthen the protection provided to clean athletes and to enhance their confidence, as well as the public's confidence..."

The observers, to be appointed by WADA, will publish a report into the UCI's testing after the Tour, which runs from July 3-25.

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Messi inspires Argentina to victory

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 05:57 AM

Lionel Messi, who turns 23 on Thursday, captained his country for the first time on Tuesday and gave another virtuoso performance as Argentina beat Greece 2-0 to reach the second round of the World Cup.

While his team mates may give him presents on Thursday, Messi presented his coach Diego Maradona with a gift-wrapped one of his own -- the prize of first place in Group B after three successive wins over Nigeria, South Korea and Greece.

Argentina now face Mexico in the second round, a repeat of their meeting in 2006 when Argentina won 2-1.

"I am going to use the best players I have for that match because it is qualify or die, that's the truth," Maradona told reporters after the game. "That's why I rested Mascherano and Gabriel Heinze, Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain tonight."

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel saw his team outplayed by a rejigged Argentina side after Maradona rested key players and had Jonas Gutierrez suspended. But even with the changes Argentina were in control and Messi was named the Man of the Match.

"What can you do against the best team here?" said Rehhagel. "They deserved to win."

The only thing lacking for Messi, the little attacking schemer who became his country's youngest World Cup captain in place of rested skipper Javier Mascherano, was a goal.

He was denied by the width of a post after 86 minutes when he sent a scorching drive clattering against Greek goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas's right-hand upright.

Three minutes later he forced Tzorvas to make the last of a series of brilliant saves. Sadly for Tzorvas, the ball bounced into the path of substitute Martin Palermo, who lashed it home to crush any lingering hopes Greece may have had of surviving.

"I was only on for 10 minutes, but there were 10 great minutes," Palermo told reporters afterwards.

"We showed we have some real strength in the squad tonight and we are just getting stronger. We are moving forward, we are improving and it was a great win for us tonight."

EXQUISITE SKILL

Greece had resisted Argentina's advances until the 77th minute when Martin Demichelis smashed the ball in from a metre out following a corner.

The Greeks could have no complaints about their fate after playing too defensively for most of the match when attack would have been their best policy.

Messi kept the Greek defenders on their toes almost from the kickoff and was instrumental in setting up chances for Diego Milito and Maxi Rodriguez as Argentina totally dominated the first half.

He also performed one exquisite piece of skill when he trapped a high ball on his foot and turned away from defender Vassilis Torosidis in one movement.

Maradona, almost as involved in the action as the players, danced a jig of delight on the touchline and there was plenty more from both Messi and his side to delight him on a cold night at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Maradona, who seems to hug and kiss everyone he comes across at this World Cup, also gave Tzorvas an embrace after the final whistle in recognition of his outstanding performance that kept Greece in the game for as long as they were.

He saved twice from Messi, twice from Sergio Aguero and once from Juan Sebastian Veron whose thunderbolt seemed goalbound until Tzorvas palmed it over the bar. He also stopped an effort from point-blank range by midfielder Mario Bolatti at a corner with 21 minutes to go.

Messi was man-marked by Socratis Papastathopoulos at first and although he was rarely able to show off his skills initially, he eventually became the key figure in the match as he so often does. The Greeks simply found him unplayable.

Rehhagel's side did have a few chances but wasted most of them with striker Giorgos Samaras the most profligate, firing high wide and everywhere else except the back of the net.

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Lack of turmoil in Dutch squad is welcome change

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 05:17 AM

Netherlands fans have got used to reading about controversy in their country's squad at major tournaments over the years so peace and harmony among the players at the World Cup is a welcome change.

"Everyone accepts and respects each other on and off the pitch and everyone knows that. Nobody stands up and says: 'I am the leader' or whatever, it is not an issue in this squad," Netherlands midfielder Mark van Bommel told reporters.

"It has been a natural process. The most important thing is that everyone feels appreciated, even the boys who hardly play. You can see how we celebrate our goals as one collective (group) and that is a good sign," he added.

The Dutch were the first team to reach the second round in South Africa after clinical wins over Denmark and Japan and the only controversy concerns the fact that their performances have lacked their usual dose of entertainment value.

It is all a far cry from previous tournaments including the 1978 World Cup when the great Johan Cruyff and Wim van Hanegem retired from the national team before the finals.

At the European Championship in 1996 midfielder Edgar Davids publicly insulted coach Guus Hiddink and went home.

Robin van Persie and Wesley Sneijder then fell out after an argument over who should take a free kick in the Euro 2008 quarter-final with Russia. Netherlands lost 3-1 in extra time.

NO ROOM

But Van Bommel said there was no longer any room for players with pretensions to be the figurehead of a squad that set out on a mission after Euro 2008 to win the World Cup in South Africa.

"I never think about the leading role in this squad," said the holding midfielder, who returned to the international scene in August 2008 after two years, having refused to play under former coach Marco van Basten after the 2006 World Cup.

Van Persie did ruffle a few feathers saying he would be the main striker and preferred playing as one of the 'big four' with Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben and Rafael van der Vaart up front.

Van Persie has not yet scored at the finals despite getting four goals in three warm-up matches before the tournament but Van Bommel said there was no problem with Van Persie's views.

"He can do that. He just has so many qualities and is a top player. He did not enforce the role of leader but became a sort of pioneer ad that is just part of the development he's going through," Van Bommel said of Van Persie's role in the squad.

"It (his scoring ability) hasn't shown on the pitch so far but his position is so difficult given how defensive our opponents have been. But when he gets the ball at his feet he hardly ever loses it and that is what makes him important."

As far as the lack of entertainment is concerned, the Dutch media believe Robben is the missing link and he may feature against Cameroon on Thursday after recovering from a hamstring injury picked up in a warm-up game against Hungary.

"I think that all 32 coaches at this World Cup would love to have Robben in their squad," Van Bommel said of the Bayern Munich winger. "Sometimes he draws the attention of four or five players and he has the quality to get past four or five.

"It showed against Hungary and this season at Bayern he also displayed that. Then there will be more space for others. If a match is locked he can open it and also when you are playing well he is very useful," he added.

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Algeria likely to field same lineup against U.S.

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 04:37 AM

Algeria, full of confidence following a battling 0-0 draw with England, will most likely stick with the same lineup against the United States in their last Group C game on Wednesday, said coach Rabah Saadane.

"We have two options," he told reporters. "The first one, which is the most plausible, is that the team which gave such a good performance against England will be used again.

"The second option is perhaps to make a change and it would be with the forwards. But we'll see," he said, noting that he could bring in Rafik Djebbour if he changes his lineup.

Saadane said his players would represent the whole of Africa and the Arab world and were ready to qualify for the second round at the World Cup finals for the first time.

"We have a great deal of responsibility, we represent the African continent, the hopes of the African continent and we also represent the Arab world," he said.

Algeria are bottom with one point but can clinch a place in the last 16 if they beat the U.S. by two clear goals and would also go through if they win and England do not beat Slovenia.

Captain Antar Yahia said they had got a huge confidence boost from their draw with England, one of the pre-tournament favourites, and said they had nothing to fear against the U.S.

"I think that following our game against England, we have a feeling of trust and of confidence," he said. "We are confident that we have played very important matches like this one (before) during the African Cup of Nations and others.

"So we are not going to feel further pressure. We have confidence that it is going to be a great game. We have the means to write Algerian history tomorrow."

Algeria lost their opening match 1-0 to Slovenia while looking particularly nervous but they improved markedly in their second game to earn a point after a poor England display.

