Whereas simple laws of probability suggest that the more scheisters a global organisation employs, the more likely it is to succumb eventually to the rot of corruption, FIFA are a phenomenon unto themselves – unrivalled, as they are, in seemingly entrusting their coffers solely to the whims of bungling greed merchants and pantomime arch-villains.

FIFA, once again, failed to heed the blatant prompt to crack down on nefarious goings-on within their confines when they misguidedly suspended the Nigerian national side from international fixtures due to governmental interference earlier this month, and football’s governing body are equally likely to forgo this most recent chance to take the necessary steps to rid it’s grimy underbelly of all the cancerous barnacles that currently serve to chronically undermine their ridiculously ill-fitting ‘Fair Play’ motto.

According to investigative work carried out by the Sunday Times (where have we heard that before? Cough, cough Lord Triesman, cough…), the results of which were published over the weekend, two FIFA members are heavily involved in a cash-for-votes World Cup bidding scandal.

Reporters from the newspaper attended meetings with the members in question, posing as lobbyists representing an American sporting consortium who were keen on ‘ensuring’ extra votes for the U.S World Cup bid, for which both Amos Adamu (FIFA’s Nigerian executive committee member) and Reynald Temarii (president of the Oceania Football Confederation) both allegedly asked for payment in return.

The BBC claim that Adamu was chasing $800,000 (£500,000) to be paid directly into his personal bank account to fund the building of four artificial football pitches in his homeland, with Temarii looking for three times that amount to part-finance a sporting academy in Auckland, Australia.

FIFA member Amos Adamu is one on the two men in question

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has issued an open letter (which also contains the official press statement) to all 24 executive committee members, promising that a full investigation will be made into the allegations that currently surround Adamu and Temarii;

“I am sorry to have to inform you of a very unpleasant situation, which has developed in relation to an article published today in the Sunday Times titled ‘World Cup votes for sale’.

The information in the article has created a very negative impact on FIFA and on the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. Some current and former members of the Executive Committee are mentioned in the article. FIFA has reacted by providing the following statement to the media, which I would like to share with you:

“FIFA and the FIFA Ethics Committee have closely monitored the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups and will continue to do so. FIFA has already requested to receive all of the information and documents related to this matter, and is awaiting to receive this material.

In any case, FIFA will immediately analyse the material available and only once this analysis has concluded will FIFA be able to decide on any potential next steps. In the meantime, FIFA is not in a position to provide any further comments on this matter.”

FIFA will stand by this statement, and will open an in depth investigation, which we will start immediately together with the FIFA Ethics Committee and the FIFA Secretary General.

I will keep you duly informed of any further developments. In the meantime, I would like to ask you to refrain from making any public comments on this matter.”

How many times have we had to sit through this tired old charade now? Don’t be fooled by his apparent concern, Old Sepp is just going through the motions.

If the investigation really is to be delegated to FIFA’s new(ish)ly-formed (and oxymoronically titled) Ethics Committee, then we’re all doomed.

The fact of the matter is that it doesn’t do anybody under the FIFA umbrella any favours to police this kind of injustice and corruption as the entire federation is built on – and conserved by – relentless grease-palming.

This most recent wave of flagrant scandal should theoretically place immense pressure on Blatter to act swiftly if he is to retain any semblance of credibility that he, his organisation or the World Cup bidding process have left in reserve.

However, the fact that the many allegations of rife corruption that the three aforementioned parties have been made to face over the years have not served to weaken the Swiss dumpling’s sway over FIFA speaks articulate volumes about the credibility of their utterly mythical ‘investigation’ process.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Fifa suspended Nigeria from participating in any international football fixtures after government interference in the game.

Fifa rules – and this is a good rule in principle – prohibit any government interference with it’s members. It makes sense – you want sport to stay free from political influences, and from a global perspective having a single footballing authority that member FAs report to (Fifa) is more efficient and gives the game a single platform through which it can be nurtured around the world.

But the world doesn’t live only by Fifa’s rulebook. And the problems leading up to Nigeria’s suspension, and allegations surrounding Fifa’s own operations make this a joke of a move.

To start with, there have been serious corruption allegations leveled towards the Nigerian FA in the last few months, especially regarding profiteering by FA members around the World Cup. For the government to investigate this type of (alleged) corruption means only one thing – that Fifa has failed to act in this regard.

For all we know, it’s a power-play, the exact type of situation that the Fifa rule is meant to prevent. But with corruption allegations hanging over their heads, and with Fifa’s past track record in dealing with corrupt FAs (Jack Warner’s history of manipulation, ticket scandals and money laundering has filled many pages here on Soccerlens), it’s obvious that Fifa is not concerned with corruption, only it’s own power base.

And by forcing the Nigerian government to play by their rules (similar to how they have threatened to ban other countries in recent history over government involvement), they are showing the world of football that they have the authority and they’re not afraid to wield it.

A shame that they can’t do the same with corruption or adequate profit-sharing. That would require them to be not corrupt to begin with, and perhaps that’s asking for too much.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

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

Four games left people. Four…games…left.

Here’s your round-up of all this morning’s World Cup-related news…

(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.)

Selecao given hostile reception…

Certain members of the Brazilian squad were made to run the gauntlet as they arrived home in Rio yesterday evening, following a 10-hour flight from South Africa.

Hordes of fans gathered outside the airport to ‘greet’ the returning team and, unsurprisingly, it was Felipe Melo who attracted most of the thronging masses’ scorn.

Melo deflected in Wesley Sneijder‘s opening goal in the quarter-final tie with the Netherlands, then conspired to get himself sent-off by stamping on Arjen Robben – thus effectively putting paid to any prospective Brazilian comeback.

The gathered crowd branded the Juventus man as one of the ‘fathers of defeat’ as soon as he emerged from the airport’s side-exit and, accompanied by bodyguards, the midfielder was swiftly ushered into a waiting car and whisked away from any potential trouble.

However, It was a different story for goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

The stopper received warm plaudits from the crowd, praising his overall performances at the World Cup. The Inter Milan ‘keeper stopped briefly to tearfully thank the Brazilians for their continued support, before being driven off along with his mother.

Dunga dismissed…

The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) have confirmed that Dunga (and all his back-room staff) has been dismissed after the Selecao‘s elimination from the World Cup at the quarter-final stages.

A statement posted this morning on the CBF’s official website reads;

“Ending the cycle of work that began in August 2006, and ended with the elimination of Brazil from the World Cup in South Africa, the CBF announces that the technical committee of the national team has been released.

The new technical committee will be announced later this month.”

Former AC Milan coach Leonardo, Luis Felipe Scolari and Corinthians’ manager Mano Menezes are all being mooted as possible candidates to take up the reigns.

Read further quotes from Dunga himself.

Thuram calls for Evra ban…

French legend Lilian Thuram has insisted that current captain Patrice Evra must never play for France again, as punishment for his role in Les Bleu‘s implosion in South Africa.

