Jamaica sent a statement Monday night that they’re a force to be reckoned with in group B while popular favorite Honduras played to a less than stellar 0-0 draw against rival Guatemala Monday night at the Home Depot Center in Los Angeles.

Speed on display

Jamaica was simply too much for Grenada in their 4-0 that put them on top of group B. The Reggae Boyz were on the front foot from the outset of the match, dominating possession and peppering the Grenadian goal with chances.

Led by Dane Richards and Ryan Johnson on the night, Jamaica broke through in the 21^st minute when Luton Shelton flicked in a Rudolph Austin ball into the box that came off a short corner. The first goal served as the game winner but only started the Jamaican route.

Ryan Johnson, Delmar Phillips and Omar Delay tallied for the Reggae Boyz to complete the dominating win. With their display Monday Jamaica announced that they’ll be a presence in the Gold Cup and teams must be ready to contend with the Caribbean champion’s blazing speed.

Honduras and Guatemala fight to a 0-0 draw

In the tournament’s first close match, group favorite Honduras was held to a 0-0 draw by a feisty Guatemala squad led by former Aris forward Carlos Ruiz. True to the rivalry the match resembled an American football game more than a soccer match as the rivals played to what can only be characterized as an ugly game.

The physicality culminated in two Guatemala players being sent off in the second half. Gustavo Cabrera was the first to leave the pitch after collecting two yellows on fouls on Carlos Costly and Emil Martinez.

Henry Medina joined Cabrera in the Guatemala locker room in the 79^th minute after also collecting two yellow cards and being ejected. The losses left Guatemala to fend off the Hondurans for more than 10 minutes.

Despite the late advantage the Hondurans were unable to threaten much coming down the stretch. Battling injuries to Wilson Palacios, Maynor Figueroa and Emilo Izaguirre the Catratchos failed to get into a flow offensively and the game suffered for it as neither team produced many clear chances.

With Honduras struggling and Jamaica surging to a big win, the Reggae Boyz can take firm control of the group with a win over Guatemala Friday in Miami. Honduras will look to find their scoring touch against faltering Granada on the same day.

Group C opens play Tuesday night with the USA taking on Canada and Panama facing Guadeloupe in Detroit.

Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com and contributes to Soccerlens.com during the Gold Cup. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

While the Gold Cup has traditionally been a battle between Mexico and the United States the coming edition has the best chance to yield a different finalist in quite some time. Honduras, Costa Rica, Canada and Jamaica are all legitimate threats in the tournament and are capable of beating either favorite in a knockout stage game.

Let’s look at the group of challengers and see what they offer and how much of a threat they are for the cup.

Honduras

Honduras is an interesting case. They’re a team that qualified for the 2010 World Cup but couldn’t make noise in South Africa. A talented group that boasts a number European based players, the Catrachos have improved over the past five years. Fresh off winning the UNCAF Cup, Honduras is looking to make a statement on a bigger stage ahead of next year’s start to World Cup qualifying.

Top players: Wilson Palacios (Tottenham Hotspur), Carlo Costly (Atlas, Mexico), Emilo Izaguirre (Celtic)

Chances in the Gold Cup: Of the group behind the United States and Mexico they’re the best in my opinion. They have experience in big matches both individually and internationally coming off the World Cup. They took care of business in UNCAF and should be a shoe-in to make the knockout stage and are the favorite in group B. Not having young star Andy Najar (DC United) will hurt but they’re ability to attack – especially on the counter – make them a danger in a match against either of the favorites.

Costa Rica

One Jonathan Bornstein header away from a trip to South Africa, Costa Rica is looking to take the next step at the Gold Cup where they lost in the semi-finals of the 2009 Gold Cup to Mexico in penalty kicks so the motivation is there for Ricardo La Volpe’s squad. The team has a number of quality players and benefits from a strong domestic system and clubs such as Saprissa providing good talent to support a quality forward tandem in FC Twente’s Bryan Ruiz and Real Salt Lake’s Alvaro Saborio.

Top players: Saborio and Ruiz

Chances in the Gold Cup: If this tournament was played in home stadiums they would have the second best advantage – after Mexico at Azteca. The Ticos are tough to beat at home but have not exactly been road warriors in the region. Still the duo of Saborio and Ruiz should keep them in a match against the better teams. They’re a sure bet to qualify for the knockout stage but have the much better Mexico in their group and are not a legit threat to get the finals, in my opinion.

Canada

This is a team that could scare some people. The Canadians have always had talent but never been able to put it together for one reason or another. For the summer they will be led by talisman Dwayne De Rosario (Red Bull New York) in the attack and have Julian De Guzman (Toronto FC) patrolling the midfield and breakout Houston Dynamo defender Andre Hainault adding an aerial threat to their backline; the Canadians can make some noise in this summer’s tournament. An opening match against the United States will tell a lot about how the team will do in the tournament.

Top players: Atiba Hutchinson (PSV), De Rosario, De Guzman, Rob Friend (Hertha Berlin)

Chances in the Gold Cup: The Canadians are in the United States’ group so they are projected to finish second but they’re favored to make it to the knockout stages. The question is can they finally take the next step and be a real threat? They got a good result against Belarus earlier this year but can they turn that talent into production in the tournament? In my opinion, yes but I’ll have to see it to believe it.

Jamaica

If there’s a team that could be a surprise in the tournament it’s Jamaica. Coming off a win in the Digicel Caribbean Cup, the Reggae Boyz is another team that’s looking to take another step and make their presence known ahead of World Cup qualifying. The team has a good backline and can be dangerous with a speedy attack. Athletically there’re a very good team and have some dangerous weapons along with a solid backline.

Top players: Omar Cummings (Colorado Rapids), Luton Shelton (Valerenga), Dane Richards (Red Bull New York), Jermaine Taylor (Houston Dynamo)

Chances in the Gold Cup: Of all the teams mentioned here the Jamaicans are the most dangerous in my opinion. They have speed and athleticism to make teams pay on the counter and have several technically sound players. Can they keep up with the big boys depth will be the big question. They should go toe-to-toe with Honduras in their group but are favored to make the knockout stage. In a one game match they will be a dangerous matchup for any team in the tournament.

Darrell Lovell covers the Houston Dynamo for MLSsoccer.com and is a contributor to Soccerlens.com. Follow him on twitter at @Dynamoexaminer.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Morning all, and welcome to the daily World Cup column on Soccerlens.

Today sees the start of the World Cup proper, with the first (and second) of the last 16 ties taking place this afternoon.

It’ll be good to see some unrelenting do-or-die hyper-tense knock-out football after having to sit through some shamelessly awful ‘let’s hold hands’ games of late – That’s right! I’m looking at you Portugal!…and you, Brazil!