While England looked dejected with the result, the north Africans were delighted with an improved performance. However, they have yet to score a goal at this World Cup and Saadane said he could consider making changes in attack if necessary.

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Murray warms to virtues of serve and volley

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 04:17 AM

Andy Murray's first-round win on Tuesday was pretty much routine, but there were signs Britain's only hope of success at Wimbledon was finally starting to take a shine to the oldest grasscourt ploy of all -- serve and volley.

For many years the finest protagonists at dashing into the net after a big serve enjoyed huge success on the slick courts in south west London but recently they have been a dying breed.

It is a telling point that on day two of the world's biggest grass tournament the most worn areas of the court surfaces are behind the baseline while the service 'T' where many of the best volleyers stop before punching away their winners appears relatively unscathed.

The 23-year-old Scot, one of the most gifted volleyers on the tour yet strangely reluctant to use the weapon in the past, made an encouraging number of forays to the net when demolishing Czech Jan Hajek for a 7-5 6-1 6-2 victory.

It was not an unqualified success with just over half his advances scoring winners but last year's semi-finalist is keenly aware that it is a part of his game that could prove key if he is to end a 70-year drought for British men here.

"I didn't get to the net too often but when I did I felt good," he told reporters.

"If you pick the right moments to go into the net on grass you get a lot of pretty easy volleys. I have practised a lot the last five or six days, just hitting a lot of volleys.

"They're the ones you need to make sure you are focused on so you're able to shorten the points, especially against the best players you need to be able to do that."

It was not all plain sailing for the fourth seed who was in the unfamiliar surrounds of Court One having played all his matches here since 2005 on Centre.

He let slip an early break of serve to trail 2-1 in the opener but a crunching backhand return that secured the break back in game eight accompanied by an unrestrained roar of 'Come on' from the Scot brought the crowd to life.

From then on Hajek's game imploded, losing seven straight games at the end of the first and start of the second set, and even a worrying tumble at 4-1 in the third from Murray failed to derail his surge to victory.

Next up for Murray is Finnish battler Jarkko Nieminen, a player now ranked 67 who once led Tim Henman two sets to one here before going down in five, and the Scot is wary of dropping his guard against such an experienced campaigner.

"He doesn't hand matches to you. You have to go out and beat him. He's not going to make many mistakes."

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Stosur cannot repeat Paris heroics at Wimbledon

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 03:57 AM

Wimbledon proved to be an unhappy hunting ground yet again for French Open runner-up Samantha Stosur as the Australian slumped to a 6-4 6-4 first-round defeat by Estonia's Kaia Kanepi on Tuesday.

On paper the sixth seed should have the game to do well on turf since she hails from the home of many Wimbledon champions, but the 26-year-old has never made it past the third round in seven previous appearances.

Attempt number eight proved just as frustrating for Stosur as she wilted on a sun-kissed Court 18 in just 82 minutes against a player who had won only one match at the All England Club before Tuesday.

"I wanted to do a lot better here than what I had in previous years. I didn't. So it's unfortunate," Stosur told reporters.

"I'd love to do well here. As Australians, we've always had a great tradition of doing well here. I haven't been able to have my own success yet. I'm still hopeful in years ahead I'll be able to turn it around."

Wimbledon's roll of honour includes such illustrious Australians as Rod Laver, Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong, John Newcombe and Roy Emerson.

On the day when the British chancellor unveiled his new budget, a misfiring Stosur's chances of winning Britain's most famed tennis tournament appeared to be as likely as her solving the nation's debt crisis.

She instead made a small contribution to the coffers through the tax deducted from her first-round losers' cheque of $17,400 before beating a hasty retreat back to Australia.

"I didn't play as well as I know that I can today," said Stosur, who was broken three times. "She served very well. I didn't serve as well as her. I think that kind of hurt me.

"It has been definitely a long few months through Europe," added the Gold Coast resident, who beat three world number ones en route to her surprise final showing at Roland Garros. "But that's all part and parcel with doing well.

"Looking at the whole picture, I've got to be very happy with what I have achieved over the last few months. I'm definitely going to look at the last few weeks and go home pretty happy."

Stosur's defeat meant both French Open finalists had failed to survive the opening round here as Paris champion Francesca Schiavone made a hasty exit on Monday.

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England v Australia - first ODI - scoreboard

Published Wed, Jun 23 10 03:37 AM

Scoreboard at the end of the first one-day international between England and Australia in Southampton on Tuesday.

England won by four wickets and lead the five match series 1-0.

Australia innings

S. Watson c and b Broad 32

T. Paine b Wright 26

R. Ponting c Broad b Wright 21

M. Clarke not out 87

C. White b Anderson 10

M. Hussey c Kieswetter b Yardy 28

J. Hopes c Bresnan b Anderson 34

N. Hauritz c Strauss b Broad 22

R. Harris not out 0

Extras (lb-2, w-4, nb-1) 7

Total (7 wickets; 50 overs) 267

Did not bat: J. Hazlewood, D. Bollinger

Fall of wickets: 1-51, 2-66, 3-86, 4-98, 5-168, 6-225, 7-266.

Bowling: J. Anderson 9-1-43-2, T. Bresnan 8-1-49-0, S. Broad 8-0-54-2, L. Wright 7-1-34-2, M. Yardy 10-2-41-1, G. Swann 8-0-44-0.

England innings

A. Strauss c Paine b Harris 10

C. Kieswetter b Hazlewood 38

K. Pietersen c Ponting b Watson 29

P. Collingwood c Hopes b Watson 11

E. Morgan not out 103

L. Wright lbw b Harris 36

T. Bresnan b Harris 27

M. Yardy not out 1

Extras (lb-8, w-4, nb-1) 13

Total (6 wickets; 46 overs) 268

Did not bat: G. Swann, S. Broad, J. Anderson.

Fall of wickets: 1-16, 2-75, 3-81, 4-97, 5-192, 6-263

Bowling: D. Bollinger 9-0-48-0, R. Harris 9-2-42-3, J. Hazlewood 7-0-41-1, S. Watson 8-1-55-2, J. Hopes 5-0-30-0, N. Hauritz 8-0-44-0.

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South Korea advance after Nigeria draw

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 03:17 AM

South Korea drew 2-2 in a tense Group B match with Nigeria to advance to the second round of the World Cup on Tuesday.

Nigeria opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Kalu Uche nipped in front of Cha Du-ri to latch onto a cross from Chidi Odiah and shot into the corner of the goal. But the Super Eagles again threw away an early lead as they did against Greece.

South Korea equalised in the 38th minute when Ki Sung-yong curled a freekick from just outside the penalty area across goal and Lee Jung-soo stole in behind Rabiu Afolabi to fire low past the keeper at the back post.

Four minutes into the second half, Park Chu-young gave South Korea the lead, firing another freekick on the edge of the area around the Nigerian wall and into the far corner past a flailing and misplaced Vincent Enyeama.

In the 69th minute Yakubu Aiyegbeni atoned for wasting two golden chances by calmly slotting home a penalty to level the scores. Seven minutes earlier he had somehow skewed the ball wide while alone four metres in front of an open goal.

The Koreans should have taken the lead after just two minutes. Lee Chung yung intercepted a poor clearance from Rabiu Afolabi, played the ball out wide and was then sent clean through on goal, but scuffed his shot wide.

While the Super Eagles bossed the middle of the field for much of the first half, winning the high balls and snapping neat short passes through to the front line, their defence fouled the Koreans time and time again in dangerous areas.

The West Africans certainly had chances to win their first World Cup game in seven matches. Just before missing from four years out, Yakuba was clean through on goal but cut the ball back and became entangled with a defender.