Evra was a central figure in the player’s revolt that followed Nicolas Anelka‘s expulsion from the squad, and Thuram believes that the Manchester United man is yet to be sufficiently punished for his actions;

“I demanded that the players be harshly punished and that Evra never returns to the France squad.”

Read the full article on Soccerlens.

Nigeria sack the two at the top…

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) have sacked their two highest-ranking members in a bid to appease the country’s president Goodluck Jonathan – who suspended the team from international competition following an underwhelming showing in South Africa.

NFF president Sani Lulu and vice-president Amanze Ugbulam have both been sacrificed, and the federation have pleaded for Jonathan to reconsider his ruling.

FIFA have threatened to ban the Super Eagles from world football if the Nigerian president doesn’t lift the two-year ban by this evening.

Cristiano sires an heir…

Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo has announced via his Twitter and Facebook pages that he has become the father of a baby boy.

Ronaldo’s message, posted in the early hours of Sunday morning, reads;

“It is with great joy and emotion that I inform I have recently become father to a baby boy.

As agreed with the baby’s mother, who prefers to have her identity kept confidential, my son will be under my exclusive guardianship. I request everyone to fully respect my right to privacy (and that of the child) at least on issues as personal as these are.”

It is believed that the mother is an American socialite of some sort, that the Real Madrid star knocked-up whilst visiting the States after leaving Manchester United last summer.

Quote of the day…

“For some this will be the end.”

Ominous stuff from England coach Fabio Capello, but I’m guessing Emile Heskey will still somehow survive the cull!

And in other news…

England defender Rio Ferdinand will miss the start of the season with the knee injury he suffered on the training ground, back before the World Cup even began. (Telegraph)

The English FA are set to lose their £20 million sponsorship deal with Nationwide. (F365)

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

The next upcoming (Tuesday 6th July) round is as follows:

• Uruguay vs Netherlands (Semi-final)

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…

• Maradona: ‘I Don’t Believe That Anybody Is Happy With This In A Country That Lives And Breathes Football’

• The Truly Terrific Thomas Mueller

• Where Are Rooney, Ronaldo And Messi?

• The Future Of American Soccer

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

With so many of the ‘big guns’ misfiring at this summer’s World Cup, I thought it was high time to take a look at some of the ‘lesser lights’ that have sparkled in South Africa.

Below are the 20 players that, although having seen their sides crash (some more spectacularly than others) out of the tournament prematurely, can fly home from whichever luxury hotel they may have chosen to hole up in, with their heads held high – safe in the knowledge that their careers are very much on an upward trajectory…

(Please remember that players can only qualify to feature on the list if they have already been eliminated from the competition.)

Eduardo – Portugal, Braga: The Portuguese ‘keeper came into the World Cup with an impeccable record, and left the competition with his reputation intact – having only conceded one goal.

Jan Mucha – Slovakia, Legia Warsaw/Everton: As the tournament rumbled on, it became increasingly clear why Everton manager David Moyes had moved so early to secure Mucha’s signature. Brave, athletic and composed, you can be certain that the Slovak will not be content to merely provide back-up for Tim Howard at Goodison Park.

Vincent Enyeama – Nigeria, Hapoel Tel Aviv: Produced a man-of-the-match performance in the Super Eagles’ opening tie with Argentina, heroically limiting Diego Maradona‘s men to a single goal, and then produced a string of fine saves in the games thereafter. Destined to move on to bigger and better things next season.

Ricardo Carvalho – Portugal, Chelsea: It sounds a little strange to include a proven international-class defender on this list, but that’s entirely the point. Carvalho faced stern criticism during the tail end of last season, with many detractors claiming that he just couldn’t cut it at the highest levels anymore. However, the Chelsea man proved his doubters wrong after enjoying a solid World Cup in the heart of the Portuguese defense.

Simon Kjaer – Denmark, Palermo: Whereas his side struggled to find momentum, Kjaer was up-and-running from the off. Cultured on the ball and determined off it, it’s little wonder that a host of European sides are chasing his signature this summer.

Lee Jung-Soo – South Korea, Kashima Antlers: Any defender that notches two goals at a World Cup finals is worthy of note, but the rangy South Korean centre-back’s aerial prowess was just as effective at the other end of the pitch.

Marcus Tulio Tanaka – Japan, Nagoya Grampus: The player with the most elaborate hair at the finals repeatedly put his body on the line for his country, taking his life into his own hands at times!

Ryan Nelsen – New Zealand, Blackburn: Nelsen is one of those ‘dying breed’ defenders that literally give their all to prevent the ball crossing their goal-line. His heroic non-shall-pass display against Italy alone is enough to earn him a place on this list.

Francisco Rodriguez – Mexico, PSV: A classy, ball-playing centre-back is a rare commodity and, as such, Rodriguez is already being linked with a move to more salubrious surroundings this summer.

Carlos Salcido – Mexico, PSV: Another Dutch-based Mexican. Salcido is one of those players that you were always aware of, but never really sure why – until about a fortnight ago. To say that he never stops running is an insulting understatement, and it’s this tireless flank-play coupled with his tenacious defending that stands him out from the crowd.

Fabio Coentrao – Portugal, Benfica: In a word, ‘effervescent’. His constant energy went a long way to buoying a Portugal side that was seemingly liable to implode at any moment – thanks largely to the constant protestations of a certain pampered ‘superstar’. Despite only breaking into the Benfica first string this season, 22-year-old Coentrao will almost definitely be moving to one of the Spanish big boys this summer.

Jeremy Toulalan – France, Lyon: To include a French player may seem a little wide-of-the-mark, but you can’t escape the fact that Toulalan was immense in Les Bleus’ opening game against Uruguay. One of the few members of Raymond Domenech‘s squad that honestly deserves to come out of the World Cup with at least a few shreds of dignity left.

Cheik Tiote – Ivory Coast, Twente: The 24-year-old holding man really impressed as a destructive entity in Les Elephants midfield. He held his position with discipline, allowing the slightly more adventurous Yaya Toure to sporadically join the attack. A clutch of Premier League clubs are already said to be tailing the former Anderlecht man.

Giovani Dos Santos – Mexico, Tottenham: Having become an almost forgotten figure at White Hart Lane since being farmed out on loan to Galatasaray, ‘Gio’ has persuaded many Spurs supporters that he is worthy of another chance – following some enterprising performances on the right-hand side of El Tri‘s forward line.

Valter Birsa – Slovenia, Auxerre: The 23-year-old forward was his country’s single outstanding attack-minded player in South Africa, and cemented that fact with a wonderfully dispatched goal against the USA.

Landon Donovan – USA, L.A Galaxy: Probably the highest-profile player on this list thanks to his celebrity status. After becoming somewhat of a novelty figure within European footballing circles a few years ago (following his failed stints in Germany), Donovan is starting to prove his sceptics wrong. His successful loan spell at Everton last season convinced many that the 28-year-old is now finally ready to make the leap into top-level football, and his goal-scoring exploits in South Africa can only serve to reinforce that opinion.