In other news, it would appear that Bild must have just caught Franz Beckenbauer on an off-day when they quoted him as branding England both ‘stupid’ and ‘burnt-out’, as Der Kaiser has blamed his poorly timed outburst on a ‘bad mood’.

Well, we all get a little cranky now and then don’t we?

Here’s the best of what South Africa has to offer up this dew-flecked morn…

(If you would like to subscribe to this column  – and others like it on Soccerlens – then please feel free to follow this link, or you can also just enter your email address on the SL homepage.)

North Korea 0-3 Ivory Coast…

The Ivory Coast came into the final round of Group G games needing a ten-goal swing (thanks to Portugal’s 7-0 drubbing of North Korea) in their favour to see them through to the second round – and alas, there was no miracle scorelines forthcoming.

Sven Goran Eriksson‘s men came out of the blocks firing, and Didier Drogba thought he’d given his side the perfect start but instead saw his headed goal correctly disallowed for offside (despite the Chelsea striker’s finger-wagging protestations).

The Ivorians continued to press and scored two early goals through Yaya Toure (an almost ‘passed’ finish from the edge of the area) and Romaric (the Sevilla midfielder nodding home after Drogba’s smart shot came back off the underside of the bar), but then started to loose momentum as the game went on and it soon became apparent that the goal deluge required probably wouldn’t materialise.

Les Elephants wasted a hatful of chances to further extend their lead with Drogba nodding wide from close-range and both Gervinho and Saloman Kalou also guilty of wasting good opportunities.

Kalou finally added his name to the scoresheet late in the game, volleying Arthur Boka‘s swept cross past Myoung-Guk Ri, but it was a case of too little too late for the Africans who, unbeknownst to them, had their fate sealed by results elsewhere.

Highlights…

Read the North Korea v Ivory Coast match report.

Portugal 0-0 Brazil…

What should have been a feast of attacking football rapidly turned into a drab bore-draw, as each side became increasingly aware that a stalemate would see both teams qualify for the last 16.

The first half was nothing if not feisty, with seven cautions being administered for a series of petty fouls but free-flowing football was at a premium with both sides restricted to long-range shooting. The frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo being especially guilty of attempting ridiculously egotistical efforts from 40+ yards out.

Unsurprisingly, the second-half was even worse – with both teams secure in the knowledge that they would be sure of progressing through to the knock-out stages if the status quo was preserved.

Brazil kept the ball in their own half for long periods of play (Dunga‘s side ended the game with 68% possession, despite a fairly even first half), but Portugal showed no signs of wanting to retrieve it with any urgency.

Late in the game, Brazilian substitute Ramires broke ranks and fired a shot at the Portuguese goal but, even though heavily deflected, Eduardo was able to athletically palm the ball clear to keep his 100% World Cup clean-sheet record intact.

Highlights…

Read the Portugal v Brazil match report.

Chile 1-2 Spain…

Two first-half goals were enough to see Spain finish up at the summit of Group H and secure La Furia Roja a second round derby with bitter rivals Portugal.

Chile started the game at a break-neck tempo and caught Spain off-guard. Vicente Del Bosque‘s side tried to impress their measured passing game on their opponents from the off – but to no avail.

The South American’s were ill-disciplined but their constant harassment (off the ball) and quick movement (on it) meant that Spain were finding it hard to settle, until a moment of pure inspiration put paid to all of Chile’s hard work.

With ‘keeper Claudio Bravo stranded outside his box after a botched clearance, Spain hitman David Villa lobbed a 45-yard shot into the gaping goal from an awkward position wide on the left – notching his third goal of the tournament in the process.

Spain then doubled their lead 15 minutes later with a goal that was notable for three reasons, the first being the stunning interplay that led to the opening, the second being Andreas Iniesta‘s cultured first-time finish and the third being that Chile midfielder Marco Estrada received a second yellow card during the build for a seemingly accidental trip on Fernando Torres.

Chile came flying out of the traps after the break and quickly pulled a goal back with only three minutes of the second-half gone.

The goal came courtesy of half-time substitute Rodrigo Millar, who’s wayward snapshot clipped Gerard Pique‘s knee, looped over a helplessly wrong-footed Iker Casillas and dropped serendipitously underneath the Spanish crossbar.

Ten minutes after the break, ‘Cesc Fabregas came on to replace an ailing Torres – the Liverpool striker looking unfit and completely out of sorts from the get-go.

Marco Bielsa‘s side knew that one more goal would see them re-enter the race to finish top of the the pile in Group H, but Spain’s precise ball retention work saw that the Chilean’s fresh impetus soon waned.

The closing stages of the game closely echoed the afore-mentioned clash between Portugal and Brazil in that both sides, upon realising they were through, were content to merely play out the final 25 minutes without trying anything spectacular.

Highlights…

Read the Chile v Spain match summary.

Switzerland 0-0 Honduras…

Switzerland crashed out of the World Cup after failing to register the two-goal win over Honduras that they needed to guarantee themselves a place in the last 16.

Ottmar Hitzfeld‘s side lacked a crucial cutting edge, seeing wave after wave of their attacks either nullified by the taught Honduran defensive line or culminate in weak shots.

The Central Americans used counter-attacking tactics to good measure but, like the Swiss, failed to make the most of the few opportunities that came their way.

Despite their need for goals, Switzerland were unadventurous and seemingly reluctant to commit the necessary bodies forward in search of a vital life-line.

In the end, Spain’s victory over Chile saw the Swiss bumped into third place in the Group H standings and thusly sent them packing along with the Hondurans, who were eliminated without scoring a single World Cup goal.

Highlights…

Read the Switzerland v Honduras match report.

Franz takes it all Beck(enbauer)…

Franz Beckenbauer has apologised to England for comments he made recently, labelling Fabio Capello‘s side as both ‘stupid’ and ‘burnt-out’.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Beckenbauer said;

“I apologise, because I like England and I like English football. Maybe it was a reaction because I was disappointed [with England] and maybe in a bad mood.”

Read the full interview on Soccerlens.

Montagne out of a molehill…

If you thought that the ridiculous melodrama surrounding the France national football was showing signs of dissipating of late, think again!

The French government (yes, government!) are now set to launch an enquiry into their national football team’s disastrous showing at the 2010 World Cup.

The news was confirmed by Les Bleus’ captain Patrice Evra, who told TF1;

“An investigation will be opened by the ministry and all the players will be heard.

Each one of us will say what they experienced and will say the truth.

Everyone will give some information from each angle and all sides.”

And the saga rumbles on…

Read the full Soccerlens report.

Quote of the day…

“I’m not ashamed to say that I cried last night after 14 years in Azzurro. With four stars on your chest, you feel obligated to win. It’s only natural to feel pressure but we were too afraid. I saw it in the faces of my team-mates.”

Outbound Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro.