"Mostly I feel disappointed and sad. It's the results that count so there is not much to say, I can only congratulate the South Koreans," Nigeria coach Lars Lagerback said after the match.

"I was a little bit sorry about all the timewasting. I don't think it's fair play. It's very disappointing and I think the (Nigeria) players have done really well."

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Uruguay forwards say defenders deserve credit

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 02:57 AM

Diego Forlan and Luis Suarez, who have led Uruguay's attack at the World Cup, heaped praise on their team's defenders after another clean sheet in Tuesday's 1-0 win over Mexico.

Marshalled by captain Diego Lugano, Oscar Tabarez's men have an enviable mix of quality up front and at the back. That helped them hold France to a 0-0 draw in their first Group A game and a 3-0 victory over hosts South Africa.

"We control games very well, mainly down to our amazing defence which is on great form," goal scorer Suarez told reporters. "We feel very safe with them and we have to have confidence in the great team we've got."

Forlan, who scored two of the three goals against South Africa last week, echoed his praise. "Defensively this team is great and so well settled," he said.

Lugano was happy with his team's performance on Tuesday, saying they were in good shape heading into their last-16 match on Saturday in Port Elizabeth with the runners-up of Group B.

"Our opponents aren't only struggling to score, they're also creating very little, which shows we're a solid team," he said.

After the news conference, the players got back on the team bus where they banged on the windows to the delight of fans beating a drum and chanting "Come on La Celeste (the Light Blues)" on the street below.

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Argentina and South Korea go through from Group B

Published Wed, Jun 23 10 02:51 AM

Argentina and South Korea advanced to the second round of the World Cup finals on Tuesday as Greece and Nigeria made their exits.

Argentina, who beat Greece 2-0 in Polokwane, finished top of Group B and will play Mexico at Soccer City in Johannesburg in the second round on Sunday. South Korea, who drew 2-2 with Nigeria in Durban, will play Uruguay on Saturday in Port Elizabeth.

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South Korea come back for draw, book spot in last 16

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 02:37 AM

Durban, June 23 (DPA) South Korea came back from an early deficit to earn a 2-2 draw with Nigeria in Group B Tuesday and book their spot in the Round of 16 at the 2010 World Cup.

In the first World Cup matchup between these two teams, Kalu Uche gave the two-time African champions the lead in the 12th minute before Lee Jung Soo equalised in the 38th. Park Chu Young made it 2-1 for the Asians in the 49th at Durban Stadium and Yakubu Ayegbeni knotted the game again with a penalty in the 69th minute.

After Greece lost 2-0 against Argentina, South Korea finished in second place with four points to advance to the Round of 16 for the second time in history following their semi-final run at the 2002 World Cup at home. The Asians' next opponent will be Group A winners Uruguay.

Nigeria, who reached the second round in 1994 and 1998, finished last in the Group B with one point. The Super Eagles have not won in their last eight World Cup matches since a 1-0 victory over Bulgaria at France 1998.

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With shake of the head, but not hand, Domenech goes

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 01:37 AM

France concluded a disastrous World Cup campaign with one more controversy on Tuesday when coach Raymond Domenech refused to shake hands with his opposite number after South Africa's 2-1 victory.

The result sent both countries out of the World Cup in what was each coach's last game in the national hot seat, after Mexico and Uruguay sealed the last 16 spots from Group A.

Domenech, however, reserved all his remaining good will for his players and countrymen and none for Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.

The Frenchman, who greeted members of his beleaguered squad with a handshake after the match, refused to give a reason for snubbing Parreira.

The Brazilian was more forthcoming, if a little bemused.

"(Domenech said to me) I don't want to talk to you because you make bad words against my national team... For the life of me I can't remember what I have said," the 67-year-old told reporters.

Parreira said a French assistant told him he "made a comment to the effect that France perhaps shouldn't have been here" after Thierry Henry's infamous handball helped France to a World Cup playoff win over Ireland.

"I do not remember to quote something like this," said Parreira, who won the World Cup with Brazil in 1994.

France, World Cup runners-up four years ago, finished the group bottom on one point after a draw and two defeats in a campaign riddled with internal arguments that led to striker Nicolas Anelka being sent home and players striking in training.

When asked if any of the players refused to play against South Africa at the Free State stadium, Domenech said: "Refuse? No. Eric Abidal wasn't in a state to be able to play and he came and told me that so I preferred he sat on the bench."

Domenech had met media alone on the eve of the game to give his views on recent events, when he described his squad's refusal to train in protest of Anelka's ejection at the weekend for comments made to the coach as an "aberration."

THE TRUTH

However, defender Patrice Evra, who was dropped to the bench and replaced as captain for Tuesday's match said the players' reasons will be made clear soon enough.

"It's time for us to apologise. It hurts even more because that could have been done yesterday (Monday). I could have done it as the team captain but the coach would not let me," Evra told reporters.

"I promise to tell the truth about every minute of what I went through. French people need to know the truth because the France team belongs to them and nobody else."

Despite his recent plight, Domenech's reflection on his national tenure remained positive: "Good luck to my successor and the French team.

"I am France's first new fan. I have had six exceptional years, both good times and bad, I really hope the French team succeed, it has been an honour," he said.

"I'm not concerned about myself but for the French team's future. I believe the team has a future and that they will also be able to get to the next World Cup," he added before confirming they will depart for Paris on Wednesday.

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Bring on the Olympics next, says proud Zuma

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 01:17 AM

A successful hosting of the World Cup by South Africa should be the spur for a bid for a first African Olympics, the country's president Jacob Zuma told Reuters on Tuesday.

He said he would support any future bid by one of South Africa's cities to host the Games.

"We have got the facilities. Those who take decisions (about the hosting of major sports event) have seen how South Africa is. I'm sure we could do it," he said after Tuesday's World Cup 2-1 win for his country over France.

"I will put it on the agenda because it is important to bring people from all over the world here. Sport is very important for us."

Zuma said the hosting of the 64-match, one-month World Cup had given the country's image a major boost. It is the first time the tournament has been held in Africa since it was first contested in 1930.

"It is now known Africa is capable of hosting any serious tournament. That fact cannot be argued again. I think Africa will now have a much better image and people will relate better to the continent. Plus the economic spin-offs are huge," he added.

Cape Town was the first African city to bid for the Olympics but was trounced in the vote for the 2004 Games which were awarded to Athens.

Durban, which markets itself as Africa's sports capital, has expressed an interest in hosting a future Games and built their new World Cup stadium with enough space to add an athletics track.

Last week, International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge offered encouragement to Africa for an Olympic bid.

"I'd love to have a credible African candidate for the next Games to be chosen, namely those of 2020," he said in a German radio interview.

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Murray settles nerves, cruises past Hajek

Published Wed, Jun 23 10 12:57 AM

Britain's Andy Murray overcame a nervy start to ease through to the second round at Wimbledon on Tuesday, his class finally telling in a 7-5 6-1 6-2 victory over unheralded Czech Jan Hajek.

The 23-year-old, as ever the only realistic hope of a home champion, fell 2-1 behind to an early break against the world number 90, but he levelled in game eight and sealed the opener in 45 minutes after Hajek ballooned a backhand long.

Hajek's game, which in the early stages featured some defiant forehands and a nice drop shot, imploded thereafter and Murray, the fourth seed, wrapped up the win when the Czech netted a service return on a sun-baked Court One.

He now plays Finn Jarkko Nieminen or Austria's Stefan Koubek in the second round.

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Uruguay top group as Mexico go through

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 12:37 AM

Uruguay sent their long-suffering fans into rapture on Tuesday when they secured a place in the second round of the World Cup finals for the first time in 20 years.