Alexis Sanchez – Chile, Udinese: The winger came into the tournament with a burgeoning reputation as ‘one to watch’ and did not let the almost ubiquitous hype weigh him down. Another player seemingly destined for a big money move this summer.

Lee Chung-Yong – South Korea, Bolton: The skillful winger impressed many neutrals in his first season in the Premier League last term, and quickly became a terrace favourite at the Reebok Stadium. The 21-year-old continued his domestic form seamlessly at the World Cup and even managed to bag himself a couple of goals into the bargain.

Keisuke Honda – Japan, CSKA Moscow: The fact that nearly every single Japanese attack flowed through him at one point or another is testament to his influence on the team. Honda served as a playmaker, a goalscorer, a set-piece specialist, a lone striker and a winger – all with consummate ease.

Javier Hernandez – Mexico, Man Utd: It would appear that Sir Alex Ferguson will have got himself a bit of a bargain if Chicarito continues to play for United like he did for Mexico during the World Cup. Lightning quick, always switched-on and deceptively strong, Hernandez finished the tournament with two goals to his name, despite only starting one game.

So there you go. Feel free to suggest any you think I may have missed…

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Good morning my dears, and welcome to the daily World Cup column on Soccerlens.

No action to report. STOP. Please send biscuits. STOP

Here’s your round-up of all the World Cup-related goings-on this fine morrow…

(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.)

Defoe gets his excuses in…

England striker Jermain Defoe has admitted that the weight of public expectation may have contributed to the squad’s failure to launch in South Africa – and insisted that the players are all still very much behind coach Fabio Capello.

The 27-year-old hitman told The Daily Mirror;

“Maybe it’s because so many players have taken on so much pressure to live up to expectations that it affected their normal game.

You also have to remember that the strict regime is the way the manager prefers to do things. His CV is second to none and he has won titles and trophies with four top European clubs and some fantastic players that way.

I’d like to think, despite what is being said, that he has the respect of the players.

For me personally, he gave me an opportunity and I’d like to think that I took it in that Slovenia game.”

Defoe also suggested (fairly ridiculously) that, had he got more minutes on the field, things may have been a little different for England.

“Personally I wish I could have done more to help the country than just the goal against Slovenia.

I remain convinced that had I played in the earlier two games we would have got off to a better start than we did, and that’s why it hurts so much to hear people saying we don’t care.

I care. I care passionately. I won’t have anyone telling me I don’t have pride in pulling on an England shirt. Pride in scoring goals for my country. Pride in representing my family, my club and the people that have had faith in me all my life.”

Bit late for all that m’lad.

Sounds like young Jermain may have contracted a nasty case of the ‘don’t blame me, I wasn’t theres’ whilst away in South Africa.

Gary Neville slams the sweet FA…

Manchester United’s resident street-urchin-made-good Gary Neville has slammed the FA for their treatment of under-fire England coach Fabio Capello, and insisted that the majority of the blame for the Three Lions’ pathetic display in South Africa lies squarely at the feet of the players themselves.

Writing in The Times, the veteran defender said;

“England are out of the World Cup and, surprise, surprise, we are talking about sacking the manager.

If that was a reaction I expected from some fans and pundits, I was disappointed – although not exactly shocked – to hear wavering coming out of the FA.

One minute these guys are talking about Capello as world-class, now they need a fortnight to decide if he is the man for them after all.”

Comrade Neville then went on to question the performance of England’s ‘star players’;

“I’d put three of Germany’s four goals down to individuals. Whatever anyone says about systems – and I was surprised Capello didn’t try 4-5-1 – these were errors from experienced players.”

Read the full article on Soccerlens.

Aguirre steps down…

Javier Aguirre has resigned as coach of Mexico after they were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina at the last 16 stage.

Aguirre took over at the Mexican helm for the second time last April, following Sven-Goran Eriksson‘s ill-fated stint in charge, and duly led them to CONCACAF Gold Cup glory just three months later.

El Tri also gave a good showing in the World Cup group stages, but found their second round tie against the Argentinians to be a step to far.

Aguirre, told the BBC Sport site;

“I have to leave, it’s the most honest thing to do. I know the goal [beating Argentina] wasn’t met.”

I’m a little disappointed, I knew that our team could overcome Argentina.

We worked hard, as a group we aspired to something more and the players left everything on the pitch.

I have nothing to reproach anybody for.”

For what it’s worth (i.e. not a lot), I thought that Aguirre and the Mexican team did themselves proud in South Africa with some sterling performances.

But what do I know?

Mourinho: ‘Ronaldo not to blame’…

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has defended his fellow countryman Cristiano Ronaldo, amidst the barrage of criticism that is being levied at the 25-year-old star following Portugal’s elimination from the World Cup.

Ronaldo left the field ‘a broken man‘ after his country’s defeat to Spain on Tuesday evening, and has been bearing the brunt of the Portuguese media’s indignation, after once again failing to spark on the international stage.

However, ‘The Special One’ believes that the entire squad should be held responsible for the national team’s shortcomings, telling MARCA;

“I will not allow all the responsibilities of the team to fall on Ronaldo. In my teams, when we win, we all win, and when we lose, I lose – so Ronaldo can relax and enjoy his holidays.”

However, Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz isn’t quite so sympathetic to the forward’s grief;

“We are not here to be friends with the players. One must never allow anyone placing himself above the best interests of the national side.

Portugal needs Ronaldo, and Ronaldo needs the national side. But if this shirt unnerves some players, they have no grounds to be there.”

Oh dear…

Helpless, helpless, helpless…

Former president of the French Football Federation (FFF) Jean-Pierre Escalettes has told a parliamentary commission that he felt powerless to stop the player’s revolt that marred the France squad’s World Cup campaign.

Escalettes, who quit his post on Monday, told the commission that he tried to convince the players that boycotting a training session in support of expelled striker Nicolas Anelka wasn’t a good idea – but to no avail.

Commission member Lionel Tardy said;

“[Escalettes] told us that they [Escalettes and coach Raymond Domenech] had used every conceivable argument in vain.

Escalettes told us they faced a wall of opposition, something he had never experienced in over 50 years of experience in football, and they could not make it fall. For him, something was broken that day.”

I suspect that we may not have heard the last of this.

Good night, and Goodluck…

Reports surfaced yesterday that Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan had banned the Nigerian football team from international competition for two years, after their woeful showing at this summer’s World Cup.

Ima Niboro, a spokesman for Jonathan apparently told reporters in Lagos yesterday;

“Mr President has directed that Nigeria will withdraw from all international football competition for the next two years to enable Nigeria to reorganise its football.

This directive became necessary following Nigeria’s poor performance in the ongoing FIFA World Cup.”

However, government interference is strictly prohibited by FIFA and therefore football’s governing body have vowed to interfere – should the Super Eagles breach any of their guidelines.

So said a FIFA henchman;

“We have no official information on this matter. However, in general, FIFA’s position regarding political interference in football is well known.”

Reports that the French squad are to face the guillotine as a result of their appalling performances are, as yet, unconfirmed.