England vs Slovenia (recreated in Lego)…

LEGO nut Fabian Moritz has been had at work again, this time creating a ‘brick-by-brick’ rendering of England’s recent victory over Slovenia.

Moritz has even taken the time to painstakingly recreate John Terry‘s attempted last-ditch flying-header block thing!

Truly excellent!

And in other news…

Thierry Henry has spoken of his ‘isolation’ within the France World Cup camp. The striker has also admitted that their is an inherent ‘sickness’ within the squad that is effecting the players’ morale. (F365)

England ‘keeper David James is confident that the Three Lions can see off Germany without penalties being a factor. (Guardian)

Speaking of England vs Germany, it would appear that Matthew Upson is poised to retain his place in the starting XI despite Jamie Carragher and Ledley King being available for selection. (Telegraph)

England have been allowed to unwind before their upcoming second round tie with Germany by having a ‘Zulu BBQ’. (Mirror)

Soccerlens Fantasy Football…

Soccerlens Fantasy Football gives you the option to go against friends and fellow competitors over a day’s games.

This means that you should pick your fantasy team from players involved in the games happening on that specific day. It also gives you the option of picking your fantasy team with the players you might be more familiar with.

Either way, it’s fast and action packed. So pick the specific round(s) you want to join from the home-page and join a competition!

You can also challenge your friends over a specific round by creating a private competition

Today’s (Saturday 26th June) round is as follows:

• Uruguay vs South Korea

• USA vs Ghana

Give it a go and you may come away with a cash prize!

The 2010 World Cup on Soccerlens…

There will be comprehensive coverage of the World Cup on Soccerlens over the coming months.

With the dedicated World Cup section (chock full of info, including fixtures and stats – and even links to buy replica shirts) on SL, there really is no need to go anywhere else for your World Cup needs this summer!

You can even follow us on Twitter and Facebook if you’re that way inclined.

Also on Soccerlens…

• World Cup 2010…What A Load Of Balls!

• Revisiting The England – Germany Rivalry

• Why England Will Beat Germany

• Soccerlens World Cup Podcast: England vs Germany, The Art Of Man Marking And Honda Heroics

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Switzerland 0-0 Honduras
2010 FIFA World Cup
25 June 2010

It was an uneventful match where Switzerland were eliminated because of the inability to score any goals.

Both teams had a few chances and have a chance to make it out of the group heading into the match. Honduras had to win and hope for a Chile victory while the Swiss needed a win as well. Neither would happen and both teams are now eliminated from the tournament.

It was a match where the Swiss were in an unnatural position of sending players forward and attacking. The Swiss’ style is to play more defensive and look for chances on the counterattack. Probably the best chance for Switzerland was a header by Eren Derdiyok was just wide. Honduras’ best chance was from Edgar Alvarez but a great save from Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio kept it scoreless.

Honduras failed to score one goal in their three matches while Switzerland only scored one.

Switzerland 0-0 Honduras Goal Videos

The highlights are below

See all2010 World Cup Video Highlights.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Good day all and welcome to the daily World Cup column on Soccerlens.

The big(gest) news today is that England’s ‘rabble-rouser’ John Terry, after a full day of brave defiance, has fallen back in line following his ‘player power’ speech on Sunday night – in which he urged Fabio Capello to play Joe Cole, let the players drink etc…etc…

Seems like the Chelsea captain’s words don’t hold as much sway in the England dressing room as they are reported to do at Stamford Bridge – just ask Phil Scolari.

Here’s the best of the World Cup news doing the rounds this morning…

(If you would like to subscribe to this column  – and others like it on Soccerlens – then please feel free to follow this link, or you can also just enter your email address on the SL homepage.)

Portugal 7-0 North Korea…

Former Manchester United ‘no. 2′ Carlos Queiroz‘s side ran riot in Cape Town yesterday, sticking seven past an overwhelmed North Korean outfit – unchanged from that which had performed so resiliently against Brazil just one week previous.

In contrast, Portugal were poor during their first game but showed no visible hangover from their opening game stalemate with the Ivory Coast as they mercilessly tore their opponents apart.

The Seleccao were fluid throughout, but really came alive in the second half when winger Simao‘s cool finish (adding to Raul Meireles‘ first-half goal) set them on their way to record the most emphatic scoreline of the World Cup so far.

Simao‘s strike marked the start of an amazing seven-minute spell in which Portugal added two more goals to their tally, with Hugo Almeida (a confident, airborne header) and Tiago (likewise) getting their names on the scoresheet.

Minutes after coming on as a substitute for the obviously tiring Almeida, Sporting Lisbon striker Leidson capitalised on Ri Kwang-Chon‘s mistake by smashing home an angled volley to notch his country’s fifth goal of the afternoon .

Then came the moment many of the neutral fans had been waiting for since the beginning of the tournament, as Cristiano Ronaldo (who had crashed a long-range shot against the bar earlier in the game) opened his South African account (and ended his personal two-year international goal drought) with a slightly fortuitous goal – the ball spinning off his shoulders before dropping invitingly to be tapped into an untended net.

In the dying minutes, former Chelsea midfielder Tiago notched his second goal of the game – thus putting the cap on an almost effortlessly effervescent Portugal display.

Highlights…

Read the Portugal v North Korea match summary.

Chile 1-0 Switzerland…

A late header from Mark Gonzalez was enough to give Chile a hard-fought victory over a Switzerland side that reverted to stubborn defensive tactics as soon as utility man Valon Behrami was unfairly sent off in the 31st minute for ‘raising an arm’ toward Arturo Vidal – an incident that echoed Kaka‘s wrongful dismissal during Brazil’s win over Ivory Coast last night.

Whilst battling for possession on the touchline, Behrami swung an arm backward toward Vidal and the Chilean fell to floor shamefully clutching his face. The referee was conned into thinking that an elbow had been launched (despite his assistant being positioned just feet away from the incident) and the Swiss midfielder was swiftly, and unjustly, sent from the field of play.

Behrami’s wrongly-administered red card was hardly out of character for the Saudi Arabian referee Khalil Al Ghamdi, whose petty, whistle-happy performance ended in nine more (mostly needless) cautions being doled out and the play being constantly halted for even the most insignificant of ‘fouls’.

The Swiss were content to nullify the Chilean attack with negative (and increasingly dull) tactics and it looked like their dour system was going to pay off, that was until the 75th minute when the South Americans finally managed to find a way through the barricades.

Esteban Paredas beat Swiss ‘keeper Diego Benaglio to a throughball but, having been forced wide, chipped a cross to the far post where former Liverpool winger Gonzalez was stationed to head in to a half-open goal.

Swiss substitute Eren Derdiyok has a great chance to level the tie late on, but the striker fired wide – ensuring that Chile would hold on to secure their second single-goal win of the tournament.