The sky-blue-shirted team beat Latin American rivals Mexico 1-0 thanks to a well-made and perfectly-taken 43rd minute headed goal by Luis Suarez.

For coach Oscar Tavarez, it was also a personal triumph as he was in charge of Uruguay, the champions of 1930 and 1950, when they last reached the final 16 in Italy in 1990.

Suarez's strike for his first goal at these finals settled the outcome of a tightly contested game that ensured Uruguay qualified as the Group A winners ahead of the Central Americans.

This means they will avoid probable Group B winners and South American neighbours Argentina and face likely runners-up South Korea or Greece in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

Despite losing, Mexico also went through by virtue of having a better goal difference than hosts South Africa. France finished bottom.

"We're going to take it one game at a time ... now we've been lucky enough to achieve our first goal which was to get through the group phase," said man-of-the-match Suarez.

Coach Tabarez stayed calm amid the clamour.

TOUGH

"We showed we are a tough side to tackle now and, if you look at our history in the past few World Cups, you will know why I am extremely satisfied with this result," he said.

"It was a tough game, but we were better in the first half. I have no idea how far we can go -- the reality is on the pitch -- and I get more satisfaction from the team display than any personal achievement."

His team, mixing South American steel with pace and panache, deserved to win after surviving spells of flamboyant Mexican possession play in the opening half to stamp their authority on the game.

When Mexico, invigorated by three substitutions early in the second period, raised their tempo, the Uruguayan defence worked stubbornly, and rode their luck, to hang on.

It was Uruguay's first win over the Mexicans in four games since beating them 2-0 in Chicago in 2003, and only their fourth overall in 18 meetings -- little wonder that supporters of the team, known as "La Celeste", were singing into the night sky long after Mexico had left the field.

Mexico embroidered a generally open and entertaining game with plenty of intricate passing and some excellent individual moments, but could have little complaint at the final result.

They are now likely to face Argentina in Johannesburg on Sunday and will need to raise their game considerably to keep alive any hope of reaching the quarter-finals for a third time.

"We have to get better whatever happens ... in terms of what lies ahead, everything is down to us and we have to continue with the good work and try to do what we did against France," said defender Rafael Marquez said.

On an unexpectedly warm evening under a falling sun at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, the first half produced a mixture of sweeping moves and irritating stoppages.

Tension seemed to grip both sides as news from Bloemfontein - where South Africa were playing France -- arrived, signaled by lenghty blasts from the many vuvuzuelas in a crowd dominated by Mexican green.

Mexico had the best early chance when Andres Guardado hit the bar from 30 metres, but for all their clever approach play they rarely threatened a breakthrough.

Uruguay, solid at the back and expansive in attack, where Diego Forlan prompted and probed, Edinson Cavani broke swiftly on the flanks and Suarez smoldered with intent, were never dazzled or unnerved.

They had seen off the best Mexico had to offer when they took the lead after 43 minutes, Forlan collecting and finding the dangerous Cavani running on the right. His deep cross to the far post was met by Suarez whose accurate far-post header bounced down and up beyond Oscar Perez.

There were more near misses at both ends before the vuvuzelas went silent and Uruguayan anthems filled the night.

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Nadal makes happy return to Wimbledon

Published>Wed, Jun 23 10 12:17 AM

Rafael Nadal looked like he had never been away as he made a welcome return to Wimbledon with a ruthless 6-2 6-4 6-4 win over Japanese wildcard Kei Nishikori on Tuesday.

The Spanish world number one missed out on defending his title last June as he nursed his aching knees back home in Mallorca.

On the second day of the championships, he was back on a sun-soaked Centre Court and wasted little time in tormenting an opponent whom he had once tipped as a 'future top 10 player'.

The 20-year-old Nishikori, on a comeback trail after missing most of the 2009 season with an elbow injury, had the audacity to break Nadal for 3-3 in the third set but his joy was short-lived.

Nishikori, whose ranking has dropped to 189 since his injury, saved four breakpoints in the next game but had no answer to a superb backhand from Nadal on a fifth.

Nadal, who sprang from his chair even before the umpire had finished saying 'Time' at every change of ends, powered to victory with an overhead smash on match point to finish in just over two hours.

"It is always special to play on this court so I am very happy to come back to this tournament and play on probably the most beautiful and most emblematic court in the world," Nadal told a news conference.

Asked if he was nervous about possibly playing his second-round match against Dutchman Robin Haase in front of Britain's Queen Elizabeth, who will attend the tournament for the first time in 33 years on Thursday, Nadal shrugged.

"I would love to have the chance to say hello to her but that's it," he said, before adding in Spanish: "I would love to have a photo with her."

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Maharoof ran through our batting: Dhoni

Published Wed, Jun 23 10 12:15 AM

Joseph Hoover Dambulla (Sri Lanka), Jun 22 (PTI) India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said pacer Farvez Maharoof''s hat-trick did his side in against Sri Lanka in the inconsequential match of the Asia Cup cricket tournament here today. Maharoof''s returned with impressive figures of five for 42, including a hat-trick to sink India to the morale-shattering seven-wicket defeat against the Lankans at the Rangagiri Dambulla International Stadium. "We were 189 for at one stage. We were looking at a total around 270. I got run out at a crucial stage and then Maharoof ran through our batting. Sri Lanka snatched the match away from us," said Dhoni, asserting that his team would regroup and come out all guns blazing in the summit clash against the same opponents on Thursday. Meanwhile, architect of Sri Lanka''s victory Maharoof said his hat-trick was a result of the hard work he and the team''s coaching staff had put in over the years. "My hard work has paid off. The coaching staff has been working hard with me in trying to get me bowl in the right areas. I did that today and was rewarded with those wickets," said Maharoof. Maharoof became the third Sri Lankan bowler to capture a hat-trick after Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga. He achieved the feat in his seventh over of the day, removing Ravindra Jadeja (first ball), Praveen Kumar (second) and Zaheer Khan (third) to turn the match in Sri Lanka''s favour. Maharoof hoped he could produce another dream spell in the final. "It is one of those days when everything went right for me. I do have a god record on this pitch. I have worked hard for the last 15 to 18 months. Hopefully, I will have one more day like this in the final and we lift the trophy," he said. "I think (Kumar) Sangakkara took a marvelous catch to help me complete the trick," said the 25-year-old fast bowler, adding, "I was under no pressure. I just planned to put the bowl in the right spot. Fortunately I did that and Zaheer Khan nicked it." .

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Messi captains Argentina for first time

Published>Tue, Jun 22 10 11:57 PM

Lionel Messi became Argentina's youngest World Cup captain when he led his country for the first time two days before his 23rd birthday against Greece in Group B on Tuesday.

Coach Diego Maradona, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory aged 25 in 1986, made seven changes to the side that beat South Korea 4-1 five days ago, resting skipper Javier Mascherano and bringing back midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron from injury.

The only players retained from Argentina's first two matches were goalkeeper Sergio Romero, central defender Martin Demichelis and Messi while Maxi Rodriguez also remained from the South Korea game.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel made two changes, bringing back Giorgos Samaras into the attack in place of Fanis Gekas and introducing defender Vangelis Moras in a tactical shift with Dimitris Salpingidis dropped to the bench.