Quote of the day…

“England have so many top stars in their squad that they will always be part and parcel of the international football scene. But there are so many ‘alpha males’ in their squad.

It is difficult to have so many alpha males and have them row in the same direction. You don’t only need chiefs. You also need a few Indians.”

Germany forward and architect of England’s World Cup downfall Thomas Muller.

Diego does his homework…

Speaking of Thomas Muller, here’s a cringe-inducing video of Argentina coach Diego Maradona mistaking the Bayern Munich striker for a ball-boy before his side’s friendly against Germany back in March.

El Diego will be hoping that this particular ‘ball-boy’ doesn’t return to haunt him any time soon.

And in other news…

Brazilian midfielder Elano may miss the rest of the World Cup after scans revealed that the ankle injury he suffered against the Ivory Coast is worse than first thought. (BBC Sport)

Netherlands midfielder Wesley Sneijder has insisted that he has no problems with teammate Robin Van Persie, despite increasingly prevalent reports to the contrary. (Sky Sports)

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

The next (Friday 2nd July) round is as follows:

• Netherlands vs Brazil

• Uruguay 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…

• Cristiano Ronaldo: I Am Suffering And I Have The Right To Suffer Alone

• World Cup Contest: Win A Pair Of Nike Superfly II

• Soccerlens World Cup Podcast: What’s Your Team Of The Tournament (So Far)?

• TFT Episode 56: Did England And USA Deserve Better?

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Good morning everybody and welcome once more to the daily World Cup column on Soccerlens.

England take on Group C leaders Slovenia (that just doesn’t sound right does it?) later today and need to pull a convincing win out of the bag in order to, at least momentarily, silence their growing phalanx of doubters.

Could this be the game where it all finally clicks into place for ‘Crazy’ (see below) Fabio’s men? Only time will tell.

Here’s the best of this morning’s World Cup-related bag o’ mashings…

(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.)

France 1-2 South Africa…

Despite ending their tournament campaign on a high, South Africa couldn’t prevent themselves from becoming the first host nation in World Cup history to fail to reach the second round.

Carlos Alberto Parreira‘s side battled to a richly-deserved victory over a despondent French outfit but, thanks to results elsewhere (see below), unfortunately still finished third in Group A and were eliminated on goal difference.

South Africa were two goals up at half-time through Bongani Khumalo and Katlego Mphela, and looked on course to provide the shock of the group so far. With Mexico drawing with Uruguay in Rustenburg, Bafana Bafana needed just two more goals to advance through to the last 16 – and it didn’t look beyond their reach, as France continued to play with an air of acrimonious petulance.

However, the South African’s couldn’t add to their tally and eventually faded when news of a Uruguay goal filtered around the stadium.

Raymond Domenech‘s men, who had midfielder Yoann Gourcuff sent off in the first-half for a dangerously-raised elbow, did pull a goal back fifteen minutes from time through Florent Malouda – but never looked like showing the resolve needed to salvage any shred of dignity from what has proven to be a shambolic tournament (one point and one goal) for Les Bleus.

Highlights…

Read the France v South Africa match summary.

Speaking of dignity…

What a thoroughly odious little pr*ck that man is.

Domenech apparently refused to shake Parreira’s hand after the game as the South African coach had dared to criticise France’s ‘method of qualification’ (i.e. Henry’s handball) for the World Cup last year.

Mexico 0-1 Uruguay…

A single goal from Ajax forward Luis Suarez was enough to ensure that Uruguay would finish on top in Group A and safely book their passage into the knock-out phase.

It was widely expected that the two sides would merely play out the draw needed to guarantee both country’s qualification to the second round, but an end-to-end encounter scotched the conspiracy theories before they’d even begun to take shape.

Top spot in the group (and therefore the probability of avoiding Argentina in the next round) was up for grabs for the victor, and Suarez secured his country’s position at the top of the tree when he headed home Edinson Cavani‘s looping right-wing cross minutes before half-time.

Mexico were lively throughout, with Andres Guardado striking the underside of the bar and Giovani Dos Santos seeing his close-range effort blocked by Jorge Fucile, but just didn’t have the decisive final product to unlock the Uruguayan defense.

Upon learning of the result in the other Group A game in Bloemfontein (i.e. France v South Africa), both sides were able to celebrate at the final whistle.

Highlights…

Read the Mexico v Uruguay match report.

Greece 0-2 Argentina…

The Albiceleste booked their place in the last 16 with a third straight Group B victory over a lumpen Greece side that tried, but eventually failed, to stifle Argentina without venturing forward in search of a goal themselves.

Otto Rehhagel deployed the same negative tactics that saw his side crowned European champions in 2004 after a string of 1-0 wins, and successfully kept Argentina at bay until the 77th minute when centre-back Martin Demichelis pounced on a rebound to lift a shot into the roof of the net from six yards out.

Lionel Messi, who was relentlessly man-marked by Sortirios Papastathopoulos, then tore through the Greek defensive lines and cracked a vicious effort against the post – the Barcelona forward again cruelly denied his first goal in South Africa by the woodwork.

However, a second goal eventually arrived in the 89th minute when 36-year-old Boca Juniors striker Martin Palermo rolled a shot past Alexandros Tzorvas after the Greek stopper palmed Messi’s crisp shot into the path of the veteran hitman.

Highlights…

Read the Greece v Argentina match report.

Nigeria 2-2 South Korea…

South Korea booked a second round tie with Uruguay after securing the point they needed to edge past Greece into second place in the final Group B standings.

Nigeria created a steady stream of chances all night, and took the lead in the 12th minute when Kalu Uche stole in front of his marker to prod Chidi Odiah‘s driven cross past Jung Sung-Ryong.

The Asian side hit back five minutes before the break when Lee Jung-Soo bundled the ball across the line (heading into his own foot) following Ki Sung-Yeung‘s whipped free-kick.

South Korea then got their noses in front five minutes after play resumed, when Park Chu-Young‘s free-kick wrong-footed Vincent Enyeama in the Nigerian goal and found it’s way inside the far post.

Everton striker Yakubu restored parity for the Super Eagles from the penalty spot, but only after fluffing an open goal – somehow slotting wide from four yards out when it was easier to score.

Nigeria pressed in search of a further goal, but South Korea held out for the point they needed to qualify for the second round for the first time in a World Cup staged on foreign soil.

Highlights…

Read the Nigeria v South Korea match report.

Stat attack…

• Argentina ended their game against Greece having had an amazing 82% of the possession – the highest of any World Cup match since 1966. (Eurosport)

• By my reckoning, Park Chu-Young‘s goal against Nigeria yesterday was the first goal to be scored directly from a free-kick (I’m not counting Kalu Uche‘s effort against Greece, as it was blatantly a cross!) at the South African finals.

The truth is out there…

France captain (at least I think he’s still the captain) Patrice Evra has vowed to ‘reveal the truth’ about his country’s disastrous World Cup campaign.