Highlights…

Read the Chile v Switzerland match report.

Stat attack…

Switzerland set a record for the longest run without conceding a goal at the World Cup finals when they made it past the 67th minute mark without conceding to Chile.

Spain 2-0 Honduras…

Two goals from David Villa were enough to put the reigning European champions’ World Cup campaign back on track, after suffering a surprise defeat to Switzerland during their opening Group H game.

Villa opened Spain’s tournament account with a stunning solo goal in the 17th minute, jinking his way past a trio of Honduran defenders before driving his finish across Noel Valladares and into the far corner.

The Hondurans struggled to cope with Spain’s attacking prowess and a half-cocked Fernando Torres wasted several good chances to increase the deficit before Villa (who was fortunate to still be on the pitch after flicking a hand out at Emilipo Izaguirre) doubled his country’s lead five minutes after the break with a heavily deflected drive from the edge of the area.

Villa was then presented with a great chance to wrap up his hat-trick from the penalty spot when Izaguirre upended Jesus Navas, but the striker fired wide after successfully sending the ‘keeper the wrong way.

Arsenal captain ‘Cesc Fabregas was introduced on the hour mark and very nearly made an instant impact, rounding the ‘keeper only to see his goal-bound effort cleared off the line.

Villa again had a chance to complete his hat-trick, but Sergio Mendoza‘s last-ditch sliding block meant that the Barca new boy would have to be satisfied with a brace.

Vicente Del Bosque‘s side will now have to beat Chile in their final group game if they are to ensure their passage into the last 16.

Highlights…

JT is sowwy…

John Terry has become the second England player in under a week to have made a public apology following an ‘outburst’ in the media.

Just days after Wayne Rooney retracted the comments he made directly into the camera following the Algeria game, Terry has been forced to apologise for comments made in a press conference – in which he seemed to question coach Fabio Capello‘s authority and team selection policy.

Capello himself branded the Chelsea man’s public attack as a ‘very big mistake‘, and was understandably irked that his players seemed to be stewing their grievances instead of  addressing them directly to the coach himself;

“My door is always open. If people want to speak with me they can speak with me. Every time we have a meeting I ask the captain, problems? You want to say something? Never.

Then I read yesterday that John Terry said this, I don’t understand why he doesn’t speak with me. When you speak you have to speak privately, not with the media.”

Upon hearing his manager’s words (and perhaps fearing an ‘Anelka-style‘ chop), Terry reneged on the comments he made previously and apologised for his latest indiscretion;

“I went into yesterday’s press conference with the intention of being honest, I was asked a question about Joe Cole and maybe I went too far. But it was never my intention to upset the manager or the players and if I did upset anyone, I apologise.

I have told the manager he has my total support and I would like to stress that I don’t believe I have been a disruptive influence in the camp.

I would now like to put this episode behind me and concentrate on trying to win what is a massive game for England. All I was trying to do was to say how important it is to me to try to win the World Cup.

I just hope people at least appreciate that I have taken the time to call you and have asked you to report what I have to say in response.”

So much for ‘player power’, eh John?

Maradona: ‘Brazil are favourites, Argentina aren’t candidates’…

In what can either be construed as a display of astonishing pessimism or of the most rudimentary mind-games I have witnesses in many-a-year, Argentina coach Diego Maradona has rubbished his side’s chances of lifting the World Cup and instead backed rivals Brazil to take home the cup.

Despite winning both of their group games so far (and needing just a point in their third to secure qualification for the knock-out rounds), Maradona still believes that his side aren’t even ‘candidates’ to triumph this summer, let alone be amongst the favourites to win the competition outright.

“We aren’t either candidates or favourites, we’re here to play a World Cup. I don’t want to be favourites, not before coming to South Africa and not now.

All the teams here can score against you, so you have to be wary all the time. We just want to be the same as normal. We’re here to keep our fans happy, to play the way we want to play, and I think things so far are going well.

Brazil can play badly but still win games, that’s why they are still the great favourites.”

Though Argentina aren’t yet mathematically certain of progressing through to the last 16, it is thought that ‘El Diego’ will gamble by resting many of his first-choice XI against Greece – with Sergio Aguero, Juan Sebastian Veron and Diego Milito expected to start in place of Carlos Tevez, Jonas Gutierrez and Javier Mascherano.

Dom backs Anelka call…

Unsurprisingly, France coach Raymond Domenech (the most belligerent man in world football™) has backed his decision to send outspoken striker Nicolas Anelka home from the World Cup after the pair’s much-publicised half-time bust-up during Les Bleus‘ defeat at the hand’s of Mexico.

Speaking ahead of France’s crucial final group tie with South Africa later today, Domenech told the assembled media;

“The sanction is justified and I support the federation. Nobody should behave in such a way. High level sportsmen have to lead by example.”

Domenech then explained his reasoning behind the decision to read out his squad’s statement (detailing their refusal to train after Anelka’s sacking) in front of the television cameras on Monday morning;

“It was an aberration. We had to do something. The French people had a right to know.

What I should have said at the end of the message was that I did not support this action.

With the [FFF] president [Jean-Pierre Escalettes] and staff members we tried to convince them it was stupid. I disagreed with the document. What they were doing was unthinkable.

We’ve wasted a lot of energy. There are no words to explain what has happened. I’m hoping we will now have action on the pitch rather than off it.”

You and about 60 million other people I can think of.

Incoming coach Laurent Blanc is going to be sainted as soon as he takes the reigns at this rate.

Wait, there is even more…

It is being reported that France captain Patrice Evra went AWOL from a press conference yesterday evening, and that FIFA are now set to launch an investigation into the Manchester United defender’s no-show.

Coach Raymond Domenech told reporters that a meeting is to be scheduled with Evra later today to discuss his absence, and that he may decide to strip the left-back of the captain’s armband as a result.

Read Goal’s full report.

UPDATE: Domenech has now confirmed that there is a ‘possibility‘ that some of his players may boycott their upcoming game against South Africa in protest over the treatment of Nicolas Anelka.

Gut shot…

Rafael Van Der Vaart warmed up before Holland’s recent game with Japan by firing a few shots into an open goal – nothing unusual about that.

However, it just so happened that an official FIFA net-tweaker was stationed behind the particular goal in question, and consequently ended up taking a hefty slap to the guts for his troubles.

We shouldn’t laugh – it looks like it bloody hurt – but the look the FIFA cronie gives the Dutch midfielder is priceless.

Quote of the day…

“Does your mother not allow you to go, you homosexual slut?”

France winger Franck Ribery‘s alleged response to international teammate Yoann Gourcuff when the latter turned down the former’s invitation to a ‘gentleman’s club’.