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Maharoof ran through our batting: Dhoni

Published Tue, Jun 22 10 11:37 PM

Joseph Hoover Dambulla (Sri Lanka), Jun 22 (PTI) India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said pacer Farvez Maharoof''s hat-trick did his side in against Sri Lanka in the inconsequential match of the Asia Cup cricket tournament here today. Maharoof''s returned with impressive figures of five for 42, including a hat-trick to sink India to the morale-shattering seven-wicket defeat against the Lankans at the Rangagiri Dambulla International Stadium. "We were 189 for at one stage. We were looking at a total around 270. I got run out at a crucial stage and then Maharoof ran through our batting. Sri Lanka snatched the match away from us," said Dhoni, asserting that his team would regroup and come out all guns blazing in the summit clash against the same opponents on Thursday. Meanwhile, architect of Sri Lanka''s victory Maharoof said his hat-trick was a result of the hard work he and the team''s coaching staff had put in over the years. "My hard work has paid off. The coaching staff has been working hard with me in trying to get me bowl in the right areas. I did that today and was rewarded with those wickets," said Maharoof. Maharoof became the third Sri Lankan bowler to capture a hat-trick after Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga. He achieved the feat in his seventh over of the day, removing Ravindra Jadeja (first ball), Praveen Kumar (second) and Zaheer Khan (third) to turn the match in Sri Lanka''s favour. Maharoof hoped he could produce another dream spell in the final. "It is one of those days when everything went right for me. I do have a god record on this pitch. I have worked hard for the last 15 to 18 months. Hopefully, I will have one more day like this in the final and we lift the trophy," he said. "I think (Kumar) Sangakkara took a marvelous catch to help me complete the trick," said the 25-year-old fast bowler, adding, "I was under no pressure. I just planned to put the bowl in the right spot. Fortunately I did that and Zaheer Khan nicked it." .

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Maharoof hat-trick sets up Sri Lanka victory

Published Tue, Jun 22 10 11:17 PM

All-rounder Farveez Maharoof claimed a hat-trick as Sri Lanka produced a near-perfect performance to beat India by seven wickets in the final round-robin match of the Asia Cup on Tuesday.

Both teams had already qualified to play each other in the final of the four-nation competition, which is on Thursday.

India, sent into bat in Dambulla, were well placed at 189 for four before they crumbled to 209 all out from 42.3 overs

They lost their last six wickets for 20 runs as Maharoof performed his hat-trick.

The right-arm fast-medium bowler trapped Ravindra Jadeja lbw, bowled Praveen Kumar, and had Zaheer Khan caught in successive deliveries in the 39th over.

He became the 23rd player to take a hat-trick in one-day internationals and the third Sri Lankan, after Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga.

Maharoof was named man-of-the-match with figures of five for 42 from 10 overs.

Rohith Sharma was India's top scorer with 69 off 73 balls.

Sri Lanka lost openers Upul Tharanga (38) and Tillakaratne Dilshan (24) to stumble to 80 for two before a 104-run partnership between captain Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene guided them home.

Sangakkara scored 73 off 82 balls, including 10 fours, and Jayawardene finished on 53 not out, moving to his half-century with the winning boundary.

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England need victory in tense Group C

Published>Tue, Jun 22 10 11:07 PM

Johannesburg, June 22 (DPA) England's football World Cup is in the balance with everything up for grabs Wednesday for all the four teams in Group C.

England must in reality beat group leaders Slovenia, who only need a draw in Port Elizabeth to progress to the last 16.

In Pretoria, the United States will advance with a win over Algeria but the north Africans can also go through with a victory, although they will need some help with the result of the other game.

England know they need to find their form after tame draws against the US and Algeria. A win will guarantee a place in the knock-out stage and might be good enough for them to finish top.

Even a high-scoring draw might suffice providing the US-Algeria game also ends in a draw but it is the most unlikeliest of the scenarios.

Frustration in the side boiled over this week with manager Fabio Capello slapping down former captain John Terry's talk of dissent.

Midfielder Frank Lampard, however, insisted Capello will inspire his side against Slovenia.

'He's a strong manager and his style is very strong but we respect him very much, have faith in him and have faith we'll win on Wednesday,' he said,

With Jamie Carragher suspended and Ledley King injured, Matthew Upson will come in to start alongside Terry in the centre of England's defence, but there could be tactical changes elsewhere, with Joe Cole a possible starter in midfield.

Slovenia defender Marko Suler is likely to miss out with a rib injury, and will be replaced by Matej Mavric.

Forward Zlatko Dedic has recovered from a hamstring injury, but is unlikely to replace Zlatko Ljubijankic, who scored against the US, as Slovenia need a draw to be assured of advancing.

'We all know that England is a really good team with big players in their squad, but we are not thinking too much about England - we will concentrate on ourselves and the way we want to play,' said Slovenia captain Robert Koren.

The US know a win against Algeria will put them through and a draw will be enough if England lose.

'Algeria are a good team. They're athletic, they're good defensively, they made some big tackles during that game against England,' said forward Clint Dempsey.

'I think it's a game that's going to be tight, but as the game goes on, it's going to have to open up. We're going to have to take risks because we know a draw may not get us through.'

After losing their opening group match to Slovenia, Algeria rescued their World Cup campaign by holding England, but now they must secure a victory if they are to progress.

'We only have one match left and the situation in the group is still open for every team to qualify,' said coach Rabah Saadane.

Algeria will advance with a win if England also fail to win. If Algeria win and England beat Slovenia, Algeria and Slovenia will be tied on four points with the goal difference deciding.

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South Africa humble French, but not enough

Published>Tue, Jun 22 10 10:57 PM

South Africa heaped pain on scandal-hit France on Tuesday but the hosts' 2-1 win was not enough to save them from becoming the first hosts to go out of a World Cup at the opening stage.

While France go home and South Africa bow out of their own party, Uruguay and Mexico both marched into the second round after the former won 1-0 in the other Group A match.

That put Uruguay top of the group with seven points, while Mexico went through over South Africa on goal difference, and France came bottom with just one point.

South Africa's unwanted record as the first hosts to exit at the start was tempered by an uplifting final performance from Bafana Bafana (The Boys) that left their vuvuzela-blowing fans smiling in Bloemfontein's Free State stadium.

Buoyant from the off and playing with a fluency not seen in their other two games, South Africa scored twice in the first half before France got a consolation goal.

"I am proud of the boys. They made this country proud. They proved their good progression," South Africa's Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said.

FRENCH IMPLOSION

For France, runners-up at the last World Cup and winners in 1998, it could hardly have been a worse tournament.

They will return to a savaging from the French public and media after not only coming bottom of a group they were favourites to win, but also creating an unseemly side-show with their protests at the expulsion of striker Nicolas Anelka.

President Nicolas Sarkozy even sent his sports minister Roselyne Bachelot to try and put order into the French camp, after players boycotted one training session in support of Anelka, who had refused to apologise for insulting his coach. Yet it was in vain.

"The match was a catastrophe. We're all in despair after all this. Now we'll go home and draw the conclusions," Bachelot told TF1 television.

Revolt leader and captain Patrice Evra was left out of the side on Tuesday, and France looked shell-shocked even before Yoann Gourcuff was sent off after 25 minutes.

Their implosion has brought soul-searching at home, with some saying it reflected deep weaknesses of materialistic modern society. Team sponsors have begun running for the door.

Uruguay and Mexico, however, will be joyous at reaching the second stage and continuing a fantastic tournament so far for Latin America whose teams have shone from the off.

A clinical header by striker Luis Suarez after 43 minutes settled a tight game in favour of Uruguay, champions in 1930 and 1950, against the fluent-passing Mexicans. "The most important thing was to get the classification," said Uruguayan striker Diego Forlan. "It will be difficult going forward."

GROUP B CLIMAX

Later on Tuesday, Group B will be decided with Argentina already top after two wins and hoping to intimidate future opposition with another resounding performance, against Greece.