The left-back, who was dropped for the South Africa game after falling out with coach Raymond Domenech and fitness advisor Robert Duverne, told TF1 that he intends to call a press conference during the next few days in which he will detail the reasons behind France’s dismal showing this summer;

“It’s not the time now for the settling of scores, it’s the time now for apologising and for feeling all the suffering that the millions of French are feeling.

This apology goes directly to them. I wanted to do it yesterday but I was forbidden by my coach. I’m not going to go into details, I’ll give a press conference during the week.

I really respect the suffering the French are feeling at this failure. They need to know the truth, they need to know exactly what happened that this disaster came about.

People will know how we came to this point. But I didn’t come here to say that now, I came to say sorry. I’ll repeat again that I wanted to say it yesterday but I was forbidden.”

The Manchester United defender then went on to reveal, amongst other things, that he had no idea why he was dropped for the potentially crucial clash against Bafana Bafana last night;

“Tonight there was no valid reason at all for why I wasn’t on the pitch. I’m not a liar, I will tell the truth. People don’t yet know the whole history but you will.

But you have to respect people and so there’s a huge apology even if that doesn’t change anything. I feel really bad, the French people even more so than me and you have to respect that today.

I will detail everything, what I experienced, every minute. Believe me I won’t hide anything, I will tell the truth.

But believe me what I have to say, tonight is not the time. The French need to know and they will know, during the week, as soon as possible.”

I can’t wait!

Crazy, but that’s how it goes…

England manager Fabio Capello has insisted that he ‘isn’t crazy’ to still be backing his side to reach the World Cup final, despite an underwhelming (to put it politely) start to their tournament.

England have only amassed two points from their opening two games, but Capello believes that a good performance in this afternoon’s game against group-leaders Slovenia will be the catalyst his players need to kick-start their campaign into action;

“We did a good job in getting here but now we’re not in a good moment, but I know this group of players are still good because I’m not crazy when I said my target was reaching the final of the World Cup.

They have shown they are a really good [squad]. This is not about my reputation – that is not important – because we are a team, a group.

Sure, we have to improve and I expect to see the spirit I saw in qualification again, with us fighting in every moment to win the ball back.

But I think if … no, not ‘if’, when we win this game, all the teams will have to fight to beat us.

This is a play-off. For me, it’s like a final or semi-final in the Champions League. We are either in or we are out. Only one result will do. We have to play with that kind of spirit from the first moment and we have to win. We’ll be fit to fight.”

As per usual, Capello is refusing to name his starting XI until hours before kick-off, but the general consensus on Fleet Street this morning is that Jermaine Defoe will partner Wayne Rooney up front, Matthew Upson will fill in for the suspended Jamie Carragher, David James will continue in goal and James Milner will deputise for Aaron Lennon on the right wing after the Tottenham man failed to impress during the Algeria game.

Quote of the day…

“As players and for me as captain we have to switch our attention to this game because it is a do-or-die situation.”

England skipper Steven Gerrard puts his head on the block.

Animal magic…

Ever wondered what David Villa’s opening goal against Honduras the other night would look like if it was recreated by plasticine animals? This way please…

The screaming orangutan chosen to represent Villa is an inspired choice!

And in other news…

Serbia striker Milan Jovanovic may pull out of his deal to join Liverpool to instead join former Reds boss Rafa Benitez at Inter Milan. (F365)

England have been ‘boosted’ by the return to fitness of Michael Carrick ahead of their decisive Group C clash with Slovenia. (BBC Sport)

FIFA may retrospectively suspend Spain striker David Villa after he admitted to punching a Honduran defender during the two team’s Group H clash. (Guardian)

David Ginola has threatened to sue Gerard Houllier after the former France manager once again blamed him for Les Bleus’ failure to qualify for the 1994 World Cup. (Sporting Life)

The French press are fairly unanimous in their verdict of France’s World Cup campaign, and it ain’t good! (F365)

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 (Wednesday 23rd June) round is as follows:

• Slovenia vs England

• USA vs Algeria

• Ghana vs Germany

• Australia vs Serbia

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…

• England v Slovenia: The Road To The Final Starts Here

• Kaka’: “Maradona’s Goal Was An Intentional Handball”

• Argentina’s Persistence Pays Off To Defeat Otto Rehhagel’s Greece

• Zizou-zela: Vuvuzela Meets Zinedine Zidane

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Nigeria 2-2 South Korea
2010 FIFA World Cup
22 June 2010

South Korea would move onto the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time outside of home soil with a 2-2 draw against Nigeria.

It was a match where Nigeria would have several chances but couldn’t convert. The goals for the African side were by Kalu Uche in the 12th minute and a penalty kick by Yakubu in the 69th minute. South Korea had goals from Lee Jung-Soo in the 38th minute and Park Chu-Young in the 49th minute.

Minutes before Yakubu tied the match at 2-2 with the penalty, he had a great chance from just outside goal but somehow missed it wide. It will be replayed and probably the worst miss of the World Cup up to this point.

South Korea will play Uruguay in the round of 16 while Nigeria is another African side to be eliminated. A win for Nigeria would have seen them through but their inability to capitalize scoring chances proved to be the difference.

Nigeria 2-2 South Korea Goal Videos

Nigeria 2-2 South Korea (Uche 12′, Lee Jung-Soo 38′, Park Chu-Young 49′, Yakubu 69′)

See all2010 World Cup Video Highlights.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

And lo, we find ourselves face-to-face once more. Welcome, friends, to the daily World Cup column on Soccerlens.

It would appear that, despite bravely limiting Mexico to only two goals the other night, all is not well within the French World Cup squad.

Raymond Domenech‘s charges are falling apart at the seams, with Nicolas Anelka now on his way back home following a leaked spat with his coach and captain Patrice Evra determined to weed out the ‘Deepthroat’ within the group (in a ‘Watergate’ sense, rather than…y’know…) – although the Manchester United man has already ruled out the involvement of small mammals (see below).

(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.)

Netherlands 1-0 Japan…

In the same unconvincing manner in which they saw off Denmark in their opening game, Bert Van Marwijk‘s men produced yet another workmanlike display to secure a slim victory over Japan  – a win that would later see them qualify for the second round when Cameroon failed to beat Denamrk.

The well-drilled Japanese side nullified their Dutch opponents’ obvious attacking threat during a fairly featureless first-half, as Wesley Sneijder and company struggled to settle into any discernible rhythm – with most of their possession being confined to innocuous areas of the pitch.

As half-time drew closer the Dutch began to become visibly frustrated, with Rob Van Persie becoming increasingly isolated up front. As such, Japan went in at the break the happier team having enjoyed a prolonged spell of relative dominance.

However, the Dutch began the second half with renewed vigour and took the lead in the 52nd minute when Sneijder blasted a shot past Eiji Kawashima – the Japanese ‘keeper failing to react in time to deflect the drive anywhere else but into the far corner of his goal.

The Netherlands continued to press, with substitutes Eljero Elia and Ibrahim Affelay providing some impressive sparks of creativity as the game wore on.