(From the Daily Mirror)

And in other news…

Matthew Upson will definitely start for England against Slovenia tomorrow – deputising for the injured Jamie Carragher. (Guardian)

Slovenia captain Robert Koren is remaining hopeful of his country making it through to the second round, sending England packing in the process. (F365)

A trial date has been set for the fan who breached stadium security to enter England’s dressing room after the Algeria game. (BBC Sport)

Holland winger Arjen Robben has been told he can decide whether or not he is fit enough to face Cameroon on Thursday. (BBC Sport)

Soccerlens Fantasy Football…

Soccerlens Fantasy Football gives you the option to go against friends and fellow competitors over a day’s games.

This means that you should pick your fantasy team from players involved in the games happening on that specific day. It also gives you the option of picking your fantasy team with the players you might be more familiar with.

Either way, it’s fast and action packed. So pick the specific round(s) you want to join from the home-page and join a competition!

You can also challenge your friends over a specific round by creating a private competition

Today’s (Tuesday 22nd June) round is as follows:

• Mexico vs Uruguay

• France vs South Africa

• Greece vs Argentina

• Nigeria vs South Korea

Give it a go and you may come away with a cash prize!

The 2010 World Cup on Soccerlens…

There will be comprehensive coverage of the World Cup on Soccerlens over the coming months.

With the dedicated World Cup section (chock full of info, including fixtures and stats – and even links to buy replica shirts) on SL, there really is no need to go anywhere else for your World Cup needs this summer!

You can even follow us on Twitter and Facebook if you’re that way inclined.

Also on Soccerlens…

• South America Is Dominating The World Cup!

• Maradona: ‘I Didn’t See The Referee Smile After The Goal Against England’

• Zidane: ‘US Is Stronger Than England Right Now’

• Soccerlens World Cup Podcast: French Revolt, JT’s Gamble And South American Dominance

• Have Korea DPR Hired Football Fans?

• Zinedine Zidane Denies Influencing The French Squad

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Good morning, and may I once again welcome you all to the daily World Cup column on Soccerlens.

Yesterday we saw the first proper shocker of the tournament, as the unfancied Swiss ‘did a number’ on Spain, lulling them into a false sense of security by cunningly allowing La Furia Roja over 70% possession and 22 attempts at their goal – before hitting them on the break to steal the win.

Here’s the best and the rest of today’s World Cup-related shenanigans…

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Honduras 0-1 Chile…

Chile are many people’s dark-horse picks to advance from Group H along with Spain (although Spain seem to have given them a sporting headstart, see below), and didn’t let themselves down by picking up three vital points in their opening World Cup encounter – their first victory at a finals in 48 years.

A slightly fortuitous goal from Jean Beausejour was enough to give Marco Bielsa‘s side the deceptively narrow win that their enterprising play deserved, with Chile operating in a highly-unorthodox, but nevertheless effective, 3-3-1-3 formation.

The Hondurans were fractious throughout and thus struggled to cope with Chile’s quick, skillful passing – epitomised by the display of 21-year-old winger Alexis Sanchez, who pulled the strings for La Roja all afternoon.

Sanchez was involved in the build-up to the goal, as it was his measured through ball that Mauricio Isla whipped across the face of the goal – the ball then ricocheting off Honduran defender Sergio Mendoza, into Beasejour and past ‘keeper Noel Valladares.

Chile continued to control proceedings and the largely entertaining game somewhat lost it’s fizz as the final whistle loomed.

Highlights…

Read the Honduras v Chile match report.

Spain 0-1 Switzerland…

We got the first real shock of the World Cup in the afternoon kick-off, as tournament favourites Spain lost out by a single goal to Switzerland, despite monopolising the possession in Durban.

The European champions ended the game having enjoyed almost 75% of the possession, but their wastefulness in front of goal ensured they would eventually slump to their first defeat in 49 games.

Spain were made to pay for their inability to break down a resilient Swiss outfit when, following a long ball upfield, former Manchester City midfielder Gelson Fernandes bundled the ball over the line past the despairing reach of Iker Casillas.

The creative stars like Xavi, Andres Iniesta and David Villa in Spain’s side failed to click convincingly and, despite the entry of prolific striker Fernando Torres on the hour mark, still failed to capitalise on any of their dozen-or-so further goalscoring chances that fell their way.

Switzerland even came close to grabbing a second when striker Eren Derdiyok struck a post after wading his way through the Spanish defence.

The pressure is now on for Vicente Del Bosque‘s men, who face an uphill battle to live up to their ‘favourites’ tag as no other side has ever gone on to win the World Cup after losing their first game.

Highlights…

Read the Spain v Switzerland match report.

Quote of the day…

“These were three very unexpected points for us.”

Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld kind of sums up what we were all thinking – just in slightly more polite language.

South Africa 0-3 Uruguay…

The first of the second round of group games took place in Pretoria yesterday evening, pitting hosts South Africa against Oscar Tabarez‘s Uruguay side.

In truth, Tabarez’s men impressed from start to finish with a much more convincing performance than the one they managed against France on the opening day – looking confident going forward and in defence.

Diego Forlan will grab all the headlines after becoming the first man to notch a brace at this summer’s tournament – the first a 30-yard deflected effort that crashed in off the underside of the bar and the second an emphatic penalty, powerfully dispatched after Bafana Bafana ‘keeper Itumeleng Khune was dismissed for tripping Luis Suarez.

South Africa hardly troubled their opponent’s defence, thanks in part to a tenacious display from Diego Perez in the deep-lying holding role.

Uruguay added a third goal to their tally deep into injury-time, when Ajax forward Suarez floated a cross over the despairing substitute stopper Moneeb Josephs for Porto’s Alvaro Pereira to expertly finish – using both his face and his knee to guide the ball home from a yard out.

Highlights…

Read the South Africa v Uruguay match report.

He thinks the Sol shines out of his arse…

Veteran Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has criticised England coach Fabio Capello for overlooking him when selecting his 23-man World Cup squad, instead choosing to gamble on ‘half-fit’ players.

The 35-year-old centre-back, who surprised many with his solid form upon returning to the Gunners during the second half of last season, seems to think that he would’ve been a better choice to provide defensive cover in South Africa – rather than the clutch of semi-injured (and semi-retired) men that did make the grade.

Speaking to ESPN Soccernet, Campbell said;

“I wouldn’t mind being out in South Africa with the England team. The way I have been playing for Arsenal, don’t you think I should be? I do. For sure.

Regrets? You could say that. I regret the fact that the England camp didn’t think of me. I would have put my heart and soul into playing for my country again. I played my heart out for Arsenal again and thought it was worthy of a chance with England. It never came.

Surely, you pick people in the groove, and I was back in the groove, and I was fit. Instead, Capello picked a couple of half-fit players. It fell right for them. Not for me.”