In the other game of that group, South Korea, level with Greece on three points, play bottom-placed Nigeria.

Diego Maradona's Argentina, with World Player of the Year Lionel Messi their heartbeat and inspiration, have been in impressive form so far, contradicting a widespread view their controversial coach might jeopardise their chances.

On the contrary, Maradona's infectious enthusiasm and winning pedigree seem to have galvanised his team.

As well as Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay have won twice, while Chile and Paraguay have also been impressive.

"The South American teams are showing in the World Cup we are here and we are up to the standard," Maradona said.

He gave his own explanation for the region's success in the tournament: "The South American qualifiers are much more competitive than in Europe."

South African leaders have appealed to the population to stick with the tournament, even without Bafana Bafana, worried that empty fan parks and stadium seats will rob the continent's first World Cup of its atmosphere.

Whatever happens now, a legacy of investment and job creation in Africa's biggest economy is guaranteed, President Jacob Zuma said in an interview with Reuters Insider television.

"The event itself has created such an opportunity that our economy is not going to be of the same size after the 2010 World Cup," Zuma said.

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Hattrick-man Mahroof sends India packing

Published>Tue, Jun 22 10 10:47 PM

Dambulla, June 22 (IANS) Sri Lanka sounded a warning to India before the final as they put up a commanding performance to beat the visitors by seven wickets in the inconsequential last league match of Asia Cup cricket tournament.

Sent in, the Indian batting collapsed like ninepins as they lost six wickets for 29 runs to be bowled out for 209 in just 42.3 overs. Sri Lankan pacer Farveez Mahroof (5-42) was the architect of India's fall, taking a hat-trick in his five-wicket haul.

Sri Lanka raced to the target in 37.3 overs with Kumar Sangakkara (73) and Mahela Jayawardene (53 not out) knocking off the runs with ease. The duo added 104 runs for the third wicket.

Sangakkara's innings was studded with 10 fours while Jayawardene struck five fours and a six.

India would be hugely disappointed with their batting performance and have a day in hand to sort out things before facing the hosts again in the final.

At one point, India were crusing toward a formidable total with Rohit Sharma (69) and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni (41) adding 79 runs for the fifth wicket. From 189 for four, India suddenly lost four wickets for no run with Mahrroof taking a hat-trick.

Dhoni was run out after a superb piece of fielding from Chamara Kapugedera, whose direct hit from the point found Dhoni short at the non-striker's end.

Maharoof then trapped Ravindra Jadeja leg before wicket before dismissing Praveen Kumar who inside edged a ball onto his stumps.

Sangakkara took a diving one-handed catch off next batsman Zaheer Khan to hand Mahroof the hat-trick. Ashok Dinda also didn't stay for long as he fell to Mahroof, leaving Sharma with the last man Pragyan Ojha.

Sharma struck two fours off Chanaka Welegedara, but was run out when he went for a two to shield Ojha.

Sri Lanka played freely right from the start and explosive opener Tillekaratne Dilshan hit Zaheer Khan for two boundaries and a six in his first over to set the tone.

Dilshan hit four fours and a six in his 16-ball 24 while Upul Tharanga played patiently for his 38 off 46 balls.

Zaheer, however, had some consolation as he got both the openers, before Sangakkara and Jayawardene guided the Sri Lankan innings.

Indian skipper Dhoni admitted that they have to work on some areas before the final.

'We got off to a decent start and we were looking at 270-run total, but Maharoof came on and turned it around completely. We did not have much chance after that. We have done well so far, batsmen have got runs.

'It would have been been nice to carry confidence into the final, but unfortunately that did not happen. We have to work on the areas where we can improve,' he said.

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South Africa beat France 2-1 but crash out World Cup

Published Tue, Jun 22 10 10:37 PM

Bloemfontein, Jun 22 (PTI) South Africa became the first host country in the FIFA World Cup history to crash out in the opening round despite a 2-1 victory over France, who also ended their miserable campaign with 10 men after Yoann Gourcuff was sent off in a Group A match here today. The valiant effort by the ''Bafana Bafana'', who scored through Bongani Khumalo (20th) and Katlego Mphela (37th) ultimately was not enough as Uruguay and Mexico sailed into the round of 16 from Group A after the former''s 1-0 victory in Rustenburg. Second half substitute Florent pulled one back for France in the 70th minute at the packed Free State Stadium. South Africa ended the group stage on four points, same as Mexico, but the Latin Americans made it to the round of 16 as second-placed team on better goal difference while Uruguay topped the pool with seven points. South Africa have a goal difference of minus two as against plus one of Mexico. The 1998 champions France, embroiled in a protest by the leading players after the sending back of striker Nicolas Anelka following his bust up with coach Raymond Domenech, emulated their 2006 feat by crashing out in the first round but improved a bit by scoring one more goal to the none four years ago. The ''Les Bleus'' were unlucky to have reduced to 10 men by the 26th minute as TV replays clearly showed that Gourcuff elbow contact with the head of Macbeth Sibaya was apparently not intentional and harmless though the Colombian referee Oscar Ruiz thought otherwise. Domenech dropped as many as six players, including captain Patrice Evra who led the players'' strike, from the starting XI that lost 0-2 against Mexico but that did not result in an improved show from the Europeans. France had the better ball possession in the initial stages of the match but their hopes of making it to the round of 16 evaporated after Bongani Khumalo outjumped Abou Diaby to connect a Siphiwe Tshabalala corner kick into the net. MORE PTI PDS SSC

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Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0, both qualify for knockout stage

Published>Tue, Jun 22 10 10:27 PM

Rustenburg, June 22 (DPA) Uruguay beat Mexico in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium here Tuesday to win Group A and make it to the last-16 of the football World Cup for the first time in 20 years.

Luis Suarez headed the winner past Oscar Perez two minutes before half time from an Edinson Cavani cross.

Uruguay finish top with seven points and are likely to play Nigeria or South Korea, who play later Tuesday in Durban.

Mexico came second thanks to a better goal-difference than South Africa's and will face Argentina if, as expected, they top Group B after their match final match with Greece in Polokwane.

Diego Forlan celebrated afterwards saying: 'We won and we have made history. The important thing was to qualify and we will face the next game when the time comes.'

With a draw guaranteeing a place in the knock-out stages for both sides, those who might have expected a pre-arranged stalemate were set for disappointment as both sides went on the attack.

Mexico in any case needed a win to overtake Uruguay at the top of Group A, and Rafael Marquez tried his luck from distance inside the first minute.

Uruguay soon got into their stride with Maximiliano Pereira blasting a free-kick over. Ajax striker Luis Suarez then beat Mexico's off-side trap only to shoot wide of Oscar Perez' goal.

Forlan was continuing his fine World Cup form and in the 17th minutes he took a corner from the right but Mauricio Victorino headed over, with the goal at his mercy. Mexico immediately threatened from a corner at the other end and Diego Lugano had to clear the danger.

Alvaro Pereira should have done better when he shot from just inside the box despite Forlan screaming for a pass, and Uruguay almost paid for that miss when Andres Guardado crashed a shot on to the bar from outside the penalty area.

Uruguay temporarily went down to 10 men when Diego Perez had to go off for treatment for a head wound, sustained jumping with Guardado.

With South African fans inside the Royal Bafokeng Stadium celebrating the Bafana Bafana goals going in at the hosts' game with France, both teams became aware that a slip could even cost them their place in the last 16.

And in the 43rd minute, it was Mexico who slipped: Edison Cavani crossed from the right and Suarez rose to head past Oscar Perez with a goal that was celebrated inside the stadium by both Uruguay supporters and South African fans.

When Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai blew the half-time whistle Mexico went down the tunnel 1-0 down and flirting with shock elimination.

Uruguay could have brought that World Cup exit closer 10 minutes into the second period when Forlan's free-kick was headed goalwards by Lugano, only for Oscar Perez to make the save.

Mexico had better news from South Africa's game as France pegged a goal back and they almost levelled themselves on 65 minutes.

Francisco Rodriguez should have equalised when he connected with Pablo Barrera's cross, but somehow the unmarked PSV Eindhoven defender missed the target.

Then, with two minutes left of normal time, Cavani shot from distance and Oscar Perez had to get down sharply to his right to make the save.

Mexico's lack of fire-power up-front continues to be a problem for Javier Aguirre's side, but for once defeat was easy to take as they made it through to the last-16 with their victors Uruguay.

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Uruguay beat Mexico 1-0, both go through

Published>Tue, Jun 22 10 10:17 PM

Rustenburg, June 22 (DPA) Uruguay beat Mexico in the Royal Bafokeng Stadium here Tuesday to win Group A and make it to the last-16 of the football World Cup for the first time in 10 years.

Luis Suarez headed the winner past Oscar Perez two minutes before half time from an Edinson Cavani cross.

Uruguay finished on top with seven points and are likely to play Nigeria or South Korea, who play later Tuesday in Durban.

Mexico came second thanks to a better goal-difference than South Africa's and will face Argentina if, as expected, they top Group B after their match final match with Greece in Polokwane.

With a draw guaranteeing a place in the knock-out stages for both sides, those who might have expected a pre-arranged stalemate were set for disappointment as both sides went on the attack.

Mexico in any case needed a win to overtake Uruguay at the top of Group A, and Rafael Marquez tried his luck from distance inside the first minute.

Uruguay soon got into their stride with Maximiliano Pereira blasting a free-kick over. Ajax striker Luis Suarez then beat Mexico's off-side trap only to shoot wide of Oscar Perez' goal.

Forlan was continuing his fine World Cup form and in the 17th minute he took a corner from the right but Mauricio Victorino headed over, with the goal at his mercy. Mexico immediately threatened from a corner at the other end and Diego Lugano had to clear the danger.

Alvaro Pereira should have done better when he shot from just inside the box despite Forlan screaming for a pass, and Uruguay almost paid for that miss when Andres Guardado crashed a shot on to the bar from outside the penalty area.

Uruguay temporarily went down to 10 men when Diego Perez had to go off for treatment for a head wound, sustained when jumping with Guardado.

With South African fans inside the Royal Bafokeng Stadium celebrating the Bafana Bafana goals going in at the hosts' game with France, both teams became aware that a slip could even cost them their place in the last 16.

And in the 43rd minute, it was Mexico who slipped: Edison Cavani crossed from the right and Suarez rose to head past Oscar Perez with a goal that was celebrated inside the stadium by both Uruguay supporters and South African fans.

When Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai blew the half-time whistle Mexico went down the tunnel 1-0 down and flirting with shock elimination.

Uruguay could have brought that World Cup exit closer ten minutes into the second period when Forlan's free-kick was headed goalwards by Lugano, only for Oscar Perez to make the save.

Mexico had better news from South Africa's game as France pegged a goal back and they almost levelled themselves on 65 minutes.

Francisco Rodriguez should have equalised when he connected with Pablo Barrera's cross, but somehow the unmarked PSV Eindhoven defender missed the target.

Then, with two minutes left of normal time, Cavani shot from distance and Oscar Perez had to get down sharply to his right to make the save.

Mexico's lack of fire-power up-front continues to be a problem for Javier Aguirre's side, but for once defeat was easy to take as they made it through to the last-16 with their victors Uruguay.

Source: Web Search

Scoreboard: India vs Sri Lanka, Asia Cup

Published>Tue, Jun 22 10 10:07 PM

Dambulla, June 22 (IANS) Scoreboard of the Asia Cup match between India and Sri Lanka here Tuesday.

India:

Gautam Gambhir c Randiv b Mathews 23

Dinesh Karthik c Sangakkara b Herath 40

Virat Kohli c Sangakkara b Maharoof 10

Rohit Sharma run out (Sangakkara/Jayawardene) 69

Suresh Raina lbw b Herath 18

Mahendra Dhoni run out (Kapugedera) 41

Ravindra Jadeja lbw b Maharoof 0

Praveen Kumar b Maharoof 0

Zaheer Khan c Sangakkara b Maharoof 0

Ashok Dinda b Maharoof 2

Pragyan Ojha not out 0

Extras: (lb-3, w-3) 6

Total: (all out in 42.3 overs) 209

Fall of wickets: 1-58 (Gambhir, 11.2 overs), 2-75 (Kohli, 14.3), 3-77 (Karthik, 15.2), 4-110 (Raina, 22.3 overs), 5-189 (Dhoni, 37.6), 6-189 (Jadeja, 38.1), 7-189 (Kumar, 38.2), 8-189 (Khan, 38.3), 9-195 (Dinda, 40.6), 10-209 (Sharma, 42.3)

Bowling:

Chanaka Welegedara 7.3 0 42 0

Farveez Maharoof 10 1 42 5

Angelo Mathews 6 0 37 1

Rangana Herath 7 0 31 2

Suraj Randiv 9 1 40 0

Thilina Kandamby 3 0 14 0

Sri Lanka:

Upul Tharanga c Dhoni b Khan 38

Tillakaratne Dilshan c Jadeja b Khan 24

Kumar Sangakkara c Khan b Kumar 73

Mahela Jayawardene not out 53

Thilina Kandamby not out 7

Extras: (b-2, lb-11, w-3) 16

Total: (for three wickets in 37.3 overs) 211

Fall of wickets: 1-38 (Dilshan, 5.3 overs), 2-80 (Tharanga, 13.5), 3-184 (Sangakkara, 31.6)

Bowling:

Praveen Kumar 8 2 30 1

Zaheer Khan 7 1 42 2

Ashok Dinda 5 1 39 0

Pragyan Ojha 10 0 49 0

Ravindra Jadeja 6.3 0 29 0

Rohit Sharma 1 0 9 0

Toss: Sri Lanka, who chose to field

Umpires: Billy Bowden (New Zealand) and Bruce Oxenford (Australia)

TV umpire: Sharfuddoula (Bangladesh)

Match referee: Andy Pycroft (Zimbabwe)

Source: Web Search

BCCI rejects defence, Modi''s ouster looks certain

Published Tue, Jun 22 10 09:53 PM

New Delhi, Jun 22 (PTI) Trouble appears to be mounting for suspended IPL Commissioner Lalit Modi whose ouster looks certain with the Cricket Board today rejecting his defence against the slew of charges levelled against him. Talking to PTI, BCCI secretary N Srinivasan said he found Modi''s reply to the three showcause notices that had been slapped on him "unacceptable". He said his observation has been forwarded to the affiliate units and would seek ratification in the Board''s July 3 Special General Body Meeting, which is expected to oust Modi. "Since Mr Lalit Modi had accused me of being biased against him, after a thorough and careful reading of his explanation against the charges, I have passed an order that it was not acceptable," Srinivasan said. "So, as advised by BCCI President Shashank Manohar, my order has been referred to the members of the General Body to ratify my decision on the SGM called on July 3. It is left to them to ratify my order after which the matter will be referred to the Disciplinary Committee," he explained. "The showcause notices, his reply to them and my order have been dispatched to all the members and a decision will be taken in the meeting," the BCCI secretary said. Modi was suspended from IPL Commissioner''s post in April soon after the third edition of the Twenty20 League on charges of financial irregularities, including allegations of bid-rigging and proxy investment. The BCCI served a second showcause notice on him on May 6 after England and Wales Cricket Board chief Giles Clarke had accused Modi of plotting a parallel IPL in England and Wales and inciting counties to rebel against ECB. A third notice was slapped on Modi on May 31 on charges of selling of theatrical rights and 150-second commercial breaks in between deliveries during IPL III. Modi submitted a staggering 15,000-page reply to the first notice even though his subsequent responses were less voluminous. Srinivasan said since Manohar has recused himself from proceedings against Modi, as was sought by the suspended IPL Commissioner, a new member would be appointed in BCCI''s Disciplinary Committee. "Since Lalit Modi has also accused Mr Manohar (of being biased), he would be replaced by another member to be decided by the General Body," Srinivasan said. BJP leader Arun Jaitley, who heads Delhi and District Cricket Association, and Chirayu Amin, who is the interim IPL chief, are the two other members of the Disciplinary Committee.