However it was Japan who had the best chance to score, Shinji Okazaki sailing his shot over the bar when he seemed better placed to at least test Maarten Stekenlenburg.

Highlights…

Read the Netherlands v Japan match report.

Ghana 1-1 Australia…

Despite taking an early lead, Australia were forced to fight tooth and nail to end the game on level terms, after being forced to play for almost 70 minutes with only ten men.

After being soundly thrashed by Germany in their opening fixture the Socceroos were looking to make amends, and took an 11th minute lead when midfielder Brett Holman was quick to capitalise on a goalkeeping error – pouncing on the rebound when Richard Kingson failed to deal with Mark Bresciano‘s tame free-kick.

However, just 15 minutes later Harry Kewell saw red for deliberately keeping Jonathan Mensah‘s goal-bound effort from crossing the line with his arm. The former Liverpool winger felt sure that the shot had hit his chest and even pleaded with the referee to watch the replay that was being screened on the stadium’s big screen, but the Italian official Roberto Rosetti had already (quite rightly) made up his mind.

Asamoah Gyan dispatched the resultant penalty with minimum fuss, there-by doubling his goal tally at this summer’s tournament after also scoring from the spot in Ghana’s opening game win over Japan.

The Black Stars’ inexperience then began to show as they failed to take advantage of their numerical advantage, resorting to speculative long-range efforts rather than using their extra man to create opportunities – although Mark Schwarzer did have to be at his best to repel efforts from Kevin-Prince Boateng and Gyan respectively.

Highlights…

Read the Ghana v Australia match summary.

Cameroon 1-2 Denmark…

The Africans became the first country to be mathematically dumped out of the World Cup after Denmark came from a goal down to win what turned out to be a thoroughly entertaining game in Pretoria.

Denmark have made it through the group stages in all three of their previous World Cup appearances and Morten Olsen‘s side look likely to continue that streak – with a win against Japan in their next game enough to see them advance from Group E along with Holland.

Cameroon took the lead with only ten minutes on the clock, Samuel Eto’o (who had been restored to a central striking role) eventually profiting on Christian Poulsen‘s defensive error after Pierre Webo intercepted the Dane’s telegraphed square pass and played in the Inter Milan goal machine.

The aging Scandinavians rallied and got themselves back on even ground when Dennis Rommedahl collected Simon Kjaer‘s exemplary cross-field pass, flew past his marker and fired the ball across the goal mouth for Nicklas Bendtner to slide in at the far post.

Both teams had good chances to end the half a goal to the good, but Jon Dahl Tomasson saw his effort blocked by Alex Song and Eto’o struck a post following a frenzied scramble in the Danish box.

15 minutes into the second half Denmark eventually took the lead when the impressive Rommedahl, who struggled to make an impression during his time in England with Charlton Athletic, skipped inside Jean Makoun and curled a shot into the far corner past the despairing dive of Hamidou Souleymanou.

The Indomitable Lions (a fairly ironic moniker in hindsight) almost equalised late on but Christian Poulsen put his boyish good looks on the line to block Vincent Aboubakar‘s powerful shot with his face.

Highlights…

Read the Cameroon v Denmark match report.

‘Le Sulk’ flies home…

France striker Nicolas Anelka has been sent home from the World Cup after refusing to apologise to coach Raymond Domenech for an expletive-filled half-time rant during Les Bleus‘ defeat at the hands of Mexico.

The temperamental Chelsea forward reportedly insulted Domenech in the dressing room after finding out that he was to be hauled off at the break in favour of Andre-Pierre Gignac, and then refused to publicly apologise when accounts of the spat began to surface in the media.

President of the French Football Federation (FFF) Jean-Pierre Escalettes issued the following statement on the FFF’s official website;

“[Anelka] will leave the Team France camp this evening.

Words spoken by Nicolas Anelka to the national coach, Raymond Domenech, are completely unacceptable to the FFF, French football and the values they defend.

Upon refusal by the player to deliver a public apology, we made the decision – in full agreement with the coach and members of the official delegation – to exclude Nicolas Anelka from the group.”

It is now widely expected that Anelka will announce his retirement from international football.

Quote of the day…

“I have great respect for the France team, I also have great respect for all my teammates, without exception, I insist on that.”

Nicolas Anelka whilst speaking to France-Soir. I can think of one possible exception.

Evra looking to ‘flush out the traitor’…

The disharmony within the France squad is showing no signs of abating after the removal of bad-egg Nicolas Anelka, with captain Patrice Evra now vowing to put his sleuthing skills to the test by finding which member of his 23-man squad leaked details of the half-time row to the press.

French sports daily L’Equipe had various details of the incident splashed all over their publication and Evra believes that the reports were too accurate to have just been idle speculation on the rag’s behalf;

“The problem of France is not Anelka, but the traitor among us. We must eliminate the traitor from the group, because he wants to hurt the team.

There is no little mouse in the locker room, this comes from someone who is on the team and wants to hurt the team.

We are not going to lie, the reporter [from L'Equipe] did not make this up. I do not know anything [about this person], I am not a magician.”

‘It never rains…’ and all that!

Rooney’s sowwy…

Following his little post-game charade yesterday, England striker Wayne Rooney has issued a short statement on the FA’s website apologising for his outburst.

So said the man himself;

“Last night, on reflection I said things in the heat of the moment that came out of frustration of both our performance and the result.

For my part I apologise for any offence caused by my actions at the end of the game.”

Nicolas Anelka take note.

Carra on booing…

There are reports in some of the more spurious British tabloids this morning that Rooney’s apology (not his petulant outburst!) has caused a rift in the England squad – with the players being divided as to whether the Manchester United man was right to say sorry or not.

Should these particular allegations be true (you can be pretty sure they aren’t), defender Jamie Carragher has made no secret of which side of the fence he would fall on – defending the England faithful’s right to signal their frustrations;

“I feel the supporters in the stadium were perfectly entitled to boo the team. I’ve never had a problem with that.

I’ve always said fans should support during the game but, at the end, they’re right to let us know when they’re not happy.

It’s not as if they’ve only travelled around the corner to watch us.”

Carra’s probably just used to all that booing given the season his club side endured last term!

Death threats…

Nigeria defender Sani Kaita has revealed that he has received death threats following his red card during the Super Eagles’ 2-1 Group B defeat to Greece last Thursday.

The African side were one-nil up when Kaita inexplicably raked his studs down the leg of Greek midfielder Vasileios Torosidis as the ball rolled harmlessly out for a throw-in.

After the game, Kaita said that he had received multiple emails which threatened to harm him and worse – although he is remaining philosophical about it all;

“Yes, I have received some threats to my life. They were sent to my email but I’m not disturbed about that because as a Muslim, only God decides who lives and who dies.

Everything on this Earth is in God’s hands, whether it is your life or whatever and unless God allows it, no-one has the power to kill me.

Only God knows what will happen tomorrow. He holds our destiny. That is what my religion teaches me.”