Campbell also believes that he would had have an easier time understanding Capello’s decision to not gamble on an aging player that won his last international cap in 2007 – had the Italian not attempted to coax other veterans like Jamie Carragher and Paul Scholes out of international retirement for the tournament;

“I can understand if Capello was thinking ‘this guy is for England’s past’ but then he went back for a couple of players who had retired from international football, I couldn’t understand why he wasn’t interested in going back to me.

Not only that, Capello has gone for one centre half who didn’t have a very good season, and another who just missed out on relegation.

It’s crazy when you think about it, that I would have done anything for a crack at it, but never [got the opportunity]. I was really, really hurt to be totally overlooked without even having an opportunity.

I have been playing with England teams since I was 15 years old. I have won 74 England caps – been there, got the T-shirt – and it’s experience that counts at this level as well.”

Get over it old man. I think it was probably the fact that Jamie Carragher doesn’t have to have his shorts specially made by the company that produce tents for the Cirque du Soleil that eventually swung things in his favour.

There’s a brew a-storming…

Two women involved in the ‘ambush marketing’ ploy that eventually saw ITV pundit Robbie Earle lose his job, have been bailed after paying a R10,000 fine and surrendering their passports.

They are now due to return to the magistrates’ court in Johannesburg on June 22nd.

The women have both been charged with “unauthorised use of a trade mark at a protected event” and “entry into a designated area while in possession of a prohibited commercial object” under the Merchandise Marks Act.

The marketing device saw a Dutch beer company employ 36 female models to wear promotional mini-skirts at the opening Group E game on Monday, and FIFA have confirmed that the girls used in the stunt will not be charged for their involvement.

FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot said;

“FIFA has filed charges against the organisers of the ambush marketing stunt pulled during the Netherlands v Denmark match at Soccer City three days ago.

No charges have been brought against the young women used in this illicit activity.”

Well I never, all this fuss over a few mini-skirted models.

Stat attack…

• England average a goal every 32 minutes when Wayne Rooney is partnered up-front by Peter Crouch.

• The 19.8 shots-per-game average at the South African World Cup so far is lower than at this point in any of the previous three finals.

• As yet, no team has come from behind to win at this summer’s tournament.

Barry will start vs Algeria…

England coach Fabio Capello has seemingly confirmed that Gareth Barry will start against Algeria in Cape Town on Friday, as the midfielder has now completely shook off the ankle injury that forced him to miss the opening game against the US.

The snippet from Capello;

“Gareth will play this Friday. He is OK, there is no problem. He has trained very well and he is fit.”

Still no room for Carlton Palmer in Fabio’s plans? It’s an outrage!

Buffon’s World Cup in jeopardy…

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon‘s World Cup is hanging in the balance after scans on the back injury (that forced him off at half-time against Paraguay) have confirmed that the Juventus stopper has suffered a herniated disc as well as a flare up of his long-standing sciatic nerve problem.

Buffon is now certain to miss the Azzurri‘s next game against New Zealand on Sunday, with team doctor Enrico Castellacci confirming;

“The hernia is small, but even a small hernia can cause great pain. It’s not easy to make a prognosis but it’s a small margin and Buffon strongly wants to recuperate.

There is a desire on Buffon’s behalf to recuperate, a chance that we have no right to take away.”

Castellacci did, however, have a positive update on the condition of midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo – who has been sidelined with a calf injury since before the tournament;

“He has now been subjected to (an MRI scan), he is training and is running and things are going according to the schedule set out at the beginning.

The objective was for him to return in the third game [against Slovakia] or the last 16 and he should be ready for (one of) those games.”

Q: What do you call 1000 vuvuzelas at the bottom of the sea?

A: A good start!

A shopping mall in Bloemfontein, South Africa has banned shoppers from tooting on their vuvuzelas whilst on the premises, going as far as to draft up the above logo in a bid to signify their intent – which, as the good folks over at Dirty Tackle point out, is almost destined to appear on ironic t-shirts worldwide!

(Pic via Globoesport)

Other quote of the day…

“Lukas Podolski, Elano, Maicon…but none of them can compare to Messi’s performance, none of them reached even 40% of what Messi showed.”

Argentina coach Diego Maradona when asked which players have impressed him at the World Cup so far – and here’s me thinking that L’il Leo wasn’t actually that good (by his standards at least) against Nigeria.

And in other news…

Crocked German veteran Michael Ballack, who was ruled out of the World Cup following an ankle injury sustained in Chelsea’s FA Cup final victory, has opened talks with his former club Bayer Leverkusen over a move back to the Bundesliga. (Guardian)

England’s thick-necked, knuckle-dragging talisman Wayne Rooney has seen his plea for a domestic winter break fall upon deaf ears. (Telegraph)

Fabio Capello is the latest addition to the long list of high-profile names to lodge their complaints about the official World Cup ball. (Mail)

Soccerlens Fantasy Football…

Soccerlens Fantasy Football gives you the option to go against friends and fellow competitors over a day’s games.

This means that you should pick your fantasy team from players involved in the games happening on that specific day. It also gives you the option of picking your fantasy team with the players you might be more familiar with.

Either way, it’s fast and action packed. So pick the specific round(s) you want to join from the home-page and join a competition!

You can also challenge your friends over a specific round by creating a private competition

Today’s (Thursday 17th June) round is as follows:

• France vs Mexico
  

• Greece vs Nigeria
  

• Argentina vs South Korea
  

Give it a go and you may come away with a cash prize!

The 2010 World Cup on Soccerlens

There will be comprehensive coverage of the World Cup on Soccerlens over the coming months.

With the dedicated World Cup section (chock full of info, including fixtures and stats – and even links to buy replica shirts) on SL, there really is no need to go anywhere else for your World Cup needs this summer!

You can even follow us on Twitter and Facebook if you’re that way inclined.

Also on Soccerlens…

• Thousands March In Durban To Protest FIFA’s World Cup Excess

• Soccerlens World Cup Podcast: Reasons To Cheer, Robinho’s Revival And ‘Kick And Rush’ England

• World Cup Week One – What Is The World Talking About?

• Robbie Earle Dropped As ‘England 2018′ Bid Ambassador

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Honduras 0-1 Chile
2010 FIFA World Cup
16 June 2010

Chile would get an opening win with a first half goal over Honduras in the opening match of Group H.

Chile were clearly the better side and had more possession and 22 shots overall (with 5 on goal). The goal would come in the 34th minute as combination of passes broke down the Honduran defense. The final pass was to Jean Beausejour in the box who flicked into the back of the net to give Chile the lead.

Honduras never really had a clear cut chance to score while Chile had a few opportunities in the second half. Neither team would convert any of them as it ended at 1-0 for Chile. The result puts the South Americans in great shape to win or at least get second in the group while Honduras has a tough road ahead.