Source: Web Search

Ivorian players hope for miracle in group finale

Published>Tue, Jun 22 10 09:37 PM

Ivorian players are hoping for a miracle with Portugal's 7-0 thrashing of North Korea on Monday in World Cup Group G almost ending their hopes of progressing to the second round.

Brazil have already qualified following two wins in the group and Ivory Coast trail Portugal by three points and have a much inferior goal difference heading into the final round on matches on Friday.

Ivory Coast must defeat North Korea by a wide margin in Nelspruit and hope Brazil are convincing winners against Portugal in Durban to progress.

"If we win this match maybe a miracle can happen - only God knows," defender Arthur Boka told reporters on Tuesday. "We will try to win our last match and if we exit, exit with our heads held high."

In what was dubbed the "Group of Death," the West Africans always knew it would be difficult to qualify but said they never expected the mountain to be quite so high.

Gervais Kouassi said he held his head in his hands in despair during Portugal's emphatic victory over North Korea.

"Every five minutes when I saw another goal I thought -- this is catastrophic and the end for us," he said.

But he and Boka said they had to believe they could still qualify.

"We must believe we can still do it." Boka said.

Boka told reporters African teams had been unlucky not to meet high expectations at this first World Cup finals to be held on African soil.

"There are teams which in the future will make an impression -- we have shown in this competition at least that we know how to play football."

"We have teams who play good football but found it difficult to finish," he said, adding hope was not lost for Ghana to progress, the only team from the continent to have won a game in the competition so far.

In a violent game with Brazil which ended with 40 fouls, Boka said a collision between Kaka and Abdelkader Keita which earned the Brazilian a second yellow card was perhaps not as harsh as Keita had made out. But he said it did merit a card.

"I think the knock on Keita wasn't that violent but you have to also look at Kaka's intentions," he said. "It's a big competition and you have to be a bit stricter so for me the yellow was justified."

Source: Web Search

Sri Lanka down India by 7 wickets

Published Tue, Jun 22 10 09:23 PM

Dambulla (Sri Lanka), Jun 22 (PTI) Sri Lanka defeated India by seven wickets in an inconsequential match of the Asia Cup cricket tournament here today. Brief score: India: 209 all out in 42.3 overs (Rohit Sharma 69, MS Dhoni 41, Dinesh Karthik 40; Ferveez Maharoof 5/42). Sri Lanka: 211 for three in 37.3 overs (Kumar Sangakkara 73, Mahela Jayawardene 53 not out; Zaheer Khan 2/42).

Source: Web Search

Serbs dream of semis, and more - if they avoid elimination

Published>Tue, Jun 22 10 09:07 PM

Belgrade, June 22 (DPA) Serbia has a chance of making it to the World Cup semifinals, provided it survives the group stage with a victory over Australia Wednesday.

The Press daily speculated Tuesday that if Serbia beats Australia and comes second in group D, it would avoid Argentina in the next rounds and most likely play against the United States in the round of 16 and possibly Uruguay in the quarter-finals.

'Radomir Antic's team showed in the match against Germany that they are capable of great matches and playing for the score,' the paper said in reference to the 1-0 upset over Germany on Friday.

'It sounds like a stereotype but if Serbia makes it to the semifinals, then everything would be possible.'

Team captain Dejan Stankovic agreed, saying: 'This is the World Cup. One match can make all the difference and no one can predict where the limit is.'

Source: Web Search

France's Gourcuff sent off against South Africa

Published Tue, Jun 22 10 08:57 PM

Troubled France's Yoann Gourcuff was sent off in the match against South Africa after the hosts took the lead in Tuesday's World Cup Group A final game.

Gourcuff was given the red card in the 25th minute for a challenge on MacBeth Sibaya in the South African penalty area that left Sibaya flat on the ground and needing attention.

Bongani Khumalo had put South Africa ahead in the 20th minute.

France made six changes to their side following a refusal by players to train on Sunday in protest at the expulsion of striker Nicolas Anelka for abuse of the coach.

Source: Web Search

Frustratred Kaka's revival on hold after red card

Published>Tue, Jun 22 10 08:39 PM

Kaka has been hampered by injury and a drop in form over the last two seasons but probably the last thing the squeaky-clean Brazilian expected at the World Cup was for his revival to be halted by a red card.

Just as he seemed to be returning to something near his peak, Kaka will have to endure the frustration of missing Brazil's final group game against Portugal as he serves a one-match suspension for his sending-off against Ivory Coast.

The Brazil playmaker is trying to put a brave face on the situation, saying it will give him more time to work on his fitness, but he was clearly down-hearted at missing part of what will be at the most a seven-match campaign.

"I can see the positive side, which is that I will have another week to work on improving my physical strength," said Kaka, whose team have already guaranteed a second-round place after winning the first two games.

"I'm sad at not being able to play in this game, but it's happened and now I must prepare for the second round," he told reporters.

"Getting sent off is not a comfortable situation but from now on, I will try to police myself better on the pitch."

Deeply religious, known for his charity work and considered by many as a role model, Kaka has only been sent off twice before, both times with Sao Paulo in the early days of his career, and has not seen red for seven years.

His first Brazil dismissal came late a bad-tempered game after being given a second yellow card for allegedly elbowing Kader Keita, although he was the victim of blatant play-acting by the Ivorian.

"Even my grandmother was angry with the referee," he said. "It was a perfectly normal incident, unfortunately there was just some over-reaction from the other guy.

ORDINARY INCIDENT

"If I had really lost my temper, I would apologise. But it was just an ordinary incident."

In the last two seasons, Kaka has been a shadow of the player who was voted World Player of the Year in 2007.

He arrived at the World Cup after a frustrating, injury-plagued debut season with Real Madrid but with the hope that a good performance could put him back on the same stage as Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres and David Villa.

"I've had a lot of physical difficulties this season and that was the worst, because I've always led an athlete's life and I know how important it is for a player to be in good physical shape," he said.

"Not being able to reach my peak has bothered me."

"I wasn't at my best in the game against North Korea but I played much better against Ivory Coast. It was a relief to play well."

The 28-year-old said his biggest motivation was seeing footage of thousands of people celebrating Brazilian wins on Copacabana beach.

"When I saw those pictures from Copacabana, the emotion was indescribable," he said. "It's not just Copacabana, there are millions of Brazilians following us, we are playing for these people. That's the real motivation.

"The messages they send us are fantastic. It's what motivates you to play when you're in pain, to make a sacrifice. It's what makes the World Cup unique."

Source: Web Search