I suppose he must have received instruction from on-high to leave a three-inch gash in Torosidis’ right thigh as well.

And in other news…

Brazil coach Dunga has slammed journalists from his country for continually spreading rumours about fantasy injuries within his squad. (F365)

David Beckham has played down the incident that saw a fan breach security and make his way into the England dressing room after the Algeria game. (BBC Sport)

England coach Fabio Capello ‘expects to be sacked’ if his side flop in South Africa. (Goal)

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 (Sunday 20th June) round is as follows:

• Slovakia vs Paraguay

• New Zealand vs Italy

• Brazil vs Ivory Coast

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…

• Brazil vs Ivory Coasy: When Flair And Power Collide

• England’s World Cup – Pointing The Finger

• The Wayne Rooney Incident – Is It Acceptable To Boo Your Team?

• Italy vs New Zealand: Can Marchetti Fill Buffon’s Gloves?

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Bienvenue and welcome to the daily World Cup column on Soccerlens.

The big story from yesterday was France‘s abject performance against Mexico, that saw El Tri post their first ever victory over Les Bleus in international football – not that the French looked remotely bothered.

As expected, the French media have had a field day at outbound coach Raymond Domenech‘s expense, with some outlets speculating that ‘Dom’ may have intentionally botched his country’s campaign as direct revenge for his pre-tournament walking orders – although previous records seem to suggest that he is, in fact, just sh*t!

Here’s your easy-to-swallow round-up of what the World Cup has to offer up today…

(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.)

Argentina 4-1 South Korea…

The first hat-trick of the South African finals (courtesy of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain), coupled with an own goal from South Korean golden boy Park Chu-Young was enough to ensure that Argentina left Soccer City in Johannesburg with a comprehensive win under their collective belt.

Diego Maradona‘s men pressed from the off and duly took the lead after quarter of an hour, when Lionel Messi‘s left-wing free-kick struck the knee of Chu-Young and flew into his own net past the wrong-footed Jung Sung-Ryong.

Both teams then enjoyed a peppering of speculative efforts but South Korea fell further behind on the half-hour mark when Nicolas Burdisso flicked Maxi Rodriguez‘s cross into the path of Higuain and the Real man nodded in at the far post.

On the stroke of half-time, a defensive lapse from Martin Demichelis allowed Bolton winger Lee Chung-Yong to steal in and grab a wildly-celebrated goal that would unfortunately prove to be a mere consolation for the Asian side.

South Korea started the second period in high spirits, and enjoyed a sustained period of relative parity (Yeom Ki-Hun wasting the best opportunity that fell their way) until a sharp Argentinian counter-attack resulted in Messi clipping a shot against the near post – the rebound rolling tamely across the goal-line for the waiting Higuain to tap home.

However, the Albiceleste saved their best for last as a sweeping move saw second-half substitute Sergio Aguero delightfully re-route Messi’s chipped throughball across goal allowing Higuain to round off his treble with another deadly headed finish.

Highlights…

Read the Argentina v South Korea match report.

Greece 2-1 Nigeria…

Greece broke new ground after registered their first World Cup goals and victory at a finals and in the process also became the first side to come from behind to win in South Africa this summer.

Nigeria took an early lead when Kalu Uche‘s swirling 16th minute free-kick found the far corner when a clever dummy from Peter Odemwingie sold Greek ‘keeper Alexandros Tzorvas down the river.

The Super Eagles looked comfortable after nudging in front, that was until Sani Kaita saw red a quarter-of-an-hour later for foolishly raking his studs down the thigh of Vasilis Torosidis after the ball had rolled harmlessly out for a throw-in.

Canny Greece manager Otto Rehhagel, who masterminded their shock triumph at the European Championships six years ago, took advantage of the numerical advantage by switching to a more offensively-minded system – a gamble that quickly paid off.

A massively deflected strike from Dimitrios Salpigidis drew Greece level at the break and twenty minutes from time Torosidis ceased his chance to write his name into the history books – capitalising on a rare Victor Enyeama handling error to stab the loose ball home, sparking rapturous celebrations on the sidelines.

Highlights…

Read the Greece v Nigeria match summary.

France 0-2 Mexico…

Three substitutes combined to score the two richly-deserved second-half goals that gave Mexico their first ever victory over France, leaving Les Bleus on the brink of a shamefully early World Cup exit.

The supposed lack of harmony within the France camp manifested itself on the pitch as Raymond Domenech‘s side failed to create any chances of note, whilst their much-maligned coach looked on indifferently from the sidelines.

With Thierry Henry snugly wrapped in a tartan blanket on the bench, the French again struggled to find an attacking focal point, with both Nicolas Anelka and Franck Ribery drifting from the centre repeatedly – often leaving the Mexico area ominously free of blue shirts.

The Mexicans started the second-half on the front foot and promptly took the lead in the 64th minute when Manchester United new boy Javier Hernandez broke a lackadaisical French offside trap, rounded Hugo Lloris and rolled the ball into an empty net.

El Tri doubled their lead with ten minutes left to play when another replacement Pablo Barrera glided past a non-plussed Patrice Evra only to be bundled over in the area by Eric Abidal. 37-year-old veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco dispatched the resultant spot-kick (after an alarmingly railroad-style run up) with the kind of confidence that years of experience can afford a man.

France’s response to both Mexico goals was underwhelming and their night ended in a whimper as Domenech continued to lean against his dugout, inexplicably staring into the middle-distance with a nondescript smirk etched upon his face.

Highlights…

Read the Mexico v France match report.

The aftermath in quotes…

“We need a miracle now.”

France ‘coach’ Raymond Domenech. You said it Bucko!

“We must save our honour. It is shameful to lose like that. It’s hard to react so soon after the game. We cannot leave without winning a match.”

Florent Malouda leaves it a bit late.

“I am disappointed because France did not have a single shot on goal – and that should be the least to be expected.”

France legend Zinedine Zidane didn’t like what he saw…

“We couldn’t pass the ball properly.”

…and neither did bench-bound playmaker Yoann Gourcuff.

“At least with [Laurent] Blanc there will be some logic.”

Former France defender Jonathan Zebina looks to the future.

“I’m disgusted, and we owe it to ourselves to beat South Africa, but as for miracles, I don’t believe in them too much.”

At least France captain Patrice Evra is giving us something to look forward to in the final game…ah.

“It’s a catastrophe, that’s all we can say. We are not a great team.”

Evra then sums up his side’s night by saying what we were all thinking.

Fabio is making his ‘keepers sweat…again

After rotating his three ‘keepers during a training match yesterday, it would appear that (from the outside looking in) England coach Fabio Capello is again set to wait until a few hours before kick-off to name his number one.

The Italian is widely expected (by the British papers at least) to keep faith with Rob Green, despite the West Ham man’s high-profile cock-up against the USA in England’s opening game although nothing will be certain until tomorrow afternoon.