Honduras 0-1 Chile Goal Videos

Honduras 0-1 Chile – (Beausejour) 34′

See all 2010 World Cup Video Highlights.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Now I can point to endless articles I have written on here that have been so on the money, in terms of their predictions/forecasts, that it’s scary! Only recently I predicted the demise of Benitez and that Chelsea would win the PL. I have also clearly pointed out that Mourinho is a lucky wanker, Wenger a sleep-walking idealist and Maradona a nutter.

Enough, I think you’ll agree, to suggest that I have a crystal ball…..can predict the future as it were! And so right you’d be! While most of you are drooling in anticipation of the upcoming World Cup….I’ve actually been there….seen that….and while I don’t want to spoil your fun, if you’re interested…here’s how it unfolded.

For those who don’t want to know the outcome……..switch off now!

The Group Stages

The competition gets off to a glorious start with the Bafana Bafana and the cacophony of a million vuvuzelas setting the tone for party time. South Africa and Mexico play out a 5-5 draw in a spectacular opener.

Buoyed by their fanatical support the hosts go on to defeat Uruguay and France. In the final group match, the French, needing a draw to qualify, are locked in a 1-1 stalemate with SA, 2 minutes into injury time. Pienaar gathers in midfield and floats a delightful ball into Parker who controls it with his arm, juggles it twice with his left hand and smashes a sweet volley beyond the dumbfounded and hapless Hugo Lloris!

The referee signals Goal! and the Bafana go wild as they top Group A.

Thierry Henry is incensed, claiming there is no precedence for such a shameful decision, declaring that the officials must be blind, deaf and dumb, while adding that it was a ‘home’ decision if ever he saw one! Meanwhile the French FA threaten to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Blatter supports the referee, provoking Platini to label him a dictatorial, senile, fat Swiss windbag. The two refuse to talk to each other for the remainder of the tournament.

In the aftermath, Raymond Domenech is instantly sacked as French manager and offered a choice between the guillotine and exile. He chooses the latter and his passport is revoked by the French authorities.

And over in Rustenburg the Mexicans are dancing on their hats as a convincing win over Uruguay sees them claim the runners-up spot.

Argentina set the ball rolling against Nigeria in Group B and the cameras are lovin’ Maradona. His demonic prancing and screaming on the touchline climax when Argentina are denied an obvious penalty. The ‘Hand of God’ is seen throttling the 4th official, clearly egged on from the bench by a frenzied Carlos Tevez. ‘Give that bastard the ‘welcome to Manchester treatment’ boss!’, shouts Carlos. (OK we don’t speak Spanish on here but that one’s gonna to be obvious…is it not?)

Diego is forced to watch the remaining group games from the stand while the South Koreans deliver the headlines by winning the group. Argentina take 2nd as Greece and Nigeria bow out.

Meanwhile in Group C Algeria shock everybody by winning all 3 of their games to take top spot. Back in Algiers millions take to the streets in unbridled celebration (especially after the 2-1 defeat of England), and a national holiday is declared. England dispatch Slovenia and the USA to take 2nd place……as the tabloid journalists sharpen their knives.

Serbia justify their label of ‘dark-horses’ in Group D by winning the group and forcing the Germans into 2nd place. Australia start Harry Kewell in their second match against Ghana but after 20 minutes he collapses and breaks into 5 different pieces. 5 stretchers carry the hapless Harry off the pitch.

Group E proves boringly predictable with the Netherlands and Denmark taking the honours, in that order, although rumours abound of ‘a divide’ in the Dutch camp. Apparently Robben becomes pissed-off with Sneijder’s gloating over the CL final and nuts him. The squad (like Sneijder’s nose) are split down the middle and the manager has lost control. (Can’t believe that would ever happen to the Dutch!)

And Group F is equally predictable with Italy on top, yet unimpressive, and Paraguay just scraping through at the expense of Slovakia and (the pitiful) New Zealand.

In contrast, Group G sees more action than Paris Hilton’s underwear! The Ivory Coast face Portugal in the opener and Drogba’s hat-trick is cancelled-out by 3 own-goals from Eboue. But the game explodes late on as Ronaldo and Nani, competing for ‘show-pony’ of the tournament, descend on a ball into the area and kick-each other as they go for the winner. A cat fight ensues as they flog each other with their handbags…..and both are sent off in disgrace.

Portugal bow out and Carlos Queiroz calls Fergie to see if the assistant manager’s job has a vacancy at Old Trafford. Sir Alex explains the situation discretely: “Fuck-off Carlos!”

But that’s only the start of the drama in ‘The Group of Death’. Widely billed as a dogfight between Brazil, Portugal and the Ivory Coast, it’s the North Koreans (they who none of us have ever heard of) who produce the headline of the century (OK it’s only 10 years into the century but this one won’t be beaten). A ‘backs to the wall’ display sees them contain Dunga’s Brazil until the 89th minute.

Penalty Brazil! Up steps Robinho and crashes the penalty against the crossbar whereupon it rebounds to the halfway line where the waiting, and extremely grateful, Jong Tae-Se gathers without a Brazilian defender in sight. He sprints 20 meters before chipping the advancing Cesar to perfection and the sound of the Samba not beating deafens the stadium. The ensuing media buzz causes internet crashes across the globe.

Dunga becomes the 1st ever coach to be saked mid-tournament as Ronaldinho and Adriano are appointed joint managers in his place.

The North Koreans dig out draws against the Ronaldoless and Naniless Portugese and the Ivory Coast (coming back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 after Drogba is sent off for diving (9 times) and Kalou is sent-off for missing 15 chances.)

……Brazil recover to top the group while the North Koreans stun everybody…taking 2nd. Meanwhile Ronaldinho and Adriano agree that the Brazilian squad need some R&R before the knock-out stages and book-out a Soweto nightclub for the entire following week.

Spain disappoint the bookies by comfortably winning Group H as the flair and flamboyance of Chile sees them take 2nd. Switzerland and Honduras go out…..much to the delight of (nearly) everybody.

Only 2 weeks in and we’ve been left breathless, if not incredulous, at what has unfolded so far……..let the knock-out stages begin!

Round of Sixteen (is it just me or should this not be called the 1/8th finals?)

Disappointment at the outset as the infectious support of the hosts is finally silenced by a dogged Argentina. Maradona cuts a subdued figure, finally reinstated to the dugout, but with the game locked in a 0-0 stalemate, makes an inspired substitution. Higuain off, Aguero on!

“I didn’t give you my daughter for nothing you gutless dog!” he snarls, as Aguero scurries on like a cussed puppy. He duly delivers with a sublime header and the world sulks as the Bafana go out.

South Korea beat Mexico, Germany (never write them off!) bring the Algerian party to an end…… before England face Serbia!

The dark-horses against the super optimists…..something has to give….and it does!

Five minutes in and Vidic meticulously stamps on Rooney’s 4th metatarsal….crunch! Rooney …and England…gone! Terry (the deposed English captain) takes exception and in a Drogbaesque fit slaps Vidic across the face…..instantly seeing red (of the refereeing variety). Wayne Bridge and Theo Walcott are spotted celebrating amongst the Serbian fans.

England, however, hang on and after 120 minutes it’s 0-0. The dreaded penalty shoot-out unfolds and with the score at 10-9 to Serbia up steps Emile Heskey. He calmly places the ball on the spot, retreats 20 meters and sets-off on a run-up of Usain Bolt proportions, connecting with some venom.

The ball soars towards the top corner with the keeper a mere spectator but misses the angle by a whisker and gathers height as it clears the stadium roof and, with the prevailing winds in its favour, carries 2km into the Bloemfontein countryside, bouncing twice in a farm yard before nudging up against a barn door.

England are gutted but a defiant Heskey declares at a post match interview that the taunts of him being unable to hit a barn door with a banjo have been well and truly laid to rest. Terry is vilified by the press who suggest that he should piss-off to Real Madrid and have an affair with some spanish tart….but, predictably, Capello takes the brunt of the abuse.

The Sun leads with a picture of Fabio, a large English oak tree, with a spaghetti noose dangling ominously from one of its branches, looming large in the background. ‘Copello this Fab!, screams the headline. The Mirror opts for a computer generated image showing Capello with a pizza sitting on his head: ‘Pizza Crapello!’ is their offering, while The Star bids Fabio farewell with……‘Arrivederci Italian Meatball!’.

Others are equally imaginative…..hell make your own up and post them in the responses!

Elsewhere the Dutch dispense with Paraguay despite one half of the team refusing to pass to the other half, while Italy overcome the gutsy but average Danes. But once again, the best is saved till last!

Del Bosque’s Spain are unbackable against the North Koreans but the Asians know no fear! They dig in from the outset and kick everything in sight. Nine bookings later and with Xavi hobbling, Torres sulking and Fabregas grimacing……it’s 0-0 and penalties. The frustrated Spaniards score just one of 4 penos and lose 3-1. North Korea declare world sovereignty! (not sure what that means but it sounds impressive!)…..having, for the 2nd time in as many weeks, produced the headline of the century!

Meanwhile, in the all South American affair, Brazil, looking severly hung-over, take to the pitch against Chile. Kaka throws-up in the dressing-room and is too ill to start. A Sanchez hat-trick sees them 3-0 down after 20 minutes and the Chileans toy with them throughout the 2nd half as the Brazilians World Cup ends in embarassment. The boys from Brazil head back to the night club for a piss-up.

And, at last, the final 8 have been decided: Argentina, Germany, South Korea, Serbia, Holland, Chile, Italy and North Korea.

How will it all unfold? See part 2 of our amazing 2010 World Cup preview for the final instalment on the greatest show on earth!

I’ve been there….and it’s one hell of a finish……trust me!

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

ESPN is playing the lead role in 2010 World Cup coverage worldwide even leaving the host nation’s TV channel way behind. The top commentators of the game John Motson and Andy Gray have also signed up with ESPN and it does not end there (more details on ESPN’s World Cup coverage).

Here is the gallery of 33 epic works of art made for ESPN – one for every nation participating in the World Cup and one for the World cup. Personally, my favorite one is of England; it really depicts the way the English have been dragging the 1966 World Cup win all over the place.

The gallery:

Image 1 of 33

Source

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Not many teams will be more happy with their draw than La Furia Roja, who have every right to feel they will saunter through this group, with all the ease they exhibited in qualifying. There is definite talent in the other teams, but Espanola are in a league of their own here.

Even if Spain managed to pull out that old ‘under achiever’ trick of theirs, which has seen none of their captains hoist Jules Rimes, expect them to win this group. The other teams strengths all lie in their set up and passion, more often not in the talent of the individuals, and I think only one player from the three other nations could challenge for a seat on the plane from Spain, were that his nationality.

Torres, Villa, Iniesta, Xavi et al will rip through the first two matches against Switzerland and Honduras, and if Del Bosque gets lucky he might even feel free to award his stars a siesta for the third game.

As with so many World Cup groups, it is the second spot that is most interesting; an event caused by the existence of a world elite and FIFA’s seeding system. All three sets of fans are shouting out their case, but who is shouting the loudest?

Chile are the bookies favorites, and certainly they are the ones with the most on paper. ‘La Loco’ means the mad man, and he is in charge. Marcelo Bielsa is another manager in the vein of Maradona and Domenech, with just two differences. He is proven, and he is liked in the nation he leads. He led them to second place in the South American qualifying group (beating two nations with tournament wins to their name), with just one point less than Brazil, who they beat in Rio.

The reason for this is Bielsa’s innovative and exciting formation; a 3-4-3, designed to score a lot of goals. The strike force contains one of the most exciting prospects in world football in Alexis Sanchez, and they can even play two games in one day, a trick that probably won’t be too useful in South Africa.

Switzerland don’t weigh in far behind Chile at all, and there are figures to prove it. FIFA’s latest fabrication world ranking puts the Swiss literally one place behind Chile – in 18th to Chile’s 17th. They are built around a solid defence and would be difficult to break into (just like the country). Problem is that (like the country) they aren’t much for the offensive, and that could hold them back to some extent.

Honduras are similar in that they are biased to the back of the XI. Palacios is the highlight, but there is some other talent in the team (Costly) as well. They pulled a 3-1 over Mexico in qualifying, and that could be seen again in this group.

Unfortunately, I don’t see Honduras quite cutting the grade, although it is unfair to call a team of their class ‘outsiders’ as such. Problem is, that if they don’t start with a bang against Chile, I see little hope for the third CONCAF team.

My table is:

Spain: 9
Chile: 4
Switzerland: 3
Honduras: 1

Honduras have experience of dealing with free flowing attacking sides, and will benefit from a slow start for Chile. The decisive result happens on June 21st in Port Elizabeth when Chile’s true class shines over the game and they put in one of the most exciting performances of the group stages to overturn Switzerland by several goals, with Sanchez staring.

Spain cruise it, and even beat Chile on the final day with their reserves. Honduras struggle to replicate their initial success against Switzerland, who are more prepared than Chile, and take it cooly and calmly.

The major problem for any team here is the next round against Group G. It’s going to be very, very hard for Chile. I think they are one of the most exciting young teams in the game, but it’ll be either Brazil or a team who beat Brazil in Group G. Whatever, it’ll be a great game, so make some free time at 19:30 on 28th June.

Spain will also have a tough game, against the Ivory Coast or Portugal (Ivory Coast take it for me) and if they can win that they deserve the tag of ‘favorites’.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News