Capello and his team have been scrutinising England’s goalkeeping options intently over the past couple of days and it seems the 64-year-old schemer may be edging toward giving Green a chance to atone for his costly error, telling a press conference yesterday;

“All players can make mistakes, whether they are forwards, goalkeepers or defenders. I have to choose players on the value they offer to the team, not on their mistakes. I will speak to him on Friday, not before.

I picked Green because he was in a good moment [form-wise] and had played very well in that first half of our friendly against Mexico at Wembley. But the real problem for the goalkeepers here is the ball. Sometimes the bounce is higher than normal. We will decide.”

Asked whether or not keeping his cards so close to his chest may undermine his players’ confidence, Capello replied in his typically stoic manner;

“No. Why would it be? All the players are ready and focused. There are no problems. I’ve always done it this way, it’s my way, and I’d prefer not to change.

Actually, not always. In my first year in management at Milan I used to tell the players if they were selected or not the day before, after dinner.

But, three times that year there was an injury or an illness the next day, and someone else had to play. So I stopped. I have not done it since.”

UPDATE: Bookmaker William Hill have stopped taking bets on David James starting in goal for England this evening – which is usually a good indicator of things to come. Looks like Green may have paid the price for his costly fumble after all!

Further team news…

It would appear that we are going to see Steven Gerrard reverting to his familiar left-wing role for England against Algeria this evening, with Gareth Barry returning to the deep-lying central berth after being forced to sit out the USA game with an ankle injury.

There were whispers that Jermaine Defoe was set to partner Wayne Rooney up front, but it would now appear that Fabio Capello is going to stick with Emile Heskey.

Jamie Carragher will deputise in the centre of the defence for the injured Ledley King, with the rest of the back four remaining unchanged.

Algeria are expected to name the same side that started their first game against Slovenia, although ‘keeper Faouzi Chaouchi may miss out – with rookie stopper Rais M’Bohli waiting in the wings.

Algerian coach hoping to ‘do a Switzerland’ on England…

Algeria coach Rabah Saadane is hoping that his side will take inspiration from the way unfancied Switzerland upset tournament favourites Spain on Wednesday, in a bid to help the Desert Foxes claim a similarly unlikely scalp when they meet England later today.

When asked if he’d like to replicate his Swiss counterpart Ottmar Hitzfeld‘s feat, Saadane answered;

“I hope so. If it’s possible I’d like that very much. Obviously this is something trainers watch very closely, so there is lots to be learned from each match. But everybody plays with their own means, each team is different.

I think it will be an important match for both teams. I think we’ll see a good match, it’s the World Cup so undoubtedly it will be a fine spectacle and that’s the interest of the tournament.

I have a lot of respect for Mr Capello and the England team. We don’t have any questions to ask and we’re looking forward to the match.

We’ve seen how they play, let me say again that we have no complexes [about being under-estimated], we will play as well as we can to produce a good performance and a good match.”

Saadane was then asked if he intended to employ the über-defensive tactics used by Switzerland to frustrate La Furia Roja, but the 64-year-old manager vowed otherwise;

“I don’t think we’ll play like North Korea against Brazil or Switzerland against Spain, we’ll play differently because we have different human components and we play according to our possibilities.

England have their backs to the wall. We have nothing to lose and everything to win.”

Like Capello, Saadane is yet to announce whether he will keep faith with ‘keeper Faouzi Chaouchi, the numpty that let Robert Koren‘s soft shot slip past him in Algeria’s opening game defeat to Slovenia.

Nothing like a bloody struggle to stir the soul…

With their clash against England looming, under-dogs Algeria have watched the film ‘Battle of Algiers’, a graphic account of Algeria’s bloody struggle for independence from French colonial rule for inspiration.

It obviously had the desired effect on midfielder Hassan Yebda, who left the screening with a pumping in his chest and a tear in his eye;

“I had never seen it before. It was very moving, and it was very moving to spend the time together. This is the kind of thing we need to do to feel together.”

I know what you mean Hassan. I was left feeling much the same way after seeing ‘Steel Magnolias’ for the first time.

Lost in translation…

When asked about the affection he shows toward his players at a press conference yesterday, Argentina coach Diego Maradona obviously received a very different question through his earpiece.

World Cup Economics…

Mint.com have produced a wonderful graphic to help illustrate the economics involved at this summer’s World Cup – well worth a look.

Stat Attack…

• England have never met Algeria before at any level of the game.

• The Desert Foxes will become the 82nd different country England have ever played against.

• Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain‘s hat-trick yesterday was the first treble scored at a World Cup since Portugal striker Pauleta managed the same feat against Poland in 2002.

• Higuain is only the third Argentine to score a World Cup hat-trick, joining Gabriel Batistuta and Guillermo Stabile in the record books.

Quote of the day…

“Obviously he is extremely disciplined but the manager is cool, he’s got good banter.”

Striker Jermaine Defoe on England manager Don Fabio. Can’t quite see it myself.

And in other news…

Crocked defender Rio Ferdinand will not be returning to the England camp (Telegraph)

Top 10 World Cup shocks of all time. (Goal)

Ivory Coast coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has hinted that Didier Drogba may feature from the start of Les Elephants‘ second group game against Brazil on Saturday, despite still nursing a broken arm. (Sky Sports)

Australian midfielder Tim Cahill has been handed a one-match ban following his red card against Germany. (Telegraph)

Martin Keown has warned England over the dangers of tight marking. Thank you Martin. (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 (Friday 18th June) round is as follows:

• Germany vs Serbia

• Slovenia vs USA

• England vs Algeria

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…

• Can Serbia Surprise Germany At The World Cup?

• Three Reasons Why USA Will Lose To Slovenia

• 10 Things You Should Know About England v Algeria

• Italy ‘Keeper Marchetti: Seeing Death Up Close Changes Something In You

• Les Bleus On Brink Of Elimination – Domenech’s Parting Gift?

• Pakistan For The 2022 World Cup?

• England v Algeria Preview

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

In a sentence

Kaita’s moment of idiocy triggers a Greeks comeback, leading to a comfortable victory.

Blame the keeper or the ball?

Fresh from denying Messi, Enyeama came up with more heroics before his blunder led to the winner. This incident is going to be analysed again and again by those seeking to make a case against the Jalubani ball. The key question: did it swerve late? Replies did not suggest much movement but every goalkeeper error will prolong this debate.

Not pretty but reasonably effective

Greece’s drab and toothless opening was similar to their performance against South Korea. After the sending-off they did begin to carry some threat. Very little intricate passing but plenty of crosses and shots from distance.

Nigeria need a midfield general (i.e. John Obi Mikel)

While Shittu and Yobo kept things reasonably solid at the back, Nigeria need a ball-winner in the centre of the park.

The moment to forget – Obasi’s miss

A Nigerian counter-attack finished with Obasi needing to convert a rebound from a few yards. Nigeria would not get another decent chance after this horrible miss.

What’s next?

While they should enjoy their first World Cup win, Argentina will ensure that Greece won’t make the second round. Nigeria, however, will fail to take advantage and a draw in their final game will send South Korea through.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News